I feel like all my artistic talent disappears when I sit down to think of a business name.

I recently sold a bit of my art and am toying with the idea of making it an official side hustle. I have no problem making inventory, but I cannot for the life of me come up with a nice name for the hypothetical business lol. Anyone else have this problem?

Where can I order bag and boarding from to sell prints in storefronts?

I live in the USA

Thanks.

Every Saturday let's share the things that are going well in our art businesses.

It might be some positive interactions with customers or social media, it might be your first or your hundredth sale, or it might just be that you're proud of how much you got done that week. Let's spread some positivity and excitement about our amazing art businesses!

Hello! So to keep it short as possible I’m going to a few conventions next year (or at least I hope so lol) after figuring out what products I would like to manufacture vs what I can do at home to save money I figured I could do Buttons at home! I saw some Button press on Amazon but the reviews are so hit and miss! Does anyone have any recommendations on a good button press?? Or are they ALL hit or miss??

Wondering if there's much in the way of downsides to creating like a somewhat pen name out of my real name - just my first and middle name only. I feel it sounds professional and interesting as my name is somewhat unique.

Does anyone use a pen name for local shows/galleries and is that issue at all? Especially if you see people that know you by your full real name?

My current plan is to hopefully booth at local art shows, maybe a couple of local galleries. I'd also like to get into Youtube videos as it's something I've always wanted to dabble with. Maybe reopen an Etsy store/website as well.

Beyond that I'm unsure I'd want to partake in Social media much aside from Reddit maybe. I have in the past with decent success but that burnt me out and I think I want to focus more on in person connections while leaving online a little on the backburner... for now.

Thank you!

I was asked if I'm interested in partcipating in an art fair in one gallery's booth, but they'll charge quite a large sum for that. (Over a 1000 euro for a few days) How expensive is this kinda thing usually? I'll also have to transport my works to the gallery with my own expense. (Hundreds to thousand euro) They'll only handle the sales and PR (and take more sales % on top. Welp, but understandable)

For context, I've never work with this gallery, they just approached me and ask. Well it sounds nice i guess..., but I'm very skeptical....

I paint pet portraits, and one of my recent clients asked if she could purchase gift certificates to give as presents. I was totally unprepared! I have a basic website through Carrd and a good process for normal portrait orders, but I'm not sure how to easily integrate gift certificates without e-commerce (which I'm not willing to upgrade to at this time). Does anyone have a more elegant solution than simply designing printable PDFs that I'd distribute through a basic email transaction? I use Square for my online invoice manager - any tricks through there for this sort of thing?

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the title. Basically, I have had an IG since 2013 or so that I didn't take seriously (around 250-275 followers), and in the last year have started to post more to it, infrequently at first, and in the past few months doing my best to post once to twice a week. I started getting about 7 likes per post and am now up to averaging between 20 and 30, at between 20% and 35% engagement, and have grown to 355 followers.

This is good to me, especially in terms of engagement! But I see other people (at similar skill levels) who started their accounts in the last few months who average much higher than that. And so I just wonder if I am making things more difficult for myself working on building up such an old account.

Anyone struggle with an old account and start over? Anyone stick with it and grow over time? I don't mind growing slowly as my highest priority right now is developing my art practice, but I also want to set myself up for success long-term. Thanks for any insight!

Good day to all reading this.

I am an officially a starving artist. I have a part time job, but I desire to become a full artist.

I haven't been successful at it for as long as I have been doing art. I am primarily an abstract artist who works digitally and by using markers and acrylic. I have an abstract doodle style.

I have tried Redbubble, but sales have been extremely slow, and the only times I get requests, are scams from Behance.

I would just like advice on how to become a full time artist with my type of art.

Thank you for any assistance provided!

https://www.instagram.com/zedesay/

My Instagram to understand my style a bit more.

To start, this isn’t anything too fancy at some high end art school. Just a certificate course at the local community college. I hit a HUGE plateau in my art and no amount of online critique, YouTube videos, or self-learning seems to help me through it. I also really struggle with the business side of things in terms of marketing, building a portfolio, and really doing anything outside of posting online content that gets no engagement.

