I Show Art On Instagram And Facebook And No One Is Buying - Tips For Artists

Artist tips by a couple of weirdos. Support this channel by joining our Rogue Community on Patreon (We REALLY appreciate it): / rafiwashere
We have a bunch of FREE stuff for creative humans on our website (things like resources, a 6 hour Artist Masterclass, free courses, more videos, blogs, downloads, and who knows what else) in case you want more stuff from us: rogueartistcommunity.com/
Aaand if you want to know more about Rafi and Klee (That's us) or you want to support us by buying some art, jewelry, or other creation go to our website: rafiandklee.com/
Follow us on the socials, podcasts, and stuffs: rafiandklee.com/bridge/

[@gusmonster59]

Facebook does nothing, at least from my experience. I never known any business to improve sales from a Facebook page. I saw more people going to my Etsy shop from Instagram. Sales didn't necessarily go up, but visits improved. I will be linking my online shop to my Instagram for purchasing. I still have a ways to go to get away from Etsy and solely on my own site. I love how you share what YOU do, and don't just blab on about how you HAVE to do a, b ,c to sell. I especially love how you own up to slumps, and encourage us to keep on keeping on. :-)

[@mooshookatie]

I love the random bust out in a jingle! 🥰

[@fralinsandfriends]

Thank you. I am a story teller so it's fun to make a story to go with a piece of art. I like to sometimes ask my subscribers on KZbin what they'd like me o paint or sculpt. They usually aren't looking to buy it. They just want to see me do their request and it makes us both feel good. It's also a great way to connect on other levels. 😃😃👋👋💖💖

[@AngelinaKaul]

Exactly what I do. I use social media for connecting with people and sharing my work. I dont pay any attention to algorithms etc either. Thanks for the video both of you. Much love.♡♡♡ :)

[@womansworkproductionco]

I love your philosophy about success. It isn't about money, it's about feeling satisfied that you've contributed something worthwhile to the world, whether or not you're paid for it. I think that's what you're trying to say.

[@ShawNshawN]

They don't buy on Facebook due to organic sharing being dead. You HAVE to advertise on FB to have any impact nowadays.

[@africaart]

I don't know the exact statistics, something like; for every 10 minutes spent on the internet, 1 minutes is usually on a Facebook owned site/app (like Instagram, WhatsApp etc). If you know how to set you *TARGET audience* Facebook would hit it because they have been harvesting our data and knows most people's personality. Even when you are not on their app, as long as you are signed in, they would still be harvesting you data. To me, it is worth the money (sometimes $2 to $5).

[@FollowingGhost]

We make the majority of our sales on Facebook and never spend a cent advertising although I have in the past. I have never recouped a penny of advertising revenue but have made as many as 80 sales in a few hours by simply putting items in front of the proper people.

[@Greywolfgrafix]

Facebook is a waste of time. I despise it.

[@Jhihmoac]

Facebook and IG are only where you get exposure... You build your own site to sell (Assuming you have the money to pull it off!)

[@brookegartistry5477]

I love your bearded talking head and Klee's blurry talking face😂! Finding you here made me go to your store....and I am in fact, saving up for some holiday purchases 😉!

[@LostInParadise8706]

Me too!!

[@anneroe6749]

The best marker is your JOY and I so appreciate your focus!! Thank you!

[@marioalfaro3]

I adore your algo-rhythm!! Thank you you all so much for keeping it real.

[@JulieHiltbrunner]

I started drawing a doodle every day since April 13, 2021- already got on the cover of a magazine(local.) - I’m locally known now. : ) I have a waiting list for my art mugs. Consistency!!! Love you guys.

[@melindaspencer3191]

I do the same, I just show what I'm doing and how I use different things to create a new thing, I feel like I'm growing in a variety of ways, and so I just post, it also shows my capability of thinking out of the box

[@katerinaadriah]

I just started setting up to venture in to selling my art, including online. This video is really helpful. KZbin must have read my mind when it dropped y'all in my recommendations. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice! 💜

[@kbowler9266]

The people who look at my art think i could sell it and make lots of money. Saying oh that's so good from some people i s like a pat on the head. I tell them it doesn't work thay way and even though they say it's good my art hasn't matured to a state of selling. I realize it does make a difference to have something of a signature to your work, a unique something to say it's my work. Selling also means all the things you say here and maybe when i feel like what I'm making is what i feel ok with selling I will pursue it. This is a really good video for me to see right now. Your channel just showed up in recommendations a week ago, I love it.

