Marketing for Artists 101

Marketing for artists is extremely important, but sometimes artists don’t know what to do or where to start. This is not the only answer but it's my own thoughts and things I do for marketing myself and leading a successful career in the industry. My hopes is that by sharing what's worked for me, it'll affect others in a positive way.
Let me know if you liked it and what you'd like to see more of in the comments.
Instagram: @digitalbobert
Twitter: bobbychiu
Facebook: / bobby.chiu
Art education: www.schoolism.com

[@cr0uchingtiger]

Some feedback from a struggling artist who knows other struggling artists, I think a lot of advice videos along these lines could do well to focus on some of the very basics of just getting income. Many videos talk about career management and setting aside income for training as though it's a given that they're paying the bills and doing fine. Most aren't.

[@mysqm3026]

THIS^^^

[@Trazynn]

Once you're in the thick of it, training gets really expensive. You're not just paying for a course or a book or whatever, you're also paying your hourly wage in work that you're not doing otherwise. That's something art students don't realise yet.

[@AngelaMerici12]

Exactly!!

[@firecracker1012]

- Online Social Media (industry famous vs internet famous) - Travel (Social events, conventions, workshops) - Constantly improving and Evolving (Evolve and adapt with what's happening with the world) - Do more when you're asked - Describe your art (Less words the better) - The Art of Conversation (Picture how the other person speaks) (If you're shy, try to think of a calm place to loosen up.) (Crash and burn, step into the fire more, you'll burn less. Metaphorically.)

[@IrmaZwart]

Finally, finally, finally a CLEAR marketing video for artists!! I've been searching for information like this for so long and most "experts" say: "You should promote yourself on social media and work really hard." But they never get deeper into it. Bobby Chiu really gets into the detials. Thank you!

[@redbougainvilia2544]

love that advice: "keep stepping into that fire and pretty soon you will not burn!" very inspiring thank you!!!!

[@BobbyChiu]

Awesome to hear you were inspired! :D ~ R

[@Yfbyryp]

I am in the process of launching a business, and this video could not have been more helpful for my current state of progression. The quote “… keep stepping into the fire and soon enough, it will not burn you,” is going to stick with me! Thank you so much for posting this eight years ago and keeping it up all these years

[@bubzzydraws]

I always have a huge issue when it comes to "movement" type of stuff. I'm normally the type that if I get REALLY inspired by something then I'll draw it. I remember when people were doing Frozen art and I couldn't believe how much artwork there was. I watched it and I was like "I really like this movie" but it wasn't to the point I would pick up a pencil or pen and draw one of the characters or something associated with it. I wish I could draw stuff in "movements" when they come like you mentioned Star Wars (especially since my dad loves the movies), but I can't T.T It's frustrating sometimes...

[@BobbyChiu]

+stargazer-art yes, I feel the same way. I have to be 'into' the movement to participate but it's a great way to gain notice especially in the beginning

[@LizdeSouza]

Bobby, I'm so happy to watch your videos from the last months. I don't know if you remember me, but we talked a bit when I tried to go to NYComicCon in 2007, trying to get my air ticket selling cakes after my part-time job I had. Your videos helped me so much not to give up my talent, and a couple years later my husband gave me the opportunity to be a stay at home wife and mom and develop my skills without having to work outside home. Today I have almost 8K followers on Facebook, I'm starting to do something on KZbin and have Instagram and Tumblr, and also have lots of ideas of projects, including some training in Portuguese with Krita, a digital painting OpenSource software. You were the guy who gave me that push to continue making art. Thank you. I'm starting to hear all your videos from 2007 and the newest ones. And when people ask me when did I start in digital painting, I say "Bobby Chiu is the guy who helped me in 2007 when I almost gave up. God bless him. Such a Providence of Heaven he is in my life". Thanks, my friend. Blessings.

[@manitheuncanny]

Do more than you are asked: Makes sense and should be common sense. Ideally it works out (if done right) for the person doing it. But we got a problem-companies have taken advantage of artists / freelancers where they think they can get more for less and expect it. This hurts artists/freelancers in the long run. How do you get around this?

[@BobbyChiu]

+Mani C. Price this is a common issue that artists are afraid of. My reply to this is do more than you're paid for anyways but the moment you feel that they aren't appreciating you, leave and look for another job. Sooner or later you'll find a company that appreciates people that go that extra mile. In the end I'm a huge believer that great workers attract great companies.