I decided to do this in the hopes of refocusing on my weak foundations and having a fresh perspective on what I want to do with art and how I want to proceed. (Getting some structure and time constraints will help a lot too.) The unfortunate side is I didn’t get approved for government AID so I will be paying for everything on my own outside of some unknown scholarships I found. Most of my classes are in digital art but my first semester is the usual: composition, fundamentals, etc. That means I need traditional art supplies. I’ve been getting overwhelmed looking online at pricing. Is there somewhere I can get college-grade art supplies without breaking the bank?

tl;dr: Going back to college and need affordable materials. Any online or real world shops I can look at for bigger savings?

I’m working on a project aimed at protecting commissioners, artists and their work from AI art scams and theft, and I’d love your feedback!

The Concept:

I’ve created a system called MOL (Mark of Legitimacy) that allows artists to sign their artwork digitally to prove its authenticity. Here’s how it works:

1. Joining the System: Artists need to verify themselves by submitting proof they can draw (e.g., speedpaints and layered working files of past art pieces). Speedpaints and layered files are effective because they show the step-by-step creation process, proving that the artist genuinely produced the work and didn’t simply modify an existing piece or use AI-generated content. This ensures that only genuine artists gain access to the system. Once verified via manual review and giving us their portfolio/linktree and preferred name/nickname/alias, they receive a security token and gain access to the MOL signing tool.

2. Signing the Artwork: Artists use the tool to automatically embed hidden data into their images, including their alias, a unique image ID, and a digital signature. This data is encrypted and embedded using steganography (a method of hiding information within an image in a way that is not detectable to the naked eye), making it invisible and non-intrusive—the image still looks exactly the same. This hidden signature acts as an authenticity seal proving the artwork’s origin.

3. Verification: Anyone can scan an image using the tool on our site (soon) to check if it’s legitimate. The system extracts the hidden data and cross-references it against a secure, encrypted database to confirm the artist’s identity and the integrity of the image. If the image has been altered (e.g., cropped, edited, or tampered with), the verification process will flag discrepancies such as mismatched image IDs, signature failures, or hash differences. These flagged discrepancies impact the verification score, indicating whether the image has been modified or remains authentic.

Privacy and Security Measures

• Encrypted Data: The private keys used for signing are stored in an encrypted format that can only be decrypted by the artist’s security token, which is unknown to the server. The system provides this token once during setup and then forgets it, adding an extra layer of privacy. Even if someone were to access the database, they would only see encrypted, unreadable data, making it impossible to fake sign artwork. Additionally, I am planning to implement 2FA (two-factor authentication) and recovery options. However, recovery will invalidate all previously signed images, as we emphasize privacy and have no way of decrypting the old private key without the original token.
• Minimal Sensitive Data Storage: The system only stores non-sensitive information like the artist’s name, portfolio link, and the image’s unique ID. No personal or sensitive data is ever stored unprotected, and the data that is stored,.no matter how miniscule/useless, is encrypted/hashed.
• Unsigned Image Detection: When an image is signed, both the signed and unsigned versions are stored on the server by default (this can be disabled in privacy settings). This allows the system to identify if an unsigned/modified version or a screenshot is uploaded and trace it back to the original signed piece, identifying the legitimate artist.
• Privacy Controls: Artists can opt out of having unsigned/signed versions stored if they wish, providing flexibility in data privacy while still maintaining robust protection. It will still store hashes and other data, but you can opt out of storing the images themselves. We also plan to comply fully with GDPR and will allow data requests, purging, and modification at any time through settings (fully automated).

Key Features

• Prevents AI Art Scams: AI-generated art lacks authentic working files and speedpaint videos. As such, AI “artists” cannot become MOL-certified, ensuring that only true artists can use this system. Buyers can check an artist’s MOL certification by looking up their username and verify any suspicious art by scanning it using a dedicated website we are working on, along with the ability to scan and sign art with a bot on chat platforms.
• Stops Art Theft: Hidden data remains embedded within the image, even if a visible watermark is removed or the image is subtly modified. If someone attempts to alter or share an unsigned version, the system can identify it and show discrepancies, pointing to the original artist.
• Community Reporting: Users can report art they suspect is AI-generated or stolen. Even fully signed images can be flagged for review. If an image is verified as fraudulent after a thorough review (e.g., someone uploads a screenshot of legitimate art that fails verification checks because it's only a screenshot), users can report itnwith a screenshot of where they found it, leading to the scammer’s name being added to a blacklist. This blacklist may also be forwarded to platforms like Bluesky (in a blocklist) to enhance broader community safety. Once blacklisted, the image will not pass future verification checks. The same applies to artists who falsely claim AI-generated work that slid past our defenses as their own—they will be blacklisted to prevent further misuse.