[@martyrgraff8498]

Thank Jesus I found you guys. You guys always seem to bring it back to the core of why we as artists do what we do...make art for us and put it out there for others to see. It's pure. Of course, it's so easy to get caught up with the monetary aspect of a self-employed artist and paying bills is essential but as you said selling your art is only one measure or "mark" of success. I can get down and stressed because I have kids to feed etc. and I want them to be comfortable. This life isn't for the meek! Thank again guys awesome content!

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

4:53 I think social media is usually more focused on portfolio building and artistic journey documenting and engagement than selling. Lots of people do sell stuff via Instagram but outside of commissions posting pics of your merch is more about the documentation and letting people who are interested know that you have that, not the sales themselves.

[@Jhihmoac]

It takes time... Never force your art upon people... It is also good to have your artwork posted on other galleries unrelated to Facebook as well...

[@Yannick_cano6]

Yhanks for your motivations guys! You awesome..you definitly change my mindset about ho to approach social medias with your art..✌️✌️😉

[@melaniemarr445]

Thank you for the insights into social media! I like that you all are working artists and speak from experience!

[@kidrockn4vr]

AWESOME thank you both so much. THIS is why you two yoots are so great you have your own stuff going on but you take time to answer questions 🤘

[@RosaFelis666]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

[@ravenskye6595]

Im about to be a lucky owner of one of your tshirt, and it was because of surfing You Tube that I found you and Klee.

[@fightthegoodfight52]

As always, great stuff! Thanks for the advice! 😊

[@cardinhamkilligrew9712]

First, I love you guys. You have honestly helped me smile in dark hours. I have a pretty successful online business in etsy, amazon, and other avenues including shops. I hand craft custom shave kits, beard oils, shave products...yadda yadda. That said, ecommerce is one thing...thats where I sell. Social media....its where I tell my story. My day to day....creatining...living...working till 12 at night...and playing hard as well. I think social for me is the story behind my work. So much love to you guys for the smiles and positive vibes that kept me smiling. You don't know during dark hours at 1 am burning my hand monogramming...you guys were with me...taking the edge off. Thanks and love you.

[@mattieb5558]

I am not unique! It's normal I'm not selling on social media! Thank you!

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Yup, me too. Probably would help if I didn’t have my painting, photography, jewelry AND stitching in the same insta (MBZ_fluxyminiscus) ! Too much is just too much. I’m going to get my act together and be more specific...setup separate accounts...etc.

[@ShantellBancroft]

Me three!!

[@NancyMcCurry]

We totally adore you guys too!

[@EmpoweredCrystals]

Your videos are so entertaining! Love them!

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

2:51 from what I’ve done and what I’ve seen other creators do is just make the content they want/love/have requests for and make it easily searchable through tags and titles so that people searching for that thing but not them specifically will find it. Algorithms are fickle but being easily searchable and discoverable is always important.

[@abandonedchanneld8031]

I use social media, but my demographic is mostly children. And nothing beats seeing a little shy kid that hasn't found anything interesting to look at just completely lighting up when they see something and running over, I always prefer selling in person for it. Just so heartwarming.

[@teresahenson8939]

Your comment made my heart happy. ❤️

[@coffeeandbrushstrokes565]

Excellent video, great advice, thanks for sharing🙂😁👍☕🖌

[@patricktweedie7392]

Love these videos! Thanks for the help

[@katherinemarsh7429]

I posted a drawing of mine on a Facebook group and I just got criticized. I decided to give the drawing away (It was just an under drawing I didn't do a painting of) - I did what you and Klee did when you gave away small paintings for people to find. A rhythm is cool. But rhythms don't sell paintings. I can post my paintings and drawings which are entirely done and fantastic till kingdom come and I get lots of likes but no buyers.

