3 answers
Makayla
Student
Katy, Texas
1
Question
Asked
1566 views
How do I start a digital art business and promote my brand where it is known and I could get more customers?
I am an aspiring Digital artist who would like to start her business at 17 years old. I am going to college for a business degree and since I want to learn independence, I want to start my own business for my anime and digital art. Once my business grows I want to start giving my customers options to put their designs on things like stickers, t-shirts and even lanyards. But the main problem I am having is that I am not getting any orders and I don't know where to start. What's even worse is that I am struggling to find a part-time job as well and I need money to buy a new phone(because my LCD is broken) and save up for college. How do I start a business, and promote it to future customers where I can get money and save up for the things I need?
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3 answers
Temitayo Otemoye
Educationist
11
Answers
Owode, OG
Updated
Temitayo’s Answer
Starting a digital art business can be an exciting venture. Here are some steps to help you get started and promote your brand effectively:
1. Define your niche: Determine the specific area of digital art you want to focus on. This could include illustration, graphic design, character design, concept art, or any other specialization that aligns with your skills and interests. Focusing on a niche will help you target your marketing efforts and attract a specific audience.
2. Develop a portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Make sure to include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your range and skills. You can build an online portfolio using platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or even your own website. High-quality visuals and an organized layout are crucial for leaving a positive impression on potential clients.
3. Establish an online presence: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote your artwork and engage with your target audience. Share your artwork regularly, interact with your followers, and participate in relevant communities and conversations. Additionally, consider starting a blog or vlog where you can share your artistic process, tips, and insights.
4. Create a brand identity: Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your style and resonates with your target audience. This includes choosing a memorable logo, defining your brand voice, and maintaining consistency across all your marketing materials. A strong and consistent brand identity will help you stand out in a competitive market.
5. Collaborate and network: Collaborate with other artists, designers, and creative professionals to expand your network and reach. Attend art events, workshops, and conferences to meet like-minded individuals and potential clients. Engaging in collaborations and networking opportunities can help you gain exposure and broaden your client base.
6. Offer freebies and discounts: Consider offering freebies such as wallpapers, icons, or brushes related to your artwork. This can help attract attention and build a following. Additionally, periodically offer discounts or limited-time promotions to incentivize potential customers to try your services.
7. Optimize your website for search engines: If you have a website, optimize it for search engines (SEO) to increase your online visibility. Use relevant keywords, create descriptive meta tags, and ensure your website has a clean structure and fast loading times. This will help potential customers find you when they search for digital artists or services related to your niche.
8. Collaborate with influencers: Reach out to influencers or bloggers in the art and design industry who have a significant following. Offer them free artwork or services in exchange for a review or feature on their platform. Influencer collaborations can help expose your brand to a wider audience and generate more leads.
9. Participate in contests and exhibitions: Enter art contests and submit your work to exhibitions, both online and offline. Winning or being featured in these events can give you valuable exposure and enhance your credibility as an artist.
10. Provide excellent customer service: Deliver high-quality work on time and provide excellent customer service. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your services and leave positive reviews, which can help attract new clients.
Remember that building a successful digital art business takes time and effort. Stay consistent, continuously improve your skills, and adapt to changes in the industry. With dedication and perseverance, you can establish your brand and attract a loyal customer base.
1. Define your niche: Determine the specific area of digital art you want to focus on. This could include illustration, graphic design, character design, concept art, or any other specialization that aligns with your skills and interests. Focusing on a niche will help you target your marketing efforts and attract a specific audience.
2. Develop a portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Make sure to include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your range and skills. You can build an online portfolio using platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or even your own website. High-quality visuals and an organized layout are crucial for leaving a positive impression on potential clients.
3. Establish an online presence: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote your artwork and engage with your target audience. Share your artwork regularly, interact with your followers, and participate in relevant communities and conversations. Additionally, consider starting a blog or vlog where you can share your artistic process, tips, and insights.
4. Create a brand identity: Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your style and resonates with your target audience. This includes choosing a memorable logo, defining your brand voice, and maintaining consistency across all your marketing materials. A strong and consistent brand identity will help you stand out in a competitive market.
5. Collaborate and network: Collaborate with other artists, designers, and creative professionals to expand your network and reach. Attend art events, workshops, and conferences to meet like-minded individuals and potential clients. Engaging in collaborations and networking opportunities can help you gain exposure and broaden your client base.
6. Offer freebies and discounts: Consider offering freebies such as wallpapers, icons, or brushes related to your artwork. This can help attract attention and build a following. Additionally, periodically offer discounts or limited-time promotions to incentivize potential customers to try your services.
7. Optimize your website for search engines: If you have a website, optimize it for search engines (SEO) to increase your online visibility. Use relevant keywords, create descriptive meta tags, and ensure your website has a clean structure and fast loading times. This will help potential customers find you when they search for digital artists or services related to your niche.