Why This Matters

With the rise of sophisticated AI art and rampant art theft online, it’s essential to have a reliable way for artists to prove ownership of their work. This system creates a safer, more transparent environment for both artists and art buyers, building trust in digital art transactions.

Future Plans

Currently, I’m testing this system as a bot on some chat platforms with my friends to gather feedback and ensure it’s robustness. The next step is to expand it into a full-featured website where artists can easily sign, verify, and report art. Future updates will include:

• Multi-signature Support: For collaborative projects, allowing multiple artists to sign a single piece.
• Community-Driven Moderation: Trusted users, who are individuals that have consistently submitted approved reports or uploaded their own verified work, will help review reports to keep the system fair and efficient.
• Detailed Privacy Settings: Customizable options for artists to control what data gets stored and shared, along with super advanced deletion and recovery options.

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your concerns, or any ideas on how to make this better for artists. Would you use a system like this? What features do you think would be most valuable?

Question. I sign my original art prior to scanning for prints so they have my signature on them. But some people have asked me to resign. Do any of you do this? If so Where, on the back?

Tried to order a 99¢ sample set from Voguerace and the shipping was over $30. Tried with different products and the result is the same. Doesn't give me any options to choose from. Just s 4 -10 day shipping that costs $30, which is insane for what is essentially a few pieces of cardstock and some stickers.

Is this usually how their shipping is priced or is my area just unlucky? Do you have any suggestions for alternatives to Voguerace? I know about Stickermule and have ordered from them before. But they can get pretty pricey depending on the product.

Since I graduated college in illustration, I have been working as an independent artist selling my own self published comics, coloring books and graphic novels, mainly at conventions in the artist alley or small press section. My comics are mainly aimed at YA and teen+, but the few comics I do have that are all ages are my most popular.

Comics and especially indie comics is a very small field. I am looking to enter children's illustration, which is much more lucrative.

What is the best way to break in? I have not drawn much children's book style art, so would need to make new portfolio pieces.

Should I work on single illustrations, or would it be best to make a few short self published children's books and use those as my portfolio to get more work?

How do I get publishers to notice my work? I have had very bad experiences being screwed over by publishers and editors of bigger companies I worked with early on in my career which is why I went all in on the independent self publishing route instead of trying to break in to get work with more publishers.

Any advice and help is appreciated. Thank you

Hello! (sorry if the flair isn't right, I feel like I'm asking a lot of questions here)

I'm wondering what the best ways to sell digital art, the only types of art I do are animations and some small art pieces.

I want to start getting customers but I don't have a clue on how to start, should I start a new Instagram separate from my personal Instagram?

I post on YouTube and TikTok, and I get some views, do I make a video stating I want coms now or should I keep it in the descriptions?

I do have a carrd with a lot of information regards to coms along with a gallery too! Is there something else I could do? I don't even know if my pricing is too high or too low, or how I can get into the right area of art with my art style.

Complete honesty is preferred please!

Here is my portfolio: https://loupie.carrd.co/

I am a pixel artist who draws a lot of landscape and character art. I wanted advice on whether my work would attract customers to buy as prints. I have a Ko-fi and plan to start an Etsy shop but I am worried about it not performing well. I want to sell home made prints of my work and stickers+ more once I get enough of an audience. Any tips for starting out including marketing are highly appreciated!

It was always a goal of mine to sell AN art piece, just to say I did it. But after sharing my latest large work, I got more interest than I ever imagined. I feel like I’m ordering another run of prints from my printer every other day, local shops have expressed interest in selling prints, and I’m spending hours a day packaging.

While I’m terribly proud and amazed, I guess my question is… how do I make sure I’m not just capturing lightning in a bottle? I wasn’t expecting this reaction and I have no idea where to go next.

How do I maintain my relationship with all of these new parties? What are the biggest things I should take away from this experience to ensure it’s not just a fluke? I feel like I’m in a constant rush to strike while the iron is hot for fear it’s a fad, but is that reasonable? My work is slow to produce, so it’s not like I can throw together a quick catalog and keep driving interest…

Any advice or related experiences appreciated.