[@ElveeKaye]

Yep! People LIKE art, but they don't really want to buy it. Well, they don't want to buy mine, anyway. I had an Etsy account for 8 years and sold only a handful of items. I know there are all kinds of tutorials and web pages offering tips and tricks for selling more stuff, but they don't work for some of us. Frankly, I think there are so many art pages on the Internet that the chances of anyone finding my items are pretty remote. Maybe they can get similar things cheaper. Maybe they just don't like what I have and are just being polite when they hit the thumbs-up on FB. I see loads of art, online and in real life ( craft fairs and galleries) that I love, but just can't afford, so I don't buy it. For many people, times are hard and they can't afford art when they are struggling to buy food and school supplies for their kids. OTOH....some people always seem able to afford cigarettes and booze. :o/

[@Sharperthanu1]

@@PandawdyBob Actually NO.VERY WEALTHY PEOPLE buy VERY FAMOUS ART by VERY FAMOUS ARTISTS with no emotional attatchment to the artwork whatsoever.The reason they buy this artwork they could care less about is that INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS ART HAS FINANCIAL INVESTMENT VALUE.The more FAMOUS the internationally famous artwork is THE MORE FINANCIAL INVESTMENT VALUE IT HAS.The buyer holds on to this type of artwork untill the price goes up.Then they sell it to make money on their investment.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

That's me to. I draw and paint every day and I give away very nice art to my friends and just move on. Spread the love, don't worry about the money.

[@phyllisbeacham3452]

Thank you! good information to help me get started 👍

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Super helpful video Rafi and Klee 😊👍 You Rock Guys !!! 👏👏👏👏

[@kathleenbeggs1774]

Thank you so much for the encouragement!😊

[@mjpete27]

I retired a couple of years ago and I am going back to traditional art, watercolor mostly and I post a picture or two on IG but not looking to sell online just now, I want to do some more exploring maybe look into pastels! I am enjoying watching your videos and I hope you both have a great day!

[@josephseid196]

Great video! This really brought me back to center. I haven't been selling anything, but challenging myself with getting projects started. Thanks guys! ^_^

[@MrBurgher]

Identify with this one! Good message here!

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

What I like about you guys ??? You make so much sense, yes really !! I'm a watercolor artist, and don't do any FB, or Instagram,, I do sell on Etsy, and not happy about their constant trials, and tests and all that.. It hurts my sales and as for online I have a blog and have never sold anything on there. The only people that go to art blogs are other artists and they have more paintings than I do. !!! Love your site. thanks for all the help... from Tallahassee Florida

[@QMODERN]

So many sellers online ......social media is saturated

[@OohAahCrochet]

I enjoy your videos and your humor! New subscriber.. HUGS ... from South Dakota

[@dh7217]

I happen to be kind of partial to you two utes ❤❤ Loved the song n dance number amongst the good info. I almost started beat boxing to it. 😉

[@silverarrowtarot]

Great advice thank you for sharing your wisdom!! I keep hoping one day I can get some art sales going. But I agree Social media is best when you dont make it your end all be all for selling. and instead make it about connecting and sharing and as a way to mark your personal progress.

[@boblatzer]

I did a quick analysis of how long it took me to finish a painting against how much I was able to realistically charge for my work, and figured out I was making about 50 cents an hour. Tops. Most artists died broke. I paint for fun and work for a living. Now my art has a freedom and spontaneity it never had when I was trying to make art to sell.

[@sylviapineda6717]

Awesome,thanks for information, you and your lady. Thanks palm 🌴springs, calif.

[@victoriabellanova2280]

Great video! Thanks!

[@GildedPhoenixVlogs]

Hey guys 😊👋🏼 Definitely agree it is getting harder to push sales via social media for a variety of reasons, algorithms, trends etc. I use Instagram and Facebook but overall I think Etsy search really drives most of my sales. Although, saying that, I have seen quite a dip in sales across all of my stores this month and I don’t know if that is because the time of the year (school summer holidays here in the UK so lots of people travel abroad), or because Etsy are being s**ts!! 🤣😝 Another great video ✨👌🏼 Aww I like your talking head lol! You guys make really valuable videos 😊

[@nicnaknoc]

I have never sold art on social media, but I have had ppl find me that way and seeking me out irl, to buy or commission. And oh wow I'm actually commenting on a new video 😅

[@johnsavage7507]

Any tips for selling irl? Edit: I hate social media with a burning passion.

