There is a burgeoning DIY movement in the arts now.

 

It is generally meant to mean that now, many artists are of course, doing it themselves, that is, they are working outside the gallery system, they are bypassing the traditional intermediary in the equation and working directly with the public. That notion pertains to visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and many others in the arts.

 

Take, for instance, selling online. 

 

Post-pandemic, buying is safer and easier online and that will not stop anytime in the near future because it is also very convenient. As a result, selling online is now a powerful and also the dominant way that art is discovered and bought.

 

One example is Ashley Longshore who sells her work through Instagram and her paintings regularly sell for $20,000 and more. 

 

Here is the thing though:

 

People do not click a “buy” button for that amount, they do it over the phone and she invoices them. Her instagram is what builds the buzz, and she also spends lots of time sending out press releases and looking for a way to get more attention. 

 

In 2019, she had a show in a clothing store, but not just any clothing store, it was the Diane Von Furstenburg store in Chelsea, in Manhattan. 

 

After mounting a show in her store, the owner not only appeared on a video of hers, but so did the model Iman, who was gushing about her work. That of course drove more sales, and you can see all of this yourself on Instagram or by doing a search. 

 

That is the kind of out-of-the-box attention Ashley secures and it has taken her very far. 

 

Would you like to explore more examples of how other artists have done it (online and offline), so you can follow their examples or find inspiration to make up your own?

 

My new book Making It in the Art World: 2021 comes out on June 1st.

If you have ever said to yourself, “I wish I could just make art, and not have to worry about the rest” then this is a book that can help you. 

 

If your dreams are large, like getting into the greatest museum or biennial in the world, or modest, like getting a local café, gallery, or collector to take interest in your work, then you will find some guidance in here to make your travels a bit smoother.

 

At the end of reading this book, you will have a map in your hand that outlines a strategy that is entirely your own.

 

If you are an artist and want to let the world know how beautiful your ideas are, then read this book, fill out the work book, and you will be walking or skipping or running down a new path.

 

Don’t miss your chance to get the phenomenal preorder bonuses, like extra chapters and more.