What role does merchandising play in an art business, and how should I think about it?

Merchandise like art cards, prints, and other products can generate consistent revenue, especially in retail or studio settings. While you might not sell many original paintings in certain venues, merchandise can sell extremely well and often pays for overhead costs like studio rental and travel. Having a full range of merchandise forces you to think through your complete product offering and helps you understand what your website should look like. It also gives customers at different price points a way to connect with your work. Think of your physical retail presence as a model for how your online store should be merchandised.

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Asked by an artist with a studio space in a shared gallery · Answered by Patrick Shanahan and Kelly Corbett · art-marketing-podcast · 2024-08-23