One of the most common concerns I hear from artists is, “I’m not a natural salesperson—I’m an introvert.” Many of you thrive in the solitude of the studio, but dread the idea of standing in a booth, talking to strangers about your work, and hoping it leads to sales.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be outgoing to succeed. You just need a few practical tools you can rely on for those moments when you step into the public eye. Think of it as becoming a trained extrovert for a few hours at a time.

Repeatable Openers Beat “Being Outgoing”

The hardest part of any sales interaction is the first sentence. Once you break the silence, the conversation usually takes care of itself. Instead of waiting for inspiration, have a couple of reliable openers in your pocket.

A few I’ve seen work well:

• “Have you seen my work before?”

• “What’s caught your attention today?”

• “Are you familiar with this medium?”

Each one puts the focus on the visitor, not you, and invites them to share. That’s all you need to start a real conversation.

Practice Ahead of Time

Don’t expect the words to come easily if you’ve never said them out loud. Before an event, practice two or three short blurbs about your work. Speak them in front of a mirror or with a friend.

Keep them short and clear:

• “This series explores how light changes as it moves through layers of glass.”

• “I reworked older sketches into these new pieces, which gives them a sense of history and continuity.”

The goal isn’t to memorize a speech—it’s to make sure you’re never scrambling for words when someone asks about your art.

Set the Right Goal

If your goal is to sell every person who walks in, you’ll feel pressure—and so will they. Instead, set a simpler goal: meet everyone who stops at your booth or studio.

When you shift the pressure off sales and onto connection, the experience becomes more comfortable. Ironically, this often leads to more sales, because people sense genuine interest rather than desperation.

Small Habits, Big Difference

Success isn’t only about what you say. Sometimes it’s about how approachable you look and feel:

• Smile. A natural smile makes you more welcoming.

• Keep your work at eye level. Don’t force people to crouch or crane their necks.

• Stand comfortably. Sitting behind a table creates a barrier; standing with relaxed posture makes you more inviting.

• Dress with intention. Wear something that helps you feel professional and confident.

These aren’t personality changes—they’re small adjustments that make it easier for people to engage with you.

Train for the Moment, Then Recharge

You don’t have to transform into an extrovert. You just need to step into that role for a few hours at a time. With repeatable openers, short practiced blurbs, and a focus on connection, you’ll feel more in control of those interactions.

Then, once the show is over, you can retreat to the quiet of your studio and recharge.

The art world needs your work—and collectors need you to meet them halfway. Even if you’re introverted, with a little training, you can sell too.