Social Media To Show And Sell Art - Tips For Artists 

WAIT. Post for the enjoyment of the creative process instead of the expectation of income? WHAT BLASPHEME IS THIS? ;)

What you're saying is be authentic. 100%. Or as Klee so often says, "You do you, Boo. You do you." (I love that phrase.) If people feel a connection with you, or with your art, then they will buy. It's as simple as that. You can't fake a story to force a connection. The human connection only happens when we are brave and authentic. I'm a fair bit desperate to make money, as are we all, since we all need money for shelter and food. I especially feel the pressure because I'm supported by family, since my illness prevents me from managing on my own. This is something I could hide. In fact, many people have given advice that says things like, "Don't talk about your problems. Don't talk about your illness. Be upbeat and positive." The problem is, I'm not ALWAYS upbeat and positive. Sometimes I have DAYS. Today was a good example - I'm prepping for a show. From bed. It is what it is. I started my website originally to let people see the darker side of Fibromyalgia and other invisible illnesses. There are plenty of inspirational sites out there. We didn't need another. I got plenty of advice to stop. Complaints that I didn't post enough, or do this or that enough. Then I started doing artwork, and people kept telling me to separate business from my illness. That would not be authentic, though. I'm being 100% me. I talk about pain when I need to, I uplift others when I can, my art is my salvation - it keeps me alive and wanting to get out of bed every morning. Over time, I've drawn my own audience. It's taken time, and it's slow, but I LOVE my people. They get me, and I get them, and whenever one of my pieces find a home, I know it's because someone loves my work. In fact, they love ME, because in order to understand my work, you have to know me.

I like your honesty and work ethic. You and Klee are the real deal :)

I love the "throwing a penny into outer space" comment. You two are so fun to watch.

You two kids are by far my favorite MUST watch on RU-vid and Social Media. Thanks again for sharing your Inter-webs knowledge :)

I just discovered youz guyz! I am loving your videos. You guys are beautiful human beings!

I love Etsy because through the stupid new free shipping policies I found you two. You’re the most interesting, lovable people on RU-vid. I enjoy watching you and I know I’m learning a lot even though I’m not watching for knowledge, I’m watching because you’re adorable!!!

🤣It's brilliant!! 🤣 "When we were starting, I just feel like I am in the Internet Sibiria" 😂 That moment when you are a starting artist from Sibiria (Tomsk - town, you could google it) with 120 followers on the Instagram and watching this video 🤣. Love it :))) This hugs for you, my Sibirian friend 🤗😂

I love you guys! I am a fiber artist and have found that simply by sharing my works on social media while they are in progress generates interest. Not only for that particular piece, but people begin asking if I can do "this" or "that" for them. The snowball keeps rolling and I typically have more work than I can handle. Thanks for being out here Rafi & Klee

Pinky and the Brain! What a flashback! You guys are the best because you're so real and genuine and authentic. We love you, never stop doing what you do. 😀

Thanks for all the helpful tips and constructive perspective. I love the complimentary personalities you guys have. And Klee’s sarcasm and take on things cracks me up. Thanks for what you guys do. It helps me feel less alone out in this big scary world. 🥰🙏😁

I love your video and how you honestly explain things. The one thing is that I’ve been having a hard time finding a video on how to actually sell your art. Not the marketing necessarily, but how to physically sell it. Like tips on packaging for shipping, Where you sell it, how you get paid, and how you decide how much you get paid. I would love if you showed us how you go about this so I can get a general idea.

I've never been comfortable with the "sale-sy" marketing. I realize it works for certain products, but it just never sat well with me. I've been slowly morphing my IG account to be more about the things I enjoy and am inspired by, and less about getting exposure for what I sell. Relieved to hear I'm not weird for feeling this way. 🙂

Yes Rafi. I agree whole heartedly. When we create, what we are feeling at that moment, or the emotional connection to the work, seeps in, like it or not. So if we are predominately worried about money or are making the work just for money, that will seep through. And then the work will reek of either cynicism or desperation. Artists embody the dichotomy you talk about: you love the work, that's why you do it, even the hard parts, but on the business side you have a business to run. You have to let your work go, and be tough to ask what its worth. (or get someone/gallery to do this for you).

