More and more art is being sold online

My Modern Met has covered countless stories featuring top artists, designers, and photographers around the world. They have some interesting insights on selling online art that I would like to share called, 18 Platforms for Artists To Sell Their Creative Work Online in 2025

“With every passing year, more and more art is being sold online as opposed to in standard settings. Even galleries themselves, traditionally a haven of in-person sales, are seeing more and more online business. In fact, some young galleries report that more than half of their sales come online, meaning they've never met most of their collectors.

From high-priced fine art to niche crafts, more and more art lovers are getting used to purchasing art online. The creative arts have seen a slower push than some industries with online sales, but that's changed over the past decade. Many artists are skipping galleries altogether, deciding to sell their work directly online and cutting out the middleman.

With a huge variety of options available for every genre of art, the choices can be overwhelming. That's why knowing your target market is key. There are independent artists who have had huge success marketing their work on social media, taking advantage of platforms like Facebook or Instagram to entice buyers. But what if you aren't really to go fully independent and sell on your own website? Or what if you still like the idea of getting some support when you need it? There are plenty of online platforms that can help you expose your work to potential buyers while providing varying levels of technical and marketing support.”

Go to the My Modern Met article and let me know what you think?

I will follow up with opinions on their choices in the next post.

Austin Kleon is on the lookout for what moves our creative bones to get up in the morning. He is a master at sharing positivity, reminding us that there is a lot in life that is useful and fun. Austin is a writer that draws, and author of Steal Like an Artist and other bestsellers. His weekly Substack posts bring a smile to my face, and I believe they will bring a smile to yours too, maybe even a hearty laugh.

Austin is on Substack where you can find Artist As Brand too. This is a wonderful new social media platform that includes more privacy and reduced potential for censoring your words and concepts. There are many amazing talented individuals on Substack, so check it out.

I am slowly moving my blog posts and newsletters to Substack because it has a great community and the design of the app is easy to use. As artists we must be light on our feet so as to make directional changes with our promotional tactics. We want it to be inexpensive and easy so we can focus on making our art! Substack is free!

Back to Austin… he has 294,000 followers! That is a testament to his commitment to packing his posts with value and insight. Its a lot of work no doubt about it, but I am pretty sure he is doing what he loves and that keeps his motivation clean and clear. I will ask to interview him in the near future, so you can hear his perspective straight up. Until then subscribe to his sunshine!

What is the best time to start your art career?

Yesterday!

Does it matter how old you are?

No, and Joan Marie proves it!

Joan was a high school art teacher for decades, then retired and took the Artist As Brand workshop with me. What she has accomplished with her new found art career will astound you. Check out her website here, and then take a listen to her on the Language of the Soul Podcast here.

Joan Marie shares her incredible journey from being awestruck by Michelangelo's Sistine ceiling at age nineteen to crafting her own unique blend of da Vinci's draftsmanship and abstract expressionism. Joan's story is a testament to the transformative power of art and self-love, as she takes us through her process of creating ethereal drawings, abstract music paintings, and personal power portraits that capture the essence of the soul.

She is one of the most positive and loving people on the planet. Joan is a testament to the power of keeping your focus on the goals of your life, and not get distracted!

Spirituality and art have long been intertwined, with many artists using their creative expression as a means of exploring deeper questions of purpose, meaning, and the human experience. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, reconnecting with our spiritual side can be a powerful way to find inspiration, clarity, and a renewed sense of creativity in both our personal and professional pursuits.

Whether you're a painter, a writer, a musician, or any other type of creative, tapping into your spiritual side can infuse your work with a sense of depth, authenticity, and higher purpose. Through meditation, reflection, and a willingness to explore the unknown, you can uncover the profound wellspring of creativity that lies within.

By embracing spirituality in your art, you'll not only enhance your own creative process, but you'll also have the opportunity to share meaningful, transformative experiences with your audience. In a world that can often feel disconnected and overwhelming, your art has the power to inspire, uplift, and guide others on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

So don't be afraid to let your spiritual side shine through in your work. Embrace the mystery, the wonder, and the profound wisdom that lies at the heart of the human experience. Your art has the power to change lives, and it all starts with a deep connection to your own inner light.

