In order to help other artists and myself, I am always on the hunt for great success stories of other creatives. Recently, one of my valued readers shared her success story with me.

After reading the popular FineArtTips.com post entitled, How to Sell Art on Facebook – One Artist’s Way, Kelli tried out some of these Facebook selling techniques herself and the results were phenomenal!

I am so grateful to have helped a fellow artist in some small way. Here is her social media success story:
Guest author/artist: Kelli Bickman
As an artist it goes without saying that there are times when one needs to be exceptionally creative to keep the wheels turning. I’ve painted signs for businesses, done murals in peoples homes and businesses, sold existing paintings to clients through gallery shows or online galleries, received private commissions, written grants for public art projects and done illustration for publications (to name a few).
That being said, I am always looking for more ways to promote and sell work because, of course, this is how I make my living.
A few months ago, I started looking to social networking to expand my client base.  It is a great way to expand a business.  Using facebook as my platform – this is how I did it…

  • I uploaded several different galleries of my art.
  • It made sense to me to break them down by price range, under $275, under $400 and under $1,500.  Although I have a large body of work in the $10,000 and up range.
  • I decided to keep the prices to a minimum and offer small canvases and paper pieces that are easy to ship and are accessible to a wide range of people.
  • I also made sure that the galleries were available to be viewed by everyone, not just friends and family.

If someone was interested in buying a painting they could PayPal the funds to my email address and put SOLD in the comments section.  I also offered 50% of the proceeds to help develop art programs for at-risk youth in my community, a project dear to my heart as I am also the director.
***After posting the images, I shared the portfolio with my friends and family and included personal messages to patrons who have purchased art from me in the past asking them to share my art and post it on their wall.

“Within 48 hours I had sold 7 paintings.” ~Kelli Bickman

It always feels great when paintings are sold because it keeps me on the path of creation.  I tell potential clients that buying art is a lot like buying stock (but, of course, always buy what you love).
The stock is in the art work but also in the artist’s career. As long as the artist continues to receive support and create new works of art, there is a good chance that their work will continue to appreciate in value. This is a win-win for everyone involved.
Many of my patrons continue to purchase work from me every year and have created substantial collections.  For me, once a painting leaves the studio it is out of my mind, but the client lives with it and enjoys it for many years to come.
Facebook, It is all about sharing after all.  Sharing images, creative ideas and information.

*****

Kelli Bickmanis a multi-media artist who’s colorful artworks can be seen in paintings, murals, portraits and illustrations . She grew up on a farm in Minnesota, studied art in Wisconsin and London and moved to the West Village of New York City in 1995. Her unique talent spans fine art and illustration. You can find Kelli on Facebook.
Thank you Kelli for sharing your social media success story here with us at FineArtTips.com! ~Lori
If you enjoyed this, you might like to read these articles:
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Top Paint Brush Tips from the Pros on Facebook
Newsletter Art Marketing Tips that Work!
7 Ways to Get Motivated in the Studio to Sell More Art
5 Common Traits of Successful Artists
Finding Your Own Artistic Voice
A Unique Approach Using Color Harmony to Improve Paintings
Use the Hidden Meaning of Color to Improve Paintings
Learn the Two Biggest Mistakes Artists Make with Social Media

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