How I Built My Art Business

Tell me—are you like me? Do you love it when people are real and raw, getting straight to the point instead of dancing around it? Same here. I’m all about that no-fluff, straight-to-the-heart kind of conversation.

That’s exactly how I teach, too. I love diving into the nitty-gritty—sharing strategies and insights that artists can apply right away. My goal? To help you get real results as you carve your own path, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your art to the next level.

So, let me take you back to where it all began for me—how I went from a hopeful artist to selling my work around the world, achieving higher profits than I ever imagined. 

Because maybe you're wondering, "What does she actually know? Has she really achieved these results herself, and what’s her story?" I get it. I always do my homework on the people I learn from, so I expect you’re no different. Let me share how it all started for me, so you can see just how far I’ve come—just an ordinary girl with no special opportunities or unique circumstances—to now a thriving professional artist living out my dream.

My first sale happened back in 2018. But before that? I was just sharing bits of my art on Instagram, and I had no clue where it would lead. I had about 300 followers when my husband’s aunt reached out, asking about the price of one of my paintings. I was totally unprepared—I hadn’t even thought about pricing! So, I nervously said, “$50,” and she bought it. I was so elated that it didn’t even cross my mind that she might’ve paid more. The wheels started turning though... If I could sell one painting, why not more?

But here’s the thing—I was broke. Deep in debt. My husband and I were brand-new parents, struggling to make ends meet. I had gone to school for design (not art) out of fear that I couldn’t make a living with my true passion. Oh, the irony!

Soon after, life threw me a little curveball. I was desperately looking for a paid internship at an architecture firm to finish my design degree. Just when I thought time was running out, I landed one. During my interview, I casually mentioned that I was also an artist, and they invited me to participate in a local holiday art market. My heart was racing—I had never shared my art publicly like that before, let alone with my new employer and a whole market of strangers.

I threw myself into creating, painting six pieces to display. But in all my excitement (and nerves!), I forgot a crucial detail—a way to take cc payments. While everyone around me had setups, I had nothing and was hoping for cash-only sales. Still, I was on cloud nine just being there, sharing my art with the world for the first time. I didn’t sell anything, but the joy of that experience lit a fire in me.

From there, I invested $150 in applying for more art shows and bought a pop-up tent. I painted over old canvases, experimented with different styles, and just put myself out there. By the time my third show rolled around, I had learned a few lessons—like how to take credit card payments on my phone (—hallelujah!). And this time, I sold over 10 paintings! It was an incredible feeling to see my work resonate with so many people. More than the sales, though, I walked away with priceless knowledge about what drew people to my work and how it connected with them.

But as much as I loved those moments, I wanted more stability. The art shows were hit or miss, and I was still juggling a full-time job at the architecture firm. I won’t sugarcoat it—the long hours, meetings, and commute were draining me, both physically and mentally. I knew I had to make a change.

So, I got to work. I dove into learning everything I could about selling art online, connecting with collectors, and building a sustainable art practice. I took a portion of my profits from that successful art show and reinvested it wisely.

I also set out to master the essential skills I knew I needed. From building my own artist website to photography (which, trust me, is a game-changer!) and mastering Instagram, Pinterest, and other online platforms, I immersed myself in an array of skills that would elevate my art business.

I learned how to diversify my income through prints, commissions, and licensing. And here’s the best part: I built this thriving art business with just an initial $150 investment. No debt, no loans—just smart reinvestment. In fact, my art business helped pay off my previous debt and allowed me to build higher profits than I ever imagined!

Whether you’re just starting or ready to expand, I’m here to help you create the kind of art career that brings you both joy and success. I built my business while working full-time, and I was able to leave that world behind, surpassing my income through art. 

If I can do it, so can you.

Your art has value, and there are collectors out there waiting for it. In my free Mini Course, I’ll share everything I’ve learned along the way—so you can take that next step with confidence, equipped with the tools to grow your art practice into something sustainable and deeply fulfilling. The question is: are you ready to dive in and start building your dream art career?

This Mini Course is designed to help you build the strong foundation every artist needs to begin the journey of selling their work. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at my membership, The Artist Guild, where I walk alongside artists, guiding them on this inspiring path of creating art that lights them up—and learning how to sell it.

Join my free Mini Course, How to Become a Professional Artist, and discover how your art can truly transform your life.