8. Collaborate with influencers: Reach out to influencers or bloggers in the art and design industry who have a significant following. Offer them free artwork or services in exchange for a review or feature on their platform. Influencer collaborations can help expose your brand to a wider audience and generate more leads.
9. Participate in contests and exhibitions: Enter art contests and submit your work to exhibitions, both online and offline. Winning or being featured in these events can give you valuable exposure and enhance your credibility as an artist.
10. Provide excellent customer service: Deliver high-quality work on time and provide excellent customer service. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your services and leave positive reviews, which can help attract new clients.
Remember that building a successful digital art business takes time and effort. Stay consistent, continuously improve your skills, and adapt to changes in the industry. With dedication and perseverance, you can establish your brand and attract a loyal customer base.
Ryan Brusuelas
Tech
2
Answers
Danbury, Connecticut
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Good for you. Here are some quick thoughts as someone who has done this.
1. Keep that drive no matter what others say. No major reasons why you can't have an established business in a year or two.
2. When you first start, keep it as simple as possible. This is difficult, there are shinny object everywhere. You don't want to try to do everything. If you're doing digital graphic design for example, that's already pretty wide, more specific is better.
3. I wish this wasn't true, but it usually is. Money First = think what businesses want. Brand/Vision/Longterm/YourDream = think what you want and plan to give it a long time. IF you find out what problems businesses have, you may find work right away. So many businesses need social media content, it's ridiculously difficult to keep up w/ so many platforms. You could even narrow it down "I make Pinterest designs for food companies".
4. While you look for clients, build a portfolio. Even if it's dummy/practice projects just do it. Heck, do it for famous brands as practice and post it online as concepts. When someone from a business sees this, they'll see right away that you're capable. Your journey will be much easier if you show something to the them, it will open doors quicker.
5. Another option, reach out to designers or digital agencies around you and tell them your goal and see if you can help in anyway. Let them know how you can help and the amount of hours and see if you can get some practice/training for the real world, then you can show that work to others.
6. Think about the buyer. Businesses get millions of emails for services like yours. Leverage who you are and how you can help them. There will 100% be people that would love to help someone in your situation, especially if you show them you're willing to work and describe how you can help them.
Good luck!
1. Keep that drive no matter what others say. No major reasons why you can't have an established business in a year or two.
2. When you first start, keep it as simple as possible. This is difficult, there are shinny object everywhere. You don't want to try to do everything. If you're doing digital graphic design for example, that's already pretty wide, more specific is better.
3. I wish this wasn't true, but it usually is. Money First = think what businesses want. Brand/Vision/Longterm/YourDream = think what you want and plan to give it a long time. IF you find out what problems businesses have, you may find work right away. So many businesses need social media content, it's ridiculously difficult to keep up w/ so many platforms. You could even narrow it down "I make Pinterest designs for food companies".
4. While you look for clients, build a portfolio. Even if it's dummy/practice projects just do it. Heck, do it for famous brands as practice and post it online as concepts. When someone from a business sees this, they'll see right away that you're capable. Your journey will be much easier if you show something to the them, it will open doors quicker.
5. Another option, reach out to designers or digital agencies around you and tell them your goal and see if you can help in anyway. Let them know how you can help and the amount of hours and see if you can get some practice/training for the real world, then you can show that work to others.
6. Think about the buyer. Businesses get millions of emails for services like yours. Leverage who you are and how you can help them. There will 100% be people that would love to help someone in your situation, especially if you show them you're willing to work and describe how you can help them.
Good luck!
Charlie Forbes
Broadcast and video production professional
99
Answers
Southfield, Michigan
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Hit up small businesses through social media and offer logo and design services. Part of a business is cold calling, which can he the hard part of sales. But it’s a numbers game. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities.
When you’re out an about and see a new business, see if you can help them. Scour business journals and articles about government meetings and businesses going in. You can catch articles about developers or businesses in the startup phase. Such as aquiting permits. When businesses are in the planning phases, establishing a relationship can help you get an in. Maybe not right away, but when they need you. The one thing any business person will tell you is people do business with people they trust and do good work. Relationships with people are key. Many people will emphasize about becoming the trusted advisor. That can take time. So have patience:
When you’re out an about and see a new business, see if you can help them. Scour business journals and articles about government meetings and businesses going in. You can catch articles about developers or businesses in the startup phase. Such as aquiting permits. When businesses are in the planning phases, establishing a relationship can help you get an in. Maybe not right away, but when they need you. The one thing any business person will tell you is people do business with people they trust and do good work. Relationships with people are key. Many people will emphasize about becoming the trusted advisor. That can take time. So have patience: