What Does It Take to Become a Professional Artist? – Part 4: You Need to Exhibit and Sell

This is the fourth part in a series about what it takes to become a professional artist. If you missed the previous parts, check out these links:

• Part 1: The Difference Between an Artist and a Professional Artist

• Part 2: Why You Need a Website

• Part 3: The Importance of Your Own Style or Theme

  Share

To be honest, when I was younger, I really wasn’t interested in money. I thought there were far more important things. And yes, that hasn’t completely changed even now. But you know what? Living life, I’ve realized that money isn’t something you can compare to other things. In the world we live in, money is like an engine, and ultimately, it’s the power that can take us further, to wherever we want to go.

It’s the same for artists. Money doesn’t just give artists more physical opportunities and mental freedom to try new things; it’s also a way to prove their professionalism. According to a 2023 Artsy report1, over 64% of collectors said they are more likely to purchase from artists who actively promote their work online. And don’t forget that continuously showing and exhibiting your work isn’t just about proving yourself; it can open up incredible new opportunities. This article finally wraps up our series on what you need to become a professional artist.

Become an Artist Who’s Comfortable with Platforms

Let’s go back to the 20th century, shall we? Back then, artists had limited ways to get their work known. Famous art exhibitions, fairs, salons, art competitions, and showcases were some of the only ways to become a professional artist. If you wanted to be a painter, you naturally had to go to those places, and everyone in the field could meet there in person. I actually think it was simpler and more certain back then.

Now, what about today? Think about social media! With Instagram becoming a more powerful display space for art than traditional galleries—Artsy’s 2024 Art Market Report2 even noted that 71% of emerging artists’ first sales are now initiated through Instagram DMs—don’t you think art has become more democratized than before, and at the same time, artists live in a much more competitive world? In an era where not just galleries but social media too are powerful tools for promoting art, it’s only natural that artists who are comfortable with these platforms will survive.

Don’t feel pressured to only upload finished pieces here. It’s more important to upload a less-than-perfect 50-point piece more frequently, perhaps even daily, than a perfectly polished 90-point one. Algorithms, after all, tend to favor those who are active frequently and consistently. Save your perfectly finished and refined pieces for your website. If you’ve read my previous article, you’ll understand why!

Ultimately, if you’re thinking about algorithms on social media, there’s absolutely no need to only show overly refined work. I want to tell you not to try to be a professional, but to be a ‘recorder’ instead. If you record and share your creative process, that will eventually become your unique content and reference point. For instance, a study by Later.com (2024)3found that “process videos” and “behind-the-scenes posts” receive 3.2x more engagement than static images. By the way, please don’t limit your recording platform to just Instagram. Remember that you can record and promote yourself through various other channels like newsletters and blogs.

Earning Money Through Art

Robert Kiyosaki, in his book Rich Dad Poor Dad, said that the world is full of poor talented people. He mentioned how he’s often surprised by how little money talented people make.

Did you know there are surprisingly many unknown artists around us who are doing truly great work but aren’t getting noticed? Of course, I work to discover and promote these good artists, but even before that, I hope they can soar higher on their own. What should you do if you’re doing great art but aren’t making any sales? Let’s get straight to the point.

If you’re a full-time artist, no matter how busy you are, don’t neglect marketing. A survey by Creative Independent (2023)4 revealed that 67% of independent artists spend at least 20% of their workweek on marketing activities, and those who did reported 45% higher sales compared to those who didn’t.

Start by thinking of your art as a product. First, consider your target audience—those who would love your art style and individuality—and consistently tell them about your work and your worldview through social media. You just need to know that when people buy things, they often want to buy the story behind it, not just its function. According to research by Stanford Graduate School of Business (2023)5, consumers are 22x more likely to remember a product’s story than its technical details. If you keep doing that consistently, the direction and worldview of your creations will eventually become your branding.

As you consistently share your creative activities and tell your story, you’ll naturally gain fans, and you’ll also learn more about your own work. After that, start thinking about industries or businesses where your art might fit and reach out to them directly. I’ve mentioned this before in my previous article, “Expanding Art Sales: Creative Income Beyond Galleries.” Also, remember that you own the copyright to your work. This means even if it’s not the original piece, you can sell print versions of your art, or even put your designs on T-shirts or stickers. In fact, according to Printful’s 2024 report6, independent artists who launched small merchandise lines (prints, apparel, stickers) saw an average 30% increase in annual income within their first year.

Subscribe now

It’s Not Too Late to Start Now

In my last article, I explained why professional artists need their own style and theme. In this article, I tried to explain the methods for achieving that.

As I mentioned earlier, becoming an artist who’s comfortable with platforms, understanding your target audience, and thinking about products that suit your art to promote and sell them are all ways modern artists can sell their work.

Honestly, even when I was painting and studying art history, I didn’t know much about these things. It was only after studying design, specializing in marketing, and running a design studio that I started to see artists who were marketing themselves and making money. This is also why artists need to study and strive to grow in this area themselves. Once you know, you’ll start to see things more clearly. A report from Art Basel (2024)7 emphasized this shift, noting that over 58% of millennial collectors discover new artists primarily through self-marketing channels rather than galleries. Everyone, fighting!

Leave a comment