You are so right. I never really see your art on RU-vid! I love your art message!

Aaw, "YT is like facetiming with someone who loves you." We love you two cwazy kids!

I just wanted to say what a breath of fresh air it was to hear someone address a difficult issue with freshness and a down to earth approach. After my heart attack and the inability to work it has been difficult but I think this approach will help to calm the nerves and just flow with what happens. Thanks so much!

"I want to, I want to, I want to..." I imagine clicking my heels 3x and being at home with myself; sharing my artist story with others. Thank you for such wonderful encouragement in the social media abyss re: one's art. I'm looking forward to your upcoming book, Rafi.

OMG. I just started watching you a few days ago and you and your channel quickly became a part of my daily routine!!! Honestly, listening to you with my coffee in the morning, is priceless and my days start better. I love you so much, such gold advices and your personalities are so so lovable!!! Thank you! 💕✨

A year later from when I first watched this... and a 2nd watch reinforces your advice. Thanks man for being genuine.

"Get Rid of the desperation." Awesome! Best remark, idea that you have shared. Do you have any recomendations for me and others like me. Who do not want to go full time into the art career. I like doing my job. I also HAVE to do art. If I do not do something everyday I feel it. I would like to show and maybe sell some stuff. Selling would be great because then I do not have to store those works, or loose a ton of money giving it away. I am looking for suggestions on how to slowly get into the art world. Most of the books and other guides just say to go for it. All in. Some of the markets that you have suggested are going all in. The Farmers Market and Flee Markets are places you have to show up every time it is open. I guess I want to be the person who dips my feet in the pool and not cannon ball in. :D Any help or ideas would be nice.

Being creative is the equivalent of being able to breathe for me. If no social media existed, I'd still be creating. If my creativity stopped, no amount of social media would save me. Thank you for what you do and share. The pinky and the brain, the pinky and the brain...one is a genius, the other insane. Who's who here Rafi and Klee? ;p Love you both ♡♡♡ :)

Always great information. I have been preparing to become a fulltime artist in 2020. I'm closing my successful construction company following my destiny. I have listened to countless videos of you two. And I very much appreciate it. Cheers!

Oh my God I love your intro are used to watch Pinky and the brain with my children back in the 80s !!!!😆💖

OMG Klee... you are flipping awesome!!! hahhaha loving these tips. I've been binge watching this am..... thaaaaaaank youuuuuuuu!!!

funny, the commercial that played after I watched this was a freemaster class describing how to sell you art online and skip public events and have 10s of thousands of loyal customers, many of who are repeat customers and an inbox full of orders EVERYDAY!

Thank You! You always make me laugh, and of course you are right. You guys are so great! Klee you are so much fun! Yes, I get it, yeah, I think just keep your head in the game, and allow yourself enough time, have fun, make art, share it. Keep at it. Thanks again!

You two are nuts. In a good way. "Taking over the world..." Also great information.

Loved this video. Whenever I'm feeling down or about to give up, your videos always make me feel better. Thank you so much

Such good advice Rafi😀 I like what you said about giving people the opportunity to go and purchase your art. The word opportunity really struck me. Like it’s something FOR them. Somehow that makes a difference for me, it makes me feel happy and peaceful, so thanks!

Really... I love you guys, the inspiration you guys provide me with to just get off my butt and get work done has been such a blessing.

I just rewatched this. I got it👍🏻❤️ my main focus is getting out there in person.

You people are Awesome! Thank You!

Awesome actionable tips. You changed my mind on a few social media tactics. Thanks! 👍🏿😎

8:17 I would say Instagram is heavier with the tags than twitter. On twitter, due to readability and character limits you typically only want 1-2 tags, maybe 3 max, but Instagram after the caption you put as many relevant tags as possible. Tumblr is like that too but for tumblr the first 5 tags are the only ones that show up in search, so you need the first 5 to be relevant and the others to be more categorized so people can search on the blog itself for what they’re looking for. With IG I try to keep the tags a lot lower cuz I cross post to twitter and it’s also better to have maybe 10 really specific and most relevant tags than it is to have 30 tags that are only semi relevant.

