You already know that as an artist, creating multiple income streams to take the pressure off your original art and studio practice is essential. Prints are a wonderful way to kickstart your business and revenue growth, but it's important to be thoughtful and plan your launch so that you don't end up in the red. When it comes to creating prints and merch, it's easy to overspend, order too much inventory, and have a disappointing experience. I am here to give you some quick and powerful tips to help you prevent just that.
Above image by previous cover artist Roxy Peroxyde. Shop her prints here.
1. Get Clear on Your Images:
Start by identifying the images you want to use for your print drop. How many different prints are you launching? Is this a limited edition print or unlimited? You can select a popular painting that seems to resonate with your current audience, a work you are really proud of, or as part of a new art release or exhibition. The occasion isn't important as long as you feel proud of the work you are sharing. Write down some ideas for what you want to share with your collectors.
2. Research and Planning:
Decide how you will sell your prints. I recommend sampling the quality from a few different materials and companies. I personally have been loving www.iprintfromhome.com (let them know Ekaterina Popova sent you) for my Somerset Velvet giclee prints, which I drop as signed limited editions every few months for different paintings. Conduct thorough market research and check out how other artists in your niche and career level are pricing and presenting their work. Notice what marketing they are using to promote their prints to give you ideas. Develop a detailed budget outlining your goals, target audience, production costs, pricing strategy, and marketing tactics. Make sure you are taking a profit after you add up your material and shipping costs.
3. Design and Development:
Once you have a sample of your print and you feel confident to move forward, you can set up your online shop and open pre-orders (unless you are using a dropshipping service, in which case I recommend checking out the quality first to make sure you are happy with it). On your pre-order page, write down sizes, details, sample images of the print if possible, and when you will ship the work. Setting client expectations is important. If you know your limited edition count, list that too.
6. Marketing and Promotion:
It's time to create some buzz! When I launch a print sale or even my original art shop, I first send a newsletter to my collectors. If you don't have a newsletter, I would definitely make it a priority to start one this year. I then share the news on my social media, stories, posts, and make a reel.
7. Launch Strategy:
Once I make an announcement, I continue showing up and sharing my work until the deadline I set on my shop page. I celebrate each sale and do a happy dance!
8. Sales and Distribution:
Once the deadline ends, I close the shop, order the prints, and then carefully pack them using plastic sheets, foam board, and cardboard so they don't bend. Some artists use tubes, which is fine if it works for your quality and doesn't damage the print.
9. Evaluate and Plan Ahead:
It's okay if you only sold a handful of prints on your first try; this strategy takes practice, making it your own, persistence, as well as creative thinking. Reflect on what worked, what you can do better next time, and improve each time! Cheers to selling your beautiful art!
Love,
Kat
P.S. Want to dive deeper? Join my Free Masterclass:
How to Become Irresistible to Clients and Collectors
In this exclusive masterclass led by certified master coach, artist, and entrepreneur Ekaterina Popova, you'll discover the keys to unlocking your creative potential and propelling your business to new heights.
