by Sara Bailey & Shauna Henry
Image via Pexels
Are you a fashion designer, artist, or crafter looking to get your work discovered? It can be difficult to break through the noise and get noticed in a crowded market. However, there are some steps you can take to increase your visibility and get your work seen by the right people. Today, Your LifEvents shares some important steps to help you get your work out there.
Create a Feasible Business Plan
While you don’t need a business plan per se when you first start your creative journey (that time should be spent creating, and finding your style and voice), it is important to create either a business plan or a goal map. This document should include goals for your business, how you plan to achieve them, and how much money you need to do so. Having a clear plan will help make sure that you stay focused on achieving your goals and don’t get sidetracked by distractions.
As a creative, it doesn’t need to be a formally styled document. This is a map of your goals as a creative professional – make it creative – draw out an actual map with steps and deadlines of what you want to achieve along the way, create an annual goal map on a giant white board in your art space, or use a drawing pad to design a month by month list of goals for the year.
This podcast episode by Bonnie Christine on Annual Planning is a great listen that includes tips and free printable downloads to help get you started.
Remember, a business plan or a map of your goals need not be set in stone, allow it to grow and change as you learn and grow your business.
Have an Up-to-Date Portfolio
Having an online presence is essential for any creative professional. Make sure that you have an up-to-date portfolio with examples of your best work that potential clients can view as they look for potential creatives they may want to hire. Moreover, a strong portfolio will show potential employers that you are serious about your craft and have the skills necessary for the job.
Set Up an LLC
Forming an LLC (limited liability company) for your business has many benefits, such as protecting personal assets and providing tax advantages. An LLC also establishes your credibility with customers and other businesses, which can lead to more opportunities down the line. Be sure to research legal requirements before forming an LLC to ensure that everything is done correctly from the start.
Keep Up With the Industry
To learn more about the creative business world, it’s important to understand the principles of networking, know your industry and competitors, and explore different channels for promotion. Take advantage of digital tools such as online courses and research resources to stay updated on changes in the market, trends, and new technology. Utilize existing networks to connect with other professionals and build relationships that will catapult your work into the spotlight.
One of the online courses that I find very useful for my art business, Old Urban Farmhouse Design Studio is Skillshare. There is a wide variety of art and creative related courses to choose from – digital art courses that teach you how to use Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and so many more, as well as traditional art courses teaching courses in watercolor and acrylic painting, drawing skills, and photography. Skillshare also has courses that teach you various marketing and portfolio building courses. As an artist, it’s important to continue your education, and I love using Skillshare for my own art business. You can use this link to check Skillshare out and if you sign up for an annual membership, they will give you a $50 gift card.
Get a Mentor
Finding someone who has experience in the industry can be invaluable when starting as a creative entrepreneur. A mentor can provide helpful advice based on their experiences while also helping you navigate through tricky situations that may arise, such as dealing with difficult clients or managing finances efficiently. They may even open doors previously closed through their connections within the industry.
In the meantime, we can’t recommend enough, the Bonnie Christine Podcast, “The Professional Creative” as a digital mentor. The link will take you to the Spotify podcast, or you can click here for the blog that has all the episodes as well.
Put Your Work in the Spotlight
To put your work into the spotlight, it’s important to establish an online presence and actively promote your art. You can reach out to editors, curators, and gallery owners who can provide you with exposure through interviews, feature articles, and even collaborations. Leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to market your work and build an engaged following.
Find other creatives in your field by following them on Instagram, taking their courses on Skillshare, and taking part in art challenges, or other events that are posted on Instagram. We especially like to follow along and participate in the #createwithcatcoq drawing prompts on Instagram. The more you engage with other creatives in your field, the more you will learn, and you may find someone who you click with and is willing to become your mentor.
Get it in Writing
While the internet is great for promotion, it’s also great for helping you set up contracts. These days, going with a PDF filler is an easy way to save yourself some time and hassle while still making sure you’ve clearly communicated your business arrangement with your client. Also, by digitizing your important documents, you can also reduce clutter – not to mention the worry of misplacing what you need!
There’s no doubt about it: getting discovered takes hard work. However, dedication and planning improve your odds tremendously. Ultimately, your success will depend on how well you showcase your talents. By using free resources such as infographic templates and creating a portfolio, you can show off your best work.
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