[@kylewoodcreations]

Yes. Case in point. I follow several arts on instagram. One image really caught my eye. A digital painting. I asked them if I could buy a print. They said they had not set that up yet. Yikes. I have no words.

[@headnorthwest]

Right on Raif!

[@robertosanchez6750]

Thank you for your videos

[@SeanDuranMusic]

When I was young like 10yrs old 1982 or something I lived by an artist he would do portraits of Indian type art. Indians dressed in dress attire he had taken picture of real people and paint but on the not so glamorous side of things he would paint a sign for someone. It's about getting your name out there. He was an amazing artist. I was into stuff like that but never asked him about his business but I did see different directions he did his art. Even drawing a rat on one of his family members cast when she broke her leg. Maybe a good marketing idea, tattoo for the masses and he signed his name to it almost reminded me of Rat fink "hot rod" rat. Marketing is key I think and to always think outside of the box. What another person does might not work for you in selling or marketing. Like my buddy wanted me to build him a Cube LED cube electronic project but it reminds me of my LED blinkie blinkie circuit I built, I wanted to build him something amazing and kept telling him I want to take the Cube out of the box and finally got him a project better than a Cube. Get out of the Box and create with no limits that put you in a box...

[@teresahenson8939]

Existing is awesome!

[@jaedo71]

I just listed my first alcohol ink artwork on FB Marketplace!

[@stitchinghaven6276]

hi! as always great vid!

[@irradix213]

Thanks again, i keep a presence for precedence, but only actually hire out by word of mouth

[@dirkschwartzel3360]

Ich mag euch Beide. Ihr seid echt witzig 🇩🇪🇺🇸

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

Social media has kept my inspiration going during quiet times, scrolling through mine and others posts. In the last couple of weeks I reposted an older piece and someone, who hadn't seen it the 1st time around bought it (huzzah!), so you just don't know. It's a tool we have at our disposal thats free (if you don't want to invest in paid ads) so I say use the crap out of it. Plus for a techno-dunderhead like me it's good practice on tagging and all that stuff that I've no clue about.

[@RMHART]

I sell my art online and very rarely do shows or physical marketing haha. Facebook has been huge for being able to make money from my art. I also love social media for being able to connect to ppl as well ❤️ on my fb I have such a lovely following ❤️😊 Where I’m from art really isn’t a huge scene so selling online is huge for me but have started to do live paints at a cafe which has been so much fun!

[@ajafantasyart]

I can sympathize with the artists on her with the frustration of trying to advertise my artwork on Facebook and Instagram,. I haven't gotten any sales whatsoever! I mean you're saying don't get discouraged after a couple tries but what happens when you've been advertising for a whole damn month and no one is buying anything?? Now with this pandemic crap, it's literarily like beating a dead horse. I mean, I've received several likes on these two paintings I recently did and posted to FB art groups. Now they're in a gallery and on sale (I even reduced the price to make it more affordable) and I have advertised all on FB and Insta and KZbin but haven't received 1 person to buy my work! They love it but don't want to buy it, I don't get out. I feel like if you like my art, just buy it.

[@suqarpi31]

Great advice thank you

[@ElaineFoster101]

Me, too! I'd like to see at least 1 painting you do in each video. Why not?

[@cherishart]

Think about it though, people do not typically login to social media to shop, they are there to relax and connect with others. But it’s a great way to develop relationships that can lead to business. Also, when you ‘sell’ on social media, make a very compelling offer that will get them to stop scrolling and click through.

[@shandikoehler1211]

You two are so adorable

[@lunazamoraart]

I am inches from starting a you tube channel. I’m learning that I like talking too! Now to figure out what to speak about.

[@Rafiwashere]

You can do it!

