How To Solve 7 Common Artistic Problems

Artistic problems often go unnoticed. This can range from lacking self-belief to not being able to sell your artwork and crafts. And these issues are sometimes viewed as unimportant, unlike those in different professions.

You may feel alone in your career as an artist, given that there is so much competition in the market, and may even consider that you have an undervalued product, but don’t give up.

Here are some of the artistic problems and challenges we regularly face. Even for the professional and well established, these issues need addressing.

The expert in anything was once a beginner – Helen Hayes

 

Artistic Problem 1. My Art Is Not Good Enough

Feel like you are not “creative” or “good enough?” Contemplate what your definition of “creative” is for you.

Do you think that your art is not good enough because it doesn’t look like someone else’s art? Is it because you haven’t been making art for long? Or is it because you’re coming back to art after a break?

Whatever the reason for your artistic problems, you shouldn’t feel that your art “isn’t creative” or “isn’t good enough” because your art will get better as it evolves.

One of the best remedies for this issue is to put yourself out there in the marketplace and market your work.

Even if you feel uncomfortable, you need to get out of your comfort zone and discover places to sell which will provide a good learning experience.

It will also help you learn that art is never made to be perfect or to please everyone but if you genuinely feel that your art requires more work, keep practicing. And perhaps book courses that can help you develop further.

 

Artistic Problem 2. Nobody Is Purchasing My Artwork

Otherwise known as “Selling the damn thing.”

What channels do you sell from, and how are they generating an income? Is your online or offline store regularly updated?

Are you selling your art to the right target audience? Do you use social media for promotion, and are you doing it efficiently?

Let’s consider each of these issues and resolve them as quickly as possible.

If you find you have to offer your collections at a lower price to make sales, then you should consider selling reproductions or prints instead. This will allow you to select the right buyer for your original works.

Artistic Problem 3. I Don’t Have a Plan for My Business

All businesses have one reason for why they exist and that is to “solve a problem“.

As an artist, what is the problem you are trying to solve for your client? Could it be an interior decor issue where you sell someone a painting so it can liven up a blank wall?

Will your sculpture be a focal point for the space? or is your art a calming influence in a crowded room?

Having a plan or blueprint for your business will help you focus on your creative mission. Following this plan should allow you to become successful more quickly.

If you do not have a plan, this could be the reason you are not expanding your work beyond the studio room.

Another easy option is to observe other artists and check out how they publicize their artworks. It is not always about selling in galleries or at the markets.

These days you can upload your art on platforms like Bluethumb and sell originals or prints.

Artistic Problem 4. Not Knowing How to Leverage

If you market your artwork independently, it is best to ensure that you use several different methods to reduce the problem of not being seen.

This approach guarantees that you will have more opportunities to earn money, plus your projects will be visible to more potential buyers.

If you choose to sell your original pieces in one location, whether offline or online, you should consider having additional revenue channels or earning streams.

These could cover making your art available on other media (t-shirts, tea towels, cards, bags or mugs, for instance), accepting commissions, or licensing your art.

It’s just like that well-known phrase – don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

Artistic Problem 5. Wrong Target Audiences

To avoid this artistic problem, you ought to have a concrete idea of the kind of buyers who would be most likely to purchase your work.

These customers are known as your “Target Audience or Market”. You might also want to classify or segment your potential and existing buyers.

If you haven’t given much thought to your target audience or market, try asking your friends and family for feedback.

Their answers can help you identify the type of person who prefers your style of painting, drawing or sculpture.

That art personality type will then become your target audience.

You can begin by pitching your talent to the same age group, gender, demographics and lifestyle preference then see whether word-of-mouth or targeted advertising could work.

Artistic Problem 6. Not Enough Online/Social Media Presence

Whether you market your art online or offline, these days, you are likely to miss many prospective buyers if you do not promote your art on a variety of social media platforms.

Even if you do use social media, you may not receive enough engagement or sales from the contents of your posts.

If that happens, you should ask yourself whether you are doing it correctly. Do you post at the right time? Are you posting the right content? Do you know how regularly you should post on social media?

People love looking at art before going to bed, but not so much during the day at work. Work is usually hectic.

Because looking at art before going to sleep is calming and good for relaxation.

Artistic Problem 7. Nobody is Supporting My Art Career

Many of us have family members, loved ones and friends who don’t support our art career.

This lack of support could be because they don’t see it as a promising career. Or maybe they don’t realize how you could support yourself from such a venture.

They might not get the entire picture. You could even safely assume that they were worried about you since having such a creative career is unfamiliar to them.

The best way to approach this particular artistic problem is to discuss how you intend to make a living selling your art and let them know your plans.

They might come around. Getting them involved in your exhibitions or a Sunday market store could be a fun activity for everyone!

Asking them for help in designing and running a website or packing your sales could also be another way to make them feel a part of your success.

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun doing it – Mary Lou Cook

Your art business can be rewarding in many ways. However, it can come with many artistic problems, risks and sacrifices.

If you are willing to stick by your plans and invest your time and energy into developing and problem-solving, it can be quite a rewarding career.

Remember to ask for help from anyone willing to offer you guidance and knowledge. Some of their advice may not apply to you, but you will still have learned something.

Good luck! Below are a few of our recommended resources that might be useful in managing your creative business. Jackie Battenfield is well known for her practical teaching methods you will enjoy reading this book.

We also have a supportive Facebook group you can belong to click here. 

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