How I Built My Art Business
Hey there, friend. Can I share something with you? A few years ago, I was standing exactly where you might be today—dreaming about what was possible but unsure how to take the next step. I didn’t have a fancy roadmap or any secret formula; all I had was a deep love for creating and a big, audacious hope that my art could be more than just a hobby.
If you’ve ever wondered if you can truly build something meaningful with your art—something that brings joy, connection, and financial freedom—I want to tell you, yes, you absolutely can. And I’d love to share how it all started for me.
Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: the journey of building an art business doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the little moments of courage, the tiny sparks of possibility, and the lessons learned along the way.
Let me take you back to the beginning—where I started with nothing but a paintbrush, a $150 investment, and a dream to make my art matter.
My first sale happened back in 2018. When I was just sharing bits of my art on Instagram with no idea where it might lead. When someone reached out asking about the price of one of my paintings, I blurted out “$50”—and they bought it. I was thrilled! I didn’t even stop to wonder if they might have paid more. That one sale, though? It changed everything. It made me think, If I could sell one painting, why not more?
Here’s the reality: at that time, I was broke. My husband and I were new parents, juggling debt and barely scraping by. I’d gone to school for design (not art) because I thought it was a safer career path, but it never lit me up the way painting did. Life was messy, unpredictable, and far from perfect—but that first little sale sparked a glimmer of hope.
Then came a pivotal moment. While searching for an internship to finish my design degree, I landed one at an architecture firm. During the interview, I mentioned my love for painting, and they encouraged me to participate in a local holiday art market. I’d never shared my work publicly before, and the thought of displaying it made my heart race. But I said yes.
I created six pieces for the market, pouring my heart into each one. But in my excitement, I overlooked something major: I had no way to take credit card payments. While others had sleek setups, I could only accept cash—and I didn’t sell a single piece. Still, I walked away from that experience with something even more valuable than sales: the thrill of putting myself out there and seeing people connect with my work.
That moment lit a fire in me. I took $150, invested in applying for more shows, and bought a pop-up tent. I started painting over old canvases, experimenting with styles, and showing up even when it felt scary. By my third art show, I had learned a few key lessons (like how to take credit card payments on my phone—hallelujah!), and I sold over 10 paintings. More than the sales, I discovered the joy of seeing people connect with my art.
But as much as I loved those moments, I wanted more stability. Art shows were unpredictable, and I was still working full-time at the architecture firm, drained from the long hours and commute. I knew I couldn’t keep going like that.
So, I made a plan. I dove into learning everything I could about selling art online, connecting with collectors, and building a sustainable art practice. I reinvested my profits wisely and committed to mastering new skills. From building a website to improving my photography and growing my presence on Instagram and Pinterest, I dedicated myself to creating a solid foundation for my art business.
I also explored new ways to diversify my income—prints, commissions, licensing—and little by little, things started to shift. I built my business with that initial $150 investment—no loans, no debt—just smart reinvestments and a willingness to keep showing up. Eventually, my art business not only paid off our debt but also surpassed the income I’d been earning at my full-time job.
Looking back, I can see that every small step, every lesson learned, brought me closer to the dream I’m living now. And the best part? This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about what’s possible for you.
Whether you’re just starting or ready to take your art to the next level, I’m here to remind you that your art has value, and there are people out there waiting to connect with it.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help you get there.
Inside The Artist Guild, I’m offering you a chance to learn exactly how you can start profiting from your art—how to discover your unique style, connect more deeply with your creative vision, and begin seeing the dreams you have for your art come to life.
You don’t have to do it all at once, and you certainly don’t need to have it all figured out. It’s about taking small, intentional steps—each one building on the last—to begin seeing real results. Inside the membership I teach actionable strategies to start turning your passion into something that not only fills your heart but also supports you in meaningful ways.
The greatest gift you can give yourself is to start now. No more waiting. No more wondering. Inside, I guide you through the process, one step at a time, showing you how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
