Boost your enjoyment and success by learning what makes artists thrive.
Art careers flourish for many reasons, but successful artists tend to share common traits and habits that fuel their growth. While challenges exist, those who succeed don’t let obstacles define their paths—they take control, adapt, and thrive.
Suppose you want to build a sustainable and rewarding art career. In that case, these five success factors will guide you toward long-term growth and fulfillment.
1. They Choose Success
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s an intentional choice.
As the late Stephen Covey said, “You are the product of your own decisions.” Successful artists consciously pursue their art seriously, regardless of setbacks, criticism, or uncertainty. They actively shape their careers rather than letting them happen by chance.
What Choosing Success Looks Like:
- A Clear Vision: Successful artists define their version of success, whether selling originals, licensing art, teaching, or mixing all three.
- A Commitment to Growth: They invest in learning and developing their artistic skills, business acumen, and marketing strategies.
- A Resilient Mindset: Instead of seeing failure as a stop sign, they view it as a learning experience.
Choosing success means understanding that every artist faces challenges. Still, those who persist and stay adaptable will ultimately achieve their goals.
Actionable Steps:
- Write down what success looks like for you in specific terms (income goals, gallery representation, online sales).
- Identify three things you can do today to move closer to that vision.
- Embrace a growth mindset and see failures as opportunities for improvement. Imagine the success that comes from being honest with yourself. Use the mantra “Acknowledge, Accept, Achieve, Accomplish,” and hold yourself accountable on your journey. Finding a partner works, too.
2. They Pick Themselves
Waiting for permission is the fastest way to stall your career.
Marketing expert Seth Godin puts it perfectly: “Reject the tyranny of being picked: pick yourself.” Too many artists wait for a gallery, influencer, or critic to validate them. The ones who succeed take control of their paths instead of waiting to be “discovered,” experiencing the freedom and inspiration that comes from picking oneself.
How Successful Artists Pick Themselves:
- They Build Their Audience: They do not rely solely on galleries, but they create demand through websites, social media, and direct relationships with collectors.
- They Experiment and Take Risks: They don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity; they create their own—whether it’s an online shop, pop-up show, or independent collaboration.
- They Control Their Brand Narrative: Instead of letting others define their worth, they take ownership of their story, message, and pricing.
Many artists fear that self-promotion comes across as desperate or unprofessional. The most successful artists confidently present their work, making it easy for people to engage, appreciate, and buy.
Actionable Steps:
- If you don’t already have a website or an online store, start setting one up today.
- Use social media to post art content, connect with potential buyers, and share your artistic journey.
- Define your story—what makes your work unique? How can you compellingly tell that story?
3. They Master the Art of Marketing
Great art won’t sell itself.
Marketing isn’t a distraction from art—it’s how artists get their work seen, appreciated, and sold. The difference between artists who struggle and those who thrive often comes down to how well they market themselves.
What Successful Art Marketing Looks Like:
- Understanding Your Audience: Successful artists know who buys their work and why. They don’t market mindlessly; they target the right collectors, interior designers, or businesses that align with their style.
- Consistent and Strategic Promotion: They regularly update their audience with new work, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal stories that make their art relatable.
- Multi-Channel Presence: To maximize exposure, they use multiple platforms, such as social media, email newsletters, art fairs, galleries, and online marketplaces.
Marketing isn’t about being pushy—it’s about sharing your passion in a way that attracts the right buyers.
Actionable Steps:
- Identify your ideal collector—where do they spend time online? What types of art do they buy?
- Develop a marketing plan that includes online and offline strategies (social media, email, in-person events).
- Set a goal to engage with your audience at least 3 to 4 times weekly through posts, emails, or live events.
4. They Know How to Sell
Sales aren’t a necessary evil—they’re the lifeblood of a successful art career.
Mark Cuban once said, “No sales, no company.” The same applies to artists: No sales, no career. Many artists struggle with selling because they view it as uncomfortable or intimidating. But selling art isn’t about pressure—it’s about building relationships and helping the right buyers find pieces they love.
How Successful Artists Approach Sales:
- Confidence in Their Value: They believe in their work and communicate its worth clearly to potential buyers.
- Strong Relationships with Collectors: They engage with their audience and build trust, leading to repeat sales and referrals.
- A Seamless Buying Experience: They make purchasing their art easy by offering flexible payment options, transparent pricing, and a professional buying process.
Selling doesn’t mean convincing someone to buy—it means guiding the right buyer to the perfect piece for them.
Actionable Steps:
- Practice talking confidently about your work—what inspired it, what makes it unique, and why it’s valuable.
- Follow up with potential buyers who show interest in your work—many sales happen in follow-ups.
- Streamline your online checkout process and offer different price points (prints, originals, commissions) to facilitate purchasing.
5. They Create Work People Want to Buy
Success in art requires both creative fulfillment and market awareness.
Some artists resist creating art that sells, fearing they’ll “sell out.” However, successful artists find a way to make work that aligns with their passion while resonating with collectors, leading to fulfillment and contentment.
How Successful Artists Create Sellable Work:
- They Develop a Recognizable Style: While experimentation is essential, having a distinct artistic identity helps collectors identify and connect with their work.
- They Listen to Their Audience: They pay attention to what resonates with collectors while staying true to their artistic vision.
- They Find the Sweet Spot: The best artists balance personal expression with market appeal. They create what they love and consider how their work fits into the broader art market.
Actionable Steps:
- Ask yourself: Does my work have a clear, recognizable style? If not, how can I refine it?
- Engage with your audience—ask what pieces they love most and why.
- Experiment with different formats (prints, limited editions, commissions) to expand your market.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Success
Success in art isn’t about luck—it’s about making intentional choices, taking action, and staying committed to your vision.
Five Key Takeaways:
- Choose Success—Take ownership of your career and cultivate a success-oriented mindset.
- Pick Yourself—Don’t wait for permission; create your own opportunities.
- Master Marketing—The right audience must see your work to buy it.
- Embrace Sales—Selling isn’t about pressure—it’s about connection.
- Create Sellable Work—Align your passion with market demand for sustainable success.
Every artist’s journey is unique, but those who succeed do so because they take control of their careers. The question is: What will you do today to move forward?
art business, art career, art career advice
