Why is attention the most important asset in building an art business?

Attention is the true currency in today’s world. With it, you can do absolutely anything—you have all the power. Without it, you will struggle no matter how good your work is. Think of it this way: if you had to choose between receiving one million dollars cash right now or 10 million engaged followers on social media, the followers would be the better choice. You’d be able to earn many millions with that follower base over time and continue going back to that audience again and again. Attention is what gives you control and independence. When you have enough attention, you’re not dependent on galleries taking 50% commissions or other gatekeepers controlling your access to buyers.

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Asked by artists building their business foundation · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2020-10-21