Everything you need to do BEFORE selling your art online

[@madameberry]

I like to take the unit cost (ie. the price it cost me to buy/print each individual item) and 4x it to get the retail cost. That way, even if a store wants to carry my products wholesale or consignment, which is usually 40-50% retail, I'm still able to get a profit from the 2x the unit cost. So if an item cost $2 to make, I sell it for at least $8 - then if a retailer buys it wholesale for $4 I still make money from that sale instead of taking a loss just to get my products in a retail store.

[@catheroldart]

that's brilliant 😳

[@RishisR00m]

The idea of "suffering for the sake of affordability" really killed me in my first years doing business. I've never heard another artist put it that way. Wow, thank you Kelsey. I needed to hear that. 💚

[@SweetlyDarkArt]

I found a good gauge with MY art was doing a local festival, was very cheap too to try ($40 dollar table fee and a bit of gas to drive 5 blocks into downtown). It gave me a good idea what was selling well. I had small original paintings, a few stickers, tiny magnet paintings and just a few prints. Prints and stickers sold best, did sell two original paintings and 1 magnet.

[@lourdes_paints_stuff]

About your old inventory that you can't sell, one idea I heard from a channel called ArtProf is to sell them at a major discount in a separate section of your site. I plan to do this with any misprints, unsold/outdated stock, or damaged pieces. Best case scenario, this keeps the old stock from bogging down your current listings while still giving you the chance to get rid of it and get part of the money back for it. As long as you're fully honest about the defects on your listing (I'd say show detailed photos of any defects), people may still be willing to take it off your hands for a low price

[@MariaRevArt]

I know a few businesses that do this.

[@nomnom_art]

A surprise package could work too.

[@Stygian360]

How do you go from absolute zero, no one knows you to selling in an online store? That's the video I want to watch

[@katehollomanart]

Same!

[@theartkatalog]

I felt attacked on Step #7 😂😂 like where was this video 10 months ago?!😂 I really thank you for putting so much effort into your videos to educate us about such matters that we tend to overlook especially considering that we are trying to run a business. Always learning something from your videos and I'm happy such content is out here for artists. Keep up the good work 🔥

[@kelseytilleydesigns]

This is the single most helpful and useful video you’ve posted. Your art videos are beautiful of course too. But this video gives so much information that takes digging and trying to find and this makes it a lot easier. Thank you Kelsey!

[@LL-ex1gp]

Another thing to consider for pricing is wholesale and or galleries. They take 50% off price. Another thing excellent video, thank you!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh gosh, I am going to have to watch this valuable video a few more times & definitely take some written notes about this information. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video with us all!

[@allakarasik2993]

Thank you for sharing this info. This is exactly where I'm at right now, art + merch ready but so much work to do on the back end. I did find the other day that my city has Small Business Development Centers, I scheduled an appointment and hoping they will be helpful in this journey

[@courtneylloyd11]

Maybe for the extra stickers and things you couldn’t sell in the past. Do like a deal. Like buy up to this amount $$ and get a free gift or get a free sticker etc.

[@d.o.nmuzic3802]

Ms K, you’re a gift to this artist community. A straight up blessing! Thank You for being you 🙏🏾

[@NinaKubatzki]

6:47 "I think you deserve that" - you are so sweet! 😄🧡

[@bessieguzman1066]

Thank you so much Ms. Kelsye for sharing you knowledge about art and how to market the artworks❤. I'm still a newbie in art business I've learn a lot on your advices❤. I'm still improving the things that I'm lack. I'm looking forward on your future art blogs. Sorry if my english is not good. Thank you again❤

[@nickr9160]

Amazing video, made some of these mistakes previously so I can fully appreciate how invaluable this is! If you're open to feedback, I might just suggest doing a slight highpass or getting a pop filter to resolve some sibelence, but beyond that keep up the incredible quality!

[@afkashinuu3737]

I'm litterally binging all your videos thank you Kelsey!!

