WEEK 2: DEVELOPING YOUR IDENTITY
In Week 2 of our ‘Concept to Launch’ series, we’ll focus on developing identity. If you missed Week 1: Creating A Business Plan, click yourself over there and have a read through that one first, then come back here. It’s a lot to take in, so moving through things one bite at a time is crucial so you avoid overwhelm.
Investing some time into thinking through who you are and what parts of yourself you’re comfortable sharing with your audience can help you feel more intentional with your marketing when your art business is up and running.
Some in the marketing world call this your “Brand”. Your brand is the essence of your art business. It’s how people perceive you and your work. Let’s dive into creating a brand that resonates with your audience and stands out in the art world.
- Identify Your Unique Style
- Artistic Voice: What makes your art unique? Is it your colour palette, subject matter, or maybe your technique?
- Consistent Theme: Some people think it’s important to stick to a theme. I’m of the opinion that re-inventing yourself can be a theme all unto itself. So, consistent theme or not, be sure your audience gets to know YOU.
- Create a Brand Story
- Personal Story: Share your journey as an artist. What inspires you? Why do you create art?
- Brand Message: Craft a message that communicates your values and vision. Be authentic and relatable.
- Design a Logo and Visual Identity
- Logo: Create a logo that represents your brand. Keep it simple and memorable. You could also have your logo created by a graphic designer, if that’s not your “thing”!
- Color Palette: Choose colours that reflect YOU and use them consistently across your branding materials.
- Build a Professional Website
- Portfolio: Showcase your best work. Make it easy for visitors to browse and purchase your art.
- About Page: Share your brand story and mission. Include a professional headshot – we want to see YOU!
- Engage on Social Media
- Consistent Posting: Share behind-the-scenes content, work-in-progress shots, and finished pieces.
- Interact: Engage with your audience. Respond to comments and messages. Build a community around your art.
Your brand is the face of your art business. By sharing your artistic identity and building a strong brand, you’ll create a lasting impression on your audience and begin to find “your people”.
Next, we’ll talk about building your online presence to showcase your art to a wider audience. Follow along for strategies on creating a professional website and leveraging social media effectively.
In the meantime, if you’re feeling a little disconnected from your art practice, give our Colour My Numbers tool a try. It’s free to download here.
