Should I just show photos of my work on social media and my website, or do I need physical samples?

Never rely solely on digital images. There’s a principle in user experience design called ‘don’t make me think’—and showing only JPEGs makes your potential buyers work way too hard. Most people cannot visualize a two-dimensional image on their wall. You’re essentially showing up to sell knives by displaying pictures of knives instead of bringing the actual product. Physical prints have height, weight, texture, and detail that people can see and covet. Even the best mockup images aren’t as effective as holding up the actual print and showing it’s real, ready to hang, and doesn’t need a frame. You need physical samples in your hands to show in videos, on calls with collectors, and in your marketing. This is how you become a subject matter expert and make sales.

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Asked by artists marketing their work · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2021-10-20