We asked WIA2019 supporters creativehub’s Marketing Manager Zach Chudley gives his insights into how illustrators can benefit from promoting selling their work online.
Can you tell us a bit about creativehub and how it works?
creativehub is a free-to-use web application which allows artists to securely store their archives online as well as order fine art prints, mounting and framing direct from us (we are also theprintspace, the U.K’s most trusted online fine art printing service).
creativehub also offers artists easy ways to enter awards and competitions with industry leading organisations, such as the recent The Association of Illustrators ‘Come Together’ members open call.
We also offer the functionality to allow artists who use our service to sell their art directly to their customers via bespoke web stores, with the art sales fulfilment handled automatically by us.
Our free book tells you everything you need to know about selling art online. You can order a free copy here
Why did you decide to support the World Illustration Awards in 2019?
We have worked with the AOI for a number of years now and it has always been a pleasure. Our client base at theprintspace is also 50% illustration, and the quality of work we see day in day out by contemporary illustrators is just astonishing. If we can play a part in developing any of these budding careers then we are all for it, which we hope we can achieve as part of the 2019 World Illustration Awards.
What are your top tips for illustrators who want to print and sell their work as limited editions?
With the creativehub software, the fulfilment side of things is 100% taken care of, from printing through to shipping in artist branded packaging. This relieves the artist of a hugely time-consuming job, allowing them to get on with what they love to do – making artwork.
creativehub also supports limited editions, with a certificate of authenticity shipped out with the orders. This all combines with our best-in-class fine art printing services at theprintspace, so customers are guaranteed to receive professional quality artworks.
What advice do you have for illustrators to promote their work?
We know quite a few up-and-coming artists who have built large followings on social media, particularly Instagram, and if there is one platform we recommend you utilise it’s this. Some artists have made significant print sales revenue by posting new print releases, although it is not always the case that likes turn into sales and this depends very much on the type of work and your approach.
There are lots of tips out there about the type of content that builds audiences on social media. We have seen humour work well, as well as topical subjects. Video works well, and live video gives an interactive element to the content with followers able to ask questions.
As another example of interactivity, we have seen illustrators build good followings by crowdsourcing topics to draw. Showing part of your process is also a great way to engage, and don’t be afraid to show your personality, and perhaps some backstory as to why you make the art you do.
Above all, stay true to your brand and your work. This will build trust with your audience and over time you’ll establish yourself firmly within you specific field or style.
Enter the World Illustration Awards 2019 here!