I like the play by play subtitles at the end, that kinda helps!

I'm always sharen' my stuff on my page. Rotating my Art on my cover pic all the time. Great video, you two are funny, love your video's. Have a good one

Hi Rafi! Wanted to say a big thank you for your videos! Gave me the motivation to finally start doing art shows this year, and even make my own youtube art channel of my time-lapse paintings! I just linked to your video about diy art panels on my most recent upload showing my own panels I made for my booth, thanks to your video. Thanks again for all your valuable information you share; it is much appreciated! Let me know if it's ok that I added your video link in my description. If not I can delete!

This was awesome advice Rafi & Klee. Thank you. I know this is off point, but I think your studio space is awesome. It looks alive with creative dust. ♡

Thank you for this video- I have always been loathe to engage in self-promotion for a variety of reasons, but after listening to this, I will commit to posting daily on my instagram!

This was very helpful!!! Thank you!

Awesome video! A side note to your intro: a buddy of mine that works for Warner Bros is working on Animaniacs! It’s coming back and most of the voice actors are on board!

Great video Little clarification... Anybody, paid or unpaid, who can make sure that their users stay longer on the platform will get organic reach and will not get suppressed... They will most definitely not suppress or downgrade particular posts of 'organic profiles' because they want to make place for adds at that particular moment... If some of your posts perform less then others it's because they are simply not as engaging and interesting as your better posts... it's still a social platform and people might not like the same things you as an artist like...

I DO feel like you’re FaceTiming with me! We need to be in it for the long haul, not a fast buck. No haters! It IS scary. Amen! Create because we NEED to! Duh! Lololol Klee.

I'll use this early opportunity to tell you two how much I love your videos! They are very VERY helpful! I enjoy your videos and am always happy to watch more!

My hobby is card making and I sell strictly by word of mouth, however marketing is a huge black hole for most people. But I agree with you, people buy your story n the art is just a snip it of that story. Keeping a day job or multiple jobs is almost a must in today's economy.

This is great way to look at the whole Social Media spectrum - makes sense! Thank you.

I love this video! I make art because I love creating, I think that's why I straights to take it any further because the business/Selling side of it puts me off.

Thank you for your honesty and advice!!! Entering this realm of bringing my creativity to the world is scary. Love to you both❣️

Super great advice.

It's so true, love your advice.

Your video resonated with me because I spent parts of today wondering why I continue to make and post the videos I make since mostly no one watches them. They are all about a computer game that is now over 10 years old and was out of date before I ever thought of making the videos. Sometimes I think of quitting but I just don't seem to be able to do that yet. The channel won't ever be monetised so the money doesn't come into it either. I just seem to like doing it. So I suppose I'll just continue with it for a bit longer. My long term goal is to start a completely new channel and tell my own story and show my art. I am making progress with that. Im definitely spending more time on the art and less on the game as my health issues are coming under control. I will look forward to your next video.

I enjoyed watching your video, I am not currently trying to sell online having retired from a digital art position and going back to traditional art, it has been hard but rewarding maybe when I get enough to sell I will but until then I’ll be posting for fun and sharing my journey. Thank you for sharing your outlook and giving us good content to watch!

Thanks so much for all of your honest advice and perspective ...I’ve been an artist most of my life, and compromised( happily) for many years , by painting my designs on clothing ( in the late 80’s and 90’s).. I had discovered a way to continue painting , but on items that were easier to sell . I am , now , for the first time in my life , in a place where I can paint for the love and excitement of it .. I can totally appreciate the struggle and the balancing act that it takes, to do something we love , and pay our bills.. we had a small store , and still had to do about 40 art/ craft shows a year.. it was the hardest thing to keep doing , but it allowed us to keep our store going .... you guys are wonderful to learn from , and be inspired by.. thanks so much for all your heartfelt efforts .. best of luck to you both!! Sincerely Norakag ( my nick on Instagram ) Be well..

Great video y’all 😂 hilarious and educational as always!

Nicely done. Thanks for continuing to share.