-Overwhelmed artist

So I recently did a contract where I was asked for a design to use on a vehicle. The amount they had in their budget was not enough for me to spend time making a new design but I said I would rework a design I had done already to fit the parameters of the vehicle vinyl cut. They agreed and the contract went through with no problem. They just recently contacted me and said they liked the design so much they also want to use it in their office that is being renovated. My question is do I charge the same amount as before? Or should I quote them a new amount? The adjustments I would have to make on the design would be minimal at this point so it will pretty much be free money for me. I don't want to come off as greedy but also want to get paid for the work I have done. What are your thoughts?

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/WXPkgv Some Illustrations I've done for a personal upcoming project. hope you enjoy xoxo

If you paint murals, I have some questions for you.

How did you start?

How many did you do for free before you started charging?

How do you pitch your product via email without coming across super salesy?

What platform do you find all your clients on?

Do you use any digital signature websites for signing commision contracts? Are specific ones you trust or not trust?

I've been considering to use DocuSeal and was wondering what other people are using.

I was wondering if "VHS" is still a trademark and if I could use it as my artistic nickname. I was also thinking about using a video tape as my visual logo. If I do so, I will face some sort of legal action?

I’ve had my personal instagram account but have never been consistent for 8 years. I’m getting serious about my art now, so I have one question.

Should I make a new instagram for my art or try to get my personal instagram going again ?

Pretty much just that, is there like a go-to printer that’s a community favorite within that price range?

Greetings first time posting on here, I was wondering how some of you have gone about turning a hobby into more of a buisness, I've been making art for a few years now. I've always sucked at the buisness of it lol.

I've tried a few ways to get stuff going, mostly prints or similar. Got a few sales but it wasn't much and over a rather long period of time.

Can't say my art would exactly work for commsbut who knows, at least that's the way I see. If you guys got any tips or any pointers I'll happily take them.

https://www.instagram.com/luci.1925b/profilecard/?igsh=MWRwb2F1azVxcnN3cg==

Here you'll also find some examples of my work

Hi! I have been working on my art for a while now and I think I've reached a point where I can accept c0mmishuns but the problem is I don't have a lot of followers and engagements with my posts.

I'm not sure where or how to post my c0mmishun sheets and advertise myself.

Advice would be very much appreciated, thank you!!

(im not able to post the proper spelling of c0mmishuns 😭)

Yesterday, I unexpectedly had someone reach out to me about filling a spot for a vendor who couldn’t attend a market.

It’s this Sunday!!! Which means I only have a few days to prepare 😵‍💫

It’s going to be SUPER small. I’ll be there selling my art, along with a ceramicist, florist and candle maker.

They waived the booth fee since I’m doing them a favour agreeing to participate on such late notice.

I’ll post about how it went! I’m going to have 100 8x10 prints, 75 postcards and 75 greeting cards.

Wish me luck!

Hello guys,

I’d like some opinions about how I post my work and what are you guys do.

Obviously, for the sake of Instagram you need to be posting frequently and to try and meet this. I divide up a project into different stages and then post them as different posts.

For example, I would usually start with some sketches, different versions, printout tests, you get the gist. It’s just the general working out.

Then I post an export of the finish design may be in different colour ways and what not to jazz it up a bit.

Then I would finally post a product of it so for example if I printed on a T-shirt.

I originally think that this is a good idea however because of Some of the posts not being amazing aesthetic wise obviously they don’t get a lot of likes and I feel like it punishes me in return a little bit. also I put a lot of work into doing these things to get the most posts out of one project a lot of it includes photography and also selecting and editing the pictures, which takes quite a lot of time that I could be put back into just drawing.

Which then makes me question am I going the right way about this? Hence my post.

I’m happy to show an examples if needed.

Apologies, but I need to go to bed now for work tomorrow however I will look at the comments tomorrow and reply as much as possible.

Thanks in advance

Hello, I want to create a website for my art and projects. I want to have a shop, a portfolio, and an email list, as well as a place to possibly host a blog and post a Web comic. Is there anywhere I can do that all on one website? Thanks for any suggestions!

Heya guys I don't know if anyone will see this, but I have to give it a try I'm currently a student but I want to open a small art business I don't know if it would work out Is there anyone with a similar experience here?

I study engineering because of the supposed stability it would provide and all that But it doesn't fulfill me And I can't just drop out I don't know what to do

(Btw, my insta account is @se4dea_ if anyone is interested in giving an opinion)

And sorry if my grammar is off, English's not my first language.