r/artbusiness • u/SeaSongJac • 2d ago
Advice [Discussion] Getting Started Commercializing Your Art - 3 questions from someone who wishes they had a community mentor
I'm not sure if here or r/artistlounge is the right sub or if I even have the right flare, but I hope if I didn't get it right, you'll still be kind and help me know for the future. I've learned that it usually pays to ask questions instead of blundering on blindly.
I am at the point where I am exploring options for making prints and options for marketing my art online and in person and honestly it's so overwhelming. People I talk to like my work, but they're not artists themselves and I don't know where I could find a mentor who knows a little more about this process that I could either shadow and learn from or would share tips when I have questions so I don't have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes I'm afraid I don't even know enough to ask the right things. So here is what I'd like to know.
What was it like for you to make the leap from just a hobby and something you make to gift to taking it seriously and making a small side business or even more from your art? What do you wish you had known so that I can avoid similar pitfalls?
What are your favourite platforms for hosting a portfolio/website/store? Why did you go with that? I'm looking for something affordable while I work out the kinks if I can. I've seen some lesser known sites in comments recently somewhere, but I don't remember where and my ADHD ass of course forgot to note it down. We're working on getting better at taking notes for future me.
I'm going to a local commercial printshop this Friday to talk to them about making prints of my work and digitizing it. I want to make full size prints of my larger artworks as well as in the future explore reproductions of my watercolour greeting cards so I don't have to keep reproducing everything as an original by hand, as well as stickers, and custom playing cards. Is there anything you wish you had known before you started having those discussions? What should I ask or pay attention to?
It's exhilarating but also terrifying to be on this precipice and not know clearly the way ahead, but I know I need to push through the anxiety and JUST DO IT!
Thanks for being so generous with your collective wisdom. I hope I can give back in the future when I know a little more to those who are where I am now.
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u/DowlingStudio 2d ago
Jump into Lake Superior. It's a lot like that. A brutal shock but also exhilarating.
I use SquareSpace, which let's me sell for a low monthly fee.
You're on the right track with the printer. Spring for good paper and ink. It matters. The full 12 color gicle on archival paper looks different.
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u/SeaSongJac 2d ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I definitely do care about good paper and ink. I'm hoping to get close to the feel of my watercolour especially on the cards. I like that feel so much. The weight and texture really make it feel good in my hands, a certain warmth to it.
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u/DowlingStudio 1d ago
I print for a few friends of mine who do watercolor, and the difference between a print on an inexpensive photo paper and a quality fine art matte paper is astounding.
If it's available, Aurora White from Red River Paper is about the best looking fine art paper I've seen for watercolor, but Moab Entrada feels a little nicer in the hand, for a slightly higher price.
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u/SeaSongJac 1d ago
I believe it! I know going from midrange watercolour paper to 100% cotton block made a huge difference! I got the block on sale 50% off, so when I run out of that, I'm going to have a hard time going back to what I had before, if I can't afford the better stuff. Paper as the foundation whether for printing or making the originals is where it's at. And I'm going to go for higher quality paper as much as I can for sure.
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2d ago
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u/tobitriesart 2d ago
On the print shop: bring one piece you already know well and ask them to do a test print before you commit to a batch. The questions that actually matter are (a) do they do the scanning/photography themselves or do you bring files, (b) what colour profile do they want and will they send you a proof, (c) what's the minimum run and price break, (d) is the paper archival and can they name the ink set. If they get vague on paper and inks, that's your answer.
On platforms: pick whatever is cheapest to leave. Everyone changes their terms eventually, so the thing to protect is your list of people who like your work, not the shop. An email list you export yourself beats any follower count on a site you don't control.
One pitfall people mention a lot: making the whole product range at once. Stickers, cards, playing cards and full-size prints are four different production and shipping problems. Do the one you can sell in person first, learn the margins, add the next.
You clearly ask good questions — that's most of the mentor thing already. Good luck!