[@amberevolves796]

Hey Bobby, I know this is an old post but I just want to say thank you for being such an inspiration! And also thank you for mentioning the part about being introverted.. I really needed to hear that as it has been my biggest hurdle towards conversation.

[@CupcakeCottage]

Best artist talk ever! Thank you. You just gave me permission to do the kind of art I want to do!

[@aurore3724]

I've watched thousands of KZbin videos but I am so happy I saved my first comment for this one. I am a music producer as from Toronto Canada, currently outsourcing for perspectives of all artists and their advice in their chosen fields. recently I've been struggling with talking to people in a social setting I did not expect this advice but stumbled upon it at the perfect time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your truth. All the best and I hope our paths cross some day. -your characters make me laugh and smile. Nicole

[@barnabaseckhardt9846]

Wow! I'm also a music producer, and I'm doing the exact same thing! Listening to artists and people from all kinds of different fields to get a broader perspective. Damn I love youtube so much

[@tonylizama6447]

Great stuff Bobby! Very few can grind through and hope to make a living doing what they love. Information like this is easing that process so that the biggest battle is the one between your ears. Thank you so much!

[@tobiaswaaentz9929]

I love your part on conversation! It’s crazy how that isn’t a main topic in every school around the world. Thanks for a great video - awesome art btw! 👌👍

[@BDavisEnt]

Thanks very much for sharring your techniques and perspectives, Bobby. This video was succinct and comprehensive, adding great accents for anyone wanting to improve their relevence and value in any field. Many thanks.

[@NicholasKennedy]

A lot of very basic tips here, that I agree with. I really appreciate your anecdotes, because even IF a person understandings these concepts, it is always helpful to hear it again. Thanks for sharing, Bobby

[@BobbyChiu]

+Paint With Nick thx Nick

[@Rallase]

Thanks for sharing this Bobby, you are a fine artist with a big heart. Keep up the good work and the vibe!

[@christinabrown1482]

Thanks for this, Bobby! I love listening to your advice. So helpful!

[@leenisabel]

This is a fantastic video filled with great advice and reminders. Thank you for posting!

[@PenandBlade]

Excellent video dude, thanks. I especially like the idea of thinking about the conversation from the other person's perspective. (In art but just in life in general too) If I had considered this before going to CTNx last year I would have been able to design my portfolio and share it with people more effectively.

[@CkArtGirl7]

I LOVE this art! Wonderful stuff! Yes, every artist should do Comicon SD at least ONCE in their lives. I have had tables in Small Press. Unbelievable experience. Great characters, Bobby!

[@Jimsonization]

Your work make me so motivating, I literally feel eenergy from your videos and a lot of helpful stuff I didn't know! Thank you

[@linzertube]

Awesome content, both visuals and commentary: thanks for sharing, Bobby!

[@ScorchArtist]

Great video Bobby, these are some of the most valuable lessons I think any artist needs to really get going. Keep it up!

[@Gabycainn]

Thank you so much for the video! really helps me to think in a different way about my work and what I want to do with it

[@savagepoet6269]

I like that you addressed the topic of introverted artists lol. Very helpful. Thanks

[@nachoezquerra5120]

Thanks bobby! It a pleasure to have access to your knowledge. I love the idea of practicing the art of conversation. That will be my primary goal in 2016

[@raedasama]

This video is so insightful! I am so blown away. I kind of expected myself to have to go through a bunch of videos to get the answers that I needed but this video has it all! I'm so glad I found your video. You've gained a new subscriber.

[@BobbyChiu]

Hey thank you for the nice words Raeda! Welcome!

[@Amedyr]

Inspiring video as always! Thank you Bobby! I said this to you in one of your first talks in Rio, but you were my Stephen Silver and I too was nervous to talk to you in person for the first time. Thank you for showing that working with art is possible (been at it for almost 5 years now) and for telling me to punch laziness in the face!

[@BobbyChiu]

+Ann Wright thank you so much for the very nice message Ann. I'm touched and honored. Hope to come back to Rio some day!

[@Amedyr]

Or maybe I could drop by next time I'm in Canada! :)

[@maximefavre2357]

Great video once again. And, and... you've got Iain Mccaig joining the project ! Thank you SO MUCH for everything you guys did those last few years.

[@BobbyChiu]

+Maxime Favre Iain McCaig... just another reason it's going to be an epic 2016

[@ThomasRomeArt]

Amazing video ! I am currently a student in 2d animation/illustration and your videos are really inspirationnal and helpfull. You won a new fan !