[@yay8619]

Hi My current dream is to be a washi tape designer. This video is really, really helpful. I haven’t really started my social media yet, but being able to look to such a realistic, down to earth plan on the next steps has been so motivating to get over myself and actually get to posting. Thank you. Thank you so, so much

[@khloelee3505]

This was soooo helpful, just exactly what I had been looking for and what I needed without probably even knowing that. Love your content so much. Coming across your channel is a BLESSING.

[@LAPTOPVIEWS0]

you're a champion, and dont you ever forget it. thank you for your wonderful videos, they've been so important to me

[@melaniesmith3080]

You're like a big sister, helping everyone. Thanks for your advice. ❤

[@d.9882]

Question: In 4th point on pricing, you mentioned that if an audience doesn't find your work affordable, you should find a new one that does. How? Love your videos btw💕

[@kassiewoodworthstudio]

Grateful for you Kelsey! I recently discovered your channel and you are MOTIVATING me to get my sh*t together. Appreciate the knowledge sharing!!

[@NikitaCoulombe]

To add to what you are saying about avoiding up front costs, unless you are looking to make giclees or other super high quality archival prints, Fine Art America is a great option, which completely outsources the printing and shipping process.

[@HoiiPolloii]

1) This is a great list thank you, 2) Dimension 20!!!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I'm watching the Unsleeping City right now after finishing Mentopolis! it's SUCH a great show to have on in the background

[@aaliyah.parrilla]

This is GOLD! Thank you for making this content 🙏 Definitely will be using these tips for a better chance of success!

[@twoislanders-onetide]

Gonna watch this fully in the morning….can’t wait ! 🎨🤙🏽

[@oogabooga_1]

why are you so amazing :) thank you for all this info

[@KelseyRodriguez]

aaaaa thank youuu 🥰💗

[@d.o.nmuzic3802]

💯

[@linneasolak2354]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL!!! And i love your vibe. THANK YOU

[@haileylois7624]

i just realized after watching a bunch of your videos that we have the same exact glasses lol!

[@FrostWolf-u5h]

Always enjoy your content, keep it up.

[@TheBabayaga321]

Great info Kelsey. I'm taking notes and binge-watching through this series of yours. Keep up the good work and thanks for posting. :-)

[@DarthUmbreon]

I sell tie dye and when I first started I thought I should be releasing like 10-20 products every 2 weeks and I’m in the same boat as you where I have wayy to much old inventory that is much lower quality than what I make now that I can’t sell. My new strategy is to only release a couple things each drop so I can save time in production and money on resources but still be consistent with regular drops

[@krs_kross]

Maybe someone will have some advice for me...I think I have a decent art skill, but when it comes to making sales, I don't. I don't know how to market myself. I think I have something unique to offer, I would love to build an intimate clientele base of people who seek out work from me, I have a ko-fi where I offer a variety of commissions from non-commercial to commercial use. I post on social media, sharing what Im currently working on, time-lapse my creative process, I've shared some personal stuff about myself in order for people to get to know me a bit more and express a more personalized side of my work or where my creative process stems from, which is from, trying to process emotions through art. I've even created some pretty basic and not as detailed works of art, with catchy slogans like..."take a pizza my heart" with no luck. What am I doing wrong? What am I not doing enough of? Im not a person who keeps up with trends, Im not an overachiever, but I feel invisible in the art world.

[@ndwerashinha3511]

Hope you will find someone who will help you to promote your art because most of us (I myself also 😅) don't understand the trends and in meantime try out some physical locations in your local area where you can show case your art as a start if you haven't tried it yet. I hope my suggestions will inspire you. Good luck 💚

[@krs_kross]

@@ndwerashinha3511 thanks for the suggestion, Im also working on improving my marketing skills because I think that is one area that I lack in, when it comes to directing people to my content and describing a little of what I have to offer. Good luck to you too! ❤

[@rebeccasartcorner]

The two sites that you mentioned that calculate tax, are those sites only relevant for people in the US or can people outside of the US also befit from them?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Not sure! I'm in the US so I don't know a ton about taxes in other parts of the world