Staying motivated when you want to quit is one of the greatest challenges any passionate person who has ever tried to step outside the norm will face. Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply pursuing a personal goal, the path to success is never a straight line. Failures, setbacks, and crippling self-doubt can make it tempting to throw in the towel but it is the few who can summon the strength to stay the course, who will succeed in the end.

Giving up before you’ve reached the goal is the surest way to never achieve your dreams. True strength and resolve are found in the ability to dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and get back in the game. If you can learn to do this, then your passion, not your failures will define you.

It takes tenacity to keep going when the going gets tough. You must have unwavering faith in yourself and your abilities, even when others doubt you. Surround yourself with positive influences and remember why you started down this journey in the first place.

The most successful people aren't those who never fail, they're the ones who refuse to be defined by their failures. Research people you admire. Embrace the lessons they provide and use them to fuel your comeback. With the right mindset, you can transform any obstacle into an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined than ever before.

Discovering your unique life purpose is a journey of self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. The Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ serves as an excellent framework for exploring this. Ikigai is basically the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. Brainstorming or free-writing on these ideas can help in uncovering what your true purpose or calling may be.

Whether you aspire to be an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply to make a positive impact on the world, tapping into your passions and aligning them with your unique talents is key. By embracing your life calling, you can find the motivation to overcome obstacles, the resilience to persevere and the joy in making a difference. It can also help you to focus and find ways to show the world who you are and what you do. There are people out there who need the exact services you can provide and want to support you!

The path to discovering your purpose may not be linear, but with self-reflection, exploration and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can uncover the work that sets your soul on fire. It is also helpful to have some guidance from those who have gone before and have found their way to success.

The Artist As Brand online course is an educational service that teaches creative people how to find out what their ‘Heart Virtue’ or purpose is and how to align with that to create exciting new projects and learning solid strategies and business practices for success. Thousands of students have taken this course with outstanding results! Trust the process, listen to your heart and have the courage to follow where it leads. Your life calling awaits.

How many creative people out there are just making art as a hobby and never taking it any further? Maybe you don’t think it’s possible or maybe you just don’t know how to build a business around your creative passion.

The path to your dream job may be closer than you think and the Artist As Brand online course is here to help! By harnessing your passion and unique talents, you can carve out a rewarding professional life that aligns with your deepest values and desires.

Too often, we allow societal pressures or practical concerns to stifle our creative ambitions. But the most successful and satisfied individuals have learned to monetize their passions. Whether your forte lies in writing, design, illustration, animation, or any other creative pursuit, there are proven strategies to transform your passion into a sustainable income stream.

The key is to adopt a mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity. Instead of limiting yourself to ‘traditional’ career paths, embrace the endless possibilities that your gifts can unlock. With the right plan and determination, you can turn your creative passion into your dream job—and get paid to do what you love most.

Don't settle for an unfulfilling career that drains your energy and joy. Take the leap and start building the future you deserve. Sign up for the Artist As Brand course today and get lifetime access to all the guidance on how to find your unique niche and start building the job of your dreams! Your most rewarding professional chapter is waiting to be written.

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? It happens to the best of us! The good news is, there are ways to get unstuck! The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a great workbook to help recover your creative self. The Artist As Brand course has helped hundreds of artists get inspired by building a meaningful business with their art. The main thing is to find ways to connect with your inner artist and fill your creative well.

Whether you're into painting, drawing, writing, or filmmaking, there are plenty of ways to get those creative juices flowing. Start by surrounding yourself with things that inspire you—visit art museums, read books, listen to music that moves you. Dance! Play!

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Take a painting class, join a writing group, or experiment with different mediums. The more you expose yourself to new experiences, the more likely you'll be to stumble upon that next great idea.

