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I am interested in photography and art, would opening an online shop be the best option for income?

I am very passionate about photography and the fine arts, right now I do commissions through social media, would opening an online shop be better or like a patreon? would it be better for my followers and people who want to purchase my drawings?
#art #photography #OnlineStore #career

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David’s Answer

Hello Berneisa,
I always urge young artists to get a college education so you can support yourself as you grow your art/photography business.
Social media can be helpfull to get you started, but I believe you will need a website to establish yourself as a professional artist. Directing future clients to a website, with only your best work, will show people you are a serious artist committed to client satisfaction.
I would suggest searching the web for photographers and artists that produce the kind of work you are creating and check out their websites. This will allow you to see what your competition are creating and how they showcase their work.
Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much!! i will do my best:D berneisa
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Priyadarshini’s Answer

Hey Berneisa, I really appreciate and I'm amazed as well that you have chosen a field that you are passionate about. When you do something with passion, put your heart and soul into it, have an extraordinary idea, you will ultimately give the best regardless of where your portraying the work through (Online or Offline). I would suggest you to first plan out strategically before you start. For example, have your own blog or website created, indulge into marketing , showcase your best work in Instagram, Get the help of your friends and family to share your work, of course asking for help is never gonna let oneself down, it only builds strong relationship and that is what they are for. I really wish you the best for your future endeavours :)
Thank you comment icon OMG thank you so much that means a lot!!! i will work my hardest thank you! and i will look into making an website or something of that area. once again thank you:) berneisa
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James’s Answer

That's great you are already working through commissions and building a good reputation through social media sites, that field is definitely one of the most competitive to get into and make a successful career out of.
To answer your question about opening a online shop versus something like Patreon it really comes down to what you are willing to compromise on for either of those choices. With running your own site you do have more control on site management and get more back from purchases but it is typically harder to continue building and maintaining that following when compared to a established online platform like Patreon or even DeviantArt. You also have to consider site upkeep and maintenance costs that isn't a concern when going with one of the membership platforms.
On the other side if you went with something like any of the art sharing platforms you will have to deal with membership costs and may still have to factor in the cost per transaction they would take out for every sale. Even with those con's you do get the advantage of not having to deal with site administration and upkeep. You would potentially get great exposure to a wider audience and they would trust buying from you from those established platforms versus from a site they may not have heard or seen from before.
Personally if I would lean to going with a established platform for a online shop geared towards what you are interested in providing. At least until you are more confident and comfortable in providing what it would take to setup and maintain a online shop. Once you are ready to make that transition then you can leverage any of your established social presence in advertising your online shop for new clients/customers to go through.
Thank you comment icon thank you very much for taking the time to really analyze the pros and cons in everything!!! it is much appreciated:D berneisa
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Jami’s Answer

I think there are multiple ways to be an entrepreneur, marketing on social media is one way but if you feel like you need a more professional format you could look into creating a website for your art. That is a really neat way to showcase your art and possibly get more business.
Thank you comment icon thank you so much i really appreciate it!!! :D berneisa
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