How can I use my personal story to help sell art at in-person shows?

Sharing your personal story—including challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, lack of visual memory, or other struggles—makes people look at you and your art differently. After a genuine 5-minute conversation where you’re vulnerable about your story, people often purchase two pieces instead of one. The story creates connection and context. This same principle applies online: your story is what differentiates you and creates the emotional connection that drives sales. It’s not just about the quality of the work; the story is 50% of what makes a sale, with the other 50% being the merit of the work itself.

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Asked by a Scottish artist with learning differences who sells at fairs · Answered by Patrick · Art Business Webinar · 2026-06-24