And remember, creativity is a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Set aside time each day to work on your craft, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Before you know it, you'll be deep in the flow state making something original and inspiring.

Is it possible to become a successful artist without ‘selling out’? How do you create an inspiring brand and earn a living from your artistic talents? Does it matter?

Greg Spalenka is a well known artist who has worked in publishing and the film industry for over 35 years. After seeing many art school graduates struggling to find their way, Spalenka produced the Artist As Brand course to guide students through the steps of building a livelihood from their art that matters and has lasting impact.

For four decades Greg has been teaching, lecturing and conducting workshops at colleges, universities, art institutions around the country and abroad to share his professional experience and encourage the creation of art businesses.

If you have a creative passion, there are several ways to develop it. The key is to invest in yourself and be dedicated to your art. You will achieve great things if you're willing to put in the work!

The Artist As Brand course is now offered online and may be done at one’s own pace. Pay only once and get lifetime access to the course, the workbook and all updates as they come out!

If you think this course would be a good fit for you or someone you know, please share this!

“The workshop was more introspective than I anticipated but I found that to be very useful. Beginning at the most basic level of who I see myself as has helped to define not only what my niche markets can be but also the type of work I should be creating. I only wish I had taken this class sooner. These tips and techniques are beneficial regardless of career level or how much some of us had already accomplished.”

-Matt Wachnicki, Illustrator, NY

While working for a company and having a steady paycheck has its practical returns, it can be a bit restrictive for a creative person. Freelancing has many benefits and can give blossoming artists a chance to break free of the confines of a nine-to-five job. According to a 2023 study by Upwork Research Institute, freelancers in America contributed a whopping 1.27 trillion to the US economy in annual income!

Whether you want to start freelancing as a side hustle or make it your full time job, here are some benefits to consider:

1. Time Freedom: As a freelancer, you get to work on your time. This is a definite perk and can allow you to design a work schedule that fits your lifestyle! It should also be noted that this requires good self-discipline to stay consistent!

2. Location Freedom: If you’re making your own schedule and don’t have to show up to work at specified location, then you can literally work from anywhere! Many are adopting a nomadic lifestyle and are travelling the world while freelancing.

3. Higher Pay Rates: As a freelancer, you get to set your own rates and these are usually a lot higher than what you would earn working for a company because you are cutting out the middle-man and clients are going to you directly.

4. Creative Freedom: You get to work on projects that excite you and turn down projects that do not! This is such a huge benefit for creatives!

5. Save Money: With no long daily commutes or dress codes to deal with, you can save quite a lot of money on gas, car maintenance and clothing.

6. Freedom to Choose: As a freelancer, you get to make your own rules. You get to choose who to work with and what to work on. If you feel that something isn’t a good fit, you can pass on it!

7. Job Security: Since you are your own boss and not dependent on an employer for your paycheck, you don’t have to worry about layoffs or pay cuts.

I hope this post helped to highlight some of the key benefits of becoming a freelance artist. If you are interested in learning how to brand yourself as an artist and start developing your career, then I encourage you to check out my course Artist As Brand. I created this course specifically to help provide a clear roadmap of how to build a prosperous and unique art business. Here’s to your creative journey!

Creativity can infuse our lives with depth and richness. Tapping into creativity is an important way to find a sense of self and build self confidence. Making something, anything, is a great way to tap into our subconscious potential and start an inner dialogue. Many times, if we simply start, with no clear plan, we will be surprised and delighted with the results. Even if we are not, we have opened a doorway within ourselves—made space for something new to emerge and this can be the start of great new possibilities.

Encouraging creativity in young students will broaden their knowledge and capabilities—ultimately providing them with the confidence necessary to achieve their goals, as well as the desire to share their work with others.

I hear many people say, “I am not an artist, I am not creative.” And yet, even if we are not consciously doing it, our thoughts and actions are creating reality all the time! It is called our life! So why not bring some intentionality to it? Give some time and space to your inner artist and let them play! Get out some paper and scribble! Write! Paint! Color! Sing! Cook! Anything! Just Start! You never know where it might lead!