[@zainabaleemart]

Thank you so much for this! 😭😭😭 I seriously can't decide whether to go for eCommerce or Graphic Design. Help please!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I'm kinda confused -- you could use graphic design skills for e-commerce? Are you talking about a major in like school or something? I think both skills are worth having if you're trying to be a creative professional! Just depends on what your end goals are

[@nnikaa3]

If you’re talking about college major, I’m in the same boat lol

[@stephenwelham]

Have you thought about a sketchbook as this reduces the pressure to be perfect and create it can be any size and allow your self 15-20 minutes to play when you feel like it this might be useful to your creative self permission to play

[@CoolCat00001]

Which social media platforms do you recommend prioritize for building an audience?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

depends a lot on your goals, personal preference, etc! I think short form video is more easily accessible and faster growth but long form KZbin videos gives you more monetization opportunities, but takes longer to get established

[@ENAIRAMA1]

Love your content. Thank you!!❤

[@I_am_Lauren]

Do you go to art markets much? or set up booths at conventions?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I haven't ruled it out for the future and I've done 1-2 in the past, but right now I'm really focused on building up my business online and finding a good work/life balance!

[@goblinwisdom]

Keep it simple ( your not cheesecake factory), limited supplies of products or low runs, can mean you benefit from lower taxation on these products( depending where in the world you live).

[@rosezif]

Thank you so much! 🎉❤🎉❤

[@ArcadeChan]

I think I forgot to add this earlier, but do I really need a P.O. Box if your thinking of print on demand?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

if you’re doing POD it’s not necessary but i do recommend it!

[@ArcadeChan]

I wanted to know if print on demand is good start , instead of buying stock yourself?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

absolutely! POD is a great way to start out

[@ArcadeChan]

@@KelseyRodriguez thanks for the reply! Your videos are really helpful for me how to start my own online store!

[@DiddelySkwat]

Thanks for the video! 🙏 Is it an okay idea to make a website just to display my artwork for starters, and then down the road create my shop and add it or a link to it, providing I’ve met all necessary criteria?

[@ChantelleArts]

fantastic video, great tips❤❤❤

[@JbellaArtistry]

Hey! Thank you for the videos! They’re awesome and helpful! Quick question: is there a recommendation you have for a virtual PO Box? I do P.O.D for my artwork but I’d like to have one just in case

[@BrittanyFaith]

Thank you so much!!

[@monsoongirlnyc]

I forgot the PO Box, ty!

[@gracedreamy2925]

Thanks A LOT, It really helped.

[@nnikaa3]

How do you market your products if you don’t have a following?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

in person! cafes, conventions, galleries, art fairs, etc. Or start building an audience now. A few years ago was the time to start but today's the second best

[@PhiTonics]

You mic may be a few inches too close, picking up some of those unflattering mouth noises 😅 Thank you for the upload!❤

[@KelseyRodriguez]

getting audio just right is always a challenge 😅 thanks for watching!

[@PhiTonics]

@@KelseyRodriguez indeed! I'm no expert either! 😅🤣 still watching!🤗

[@LiarFireDesire]

I think artists should start thinking about marketing more like getting a message out there. People do with that message what they want. Marketing can be very positive and not 'salesy'. Let's face it. Most of us are never gonna be hard sellers hahz, but that's not necessary either.

[@JuBenedettiArt]

I'd like to know more about email marketing, for example how do I properly invite people to sign up? Ps: my art is 100% digital.

[@AsterBeCastin]

Seriously though, ty for this vid!

[@TheApoke]

Thanks for your help!

[@noellecarries]

The sad thing is the art industry has been considered a useless, activist thing by one person I live with who works hard in a science kind of job, and I bet there's plenty of people who feel the same way... But just as there's this audience we DON'T need, there's an audience out there we'll find if we change the directions of our art and content, right? Just keep swimming, swimming. 🐠🎨

[@AsterBeCastin]

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