How do I get useful feedback on my artwork to know if it will sell?

The key is getting your work in front of as many eyeballs as humanly possible, however you can do it. Most artists just create, create, create, maybe show some family and friends occasionally, then go back and create more. They never truly get the product to market. Get creative with exposure: share on social media, do in-person gallery shows, set up at art walks, get a table at the farmer’s market, even print a QR code and put it on your car asking people to scan for feedback. Once you’re getting exposure, have real conversations. When people compliment your work, tell them it’s for sale and quote a price, then shut up. If they say they’re not in the market, ask: ‘What’s the last piece of art you bought? Why did you buy it? What kind of art motivates you?’ People will tell you what they want if you listen. The secret to having a business is getting feedback and having conversations. You have to be open to hearing what people actually say, not what you hope they’ll say.

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Asked by an artist who does art walks twice a year · Answered by Patrick · Art Business Webinar · 2026-08-21