[@fluidartbymemememay5064]

Hello from another Pensacola emerging artist. I just subscribed. Hope to see you around town.

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Yup, Every time Etsy changes,my sales tank. Super frustrating

[@twiggimmapiggus6695]

I have a question that I'm not sure if you've ever answered (new to your channel and I think it's amazing!) When you were first seeing a growing interest in people purchasing your artwork and as that momentum picked up, did you ever shy away from your looming success? I ask because I'm beginning to see a growing interest in my work, and I feel like a moron for admitting that I'm frightened by it. I feel like I slow down my local presence every time the scary success boulder begins rolling toward me. Thank you for your videos! They're amazing!

[@adamdiaz5560]

Have you guye done a video specifically on opening an online store, what does one gotta create a website first?

[@annanirathsi1111]

Rafi , I looked at your artwork and really like it. Have you considering applying for General Public? They sell on restoration hardware and your work is similar but better.

[@jenna2431]

Marketing 101: Marketing is story. You have to craft your story in a way that is relatable AND that people expect--meaning they're eye-ball deep in the brand "stories" they've seen all their lives so they want to know your story--so have a compelling one. Read Simon Sinek's "Start With Why." And for the love of all that's holy, don't say "I've wanted to be an artist my whole life. I loved to draw as a kid" because most kids love to draw and most artists make that claim. Differentiate!

[@Electricdawn64]

I have Facebook tumbleweed as well as crickets 😂 I just make art because it makes me happy and that's why I post. I just love you guys 😍

[@HKona7]

No one’s gunna pay ridiculous prices from an unknown artist.

[@katherinemarsh7429]

I told my partner stories from my life tonight and she liked them but it wasn't about selling. A non-juried art show or event probably would be a good idea to do.

[@HalkerVeil]

There is a negative to having too many people see your art and only a few buy it. Google will in fact think it's bad if you have high traffic and low click throughs and purchases. And that in turn puts you much lower in the search. Targeting the right people who will buy is always going to be better. Not rushing to get likes. Point is, what he is doing actually helps his search results. Just showing your art to people that will like it and move on will not. And the worst thing you can do is buy likes with ads.

[@micskraftykorner9234]

You two are so cute.

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

Where did you get your tee shirt? I love it!

[@TwistedArtdesigns]

Rafi Was Here Studios i seriously need one of those!

[@bluehorizon5902]

Off topic question: What shipping service do you use? Bulky (but not heavy or expensive items, in my case) seem to be crazy $$$ to ship now. Anyone have any info on how to shave off some shipping expenses?

[@lunazamoraart]

I want to connect with the art tribe too!

[@therandomimage]

YAY, first like and comment!! Thanks guys. Always educational and entertaining :)))))))

[@VioletEyedSoul]

Alright, so how DO You actually sell Your artworks. You made it fairly clear that you do get at least a Few sales, where do these come from, what platforms are you using to sell your artworks and Most Importantly what techniques are you using to bring in customers or at least get sales?

[@gina9056]

I never comment, but I do share on Facebook Gina's Art Gallery It's just for me to put myself out there, which is scary. No purchase available.

[@yellowroseoftexas8685]

I've been drawing for years recently started posting my artwork on instagram for the 1st time and I've been getting request for commission work as well questions about if my artwork is for sell I've never sold anything before because I don't have a store or website so I don't know how to get paid from selling if I ever decide to sell my artwork

[@timelessmemories5150]

I do not sell through social media it is just so people can see what I do almost like a journal and just like Klee I have her philosophy

[@yahiscomingsoon5562]

I'm thinking of starting up a market stall instead of waiting for craft fairs and selling online is hit and miss 🤔

[@brendaeddy274]

Thank you. :)

[@driesketels]

80% of collectors don't buy online since they want to see the work in reality... that leaves 20% of collectors who report that they've already bought art online so... that's a pretty big chunk of that 52 billion market... anyway it depends on what you want to achieve... if you want to make it big in the art world selling on Etsy or Ebay is probably going to make that dream impossible for you but in order to make a living as an artist the internet is probably going to make it much easier for you.