[@UndeadFae_]

Thanks for the tips, it's very helpful ! Especially the art of conversion for the introverts/shy people, because at the moment it's for me an obstacle about my goal to be an illustrator. I will try to apply your advices !

[@Sukeile]

I'm not sure I will ever get over my nervousness/over-excitement when meeting artists I admire, but I would like to think I have improved somewhat over the years, especially by following your advice! At the Stockholm Workshop I probably spoke to more people in one of the days than I normally do in a year, haha. Of course it helps when the people you look up to are fun and kindhearted people like yourselves :D The wine helped a little bit too, I suppose :P

[@BobbyChiu]

+Maja Sukeile hehe... yes, a little wine helps sometimes :) it was great to see you again Maja

[@saint2craft]

Loved this video. My favourite video of yours still is Tiger-bird-mouse you made in 2007. I heard it first time late in the night that time just before I got my first job. I still hear it when I am really low. You have been very inspirational. I really hope to meet you someday :)

[@colleentate544]

Love this! Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@its_mariarubio]

Wow congrats, great talk, you basically said what we probably all know, but you explain it in a way that you are able to see in perspective, and it´s great you use personal experiences as a support, not only because they are very interesting anecdotes, because you can also see a real life application for the tips you give us. Thanks for your videos and everything, you are very inspiring, I hope we meet some day, and who knows? maybe even work together! Big hug from Spain.

[@QuEeN-uy6lg]

Social media - showcase fished pieces Socializing -art events and workshops (if you can travellll) -network and mingle Constantly improve and evolve your art - allot time and income to this How you do your work -always go above and beyond, things go by word of mouth - do it very well, and add a sprinkle of your own thing Describe Yourself -as easily and as digestible as possible Conversation - peoples fav topic of convo is themselves - formally and informal depending on people - be yourself

[@samuelszymanski3651]

Lots of Fantastic advice, wish I'd watched this sooner. Thanks for posting this Bobby!

[@Gatz3D]

This video is extremely helpful on many levels. You are a kind and considerate person with the well-being of others in mind, not just yourself. It is great to receive advice from a person of that level of integrity. Thanks for sharing all of your incite. Do you have suggestions on a place/site to learn to improve conversational skills in general?? I’ve always had difficulty engaging others in conversation. Thanks!! :)

[@livin4thelamb499]

Thank you Bobby! I took notes and am looking into figure drawing classes nearby.

[@LeyLey41]

what a fabulous video!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much...and in the process..you sold me on your work as well...Love it truly! Thank you

[@Lovesangel18nanacute]

thanks for all your advice and for the great inspiration and motivation you give in your videos, my dream is being a professional artist I will try all I can to reach my dream thank you!!

[@tarusov]

Yes of course!!! We would love to see much more!!!! Thank you!

[@iicaughtfiire]

This is a fantastic video, Bobby, thank you! Very insightful.

[@riya13naskar]

Thank you Bobby, such a calming & well-articulated thought. :)

[@famous.LASTWXRDS]

This was a fantastic vid. I'm trying to get I to managing and marketing artists and musicians and this will do wonders in consultations and meetings.

[@caseyturbos]

Lovely talk! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas. I definitely am looking forward to seeing the results after implementing some of your social media tips! Thanks again and keep being awesome!

[@BobbyChiu]

+casey turbos right on Casey!

[@julio1148]

this is more about personal brand than marketing, still really loved it and went to my favorites list :)

[@kwarcc1]

No, thank you very much!! Loved! Your art is awesome and tips you mentioned are also grate, man that art of conversation is supper important ( I have burned so many times :D) no one actually is talking about this in tips with marketing. So thank you man once again and keep those beautiful whimsical creatures coming!

[@DubblejayComics]

This is very, very useful stuff. I knew about a lot of the principles of this stuff, but you've really nailed a lot of the nitty gritty here. Cheers :)

[@BobbyChiu]

+John Jenkins cheers!

[@JoshuaEliGilley]

Thanks for this great info Bobby, I hope for a Chicago Schoolism Live someday!! : )

[@theresajohnson8840]

Thanks Bobby. Helpful as always!

[@junefae]

Thank you Bobby Chiu!