Good luck with finishing the book.

Great information about using social media! Thanks for sharing!

I really struggle with taking and posting phots of my work. Of course part of my issue if the literal pain that doing that causes.

Love your videos. You and Klee do a great job of conveying 'good energy'. That is what keeps me motivated in returning to your videos. Thank you!

Love your attitude to social media. It is definitely about connecting with people first and foremost. Thanks for that reminder. 😊

I love the pair of you and really enjoy watching your vidz 💕💕😂

Pinterest strikes me as a collage or dream/vision board. The kind of thing that hangs on your wall and say this is where I am and eventually want to be.

Love you guys! Excited to see that sub count going up, you guys deserve it!!

You're awesome, Rafi, but for me, I'm just now getting my art career started at 46 years old, and I would not even be developing all this social media if it was not so I could sell my art. I have never liked all this, but if I want to get my art out there, then I'm going to have to post on platforms I would otherwise ignore for the very reason of selling my art. Sharing myself with the world is just not something I am otherwise inclined to do. However, I will never be fake or push something with advertising lingo. (I trained in advertising, by the way.) Being genuine is what I do, and people will know that I am selling my art, but I will never be able to find the will to post because I want to. I hardly care to share my life with the people I care about. So to me, all this social media stuff is both a chore and a necessity. I cannot afford to take the stand of posting because I want to, because if that were the case, I would go back to posting a few times a year, and that is just not an option if I want to sell art online. The Rogue Artist's Survival Guide sounds great.

Right on Rafi!!! Love this your words of wisdom, very inspiring and so helpful. Thank you!!

Rafi ! Shhhh ...You're giving away all the secrets !! :)

Thank you for this. Love your honesty and integrity.

This is why I love you guys💖

You & Klee rock! These to social media videos are great. So down-to-earth and true and I really appreciate all that you share. Thank you!

I tend to post sporadically according to mood and have found followers, especially on my IG page, don't like being "sold" to. You gotta give Pinterest a little credit, it's been great for traffic to my Etsy store. Thanks Guys, great advice as always. Looking forward to the book/s ;)

I’m so excited for the book(s)!!!

My man!!!

13:05 making tons of money with your art just means you’ll be able to make more art in the future. The whole reason things like Patreon exist is so that people can give a little bit of money here and there to creators they love so that they can ensure they’ll keep creating the things they love. Making money from your art means you can not only support yourself but you can keep going as an artist a lot easier cuz you have money to buy the things you need for your art.

Great information! Thanks for the helpful tips.

Great video Rafi! Genuine, sincere, comprehensive, thank you. New subbie.

You guys are so much fun to watch 😅

I've learned so much from you, thankyou so very much! I appreciate the work you put into these videos. Your honesty is refreshing😁

Amen brother!👊 Forget about the $ it's all about the QUALITY not the quantity... and oh yeah, the story... Who doesn't want to know the genesis of an idea and how it really came to be? I love getting in the head of those I admire and perhaps can learn from.

I am curious about gallery networks like Deviant art and what you guys think?

Absolutely correct!

Hey Rafi....i'm in Canada. Do you hold your Q&A segments at the same time? How often? What time? I don't see your videos live... would like to interact :)

Loved the intro to this! I love Pinky and the Brain. I think the story on my website about how my creative "business" started and was named is pretty good. It started when I was a teenager. For my new line I am trying to get going it is because I love the water and fish. I say trying because I am currently dealing with a pretty severe depression. I wouldn't even be trying this at all but for the fact I love it so much. I would be feeling so much more joy from this if I can just get my head right again. I spent so much time in the water my whole life and found peace there. Sometimes I used to pretend I was a mermaid. :p I loved being underwater and just looking around for as long as I could hold my breath anyway. Thanks as always for sharing your awesome thoughts in a video. - Heidi

Awesome! Thanks for the advice!😀🤘

I have a stockpile of photos 30 days worth of content for my social media, so I can have consistency, and also focus on my larger pieces.

