The festive season, much like Christmas, is a time of pure joy and sharing. It’s when people gather to celebrate and exchange gifts, spreading happiness among their loved ones. This season revolves around the spirit of giving, and choosing and giving special gifts is a way to show love and appreciation.

During this time, many are in a gift-giving dilemma, trying to find that perfect, surprising gift for their dear ones. The usual chocolates, clothing, and books under the Christmas tree don’t quite do the trick anymore. This is where your art steps into the spotlight as the star of the holiday season.

As artists you have the power to help people elevate their gift-giving game with the gift of your art. But there’s a crucial step – ensuring that potential buyers not only see your art but understand its potential to make Christmas truly memorable.

If you’re a new artist, you might be thinking, “What do I really need to set myself up for success?” And even if you’ve been through holiday seasons before, it’s always a smart idea to have a checklist of must-haves. This way, you won’t risk forgetting anything important, making sure you get the most out of this joyful season.

Festive events are full of excitement, bringing together lots of art enthusiasts in just a few days. The key to a successful holiday season is getting organized in advance. Why? Because it lets you focus your energy on what really matters – your art, your sales, and the valuable connections you can make. You don’t want to miss this opportunity and wait for it to come around again next year.

So, let’s get ready for a festive season filled with creativity, making new friends, and finding success. Whether you’re new to this or have been around the block, these 8 tips will give you the knowledge you need to make the most of this magical time.

Follow these eight steps this festive season to set your art business up for success:

Step.1 Set a goal

Here’s a smart beginning: Imagine where you’d love to see your art. Then, think about what big brands did during the previous holiday season. Did they use traditional patterns that feel like the festival’s spirit? Or did they create captivating winter scenes? Perhaps they offered designs that work year-round?

By knowing what are your goals and what you want for your business will make it easier to weave those ideas into your art, you’re on the path to success. This way, your creations will connect and resonate with your audience, making your small art business stand out during this special time.

Step. 2 Create a plan accordingly 

Planning is the key to success, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Imagine planning a trip – you need a destination to aim for. Similarly, when gearing up for the festive season, take a moment to create a clear plan.

With the holiday timeline in mind, set aside some time to brainstorm and strategize how you want your holiday sales season to unfold. Here are some questions to help guide you:

– What kinds of festive designs do you want to offer?

– Will you create whole collections or individual, one-of-a-kind designs?

– Are there specific color combinations you’d like to use?

– What themes or motifs do you want to weave into your creations?

Getting crystal clear on the look and feel of your festive offerings allows you to craft a plan for not only creating these pieces but also marketing them effectively. It’s like drawing a map to success for your small art business during the festive season.

Step. 3 Remember, not all customers are the same. 

To succeed, you need to pinpoint your target customer. This might sound like a marketing jargon, but it’s incredibly important. When you understand who your ideal client is – the one most likely to fall in love with your art – you’ll start to see how to promote your pieces effectively and make a profit.

Ask yourself these questions to define your buyers and how to win them over:

– What income levels can afford your art?

– Where do these clients typically shop for art?

Be thorough! Your entire festive marketing strategy hinges on these answers, from how you reach buyers to the tone of voice you use to communicate.

There are various ways to market your art, like email newsletters, art fairs, social media, galleries, or blogging. However, not all of them might be where your customers are looking. Based on your ideal buyer’s profile, pick a marketing strategy that suits your art business and list these channels in your business plan. This will guide your efforts in the right direction.

Step 4. Know how to manage your inventory 

Now, let’s talk about how to manage both your old and new creations. It’s like organizing your closet with your favorite clothes.

First, take a look at the art pieces you already have. Are there some that have been waiting for their time to shine? It’s time to give them a moment in the spotlight. You can do this by offering discounts, showcasing them as timeless classics, or giving them a fresh twist by offering deals.

Then, focus on your new creations. These are like new additions to your wardrobe. Consider what’s trending and what your customers are looking for this festive season. Create art that aligns with your customers’ desires and the holiday spirit.