[@maliudiaz7555]

Hola Rafi n Klee love you guys n I've learned so much with you guys. I live in Ft Lauderdale retired trying to make it with my art and is soooooo difficult you know. My question is why so many people that already make it they want to help (so they say ) but charge so much for tips or whatever ??? Of course you guys are the exception 🤗🤗🤗😇😇😇😇😇

[@earlewaters1917]

You can make more money by doing videos of doing art than selling art🤑when you have the following and likes and comments KZbin pays you🤑🤑🤑

[@destinybarrett2133]

I have the store and shop links, still not many click throughs, and no sales… yet.

[@Rafiwashere]

keep sending people there... over and over.

[@shadowartist8892]

I follow a great artist Jeanie Tomanek on FB and Instagram. She has been going for 20 years and has gallery representation and lots of wonderful paintings. I see her selling on both platforms all the time. She gets inquiries the minute she posts something new. But she known and has a 20 year following. I think that plays a role. I returned to visual art 1 year ago and am not quite satisfied with me direction. I am homing in on it though.

[@shadowartist8892]

@@Rafiwashere I dont know how she does it but she puts out a new piece almost daily.

[@taniasue]

Thanks so much for your videos and socials! As an artist, who’s husband is in the military I lose my fan base often and have to start all over lol like I’m now trying to do..a move from NC to WA state. This was helpful and it’s always nice to hear someone is making it with their art l😊 ty to you both

[@ShawNshawN]

You realize that the Google ads for videos are only $0.08/view right? I would back up the truck on that.

[@manicoquita]

Yeah I dont care much for the algorithms either. Although I did panic randomly and tried checking what was trending so I can get more people to go to my pg, stopped myself and said, wait, idc for this. I art what I want! Lol

[@cordialgreetingsart]

Social media is connecting and being social. I try for Google SEO and Pinterest brings me traffic to my Etsy shop. Sometimes FB too if I show what I just made or it's that time of year to buy this kind of product. I have a FB page that has a shop now button. People find me from Google too. I don't go for FB ads because the algorithm is worthless and IG too. That's just my opinion.

[@johngawlik6198]

I follow you on utube, because you are an artist.to learn the real world experience.because I am an artist.we both know that there's a lot of art on this world.seeing your art is a bonus ,that makes it more personal. Best of luck! Will keep watching.

[@jstall20]

I sold maybe 1 commission through a connection I cultivated online. But ya Instagram and Facebook are pretty useless for art promotion.

[@Rafiwashere]

Yeah, not for sales, but to stay in the minds eye and document your accomplishments in public. Think of social media as a public resume of you adventure.

[@mauricepowers3804]

I’m on Instagram and Facebook and I have a website...... I’m trying to learn more about the best hashtags to get people to look at my steampunk jewelry, do you have suggestions? Thank you😎love you guys!!!

[@samreevesartist4349]

Is it possible that lack of sales from social media is because some artists -- myself included -- filled their followers list with people not necessarily looking to buy art? I mean, I definitely want to see my favorite artists in my feed, but chances are they will not buy from me. Maybe if we increased the number of followers with known buyers sales might increase???

[@samreevesartist4349]

@@Rafiwashere That makes sense. Thanks.

[@SuperFunkulus]

🙏

[@jacquelinepreston4116]

God I love you guys!!!!! What kind of environmental efforts do you guys make? As an artist it is very hard to be eco friendly and create at the same time. Thoughts???

[@jacquelinepreston4116]

Good idea!!!! Will definitely look into that and try it out. 🥰

[@minnakangas9014]

Guys I know you don’t have time to answer everyone’s questions, but I’d love to hear your opinion on this. I’ve been binge watching your channel and the consistent message I’m hearing about selling ones art is making face to face connections... Most of my sales are with people living in the US. My partner and I have been traveling for the last few years and currently live in Germany. We love it hear but my the fact that my client base is in the states is making us question whether we should move back to be able to take my business to the next level.. you know, to make more of those face to face connections? What do you think? 🤷‍♀️ Thanks Minna Waggish Designs

[@minnakangas9014]

Thank you so much for your input! Waggish Designs European take over, here we come! 😅👍👍👍😘