[@doodlemonstah5656]

You describing conversation skills was giving me anxiety. Geuss I know what I need to work on... xD

[@skylershout]

I did ethe the night eerie

[@inspirationalsoul668]

Coool.. thanks man.. such a Inspirational Soul I had learned lotsss just right now with you! Hi!! from Ecuador

[@keichxn]

This was very helpful. I'd love to see more! Thank you so much for these tips! :-)

[@SkrzatKwiatowy]

Thank you for sharing this advice. It's really helpful!

[@FelizaEstrada]

thanks! this video was really helpful. I'll be using these tips. again, thank you!

[@markhousel2712]

You are amazing thank you for this.

[@DonCorgi]

Quite helpful things, would love to hear some more if you feel like doing them :) Nice work!

[@BobbyChiu]

+Don Corgi thank you for the encouragement. I'll try!

[@theartquest8342]

Nice! I like when you talk about your personnal experiences like that :)

[@jiananliu2273]

a HUGE thanks from 2022, This video is AMAZING :D

[@BobbyChiu]

Very glad this video was helpful for you!! Thanks for watching!😊 ~S

[@Daniel-tx2vt]

I found out what i want to do through this video, bobby u just answered all my pressing questions on where i want to take my art.😅 I believe i’ve found what i want to focus on!!!

[@BobbyChiu]

This is amazing to hear! So glad this video was so helpful for you and helped you realize your goals! :) Thanks for watching! ~S

[@MithmeoiArt]

Great video! Very helpful, thank you for posting this!

[@NeArts]

Your whole channel is like the most helpful youtube channel ever, I'm always recommending it to my friends or to other artists that i know and everyone tells me back that you were truly helpful and that they are glad your channel exists ♥ I have one question about the "do more than you are asked" point. Everytime I do more than I'm asked it seems to annoy the client. I don't know if this is a "spanish people" thing, but it truly annoys them when you do more than what they asked you to do, so, what should i do then? ;;

[@yujin5690]

I always watch your videos to get motivated. It really helps. Thank you for this. By the way, when will you be in Dubai again?

[@jainapark]

Thank you so much for this video! very inspiring!

[@garyyraggary]

That was a great one! Thanks!

[@coppertoffee7016]

The conversation part is so relatable ahahah. I'll get mad heart beats and squashed lungs.

[@plymptonsandrine2571]

Thank you so much for your video. The last story with the girls touch me a lot because I worked with my husband and I am shy so thank you for who you are and for your tips.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you for watching! Glad to hear this video was helpful and relatable to you :) ~S

[@cherzad5046]

Thanks for the really helpful information! 😊

[@samanthashields1843]

Awesome! This was very helpful, thank you!

[@BrandonFer]

thanks for this. it helped so much!

[@passanttamam767]

Thank you so much for your kindness Bobby :')

[@chulita4978]

Thanks for making marketing much easier to understand, great video!

[@BobbyChiu]

Glad you found this helpful!! Thanks for watching :) ~S

[@BenjaminCerbai]

Very inspiring video ! Thank you for sharing those awesome tips with us, it is really helpful. Do you have videos, films or books which had particularly inspired you in your life and career ? :)

[@BobbyChiu]

+Benjamin Cerbai lots... I have a book as well called 'the Perfect Bait'. Audiobook is free to download until the end of January drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwkAzEOEQChdZ2ZiRGMwdnR5OEU&usp=sharing

[@BenjaminCerbai]

Bobby Chiu Thank you, I will check it out. :)

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Great talk and good advice to think about.

[@cartoonmamma]

Floored because of the clear information! Thank you.

[@BobbyChiu]

thanks so much!

[@iankimble3619]

great video. thank you for making this

[@FeliciaFollum]

Social change through cultural art How I describe my art...there is a woman figure that I use for my branding... I have so much to work on from this video...thank you!!!!

[@juliocesargomez4308]

Thanks for Share!!! I am very grateful

[@BobbyChiu]

+Julio Cesar Gomez Penagos you're welcome!

[@Fer_Nevitiv]

So inspiring! Thanks for sharing! Do you have any other material about art of conversation to indicate? I am a very escited person and for that is hard to think something especial to talk before my mouth opens ans start putting all my escitement out hehe

[@MoutonLadlyfeMusicGroup]

Thank you!

[@artistalexleon71]

Excellent Content!

[@LalitaBanana]

Finally mentionned THU! Thank you!! It's never too late! :D

[@BobbyChiu]

+Lale Ann lol... were you waiting long?