Too often adults lose their creative spark and fail to challenge themselves to make something new. The Artist As Brand® course helps students imagine a career where creativity, confidence and success coincide. Having an understanding of why it is important to tap into your creative potential can help you be intentional in your planning and development of an original idea.

The spiritual teacher Osho, speaking on what creativity means in relation to love and life, said, “To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

So don’t underestimate the significance of creativity in your life, and encourage others to think about how creativity plays a role in theirs.

heart of the rose- spalenka

Sovereign: Supreme Power. Entrepreneur: from the French- “one who undertakes." If you are an artist making a living from your talent you are a Sovereign Entrepreneur. You are the royal authority of your visionary domain.

Knowing who you are in the context of your art creations is the foundation of its authenticity. Your unique voice is the cornerstone of its value. Fans, collectors and clients know the difference you are making in their world, and it is different from any other artist. KNOW THYSELF. It is a sustaining strength that upholds your visionary domain.

In the Artist as Brand® Online Workshop we reveal the profound quality inside the heart that informs our art. The Heart Virtue introspection technique, allows us to see this power hidden inside us. I have taught over a thousand students in this method and what a beautiful moment it is to see and hear the results.

Then we create the blueprint for making income from your art! It’s awesome… and it works.

This is an evergreen online course which allows your to work at your own pace. For a one time payment of $295, you will have lifetime access to the course including any future updates!

To find out more click here.

To your art and sovereign success!

~Greg

“Greg’s class helped me to clarify my vision and build confidence in my goals. Deciphering my Heart Virtue has given me radical entrepreneurial energy!”

-Katy Betz, Artist, Professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, FL

You want to start making income from your art, but can’t seem to get started? Sometimes we can have mental blocks that stop us from taking that first step. Lester is an amazing hypnotist living here in Santa Fe and he can help you take control of those fears. Below is a taste of his magic.

Lester will be joining us to further the confidence of everyone at the Oct. 14, 21, 28 Group Workshop. Sign Up is Closed. Look a for another Group Workshop in 2024!

How do you create an inspiring brand from your artistic talents? Does it matter? Greg Spalenka produced this course to guide you through the steps of building an artful livelihood that matters, and has lasting impact.

For four decades Greg has been teaching, lecturing and conducting workshops at colleges, universities, art institutions around the country and abroad to share his professional experience and encourage the creation of art businesses. He founded the educational service, Artist As Brand® to inspire and nurture art career sustainability. 

If you have a creative passion, there are several ways to develop it. The key is to invest in yourself and be dedicated to your art. You will achieve great things if you're willing to put in the work!

Next workshop begins March 1, 2023 - Sign Up Now!

$295 until Feb. 18th! ($495 after!)

“Your workshop was amazing! Every hour was packed with useful information–I feel like I learned a year’s worth of material in only three days. You’d think that having that much info crammed into my head in such a short period of time would be exhausting, but instead I feel re-energized. I’ve been so focused on trying to find an art job that I’d almost forgotten what it was like to paint something that I felt passionate about. Your workshop showed me that making a living and living my dream could co-exist after all. Thank you, a million times!”

-Alyssa Parsons, Student at Kendall College of Art and Design, MI

Are you ready to start discovering YOUR Heart Virtue? In one of the first sections of our workbook, we talk about how to find your passion and what to do once you find it. 

Once you dig into your true self you and start living by your Heart Virtue you will feel:

• A mind/body/spirit alignment

• More joy

• Powerful, transcendent, righteous, with infinite potential

• Your spine begins to straighten

• Clarity and confidence

• Life becomes more meaningful

• More peace

• Anger when it is abused, ignored or repressed within yourself or others.

You don't have to be alone in your journey. Join other artists who are taking control of their careers and embracing the Artist As Brand® Workshop starting March 1st . . . #artistasbrand

“Thank you Greg so much for coming and giving us the workshop. My passion for my career has swelled as I have tried to do one brave thing a day. Stepping outside my comfort zone, networking with artists and collectors, and determining my heart virtue have given me the path I needed to excel. Thank you for teaching me that I can push limits.”

