Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion for art into a lucrative business? Imagine being able to upload your high-resolution images and have them printed and shipped directly to consumers in various formats, from canvas to yoga mats. This is the concept behind Art Storefronts, a platform that helps artists sell their artwork online.
Founded in 2013 by Nick Friend, a business graduate from U.S.C., Art Storefronts now boasts a community of 14,000 members. The company’s mantra is simple: “Selling art? Marketing is all that matters.” They provide tools like A.I.-powered statistical analysis and a marketing calendar to help artists reach potential buyers and develop a strong social media strategy.
But is Art Storefronts the right fit for everyone? Not necessarily. Many successful artists, like landscape photographer Karen Hutton, find that the company’s business model doesn’t align with their vision. While some may see success with Art Storefronts, others prefer a different approach to selling their art.
Art Storefronts encourages prospective members to pass the “Does My Art Suck?” test by selling their art offline to a stranger before joining the platform. This approach may not be for everyone, as some artists may not have experience selling their work before.
Despite the hard sell tactics and promises of lucrative earnings, Art Storefronts may not be the best fit for every artist. If you’re considering joining, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure it aligns with your long-term business goals. After all, success in the art world is about more than just making money – it’s about staying true to your vision and creating meaningful connections with your audience.
