Marketing Your Art by Pulling back the Curtain

If you’re utilizing social media as a way to build your audience and reach out to the public, remember that people are generally intrigued when artists draws back the curtain and give a behind-the-scenes look at their work and their process.

This might seem commonplace or mundane to you, but what seems obvious to an artist is often fascinating to others. As a novelist, I am well acquainted with the mantra “show don’t tell,” and that is a phrase that fits well here as well.

As an artist, you work in a visual medium. Use that to your advantage, don’t tell us how you create your work, or simply talk about your process, show us. Post photos, or better yet short, concise, creative videos that take us behind the scenes and into your world.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to reveal all. This is not a reality show. Only show what you’re comfortable sharing. That differs for each artist. But do let us see a bit about your process and your world. Some offer tutorials for novices, but that enters a different realm and again is something to do only if it interest you.

If you paint in your studio, give us a brief glimpse of you and your world. If you work in the outdoors, take us with you. And make sure to bring us along to any exhibits or shows. You get the idea. The focus here is not on exposing, but on revealing as much that is comfortable about you, your process and your work. This not only helps build your identity as an artist, it will start to build a loyal following, a tribe who will enthusiastically share your art with others. The growth can then be exponential.

And, as I’ve written countless times before, always make sure to showcase media coverage that comes from your media relations campaign or PR efforts. Remember, being featured in the news whether it’s an online publication, print magazine or newspaper, TV or radio, offers you the validation and credibility that only the media can offer.

So, look at your social media outreach in a new way. Draw back the curtain, even if only a bit. Focus on what makes you unique and showcases your art.

And, have fun with the process. That can make all the difference.