Consistency is my nemesis, lol I live with fibromyalgia, so it can be difficult to schedule my time, as I never quite know when I'll suddenly have a day (or several) where everything is thrown off because of health issues. It has also been holding me back from sharing my story / my life, since some days are just like "yay me, got my son off to school! Now I'll go sleep until he returns home! Cya! Zzzz" 😉 So figuring out what to share (I do have a lot to share...sometimes at least) can be hard, I think. Since "a picture of my day" is not always share-able / interesting... But I will think on what you said about finding my reason for sharing. Not to sell, not to share pain-points of my life in ways I'm not comfortable with... but finding something that I actually WANT to share, that lights me up to share... I have to think about that. I think some part of my brain is trying to get my attention. I will try to listen. Thanks for your videos. I'm binging them at the moment. ❤ You guys make me calm down and remember that I'm good at finding solutions. 😊 Thanks for all that you share. You are very inspiring! Lots of love to you both.

Love your videos, as far as posting to multiple platforms, I use IFTTT to automatically update Pinterest and Tumblr from my Instagram. It isn't quite as effective for twitter as that requires engagement. But Pinterest and Tumblr keeps the content spread out in case that is where folks look at your work too. Lots of good functionality in IFTTT and it is pretty easy to use.

INSTANT CREDIT for Pinky and the Brain. INSTANT.

Keep it coming.

Tomorrow is my very first EVER vender fair.. omg, I wanna crawl in a whole and not come out! Every time I sell something I feel the need to give them (customer) some stuff for free because I just know that my products aren’t as good. Then it surprises the shit outta me when customers get on social media talking about how much they love their EO perfume I blended for them and that they would purchased from me again .. Or they love the body butter and soap they purchased. Ugghhh IDK. How come I can’t say the things customers say about me , to myself! Lol I really wish I enjoyed ppl and were interested in socializing. I always laugh at ppl who are standing in a crowd blabbing about how they are so “antisocial..” Really 🤣👍 Anyways, I wandered of subject... I actually do great at selling myself on social media. It’s comfortable “socializing.” If all goes well I get to ship products and never actually meet ppl.👍You guys are awesome 👍

Pinky: Egad Brain! I wish I was as smart as you. Brain: I wish you were as smart as a tree stump, Pinky. Hola! I have just set up my website, and am looking to market on social media now. Thank you SO MUCH for your advice, which anyone with half a brain (a Pinky brain??) would be well advised to listen to in my opinion - love you guys! 🙂

The entire reason I returned to the canvas was to get off the digits and pixels. I don't do social media around my art. I'm only interested in in-person viewing and interest. Website. Email. Cell number. That's as tech as I care to go.

Hi guys!! Can you guys PLEASE make a video about search words and tags?? And how to come up with ones that target your audience? I know it’s not your favorite content but I’d love to hear your strategy 🤗🙏🙏🙏

10:00 a lot of artists including myself have noticed with things like ads on Instagram that our non paid posts get more engagement than the ads we paid for. It’s really weird tbh

Klee: your reply and my instant thought reply were the exact same! DUH

What are your thoughts on scheduled posts? To bang out a months worth and schedule them so you don't have to stop and do it every day.

Oh yeah, that’s so me on Instagram - post, post, post, then ‘peace!’

Speaking of telling you story...tell us your story, i.e how did you and Klee meet and form such a seemingly successful partnership?

Thank you

Nice Binky and the Brain intro 😍 Ok..... so less is more then on social media...... I didn’t know that posts get suppressed, yeah I must say as an artist I don’t like that nudity thing....... my first and last life drawing experience at school made me almost faint from embarrassment 🤣 I find scheduling tweets on Twitter helps me and looking for the best times of day that my followers are active I’m told works best. But I just schedule, with biz hashtags. Instagram........ I like posting my Redbubble photos on one account. My sketches, doodles, stuff on my 2nd insta account in order to give a more clearer concise feed. *i try to be professional* but it’s so difficult cos I’m a messy artist. Yes!!! Totally agree Rafi and Klee, that you must engage with your followers if and when they respond. Facebook................. meh 🥴 I don’t do Facebook LinkedIn ugh 😑 it’s sooo boring for me 😂😂 Super video Rafi and Klee 👍😊