5 EASY Ways to Increase Your Art Income
Making art is a hard job but then you add in the “selling art” part of the equation and it can feel impossible sometimes. What we have realized from working with hundreds of artists over the years is that it is possible to make a living through your creative practice. It really helps to have a plan to help you take charge and be empowered in your business.
We wanted to share some very easy and quick things you can do right now that are going to help increase your income. Over time these strategies can yield big results. Big changes happen because of small first steps, so here are 5 EASY ways to increase your art income over time.
#1- Know Your Numbers
Know the details of your business and personal monthly financials to help you be in the driver's seat of your business. Start by figuring out your last month’s business income and expenses.
#2- Cut Unnecessary Expenses
Once you know your numbers, go through and cut any unnecessary expenses to increase your usable income. Spend less to keep more in your business. Sometimes it can be much easier to find ways to spend less rather than sell more to increase the money available to you.
#3- Audit Your Offerings List
Do your many offerings serve you and your business? Simplicity is the goal! We often see artists and creatives who have way too many types of offerings. The danger is that you will pull your energy, time, and money in many different directions. Having many offerings creates more work for you, so make sure everything you offer is worth it!
#4- Set Goals
You want financial goals that are realistic and based on your actual numbers. We want them to be achievable but also stretch and push you as well. Put actual numbers to your goals so you can use them each month as you keep track of the outflows and inflows of your monthly accounts.
#5- Focus on Your Current Collectors
We spend so much time trying to sell our work to new people when in fact it is easier to sell our work again to someone who we know loves it already! We jump on the sales hamster wheel to get more and more customers instead of focusing on the people that already love and support our work. Focusing on customer experiences and follow up will lead to more sales over time. An easy thing to do right now, today, is to send an email or two to people that have already bought your work. Say hello and ask how they are enjoying the piece.
We hope you can implement some of these tangible strategies today! In addition to this post, we have another money resource for you as part of the Thrive Together Network such as a DIY course available to all TTN Members called The Artist Business Planning Course. You can learn more about joining our community here.
