How to Get Your Art Noticed: Strategies for Self-Promotion (Without Selling Your Soul)

How to Get Your Art Noticed (Without Selling Your Soul)

Let’s just get this out of the way... promoting your art can feel awkward. You didn’t become an artist to write captions, build websites, or figure out Instagram’s algorithm. You just want to make your work. I get it. But here’s the thing... if no one knows about your work, it’s a lot harder to build the kind of creative life you’re aiming for. Visibility matters. Not for ego, not for clicks... but because connection matters. And art needs an audience to live outside of your studio.

There’s no perfect formula, but there are ways to start building momentum without burning yourself out. The goal here isn’t to be everywhere. It’s to show up consistently, with intention, in ways that feel sustainable and honest to your practice.

Let’s talk about some real ways to get your work seen.

Start with Your Online Presence (Even If You’re Not “Techy”)

I say this a lot... but having an online presence isn’t optional anymore. It doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy, but you do need some kind of digital footprint that lets people see your work and get in touch with you. If you don’t have a website yet, start with something simple. A basic one page site with your name, a short intro, a few clear images of your art, and your contact info is enough to start. Think of it like your digital business card. You can always grow it later.

If you're already set up but haven’t updated anything in a while, carve out time to refresh it. Swap out older images for more recent work. Update your bio if your focus has shifted. Test every link to make sure it still works. These small things make a difference when someone is checking out your work for the first time.

Use real filenames for your images when you upload them... not IMG3421. Labeling something like abstractpaintingblueseries.jpg or ceramicmugsurfacedetail.jpg can help with SEO and make your work easier to find in search. Same with page titles and captions. It doesn’t take long, and it gives your site more clarity.

A tip that gets overlooked is making your contact form or email very easy to find. Don’t hide it in a menu that’s hard to click. Some people just won’t reach out if they can’t figure out how. And yes... people still use email. It’s not outdated. I’ve had shows, sales, collaborations, and interviews all start from a simple email sent through my website.

If you’re on social media, make sure the links are connected to your website and the name you use is consistent across platforms. If you’re “ArtByJessie” on Instagram but your website is under your full name, that’s fine... but be sure to make the connection obvious. Someone who likes your work shouldn’t have to guess where to find you.

You don’t need to be everywhere. Choose the platform where your people are... where the art you make makes sense. For some, that’s Instagram. For others, it might be Pinterest or YouTube. Post regularly, but don't feel pressure to post daily. A rhythm that’s steady and realistic is more useful than burning out trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing. And if you’re sharing your work, make it yours. You don’t need filters or marketing jargon. You just need to be you... talking about the work you care about.

Social Media is a Tool (Not a Job Title)

There’s a weird pressure now to feel like you have to post constantly, be entertaining, and somehow go viral to be a “real” artist. Let’s just drop that idea. Social media is a tool for sharing your work. That’s it. You get to decide how to use it.

If you enjoy it, great. Share your process, talk about what you’re working on, invite people in. If you don’t, pick one platform and keep it simple. You don’t need to chase trends or dance on camera unless you want to. Post images of your work, talk about your studio practice in your own words, and stay consistent.

I usually recommend picking a rhythm that works for you and sticking with it. That might mean once a week. It might mean three times a week. It doesn’t have to be daily. It just has to be doable.

The goal is to stay visible... not to burn yourself out.

Email Newsletters Are Not Dead

I know, I know. Email feels old school. But here’s the deal... when someone joins your email list, they’re saying they want to hear from you. That’s a much stronger connection than someone scrolling past your image on social media.

Email gives you a way to connect more directly with your audience. You don’t need to send long essays or perfectly designed layouts. You can literally just write a short note, include a new piece or two, and send it out once a month or so. Keep it human. Keep it real. If you’re launching something, share it. If you’re working through something in the studio, talk about it.

You can also use your email list to offer early access to new work, give subscribers a heads up about commissions, or share discount codes during your slow months. It doesn’t need to be overly polished. It just needs to sound like you.

Offer Commissions or Custom Work (Even If It’s Just Occasionally)

Offering commissions can be a great way to connect with new clients and earn income between shows or launches. If you’ve never done them before, start small. You don’t need to open the floodgates. You can say, “I’m taking three custom spots this month... send me a message if you’re interested.”

Make it clear what you’re offering, what the price is, and how the process works. The key is to set boundaries and make the process feel smooth for both of you.

Commissions aren’t for everyone, and that’s fine. But if you enjoy working with people or want a way to bridge your personal style with someone else’s story or space, they can be a meaningful part of your creative business.

And if you don’t want to commit to custom work all the time, try offering small personalization options or timed commission windows a couple times a year. It keeps your calendar manageable but still opens the door for connection.

Art Fairs, Pop Ups, and Real World Events Still Matter

Let’s talk about art fairs and pop ups. These events are still incredibly valuable, even in an online world. They give you a chance to show your work in person, meet potential buyers face to face, and have real conversations. You don’t need to wait for a high end gallery invite. Local art fairs, maker markets, community events... these are all great places to start.

If you're doing your first one, do a little scouting beforehand. Visit a few events and see what kind of work is being shown. Talk to artists if you can. See what the vibe is like. Some fairs are very craft heavy... others are more design focused or fine art oriented. You want to apply to events that align with your work and feel like a good fit.

