Making it work as an Ageless Artist
Welcome to Artist Jetpack ! I have been thinking about ways we can create community and solidarity online for the Ageless Artist who is working continuously to grow and make art to sell or because its their lifeblood. We are situated worldwide and our commonality is our love and creation of art. My intention always has been to encourage the artist of my vintage-a little younger or older perhaps - to share their stories and challenges as an artist in this place in time. We understand the world has shifted and changed since our early artist days and how could it not? How we navigate these times as an artist is personal -but often requires a shift and perhaps new opportunities to try out new skills and approaches to our profession . Growth is possible and imminent.
I thought that I might share a few ways I am approaching the Spring /summer season ..and beyond with my art practise.
I have discovered that I prefer to spend my energy online reaching “my people/my patrons “ and that I have that community already online . It’s taken me several years to build and nurture. Focusing on regular communication and offering classes has helped keep the fires glowing . The last couple of years have been fallow years as I explored other art forms and permitted myself to experiment and think .I continue to review and revise my approach to showing and selling my art.
Some actions I have taken over the last few months :
I have cancelled my WIX website. I was no longer using it for video classes and therefore could not justify expense related to it’s extra bells and whistles
It felt risky at first abandoning the tried and true website which reflected my history, testimonials, online workshops and my art for so many years. In evaluating my current practise however -it didn’t seem relevant or viable anymore! I was feeling my various links were becoming difficult for me to sustain and maintain-and potentially confusing for potential patrons.
I have already set up a web presence/shop with Big Cartel and am pleased thus far with its simplicity and artist friendly platform. my newish website/shop
Keeping my “Heathermurray.net” domain solved some of my issues about falling off the map -as I had handed out so many business cards over the past few years with this web address also.
As of June 15th I will cancel my Etsy shop .After 17 years it feels like time to make a shift and consolidate my online presence!
My Etsy shop has been my solo online selling platform since 2007 so this is a huge change for me to let go of a viable shop with built in followers and loyal customers. (According to their stats I have 3431 admirers ! 1826 sales !) Time will tell if some of those patrons will migrate to my new shop.
My intention is to concentrate on reaching out to a smaller group of people who seem genuinely interested in me and my art rather than invisible followers who may just tick off the follow automatically while scrolling. I am seeking deeper engagement.
(I’m guessing that a huge portion of those 3431 Etsy admirers have moved on to admiring other artists!).. I am seeking deeper engagement.
I recognise that if an artist is seeking to sell internationally and online a certain personal presence is necessary. Where is the sweet spot? The beauty of having everything in one place is that it is totally up to me at every step to promote my art and to make art that is appealing and current enough to sell.
In my early years (2001-3) I began to understand how building presence, connections and community was important. Initially it was purely accidental - and stemmed from wanting to reach out to other artists online . As much as I appreciated participating in Gallery shows and group exhibits I was beginning to feel it was not enough
Changing with the times and with new developments in technology have been key to maintaining customers and viewers. As I enjoy managing my own art business I know that maintaining a strong presence with current offerings is integral to remaining visible - yet there is a balance -and I am not willing to keep up social media promotions at a frenetic pace.
I often talk to other artists about web pages and Etsy -carefully explaining it’s not been an overnight success for me. It’s taken years of learning , art making, patience , and continuous effort to keep my followers/patrons informed.
The art can’t be made and just sit in my studio if I wish it to be seen -and sold.
I try to maintain a chunk of my art practise in person and for the most part local .
I continue to enjoy offering in person art workshops as opportunities surface.
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A couple of paintings from the Clotheslines exhibit/ Durham Ontario Gallery May -July 2/24
I believe it is so important to keep stretching myself as an artist and to allow time for learning and play
On May 5th I participated in the Art and Activism Zine making workshop offered during the Glasgow Zine fest..
Here is the pdf for you to print out my Ageless Artist Zine (focusing on agesim and artists!) created during this dynamic,fun workshop -Just fold with instructions in link below to make your own mini zine
how to cut and fold a mini zine
The talented artist Cathy Cullis offered an online weekend sketchbook making experience/group last Saturday and Sunday . I adore her art and her wise words and newsletter -and participating in this event from the comfort of my own home was simply wonderful . It afforded me time to create a small book of art just for myself ! Sharing in her group was optional -and if you like you can take a peek at my sketchbook tour below! While you are at it please also take a look at Cathy’s marvellous work on her art site Cathy Cullis Art
-her Substack!
a short video sketchbook tour -from last weeknd’s challenge
If you wish to find my art for sale after June 15th all of my art (including select prints )will be available through my site heathermurray.net
Have you consolidated your sites related to your art business ?
What have you discovered challenging..or rewarding about having an online presence and/ or selling platform?
What seems to be working for you currently re your own activity online?
What are you willing to give up?
You're always and inspiration Heather. I got into selling my art on Etsy thanks to you, so far it's the most successful platform for me, at least for the oil paintings that I do. You've also encouraged me to go on Substack as well and that's been really helpful too, I ended up with some paid subscribers! I think for now I'll stick to that and Artfinder (though that's less successful so not sure if it's the place for me since most of the audience is Euro based.