How to Use Pinterest To Make More Art Sales

As artists, we’re always on the hunt for that next spark of inspiration, and let’s be real, we’re also hoping to find people who truly connect with and want to buy! our work. But honestly? Balancing creativity and making a living from your art can feel like two totally different worlds.

One day you’re in the flow, painting, sketching, or sculpting away, and the next, you’re scratching your head, wondering, “How do I actually get my art in front of people who care?” It’s a challenge we all face at some point, and if you’ve ever felt a bit lost between making and marketing, trust me, you’re not alone.

Here’s the good news: there’s a platform that can help you tackle both sides of the artist’s journey. You’ve probably browsed it before for home decor ideas or recipes, but Pinterest? It’s so much more than a digital mood board. It’s a game-changing tool that can both fuel your creative fire and open doors to a wider audience who might just fall in love with your work.

In this guide, we’re going to explore how you can use Pinterest not just to gather inspiration though that’s a big part of it! but also to build real connections, grow your following, and yes, turn those pins into actual art sales. Think of it as your secret weapon for turning creative passion into something sustainable.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into how Pinterest can become one of your best allies on this wild and wonderful art journey.

Finding Your Creative Spark

Every creative journey begins with inspiration. Whether you’re staring at a blank canvas or feeling stuck in a rut, Pinterest can act as your personal idea bank, always ready to refresh your vision.

When you dive in, you’ll quickly realise that Pinterest is more than just art pins. It’s a treasure trove of ideas, color palettes, design trends, photography, nature, and even architecture. These aren’t just distractions; they can transform your practice when you weave different elements together.

Take Flora Bowley, for example. Her lush, layered abstract paintings are deeply inspired by nature and organic shapes. Flora paintings give you that pinterest vibe. That mix of exploration and intention keeps her work evolving.

So, start by building your own boards, grouping together themes and styles that excite you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your usual niche; sometimes, your next great idea comes from the most unexpected source.

Turning Inspiration into a Visual Identity

As your boards grow, you’ll begin to notice patterns lik things that consistently draw your eye. This is a golden opportunity to refine your artistic identity.

Pinterest helps you see your tastes and influences all in one place, which makes it easier to define your personal style. And guess what? That same clarity is exactly what buyers and collectors are looking for too. They want to feel a connection to your unique voice as an artist.

This is where your Pinterest profile plays a crucial role. Instead of letting it be a random collection of pins, turn your profile into a visual extension of your brand. A clear profile photo, a warm and concise bio, and links to your shop or website make it easy for viewers to understand who you are and how they can connect with your work.

Building Trust Through Storytelling

With your artistic identity clear and your boards taking shape, it’s time to think about sharing your own creations. But here’s where many artists stumble: they post their artwork like it’s a sales flyer and wonder why no one’s biting.

Pinterest thrives on stories, not sales pitches. People come to the platform for inspiration and discovery, so the best way to engage them is by sharing the story behind your art.

Let’s look at Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion as a great example. In the early days of her Pinterest journey, her posts focused mainly on her elegant fashion illustrations, beautiful, polished pieces that really showcased her talent. Over time, though, her Pinterest presence evolved. Along with her finished works, her boards began to include behind-the-scenes glimpses: snapshots of her sketchbooks, her studio space, and even little details from her creative process.

Her style, too, has visibly grown and changed over the years, with her work exploring new textures and materials, which she shares with her followers. Now, her Pinterest feels much more like a full visual story, not just a gallery of artwork, but a mix of process, progress, and personal touches.

When you post your work, take a moment to describe what inspired it, the process behind it, or even where it’s meant to hang. These little details build connection and trust, making viewers feel like they know you, and that’s what turns followers into buyers.

Making Your Work Discoverable

Now that you’re posting regularly and telling engaging stories, how do you make sure your art actually gets seen?

Remember, Pinterest is not just a social media platform, it’s a visual search engine. To get your work in front of the right people, you need to think like a searcher. What would someone type if they were looking for art like yours? This is where thoughtful titles and descriptions come into play.

For each pin, be clear and descriptive. Instead of “Painting #3,” say something like “Original Abstract Ocean-Inspired Acrylic Painting – Shades of Blue and Gold.” This not only helps potential buyers understand what they’re looking at but also ensures your pin appears in relevant search results. Sprinkle in a few simple hashtags to widen your reach, but keep it natural.

By doing this, you’re making your art easier to find, turning passive viewers into active shoppers.

Creating Deeper Connections with Process

Once people start engaging with your art, they’ll naturally want to know more. This is where showing your process becomes powerful.

Pinterest now supports video pins, and these are incredibly popular. Imagine someone stumbling upon a video of you laying down brushstrokes or sculpting a new piece, it’s mesmerising and instantly personal. Even if video feels intimidating, simple process photos, like a shot of your workspace or the tools you use, can pull people into your world.

These glimpses aren’t just about showing off; they invite your audience into your creative journey, making them feel connected to your work on a deeper level. And that connection is what builds long-term fans who keep coming back.

Expanding Your Reach Through Collaboration

At this point, your Pinterest presence is growing. But why stop there? One of Pinterest’s lesser-known gems is its group boards. These allow you to collaborate with other artists or curators, sharing each other’s work with a wider audience.

If you’re part of a creative community, suggest starting a board together, like “Emerging Abstract Artists” or “Modern Watercolor Works.” Or search for existing group boards you can join. Every new set of eyes on your work is a chance to build connections and expand your reach.

This spirit of collaboration mirrors the creative world itself, where mutual support often leads to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.

Taking It to the Next Level

Finally, if you want to amplify your results, Pinterest offers promoted pins. This is completely optional, but even a small budget can give your best posts a significant boost. Start by promoting pins that are already getting good engagement; chances are, they’ll perform even better with a little extra visibility.

Keep an eye on your analytics, too. Pinterest gives you free tools to track what’s working, whether it’s a particular type of artwork, a certain style of pin, or specific hashtags. This feedback is pure gold because it helps you refine your strategy over time, always growing smarter about what resonates with your audience.

Summing Up All Together

Pinterest isn’t just a platform for collecting ideas, it’s a dynamic space where your creativity can thrive, your audience can grow, and your art can find new homes. By weaving together inspiration, storytelling, thoughtful presentation, and a bit of strategy, you can turn Pinterest into a powerful partner in your art journey.

So as you pin that next burst of inspiration, remember: the same platform that sparks your next idea might also introduce your work to its next admirer.

Now, go create, share, and let your art shine. 

Oh, and before you go, if you’re looking for even more artist opportunities and creative resources, be sure to check out the Arts To Hearts Project