-Rob Wilson, Student Southern Utah University

Next workshop begins March 1, 2023 - Sign Up Now!

https://www.artistasbrand.com/online-workshop

Tapping into creativity is an important contributor for a sense of self and self-knowledge. An article titled “What Are The Significant Benefits Of Creativity In The Classroom?” from the “TeachThought Staff” says it best, “creativity infuses life with a different sort of depth and richness.” Encouraging creativity in young students will broaden their knowledge and capabilities, ultimately providing them with the confidence to achieve goals and give them the desire to share their creativity with others.

Too often adults lose their creative spark that they once had and fail to challenge themselves to be creative. Artists As Brand® pushes you to imagine a career where creativity, confidence, and success, coincide. Having the understanding of why it is important to tap into your creative juices can help you be intentional in your planning, creating, and development of an original idea.

The article by TeachThought quotes Osho’s perspective on what creativity means in relation to love and life. “To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

So, don’t underestimate the significance of creativity in your life, and encourage others to think about how creativity plays a role in theirs.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Nico Morris and I just recently graduated with a degree in experience design. I have stepped into the creative working world and take pride in making sure I am constantly learning to better myself and better my work. I enjoy capturing moments and experimenting with 35mm film photography, creating branding for businesses and people, and working with different mediums to create experiences and visual media.

When did you participate in the workshop? 

In September of 2022

Why did you take the Artist as Brand Workshop?

I began the workshop after finishing up a job in the corporate world, wanting to create my own creative and design business. I like to take advantage of any opportunities to learn from others to better myself and to expand my knowledge and skillsets in the creative industry. 

What was your favorite part about the workshop? 

I think my favorite part of the workshop even though its hard to pick just one, was the emphasis on one's journey to this point and the uncovering of one's heart virtue, eventually leading to why I want to create, how I can succeed in doing so, and what I can do to combine my soul, morals, and passion with my skills, ideas, and education.

What is one thing that surprised you about the workshop? 

I was consistently learning while also being pushed to imagine what myself, my goals, and my creative venture could and would look like. 

After taking this workshop, who do you believe should?

I believe anyone should. While I believe this course is especially amazing for creatives, I believe it is important for all entrepreneurs, businesses, makers, artists, and individuals as well. It can benefit anybody who has a creative idea, is looking to connect with their audience, or wants to to explore themselves and how to create success from their authentic self and passions.

This interview with life/art business coach Maria Brophy will open your eyes and heart. Maria touches upon art promotion, the importance of believing in yourself and your artistic vision, finding your audience, success, NFTs, and a challenge of life and death.

Recently, Maria and her family went through a tremendous trial when Drew became very ill. She had to dive deep into her spirit to rally the forces of healing and keep balanced throughout the ordeal.

Maria Brophy is an art agent and life coach with a passion to help artists implement new strategies so that they thrive financially!  

I have known Maria for over a decade and am always impressed by her commitment to inspire creative individuals on how to prosper in art, business and life. She has been a master at promoting her husband, Drew Brophy and weaving many of his commissions into traveling the world, bringing the family along for the adventure. Sharing her knowledge freely has taught us how to create and live a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Recently Maria and her family went through a tremendous trial when Drew became very ill. She had to dive deep into her spirit to rally the forces of healing and keep balanced throughout the ordeal. I am looking forward to the pearls of wisdom she may share with us. Join us Saturday May 14th, 12:00 PM MST on the Artist As Brand Facebook Page.

The Artist As Brand® Forum is a webcast interview of professional artists who are making a living from their talents, on their own terms.

This session we interview Botanical Perfumer, Roxana Villa. We learn the history of her artful journey, and how she sells a product that cannot be experienced (scent) to customers around the world. Enjoy.

See more of Roxana and Illuminated Perfume HERE.