This week, we recap all of the videos covered for Step One—Identify Your Niche—as we prepare to move on to Step Two—Research.
Even if you already have a niche, growing and refining your audience is important for career and business growth. Following the steps we’ve outlined so far can help you do that.
Identifying your niche and audience is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey of assessing, researching, experimenting, and refining.
In the past four videos we’ve covered my process for finding an audience for your artwork – including steps from assessment to research and experimentation in finding an audience. Now, it’s time to turn these steps into actionable strategies.
Finding an Audience for Your Art: Video Recap
Once you’ve experimented and seen what resonates with your audience, take note of what works. For example, with Robert Yonke’s Bluegrass Painter project, press releases to niche media resulted in a swift and positive response. Identifying successes lays the groundwork for strategy development.
It’s important to remember that not every experiment will yield immediate success, and that’s perfectly normal. In fact, setbacks can be valuable learning opportunities. When faced with a setback, take the time to evaluate why things didn’t go as planned. This could be an indication that adjustments are needed, or it could be a sign that the approach isn’t the right fit.
When you find a strategy that works, it’s not enough to acknowledge its success. It’s time to amplify your efforts. For the Bluegrass Painter, this meant doubling down on press releases, reaching out to potential clients, attending relevant events, and crafting tailored social media strategies. By building upon their successes, they were able to extend their reach and deepen their connection with their newfound audience.
In future videos, we’ll explore these strategies in more detail and explore how you can implement them effectively to continue growing your audience and expanding your reach.
We’ve been working through the four steps to finding an audience for your art—a process I use when working with artists. Last week, we discussed following up by researching ideas you might have for an audience. This week, we delve into the concept of ‘experiment with a purpose, ‘a crucial step in this process.
Video Recap
This week’s video focuses on finding an audience for your artwork through experimenting with a purpose. Experimenting with a purpose means figuring out how to engage with your prospective audience. This might involve reaching out to businesses that may have a connection to your work or exhibiting at a new event.
Purpose is Key
This experimentation isn’t a random approach. Your experiment should reflect the ideas you uncover in your assessment and the information you find in your research.
Building on What You Learn
Next week’s video will explain how to use what you learn in your research to build a strategic art marketing plan.
We’ve been working through the four steps to finding an audience for your art – a process I use to when working with artists. In the last video, we talked about doing a comprehensive assessment of your current body of work. This week, we focus on doing research around the ideas you come up with during this assessment.
Step Two: Using Research in Finding an Audience
Video Recap
Research is key to understanding who might appreciate your art and how to reach them effectively. Here’s a simple breakdown of what we discussed:
1 – Use the internet.
Start by searching online for keywords related to your art. This process can lead you to information such as potential people, organizations, and events that might be a fit or have interest in your work.
2 – Keep Track of What you Learn
It’s essential to write down what you find. I recommend spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets, Excel, or Airtable to organize your information. This will help you stay organized, and you will use this information later in the marketing process.
3 – Set Time Limits
Research can take up a lot of time, so setting boundaries is smart. Decide how much time you’ll spend researching each day and stick to it. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and help you make progress consistently.
4 – Engage with Others
Don’t just rely on the internet. Talk to other artists and people who might be interested in your art. Their feedback can give you new ideas and perspectives. Also, attend events or gatherings related to your art to learn more and meet potential fans.
5 – Refining Your Ideas
Research isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about figuring out what works best for you. Some ideas might not pan out, and that’s okay. Keep exploring and stay open to new possibilities.
As we move forward, remember that research is an ongoing process. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Join us next time as we dive into experimenting with purpose!
Last week, we reviewed a four-step process for discovering your audience, and today, we’re diving into the first step: assessment.
As the name suggests, the assessment step involves a comprehensive assessment of your current body of work. This step is essential, as it lays the groundwork for understanding your unique position in the art world and how to leverage it effectively.
Video Recap
So, how exactly do we assess our situation? We ask questions to understand what you are offering at the current moment. Even if you believe you have a firm grasp on your artistic identity and offerings, this exercise can unearth hidden opportunities and unexplored themes that could expand your audience’s reach.
Let’s break down the questions into four categories:
What:
Consider aspects such as your chosen medium, the breadth of your portfolio, the diversity of your creations, your unique style, subject matter, and even the palette you use.
Who:
Reflect on your past buyers, social media followers, and admirers. Where did you encounter them, and what sentiments do they express about your art?
Where:
Explore your sales history, whether online, in physical galleries, or at art festivals. Recognizing the venues where your art thrives can inform your future marketing strategies related to your audience.
Why:
Why Does Your Work Resonate with People? What aspects of your art do people connect with, and what motivates them to invest in it? Insights learned from social media comments and buyer testimonials can provide valuable guidance in finding an audience.
Find Patterns, Themes, and Ideas
Taking the time to assess your artistic journey carefully can give you important insights and help you discover new possibilities. Even though it might feel like familiar ground, this process can reveal patterns and ideas you hadn’t considered before.
To help you with this self-reflection, I’ve created a guide with many questions to get you thinking. The link provided in the video description allows you to download this helpful resource for free.
Help with Research
Next week, we will discuss the research step. If you’d like assistance figuring out your audience, consider a Strategy Session to discuss how we might work together. I offer complimentary calls to explore a session.
Four Steps to Finding an Audience or Niche for Your Artwork
Now that we’ve covered the different ways people may connect with your work and how you can think about those connections to start finding an audience or niche for your artwork, it’s time to get more specific.
This week, we overview four steps to help you focus on your target audience with clarity and purpose.
Video Recap
Step One: Assess
The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of where you currently stand in your artistic career. Take stock of the type of work you’re creating, the volume of your output, and any past successes or feedback you’ve received. This introspection lays the groundwork for understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and potential avenues for growth. Next week, I’ll share an assessment tool that you can use.
Step Two: Research
With these insights from your assessment, it’s time for some research. Dive deep into potential audiences or markets, explore online strategies, converse with fellow artists, and observe trends and preferences. The goal is to gather as much information as possible to inform your next steps.
Step Three: Experiment with a Purpose
With research in hand, it’s time to put theory into action. Design purposeful experiments to gain traction for your art. Whether it’s showcasing your work in a new setting or engaging with a specific community, each experiment should be guided by clear objectives and an openness to learning.
Step Four: Build Upon What You Learn
After each experiment, take the time to reflect on the outcomes. What worked? What didn’t? Use these insights to iterate and refine your approach.
Help With Your Audience
Next week, we will start diving into each step. If you’d like some assistance in figuring out your audience, consider a Strategy Session, to discuss how we might be able to work together. If you’d like to explore a session, I offer complimentary calls where we can discuss how we might be able to work together.
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