What It Feels Like to Sell Art

The Value of Being?Creative?

I sold another painting this week. The original is an 11 x 14-inch watercolor on paper. I outsourced the printing of a large canvas, which you see below.

The value of being creative goes beyond words. I'll explain what creating and selling art is like.

There's something indescribable about making something with our hands. Selling it adds a different dimension. Even the once-great and early bricklayers saw their trade as art.

I can't build anything useful. My wife quickly hires a handyperson to fix things around the house. Being handy with tools isn't one of my gifts. I know my limits and have no issue avoiding electrocuting myself again by playing with power tools and outlets.

Even though I love to paint, I refuse to paint any part of our house. I used to do that stuff when I was young and had no money. Now that I'm old and have some money, hiring a pro to hang a new ceiling fan is cheaper.

How I Sell Images and Paintings

I sell my images and paintings directly using my warm and local network. I'm still early in my journey.

I don't have a website for my art. I've tried several platforms for artists and torn them all down. I'm in research mode again.

I use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for social media. However, I deleted the last two with Twittsuck, so I have small followings. Keeping my social madhouse network to a minimum has been great for my mental health.

I keep LinkedIn for business. But nobody gives a crap about art on LinkedIn. I post it there to face my inner fear of being different. No wonder Henri Matisse said, "Creativity takes courage."

Selling Directly

I sold my recent art by text messaging people in my network. The woman who bought the recent piece has purchased two others. Over time, I see, feel, and trust that by painting for me, I will attract hundreds, if not thousands, of buyers.?

True artists create art for themselves. I write, paint, and create for myself. If and when others like it, that's a bonus.

People ask me to paint things on commission. I've sold a few commission pieces and given more away. But, now I say, "I'm sorry. I don't do commission work. I paint for myself. I write for others. How about I show you my new work, and you tell me what you love enough to buy it?"

That's the line I used to sell the recent piece. My mindset requires losing the need for approval or acceptance. Both will suck the life out of us if we let them. It's the same with being politically correct all the time. People pleasers are known to get cancer and other deadly diseases more than the rest of us.?

That's one reason pleasing others can be hazardous to our health. The other reason is that our souls hate it when we sell out and try to fake being who we are not. The soul and the Creator want us to be authentic.

Patience Is a?Virtue

Patience is a virtue, but not one of mine. Despite this shortcoming, I'm taking my time building my art business.?

I suggest other artists do the same. Create art for yourself. Find yourself. Then, be yourself, put yourself into traffic, and people will be attracted to buy your work.?

You can't become attached to the outcome. Be in love with the process of creating what you love to create. It's your art.

Do what you love! Writing this article, throwing down new paint, and learning to be okay with who I am feels timeless, joyful, and energizing.?

You can feel the same. But becoming the artist you were born to be can be scary. Many of us look in all the wrong places. Search within yourself.?

Be Inspired to Create?Art

Why tell you about my journey as an artist? It's not to brag. It's to inspire others to create art. If for no other reason, do it for yourself.?

Doodle, sketch, journal, write, dance, sing, paint, or do anything that feels playful.

Practicing all forms of art teaches us who we are. What we create is unique in time and space. The feeling of creation is eternal. And that feeling is what we seek. We find it within ourselves if we practice long enough.

No words do the feeling of making and selling art justice. Magical is a word that comes to mind. Maybe even a miracle.

Works of?Art

The feeling of selling a work of art like a painting differs from my sales copy and ghostwriting income. Selling became a byproduct of exploring various mediums and having fun learning.

Writing, consulting companies, and coaching owners and executives are the arts that pay the best. They are my trade. I love my work most days. But it's work.

I paint for fun, a new intellectual challenge, and therapy. I started painting in 2020. I have long-term goals for my art business.?

It’s never too late to start the art we forgot we loved as kids. Start today! If for nothing more, it’s to be playful.

If your art becomes work, that's okay. Just be aware that when we create art for ourselves, it's not about selling it at first. It's about playing, learning, and building—self-discovery.?

The business of selling art might come later, but success requires many skills many artists still need to gain. Trust me, when it comes to making art and meeting other’s expectations, a lot of the fun goes away. That’s why knowing yourself and setting healthy boundaries is important instead of trying to please others.

Helping others get what they want is a great way to live. But the optimal way to work is patiently, steadfastly, and loving your process. Trust the process, and a power greater than all of us will show you the way over time.

If you want to feel complete and utter joy, start practicing any art that calls you. You'll know art is calling you when you feel the feelings you felt as a child at play.

Knowing yourself is the art of life. Being authentic is the way.

In closing, the value of being curious and creative is finding your way. When you find your way, you’ll stop seeking.

You’ll be and know.

Thanks for reading my article, which was originally published on Medium. When not coaching and advising emerging entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors, I help people "Discover the art of life" by writing, speaking, coaching, and advocating for mental wealth and well-being. Check me out on YouTube @ArtfulLivingChannel. Learn more about my consulting at www.CliffordJones.com or subscribe to The Clarity Letter on Substack.