Dear Creative Peep,
Are you looking to take your creative art business to the next level in 2025? Keep reading...
It's officially been 15 years since I began my humble business selling my art online and opened my Etsy shop. I remember when it felt impossible to sell my art or make a living at this creative business.
Over the last 15 years, I have seen a lot of ebbs and flows in my business. I am not going to lie, this year sales seem particularly slow as compared to the last two years.
This just means that selling your art needs to be more strategic.
AND if you don't have a strategy, then you will definitely feel that impact. Gone are the days when you could just post a photo on IG and call that a selling strategy. Don't get me wrong, you might sell a few pieces that way? But it's not going to get you very far.
So what should you be focused on as we move into 2025?
Will there be certain trends where you should be focusing your time and energy? (Of course, none of these trends are anything new.)
Yes. I believe that the more that we pay attention to the market and people's spending habits, the more equipped you WILL be to deal with dips in the market.
Is there a way to guard against the economy dips? I believe so...
First of all, you have to remember to take care of you. Make sure that you have the right mindset and beliefs as you move into 2025. I know that rejections and frustrations abound in a creative business.
Know that your paintings will find their person. Trust in the process and know that your art matters. The world needs your art!
Okay so here are some continued Art Business Trends that I see being so important as we move into 2025:
Authenticity in style and showing up with vulnerability will continue to be critical, even IF it feels cringe. Selling comes with connection.
Story telling will be more important than ever when it comes to attracting collectors and selling. This has always been true, but it's even MORE important to marketing.
Meaningful art sales are in. Art will really have to speak to someone in order for them to purchase, which is why it’s so important for artists to help customers make an emotional connection to their art.
Style will be more important than ever. Confidence will drive the engagement with art. If you don’t love the art that you are making, then it will be harder to sell. (If you want support finding your style, check out my course, Style Lab.)
Inauthentic fake spaces are out. Fake mockups will get tired. Customers would rather see authentic spaces and envision YOUR art in THEIR home.
Selling art as a brand is critical. Otherwise your art is just a commodity. Artists who focus on building a brand will have an easier time selling.
Artists who talk about the message behind their art will have an easier time selling. Collectors need a reason to buy from YOU and not some big box store.
Community will be prioritized. Engagement is key, so make more of an effort to engage and build community on social media and in person!
Artists will thrive in local communities and spaces more than ever. People LOVE to see real art in person and make a connection to art in this way. Making more connections through art shows is great for finding new collectors.
These are just a few of the important things that I think will continue to be key as we move into 2025. And if you need the support of a mentor, I will be opening up Masterpiece Makers again at the beginning of the year! Stay tuned.
Happy Painting!
Wendy Brightbill
Guess what? I have decided to leave the coupon code up for ALL of December. Cue happy dance. I love giving back to artists at this time of the year.
Did you know that I have a wide range of individual technique courses in the $30-$100 range? Go here to see which ones. Every year I offer all of my courses for sale at 50% OFF. I only do this 2-3 times a year.
ALL of my technique courses are on SALE for 50% OFF right now with coupon code: MERRY50
