You would have wondered, ‘Can I really do it?’ as you walked through an art gallery admiring beautiful wall art on display, or as you scroll through Pinterest.
But then, you concluded that, ‘If others can do it, then I can.’ And yes, you can do it by following the eight steps of turning your DIY arts into a profitable side hustle.
You don’t need a degree, fancy studio, or even large social media followers to start earning from your DIY wall arts; all you need is creativity, consistency, and a little knowledge about how to sell your handmade wall art online and make it pay off, all of which I have outlined below in an easy-to-follow to follow step-by-step process.
The Booming Industry of Handmade Wall Art Business
With the millions of mass-produced décor all around us, handmade wall art feels like the real deal because of its authenticity and personality; something we can connect to; that’s what we need right now: a painting, print, or wood sign that adds the feel of warmth to our homes, which is one big reason online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Shopify, and Etsy are booming with independent creators.
More and more people are investing in their homes as a living sanctuary: cozy, meaningful spaces that reflect their personality, beliefs, and style.
And this shift has opened up a thriving home décor business market.
So if you spend your weekends and free time painting, crafting, or creating digital prints just for fun, congratulations, you’re about to hit the goldmine that can turn around your fortune for good.
Step 1: Start Small and Create From Home
Forget the myth that you need a full art studio to begin. Like many successful sellers in online marketplaces, all you need is your willingness to start with what you have, be it a kitchen table.
Step 2: Identify Your Niche
Well, you would have figured out your niche, but you haven’t; you need to determine a specialized type of art production you want to focus on.
Determining your niche isn’t all about what you like doing, but also figuring out what actually sells out there.
So, find a niche for yourself that reflects your artistic style and also appeals to potential buyers. Aspects like abstract painting, photography, digital art, macramé hangings, digital quote prints, rustic wood décor, or a combo of several types all have the potential to build you a large and loyal audience willing to buy your works.
The trick is focusing your energy on building recognizable artworks by understanding your niche and the needs of the market, which is crucial to your success in turning your arts skills into a profitable side business.
Step 3: Create a portfolio: Develop a Signature Style That Sells
What separates creators who sell their art from those who simply make it for fun is often a distinct brand style.
Look at popular Etsy art stores, you’ll notice a theme in color, mood, and subject matter, and that’s your goal too.
Make sure each masterpiece you create reflects your skill, creativity, and style because buyers will only be attracted to wall arts that reflect your artistic skills and attention to detail.
Therefore, start by building a professional portfolio of a smaller collection of your best works to create a brand identity.
As your portfolio grows, you might have to consider grouping your works into collections to demonstrate the depth and cohesion of your work.
Read Also: How Do I Pay Myself from My Small Business?
Step 4: Build an Online Store for Your Art
After having your portfolio ready, it is time to go live by creating an online store for your art using a beginner-friendly platform like Shopify, Big Cartel, or Etsy.
They are reputable platforms that have built trust and resonate with millions of buyers in search of handmade wall décor.
In uploading your portfolio to your new online market store, use natural light for your photos and keep your background clean, reflecting how your art looks in real-life settings, such as a hallway, couch, or on a gallery wall.
Also, in attracting buyers to your online store, create an emotional connection between your art pieces and potential clients by writing a brief and thoughtful product description that inspires them.
Your morning coffee, garden, or favorite landscape; create something that your potential buyers can connect with emotionally because that’s the essence of art.
For an awesome brand engagement, sharing 15-second behind-the-scenes moments on social media handles like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook can do the magic.
Step 5: Set Up a Price for Your DIY Wall Art for Profit
Although this is the most important aspect of your work, it can be quite challenging to determine the right price to sell your work too high, no patronage; and too low, you’ll you will be kicking yourself out of business in no time.
Rather than figuring out an out-of-range price tag based on your feelings, the price tag should accurately reflect your creativity, time, and skill, without being too high or too low.
The example I used below will help you in determining the accurate price tag for your artworks.
Let’s say you spent $12 on materials, and you spent 2 hours on a piece, at $20/hour, that brings your production cost to $52 a piece, add an extra $15 for packaging and platform fees, and you arrive at a tidy sum of $67 for an art piece; a fair price to cover production cost and also give you profit.
It is important that you stay competitive in the market, and one sure way is to ensure that the price for your wall arts stays within the range of similar wall arts by researching the prices of artworks within your niche to get an idea of what buyers are willing to offer.
Step 6: Find an Affordable Source of Art Supplies
A successful DIY art business also means managing costs wisely.
Getting cheap sources of art supplies means you can sell your art pieces at a discount without compromising on your profit.
You can shop for art supplies at great discounts up to 50% from art stores like Michaels, Joan, Hobby Lobby, or even from thrift stores where you can pick up and repurpose old picture frames and canvases.
For digital art, tools like Canva Pro offer you templates, fonts, and design assets at a relatively low cost of subscription.
Step 7: Promoting and Marketing Your Art
Most often, a lot of startup artists dismiss marketing and promotion with a wave of the hand, thinking that once their online store is up and running, that is all.
Well, I suppose you’re aware that your art won’t sell itself, so you have to make an effort to promote your artwork to the right audience willing to buy.
Doing so requires that you come up with foolproof, effective marketing and promotion strategies that can project your work to a large audience out there; it’s about letting the whole art world know that there’s a new kid on the block.
To start with, establish a strong social media presence on platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram where you can showcase your art, engage with your followers, and build a strong brand community.
Additionally, collaborating with social media influencers and interior designers can provide access to their fan base, helping you reach a wider audience while also building credibility.
Step 8: Sell Your Wall Art Locally
Local markets also offer you incredible opportunities to get fair exposure and build your credibility as an established artist.
Hence, you should attend art fair, weekend pop, and community craft, where you can connect with potential buyers.
Many shop owners, like your local cafes, boutiques, or homestaging businesses, will let you feature your work in their space, especially when your art complements their space.
Think of also collaborating with real estate agents to provide them with decorative pieces for open homes. It’s a steady income stream and a great networking tool.
Read Also: How to Save For Different Financial Goals & Benefits of Planning Your Finances
Conclusion
We live in a world obsessed with fast mass production. Hence, your handmade art stands a high chance of standing out as something real.
Now, if you have ever wondered if you can actually make money online selling wall art, then just know that you can. By following these 8 steps.
Start now with the thought that somewhere out there, blank walls are waiting for your art and there are people willing to pay for it.
Read Also: 9 Easy Passive Income Ideas for Women
