When it comes to promoting your art or creativity, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. You're unique and so, too, is your business strategy. The most important thing is to get your work in front of as many eyes as possible. Save the Creatives Foundation offers four ways to establish yourself as a creative.
Form a Business
Whether you're a fashion designer, graphic artist or a writer, to sell your creative services, you need to make sure all your affairs are in order before you begin. Forming a business and writing a business plan can help you identify your:
• Business model
• Revenue-producing activities
• Financial projections
• Production structures
It's imperative to know your goals and needs before launching your creative services. This way, you ensure your business is set up to best reach your targets.
Get a Website
In today's world, it's essential for every business — no matter the industry — to have a website. This gives you a place to showcase your work and allows people to get to know you and your brand. When creating a website, there are a few key elements you should include:
• An about page. This is where you tell your story and let people know what drives you as an artist or creative.
• A portfolio. This is where you showcase your work in all its glory. Include high-quality images and, if applicable, videos.
• A blog. A blog is a great way to keep people updated on what you are doing. You can use it to write about your creative process, share behind-the-scenes insights, or simply post updates on new projects you're working on.
• A contact page. Include a way for people to get in touch with you, whether it's via email, social media, or a contact form on your website.
Essentially, your website should be your one-stop shop for all your customer's questions.
Market Yourself on Social Media
As an artist or creative, social media can be a great tool for promoting your work and attracting new followers and customers. One helpful tactic for standing out on platforms like Instagram and Facebook is creating unique visual content through the use of memes. By using a meme creator app, you can create impactful graphics that catch the eye and spread your message in a memorable way. Be sure to choose images and text that align with your aesthetic and brand, and consider utilizing trending hashtags to reach a wider audience. Overall, including memes in your social media marketing strategy can help attract attention and showcase your creativity to potential fans and collaborators.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
If you want to be taken seriously as an artist or creative, it is important to have a dedicated workspace. This doesn't mean that you need to have a studio in SoHo, but you at least need a multipurpose space in your home where you can work on your craft without distractions.
First, consider how much room you have to work with. Is your space cluttered and disorganized? If you live in a small apartment, maybe you need to invest in some storage solutions or sell some pieces to bolster your purchasing power. Your decor is where you can let your personality shine through. Choose colors and patterns that inspire you, and surround yourself with things that make you happy.
Remember, when you're updating your workspace, keep track of all your expenditures. When the time comes to sell your home, report major home updates to your appraiser. The appraiser can take these expenditures into account when determining your home's appraised value. Additionally, you can write off as business tax deductions any purchases you make for your home office.
Getting Started
There you have it: four ways to establish yourself as an artist or creative. Keep in mind that forming a business, making a website, and organizing your workspace are just the beginning.
By using the power of art and photography, Save the Creatives Foundation hopes to teach artists and creatives how to become advocates for the social changes they want to see. You can learn more about this nonprofit by emailing info@savethecreatives.org.