I'm a new or struggling artist — how do I even get started selling when I have no audience?

Start by getting your work in front of people wherever they are, every single day. If you’re doing in-person sales, set up wherever there’s foot traffic and sell, sell, sell. Tell your story — people need to know who you are, why you create, your circumstances. Be authentic; if you’re struggling, share that. It creates connection. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or a big following. Your job right now is to make your work visible and start conversations. The work must go out into the world, as Picasso said. Early on, your work might not command high prices, but it should sell. Get it seen, build relationships one person at a time, and stay consistent. You’re building the foundation of a business that can last decades, so start with small, daily actions and grow from there.

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Asked by a young artist currently homeless trying to sell handmade art · Answered by Patrick · Art Business Webinar · 2026-08-24