Many think artistic skills are pure talent. However, the truth is a lot of time and practice goes into honing this expertise.

Monetizing these abilities can help you get a return on your investment and earn profit to continue doing what you love.

That said, capitalization also requires its own unique skill set.

Exercise Self-Confidence and Resilience

One core skill you need when monetizing your art is to be confident in yourself. Many artists deal with judgmental comments and criticism daily. In this industry, everyone is compared with one another based on rates, technique, or style.

Society also tends to pit artists against artificial intelligence. In a world where efficiency is prioritized over creativity, art generators are becoming even more popular. The very thought of being replaced by these programs sways any creative.

Thus, it’s essential to raise your self-esteem and resilience from the beginning. Recognize that you are good at what you do and that you put your soul into each piece of work. It is unique, and you are worthy of recognition and admiration.

Go Through Research and Prep

Browse and compare the fees of beginners and pros to know how you want to set yours. Some artists charge by the hour or by project, and prices are likely to increase as they become more skilled at their craft.

How they run their line of work and promote their brand is also vital information – look for info on how they use social media or special events and consider how you could adapt similar tactics. Additionally, it’s a good time to see other people’s specialties and figure out how you can create a unique style that makes your art stand out in a similar way.

For example, Giles Clement from Portland is known for creating huge amber-type portraits of everyday people, from jazz musicians to fellow artists. His work combines a distinctive aesthetic with historical influence to create art that is immediately memorable. Hazel Frost takes inspiration from Scotland’s wild landscape when creating ceramics. The clays she uses bring in the natural textures and colors of her environment, making each piece innately tied to her roots.

Retain Your Passion with Self-Awareness

People building their art brand may experience burnout because they’re pushing themselves to the limit with their creativity to put out something new. Self-awareness is a key skill in recognizing when you need to take time off. Focus on your passion instead by intentionally creating a work of art only for yourself.

You can also take a break from art and business as a whole. Leave your computer throughout the day and get yourself food. Walking or meditating is also a great way to get a mental reset from your workstation.

Handle Communication and Engagement

Artists handle more communication than you think. They have to talk with potential clients, fellow artists, social media followers and so much more. Here are some key tips to help you throughout such engagements.

• Active Listening

  Active listening is a must when you’re gathering what a client wants. You get to learn all the details they need included in the piece, and it gives you insight into gaps in their description.

  For example, someone may commission a painting of a girl on a hill. They give vague descriptions, such as the time of day and the types of flowers they want to see. From there, you can question what kind of expression the subject is making and other key details to complete the picture.

• Building Rapport

  Artists must build relationships with their patrons and followers. They should be polite and exude kindness throughout interactions. While professional language is encouraged, you can also reveal a certain level of authenticity to connect with people.

  Rapport with peers also matters. While the creative sector is competitive, it is also a tight-knit community of support. Learn to build a network of like-minded creatives and learn from one another.

• Responding to Feedback

  Customers and followers will leave numerous comments on your work, especially if they have spent money on it. If someone has bought your work, thank them for their support. You should also express gratitude to those who leave positive words under your posts.

  Negative feedback is also important to address, and the best way to accept it is with grace. Apologize for any missteps you have made and promise to do better. If you face more nonsensical comments online, consider hiding and ignoring them.

Organize and Manage Projects

Project management is also a must when monetizing your artistic skills. Creatives likely work on multiple projects simultaneously, which requires a level head and organization skills. Divide your time between these tasks and learn how to prioritize. If you have a deadline coming up, focus on that project first.

Programs like Notion can help you keep track of your projects, from creating data charts to writing down notes. Phone apps such as your Calendar and Clock are also helpful for plotting your schedule and tracking how much time you allocate to each project. Remember to practice discipline in the process.

Gain Social Media Presence

Social media is powerful when monetizing your artistic skills, as it connects you with others and widens your reach. Setting up a profile and using marketing basics like networking to share your art can help you sell your work online.

Take advantage of your artistic skills and create your own branding material, such as logos and covers. You can also practice writing creative captions. If some tasks feel too overwhelming, take a deep breath and seek support from other experienced artists.

Practice Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills can come in handy when encountering issues with your marketing and logistics. For example, say a customer orders a framed print of your art. You need to figure out the packaging and shipping of that order.

If that order gets lost, you must coordinate with the courier. Remember to inform your clients about the situation and request their patience. You should also exercise empathy for those impacted by the problem.

Exercise Creative Thinking

Art already requires creative thinking, but the skill becomes even more imperative when trying to capitalize on it. You must be capable of asking yourself questions and thinking of new ideas. What hasn’t been done before? What will excite art enthusiasts?

For example, you thrive on creating digital art and art prints. Shifting to create your own online courses about how to draw and color can seem a little out of the box at first. However, you must have the courage to explore these risks to grow.

Prioritize Continuous Learning

Retaining your artistic skills is easy when you do them for a living, but there’s always a little room for improvement, whether in color theory or perspective. Work on specific fundamentals and truly master your craft.

Along the way, you may have an urge to branch out from what you usually do. For instance, rather than sticking to realist art styles, dip into expressionism or abstraction. Learn to take risks and have fun with it.

Let Your Artistic Skills Shine

Put a spotlight on your artistic skills and make an earnest income from your passions. Running your own business can improve your confidence in your work and help you learn more about yourself. You also meet fellow artists and enthusiasts while building a name in the industry.

---