Why do People Buy Art

By JESSICA CRADDOCK

1. Because they know and like you. 

They see something in you that makes them want to be your friend. That connection won’t happen if you always stay surface level. The people who resonate with what you’re saying will start to feel like they know you, and they’ll continue to listen to what you have to say because they like you. To sell art, you need them to stick around your website, email list, or social media account for a while so you can continue putting your art in front of them.

2. Your art reminds them of something they value. 

You can connect your art to their personal values through, again, talking about it. Why you made it. What it represents. Its message. Even if you think your art isn’t “about anything”, there are thoughts going through your head all the time on repeat. That goes for when you are making art too. Even your subconscious thoughts can and should be applied to your art’s message.

3. Your art makes them feel an emotion they want to feel more often. 

Done right, this technique can be powerful. Help them connect your art to an emotion by talking about the feelings you associate with your art. If you are using this one without any success, try describing the feeling instead of naming it. For example, instead of saying, “These flowers make me feel happy everyday”, say “These crimson tulips remind me it’s finally the season to spread out your picnic blanket and daydream on your lunch hour.”

4. And lastly, you make art specifically for them. 

If you’ve studied marketing at all, you’ve heard of a niche. A niche is simply a small, targeted group of people – like bird watchers or skateboarders. To use this one, you would focus your art or commission services specifically to them.