The plight of struggling artists is, somewhat ironically, often romanticized in various forms of art like movies and TV shows. However, the life of a struggling artist is anything but ideal in real life. For example, there’s nothing fantastical about not being able to pay the bills and constantly worrying about the possibility of being homeless.
Did you know that only 10 percent of art school students end up as working artists? This is according to the Artists Report Back: A National Study on the Lives of Arts Graduates and Working Artists made in 2014. Many artists give up on their dreams and choose to pursue so-called more practical careers. As if that’s not enough, the rise of artificial intelligence seriously threatens the livelihood of those working artists. According to the latest survey, 55 percent of artists think that AI will significantly impact their income.
For these reasons, artists need your help now more than ever. If you’re interested in supporting your favorite artists, here are creative ways to help ensure they continue to produce art that you’ve come to love and admire.
Buy Their Art
One of the best and most direct ways to support artists is by purchasing their work. Whether it’s an intricate painting, a captivating sculpture, or a digital creation, buying art provides both motivation and financial support to artists. If you have the means, seek out galleries or local exhibitions to discover unique pieces that resonate with you and contribute to the artist’s journey.
For most art aficionados, however, buying originals may be too expensive. Fortunately, you can still buy art in the form of graphic design posters. Display cool art prints on your walls to showcase your personality and impeccable taste in art. For something more personalized, you may want to commission an artist for a painting or digital drawing.
Attend and Bring a Friend to Their Exhibitions
Going to art exhibitions is not only an enriching experience for you but also crucial to the success of artists. Your presence boosts morale and helps in creating a vibrant and engaged audience—which further boosts the artist’s morale.
If you want to take your support a step further, why not invite friends to join you? Expand the reach of the artist’s work and foster a sense of community around their creations. As the saying goes, the more, the merrier!
Recommend Their Work
In the world of marketing—and in art—word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Thus, if the opportunity arises, recommend your favorite artists to friends, colleagues, or anyone with an appreciation for creativity. Does someone need a mural for a cafe or bedroom? Show your favorite artist’s portfolio and suggest working with them.
Keep in mind that, for many people, personal recommendations from those they trust—like friends or family members—carry a lot of weight. Simply put, your word can lead to new opportunities for the artists, including potential exhibitions, collaborations, or even sales.
Let Artists Know About Work Opportunities
Many artists face challenges in finding relevant opportunities for their work. If you know about any job postings, exhibition calls, or other artists looking for collaborators, share the details with your artist friends. Your assistance in this regard might open doors for artists to find work, showcase their talents, and further their careers.
Engage with the Artist on Their Social Media
In the modern digital age, social media has become a powerful platform for artists to exhibit and promote their work. To help boost your favorite artists’ visibility online, actively engage with their socials by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. These types of engagement affect social media algorithms, leading to increased exposure on different platforms and potential opportunities. With your interactions, you can also contribute to building a supportive online community for the artist.
Share Their Work on Social Media
You can also extend your support for artists by sharing your favorite pieces on social media. For example, if you have framed artwork at home, take a photo of it and share it on social media. Then, tag the artist to credit them and explain why you find their work inspiring. Even better, include a link to where others can buy their graphic design prints or other pieces.
The ripple effect of shares on various platforms can significantly increase the reach of an artist’s creations and connect them with a broader audience.
Subscribe to Their Newsletter or Video Channel
Stay connected with your favorite artists by subscribing to their newsletters or video-sharing channels. Newsletters offer exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and information about upcoming projects. Many artists also share their creative process on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok, providing a unique insight into their artistic journey.
Consider Collaborating with the Artists
Lastly, you may also be able to show your support to your favorite artists by collaborating with them. Whether you’re a fellow creator or someone with a specific skill set, collaborations can be mutually beneficial. Working on joint projects or content creation ventures not only expands an artist’s reach but also creates unique and captivating works of art.
Do you have a following on YouTube? You can feature their art on a segment for free or simply showcase their art in the background. Another exciting collaboration idea is to interview artists. Talk about their inspirations and perhaps ask them to share life stories. Then, add a link to their illustration art prints and other artworks where the audience can check out and buy their artwork. Indeed, while exposure doesn’t pay the bills, artists still need this mileage to help them reach clients.
As an art enthusiast, your active participation in supporting artists is instrumental in the art community. Choose one or more of these creative ways to show your support and contribute to the flourishing world of art. Remember, the collective efforts of enthusiasts like you play a vital role in fostering a thriving community of artists and appreciators alike.