Hey there, fellow artist!

I know how much you pour your heart and soul into your craft—how each stroke of your brush or each pull of clay is well thought out and perfected. I know that every creative idea or project becomes a small piece of your essence. You pride yourself on your craft and it shows. Even if you don't think it does. ;)

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You're a visionary, and your artistic abilities set you apart in the world of art even if you don't know exactly how yet. You already have an amazing business but my friend you are missing out on what it could be. The clarity and direction, the precise messaging, the simplicity of marketing and selling your work comes after you make a plan.

If you have ever wondered how big brands create content so effortlessly? It's because they have a plan, they know who they sell too, where to find them and what makes them different.

It's easy to sell stuff when you have a plan.

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But let's talk about that special something that might be nudging you outside your comfort zone: creating a business plan.

I get it; the idea of crafting a business plan might seem overwhelming, especially when your mind is bursting with boundless creativity and it's hard to focus. Here's to us ADHD creatives am I right?!

But trust me, having a roadmap for your artistic journey is like having the North Star to guide you through uncharted waters.
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Wait, did you just open up a spreadsheet?

Not so fast. I have a little something for you at the end of this post. So keep reading.

So, let's embark on this journey together—I'll be your trusty guide!

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First things first, let's dive into your artistic vision.

Close your eyes and imagine where you want your art to take you.
Dream big! Whether it's showcasing your work in prestigious galleries, collaborating with interior designers, or touching the hearts of individual buyers, let this vision be the heartbeat of your business plan.

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Now, let's talk audience.

Understanding who resonates with your art is crucial. Are you captivating collectors, design enthusiasts, or everyday art lovers? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your artistic offerings and connect with the right people who'll truly cherish your creations.

Now don't tell me your audience is "Everyone" because trust me I have heard that a thousand times. It's crap. And it's not true. There is no brand in the world that would say the world is their oyster or audience or whatever. ;)

You don't have an unlimited ad budget do you? Cause thats what it would take to market to "EVERYONE". So get that notion out of your head and really start thinking about who your work appeals too.

This is one of the most important things for you to understand. You have to know your ideal customers. I'm not talking about kind of knowing them, I am talking about best friend knowing them.

I want you to know what their favorite ice cream flavor is? Are they lactose intolerant? Ok Gelato?

I want you to know what they binge watch on Netflix on friday night? Or, do they binge watch ever evening?

I want you to know what keeps them up at night and what they worry about when they are walking into work each day.

I want you to know how many kids they have running around or if they prefer to be without.

YOU need to best friend know your ideal customers.

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Ready for some detective work?

It's time for market research! Analyze art market trends, pricing structures, and what your competitors are up to.

Find those little gaps where your unique art can make a splash and stand out in the crowd.

You can even create a survey to serve up to your ideal customers. Heck you can even take them out to lunch...all I know is that you have to get a little action in and take some steps to
find out what the market looks like, what your competition looks like, who are your ideal customers and how can you competitively price your work. What does your competition look and sound like? You get the idea?

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Let's give your art a voice—a brand!

Oh trust me on this one. You can throw your art work up on Artstorefronts.com and pitch your work but unless you do the legwork and create a brand you won't be able to scale like a truly profitable brand.

In order to build something that captures attention and connects with your audience on an emotional level you have to figure out your brand.

You need to define your artistic style, the stories behind your creations, and the emotions your art evokes. A strong brand identity will make your art unforgettable and build a tribe of fans who can't get enough of your work.

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Now, let's set some goals—actionable, measurable ones.

Break them down into milestones to keep your motivation soaring. Maybe it's about participating in art shows, achieving specific sales targets, or becoming a social media sensation.

What is your ultimate goal and why are you working so hard to just sell a piece of canvas. You have to know why you are hustling so hard. What is your why and what do you want to do for the world?

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Marketing and sales, here we come!

It's time to share your art with the world. Let's map out how you'll showcase your talent—whether through galleries, online platforms, or the magic of social media. Connecting with potential buyers and art enthusiasts is all part of the plan.

I like to help creatives to think about the ways they are comfortable selling their art and then add in a few marketing strategies that they are interested in but just don't know how to do it.


Creating a marketing or sales strategy doesn't have to be hard. Think about the ways you want to sell your work and then create a system for each. It's all about breaking each strategy down into bite size chunks with documentation and templates so that you can easily implement it over and over and over again.

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We've got to be smart about the finances, too.

Budgeting is your secret weapon to keep the art business ship sailing smoothly.

The number one reason that artists and creatives might fail in business is cash flow scarcity. If you don't have money coming in consistently you can build a business let alone a brand. You have to have cashflow - that is money coming in and not going out. Hard to do when you are barely making ends meet. So, that's why its even more important to have a really good idea of your money situation.

I can't tell you how frustrating it is to not have money to market your new product because you spent it all in supplies.

So, be sure to keep track of expenses and income, and ensure your art venture stays financially sound.

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Structure and organization—it might not sound artsy, but it's essential.

Decide on the legal setup of your art business. Having a clear organizational structure will make your life as the CEO a whole lot easier. Trust me.

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Ah, protecting your masterpieces!

Your art is precious and deserves safeguarding. Consider copyrighting your creations to keep them safe from prying hands. It's all about building a rock-solid brand that people can trust. So find a lawyer that you can build a relationship with over time.

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Remember, this business plan isn't set in stone—it's a living, breathing document.

Speaking of which I already have one for you! All you have to do is follow it and fill in the information as you go.

‍GO DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

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As your art business grows, be open to review and adaptation. Embrace the freedom to tweak your strategies, welcome feedback, and seize new opportunities.

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So there you have it—a roadmap to unleash the full potential of your artistic dreams. It's time to combine your creativity with a touch of entrepreneurial spirit. Paint your own story of success, and let's make those dreams come true!

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Now, if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or lost in the art-business world, fear not!

There's a guiding hand ready to help you navigate these waters. As the founder and CEO of Heather Bunker Branding Co.—a seasoned branding, marketing and creative professional who understand the intricacies of both art and business. I offer done-for-you services like brand strategy, marketing, and design that'll make your art shine even brighter.

Imagine having a creative business coach who gets you, your art, and the hustle of the art world. With Heather Bunker Branding Co. by your side, marketing and making will go hand in hand. Say goodbye to feeling lost and embrace the expertise that'll propel your art business to new heights.

And here's the best part—I understand that each artist is unique and that cookie-cutter solutions won't cut it. Heather Bunker Branding Co. is all about custom-tailored strategies that fit your artistic brilliance like a glove.

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Need proof of my magic? Take a peek at some testimonials, where you'll find stories of overwhelmed artists turned into thriving creative entrepreneurs. It's like witnessing an artistic metamorphosis!

But wait, there's more! You can connect with me for a free intro call. Picture it as a cozy chat with an old friend—warm, relatable, and brimming with excitement about your artistic journey.

So, dear artist, take charge of your destiny and be the CEO of your artistic empire. Embrace this journey with Heather Bunker Branding Co. by your side, and together, let's paint the world with your creative brilliance!

With artistic admiration and warm wishes,Your fellow creative soul

Heather B.

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