[@LalitaBanana]

+Bobby Chiu Well, 3 years! :D Still hoping to see you there every time! :) Great talk about social medias. I feel it's a topic artists don't talk about much but that is very important to know how to use and benefit from. Cheers! ^^

[@lelbertmiguel8103]

Great Video! You are now my Artistic superhero! XD

[@evanjohnsen5142]

Great stuff. I really appreciate it, thanks!

[@BobbyChiu]

+Evan Johnsen you're welcome

[@RobbinKjellin]

thank you for sharing this video! great tips :)

[@FredBaconAdocicado]

Bobby, I have a question, how should a student of art, concept art/design and illustration who needs to work while study show on their portfolio and how to market himself? Because I'm on that position, I need to work but the lack of confidence and some knowledges make me anxious and kind of scared to put my face out and look for freelance jobs. PS- at the minute I'm a Schoolism Student.

[@cs6993]

I know I'm 11 months late, but here's a tip for anyone that has a similar question to yours When you start freelancing, it means that you're competing with the next guy, who's probably very skilled, so you have to be really good at what you do. I'd consider specializing. Only put in your portfolio what you can confidently complete and are strongest at for now and focus on finding clients that need that kind of work, otherwise you'd have no chance of competing. If your strong at characters but not environments, spend time and energy creating more character work and really make your portfolio shine. Focus on your strength and beef up your portfolio with it. It will put you ahead faster than if you do a bit of everything, especially when you're learning. If you want to add environment design to your list of services, only do it when your work and work practices are up to professional standards. Bobby Chui still specializes in creature design, as successful as he is. So specializing is your best bet.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

I love your work Bobby

[@BobbyChiu]

much appreciated Ernie. thank you

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!

[@glennthomasstudio]

Would love an updated version of this one!

[@BobbyChiu]

Definitely check out this webinar if you haven't already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYjWi4uijtSinrs Lots of great tips for marketing yourself as an artist in this one!😊 ~S

[@Frootcubes]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📈 Marketing for artists is increasingly important in today's connected world. 01:09 🌐 Being both "industry famous" (recognized within the art industry) and "internet famous" (known widely online) are crucial for a successful art career. 02:01 📷 Use different social media platforms strategically: websites for portfolios, forums for work-in-progress, and instant platforms like Instagram for in-the-moment content. 03:23 🔄 Be consistent and vary your posts on social media to engage your audience effectively. 06:05 🗺️ Attend social events, workshops, and conventions to network and market yourself as an artist. 08:28 🎨 Continuously evolve and improve your art to remain relevant and in demand. 10:14 📚 Dedicate time and resources to ongoing learning and education to fast-track your career. 12:26 👥 Doing more than what's asked can lead to positive word-of-mouth and better networking opportunities. 17:52 💬 Master the art of conversation, empathize, ask questions, and avoid clichés to make meaningful connections. 24:25 💼 Attend live workshops and learn from successful artists to elevate your skills and career prospects. Made with HARPA AI

[@MattPiersonArt]

Appreciate the perspective.

[@BobbyChiu]

Hope you found some of these tips helpful!! :) Thanks for watching. ~s

[@moseslukisan6271]

Thank you very very much.

[@fenixdorigami]

Thanks for your advices ! Im terribly shy and always keep on messing up (or not speaking at all)when i try to talk with anyone, specially people I admire hehe..hopefully I'll try to put your advice on practice next time. >_

[@CulturesInterlude]

Hey man, I'm 8 years late to this video. Do you happen to have a more updated video on marketing 101 for artists? I still think some of what you say is useful today. but Social media has changed so much in 8 years, I would live to hear what you are doing now.

[@justathought7221]

Thank you! Advice that will really help me.

[@BobbyChiu]

We're happy to hear that this video has helped you! :) ~ Ashley

[@sandychiustudio]

Love the advice for introverts, thank you!

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for watching!! You may enjoy this webinar as well, all about how to sell yourself as an introverted artist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYjWi4uijtSinrs Hope you get a chance to check it out😊 ~S

[@lawsdraws]

Ahhh so calming :)

[@BenjaminCerbai]

+Laura Brett : Bobby is very calm, indeed. :) I have to calm down in my videos ahah

[@lawsdraws]

+Benjamin Cerbai it's good to have a mix of hyper and calm :) I just needed calm today ^_^

[@BenjaminCerbai]

Laura Brett : Yes, I think it would on the message we share. ^^

[@liberation4all700]

Excellent advice! Ty

[@BobbyChiu]

Glad you found this video helpful!! Thanks for watching :) ~S