As an art gallery owner since 2001, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with countless artists, each driven by a desire to share their creative work and, of course, to increase their sales. While the passion and dedication to craft are always evident, I’ve noticed that many artists make common mistakes that can inadvertently hinder their success. Today, I want to share the five most frequent missteps I’ve observed and offer some advice on how to avoid them.

1. Focusing Solely on Creating Better Art

It’s no surprise that artists want to make the best work they can. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that better art automatically leads to more sales. While improving your craft is important, it’s not the only factor in selling art. Doubling the quality of your artwork doesn’t guarantee a doubling of sales.

What does? Exposure and visibility. Many artists pour all their time into creating but neglect the marketing and promotional efforts needed to get that art in front of potential buyers. I encourage artists to shift some of their creative energy toward promoting their work—whether that’s through outreach to galleries, engaging on social media, or building an online presence. Spending twice as much time marketing and promoting your art will almost certainly lead to an increase in sales, even if it’s not immediately doubling them.

2. Pricing Too Low

Many artists believe that lowering their prices will drive sales, but this strategy can backfire. Price perception plays a huge role in the art world. When prices are too low, it can signal to collectors and galleries that the work lacks value. Instead of generating sales, low prices can actually turn people away.

The solution? Do your research. Look into the pricing of artists whose work is featured in the galleries and shows you aspire to join. Align your prices with the market, and don’t be afraid to ask for what your art is worth. When pricing reflects the true value of your work, buyers are more likely to recognize that value and feel confident in making a purchase.

3. Neglecting Sales Skills

I’ve noticed that many artists shy away from sales, viewing it as somehow at odds with the purity of their creative process. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Selling is simply about helping your customers get what they want—which, in this case, is your artwork. Sharpening your sales skills isn’t selling out; it’s ensuring that collectors have the opportunity to bring your work into their lives.

If you’re selling directly to buyers at art shows, festivals, or open studio tours, it’s essential to develop these skills. As gallery owners, my staff and I are always interacting with potential buyers. While the art itself must be engaging, it’s our job to educate buyers, address any concerns, and ultimately help them make a decision. By thinking of yourself as both an artist and a salesperson, you can help facilitate the process that gets your art into the hands of those who will cherish it.

4. Playing the Reclusive Artist

There’s a romantic notion about the solitary artist, tucked away in a studio, tirelessly creating. While it’s true that the studio is where the magic happens, there’s one problem: no one is in the studio to buy the art.

To sell your work, you have to actively engage with the world. This means reaching out to galleries, interacting with collectors, and building a network with other artists. These connections can have a significant impact on your ability to sell. The more effort you put into getting your work out there, the more likely you are to attract the attention of buyers.

5. Giving Up Too Soon

One of the most devastating mistakes artists make is simply giving up. I understand how difficult the art business can be. Sales don’t always happen overnight, and the challenges of promoting and selling art can be discouraging. It’s easy to feel like the effort isn’t worth it.

But in my experience, persistence is one of the key factors that separates successful artists from those who struggle. Successful artists aren’t necessarily the most talented or those creating the most timeless pieces—they are the ones who stick to it, who give themselves the time and opportunity for their work to be seen and appreciated. When the going gets tough, it’s important to keep pushing forward, creating, and finding new ways to get your art out there.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an artist looking to increase your sales, it’s important to recognize that success isn’t just about making great art. It’s about promoting that art, pricing it correctly, refining your sales skills, staying connected with the art community, and above all, persisting through the inevitable ups and downs.

I hope these insights help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls and inspire you to take new steps toward growing your art business. Stay tuned for more tips on how to succeed in the art world, and remember to keep creating, keep promoting, and keep going!

For more tips and insights on building your art business, visit https://reddotblog.com/.