What are the main ways to build a six-figure art business selling fine art directly?

There are three primary paths to achieving $100,000+ in annual gross sales selling fine art. First, selling through galleries where they handle marketing and sales, but you give up 50% commission and have very low odds of success (less than 5% of artists reach this level). Second, becoming a road warrior doing 25-45 art shows and fairs per year—this has much higher success rates and you keep 100% of revenue, but requires extensive travel, time away from home, and significant physical effort. Third, marketing and selling directly to consumers through your own website via digital marketing—this is the most viable path for most artists as you maintain full control, keep all revenue, and can work from home, though it requires years of consistent marketing effort before seeing substantial results.

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Asked by general teaching point · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2023-07-19