How Artists and Makers Can Keep Their Businesses Alive During Tough Times
It's been a tough year for independent artists. Local art and handmade goods tend to disappear from shopping lists when funds grow tight, something more than half of all Americans grappled with in 2020. But as artists, we're no strangers to finding creative solutions to problems — even in times as unprecedented as these. If you're an artist or maker looking for extra income, use these ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Looking to host a popup? Learn about event opportunities through Art Room Events.
Sell your art online
Opening an online store is an obvious choice. Not only does an online store help you reach more customers, but it also serves as a gallery to inspire custom orders and provides an opportunity to tell our story.
The first question to answer when selling online is which platform to use. Should you open your own store, sell on an open marketplace like Etsy, or list artwork via curated online galleries?
Online marketplaces offer a low barrier of entry. However, it's hard to sell high-dollar items on Etsy. If going this route, consider turning your art into popular products like stickers, t-shirts, home décor, and even custom face masks. Artisans and makers can also branch out into selling craft supplies to drive more traffic to their online store.
Building your own e-commerce site sounds intimidating, but there are a lot of tools to simplify the process. Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms for creatives thanks to its robust customization options.
Local artists are also experimenting with online craft fairs. Unlike online stores, virtual craft fairs are only open for a limited period. This creates a sense of urgency that drives sales in a way that a 24/7 store can't.
Start a side business
Art may not be in high demand right now, but there are a lot of things people do need. How can you pivot your skills to meet those demands?
For example, while event photography is at a lull, the demand for stock images has never been higher as people spend more time online. Teaching virtual classes, creating digital content, and designing graphics are more side gigs that put creative skills to use in the pandemic economy.
Keep in mind that if you're selling products or services, you'll want to protect yourself from business liabilities. Forming a limited liability company is an easy way to accomplish this. LLC formation legally separates business assets from personal assets so you can't be held personally responsible for business liabilities and debts. If you’re wondering how to handle Illinois LLC registration, you can use a formation service to help with the process.
Even if you're not selling online, you'll want a website to lend your business credibility. You don't need to be an expert to build a basic landing page. Website builders like Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly offer drag-and-drop functionality so anyone can design a website — no coding skills required.
Stay on shoppers' radar
Many artists and makers rely on in-person events to grow their customer base and sales. With art festivals and craft fairs still slow to resume, creatives can find new ways to get in front of customers' eyes.
One successful strategy is to host a pop up event. While jam-packed festivals may be off the table for some time, consider working with an event space like Art Room Events to host a popup for a cadre of your artist friends.
Creatives are also taking this opportunity to engage more deeply with their supporters. While cultivating relationships may not improve an artist's bottom line immediately, it pays long-term dividends. Social media is an ideal platform for connecting with customers and showing them who you are and what you do.
Times are still tight, but that doesn't mean you need to put your art business on hold. Whether you use this time to build your brand or start a side business, creative solutions abound if you know where to look.