By balancing your old and new inventory, you’ll keep your customers engaged and find the right mix to boost your small art business during the holiday season. It’s all about creating a delightful art collection that everyone will love. If you need help with managing your inventories and are looking for a system that knows exactly how to manage your sales, buy the ATH inventory management sheet that’s specifically designed for artists like you.

Step. 5. Capture your art with care

You should know how to take good pictures of your art. This is like getting the perfect angle for your favorite photo.

First, gather your art pieces. Find a well-lit space, near a window, to ensure your art looks likable in the photos. Natural light is your best friend. Avoid harsh shadows and use a simple background to make your art pop.

Position your art steadily, ensuring it’s centered and the angles are just right. Use a good-quality camera or smartphone to capture your creations. Make sure your camera is steady or use a tripod for clear shots. Snap multiple photos from different angles to show off the details. Review your pictures and choose the best ones.

By photographing your art thoughtfully, you’ll showcase your work in the best possible light, attracting potential customers during the festive season. It’s like presenting your art for everyone to see and admire.

Step. 6 Offer a mix of budget-friendly and premium artwork

Here comes a clever strategy: Ensure your art caters to a variety of budgets. It’s like offering different options on a menu to please every palate.

Not all art lovers have the same budget, so it’s smart to have a mix of affordable and premium pieces in your collection. This way, you make art accessible to a broader audience. Some might be looking for a special, budget-friendly gift, while others are ready to invest in a higher-priced masterpiece.

By offering a range of price points, you open the door to more customers and increase your chances of sales during the festive season. It’s about making sure everyone can find something they love within their budget, spreading the joy of art far and wide.

Step. 7 Dedicate all your time on working 

Having a plan is great, but without putting in the effort, it’s just words on paper. The key to success is dedicating time to sit down and craft your art.

Creating your designs well in advance is a crucial step. This gives you the room to brainstorm, allowing your creative ideas to bloom without the pressure of a looming deadline. It’s like planting the seeds of your imagination and watching them grow into beautiful creations.

Moreover, this extra time lets you refine your designs, fine-tune your collection, and bring your festive vision to life. So, be sure to prioritize this creative time, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the process and bring your holiday collection to life. It’s your chance to make your art truly shine during the festive season.

Step 8. Create a winning marketing plan

Now, it’s time to spread the word about your art and make your creations shine like the stars they are. Here’s how to create a marketing strategy that ensures your work gets the attention it deserves.

Start with the power of visual storytelling. Platforms like Instagram Live are fantastic for connecting with your audience. Share the story behind your designs, discuss the inspiration, and talk about the color palettes and scales they come in. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags, including those tied to your designs and the print-on-demand platform you’ve loaded them onto.

Explore new horizons. Think beyond your current platforms. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest can introduce your art to new audiences. Diversify your online presence and seize the opportunity to connect with potential customers in different places.

Leverage the tools at your disposal. Maximize the use of tags on your print-on-demand sites. Make sure your designs are discoverable by utilizing all the relevant tags and categorizing your work meticulously. This way, customers can easily find what they’re searching for.

Collaborate for greater reach. Network with fellow creatives and artists who align with your brand and designs. Collaborations can open doors to new audiences and fresh opportunities. Joint promotions and partnerships can expand your reach and introduce your work to a broader audience.

Engage and delight your customers. Create a buzz by organizing fun holiday giveaways, engaging email campaigns showcasing your holiday collection, and using your own designs to craft exciting holiday projects. It’s a great way to demonstrate the potential of your art and connect with your audience on a personal level.

Visuals matter. Craft unique visuals to showcase your art in captivating ways. Create mockups of your designs on various items, illustrating what makers can create with them. This visual storytelling can inspire potential customers and spark their imagination.

Incorporate these marketing tactics into your strategy, and you’ll be well on your way to making your small art business a festive season success. It’s all about connecting with your audience and showcasing your beautiful creations in the best possible way.

Arts insights on the go

Tune in to the ATH Podcast — our thought leadership audio series for artists, artpreneur and art professionals. You’ll get expert insights, strategies and tactics to help grow your art business.

All the artworks in this article are taken from: https://artstoheartsproject.com/facade-a-virtual-art-exhibit-featuring-international-mixed-media-artists-guest-curated-by-erika-b-hess/