Once you’re in, make a checklist. You’ll need display materials... like tables, tablecloths, crates, signage, and any setup to elevate your work so it’s visible. Think vertical. Use risers or stands so your work isn’t just flat on a table. You want to create a small environment that draws people in, even if it’s just a folding table under a tent.

Have your prices clearly marked. Make it easy for people to know what’s for sale and how much it costs. If someone has to ask, they might just walk away. And bring business cards or postcards with your name, a sample image, and your website or Instagram handle. These are still useful. Even if someone doesn’t buy on the spot, they might look you up later.

Make sure you can accept payments easily. Most artists use a Square reader or similar setup so they can take credit cards. If you’re cash only, say that upfront. And bring change. Yes, people still hand you twenty dollar bills sometimes.

Think about smaller price points. Not everyone at an art fair is looking for a large piece. Having a mix of work... like original pieces, prints, postcards, stickers, or zines... gives people options. It’s not about devaluing your work. It’s about giving people ways to connect with it at different levels.

Most of all, be present. Talk to people. You don’t have to give a rehearsed pitch. Just be yourself. If someone lingers, say hi. Ask them what brought them out that day. You never know what kind of conversations might lead to future commissions, gallery shows, or long term collectors. Some of my best opportunities came from people I met while setting up or chatting during a lull.

Don’t stress if it’s slow. Sometimes art fairs are unpredictable. Weather, traffic, or competing events can all affect turnout. But just showing up and being visible still matters. It builds name recognition. It gives you practice. And it keeps you in the habit of putting your work out there.

Collaborations Expand Your Reach (and Can Be Fun)

One of the best ways to grow your audience is to tap into someone else’s. Collaborations let you do that in a natural, human way. When you team up with another artist... especially one who works in a different medium... you bring your work to people who might not have found you otherwise.

You don’t need to make a giant project out of it. A simple print collab, a shared show, a social media takeover, or even just shouting each other out in a newsletter can make a difference. The key is to find artists you genuinely respect and want to support. If it feels forced, it won’t work.

And don’t overlook collaborations with small businesses... local coffee shops, boutiques, coworking spaces, even libraries or bookstores. A rotating show, an event night, or just a few pieces on display with a tag and link can introduce your work to a whole new group of people.

Competitions, Calls, and Open Submissions (With a Grain of Salt)

Art competitions and open calls can be a useful tool... but they’re not a guaranteed path to exposure. And they’re not all created equal. Be selective. Look for competitions with good reputations, clear guidelines, and jurors you respect. Avoid the ones that charge a fortune or promise exposure with no real clarity on how that happens.

If a call excites you, go for it. Submit your best work. Read the guidelines carefully. Make a checklist. Give yourself enough time. And don’t take rejection personally. Everyone gets turned down sometimes. It’s not always about the quality of the work... it’s often about fit, timing, or the whims of the panel.

I like to think of submissions as just one piece of the puzzle. They’re worth doing, but they shouldn’t be your only strategy.

Your Work Has to Be Easy to Buy

This one gets overlooked, but it’s huge... people need to know how to buy your work. If they love a piece, where do they go? Can they click and check out easily? Do they have to message you and wait for a reply? The more steps you add, the more likely it is that someone walks away.

Whether you’re using Etsy, Squarespace, Shopify, or a link in bio shop... make sure it’s clear and current. Prices should be visible. Shipping info should be clear. If something is sold, mark it as sold. If you take commissions, explain the process.

You don’t have to offer everything for sale. But what is available should be easy to access.

Stay Human in All of It

I’m going to say this gently... please don’t write like a robot. Don’t copy marketing speak from other accounts. Don’t write “I’m so excited to share” for the hundredth time if it doesn’t sound like you. People respond to you. Your voice. Your energy. Your honesty.

If you’re awkward, be awkward. If you’re quiet, be quiet. If you’re hilarious, let that show up in your captions. You don’t need to reinvent your personality to show your work. You just need to let people into the real process of being an artist... because that’s what connects.

Let people see your studio even if it’s messy. Talk about your stuck days. Share the small victories. When you’re human, people listen. They remember.

Building Momentum Takes Time (And That’s Okay)

There’s no quick fix here. Getting your work noticed takes consistency, not just one burst of effort. It takes showing up again and again, even when it feels slow. You might not see results right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.

One person might follow you for months before they buy something. Someone else might sign up for your newsletter and not open it until six months later... but that’s the one that prompts them to reach out. You don’t always know who’s watching. But you are building something, piece by piece.

You don’t need to go viral. You need to be visible. And you can do that without selling your soul, draining your energy, or turning your art into a content factory. You just need to build a system that feels sustainable. A rhythm that fits your life.

And you don’t have to do it all at once.

Final Thought: You Deserve to Be Seen

This is probably the most important part. You don’t have to wait for permission to share your work. You don’t need to feel guilty for wanting your art to be seen. Visibility isn’t about ego. It’s about putting your work where it can do the thing it’s meant to do... which is connect.

So if you’ve been holding back... start small. Post the image. Send the newsletter. Submit the application. Reach out to the shop. Show up to the event. You don’t have to be fully ready. You just have to begin.

Because your work matters. And it deserves to be out in the world.