There isn’t a better time to be an artist in San Angelo than now. 2023 has been the beginning of a peak era for visual art in San Angelo. But I have noticed some signs that the local economy's buying power wasn’t as strong as it was coming out of the pandemic at the same time last year. However, that still doesn’t change the fact that Q4 (last quarter of the year) is the best time for artists to make sales i.e. prints, commissions, and originals. The best time to take action is now. Here are three tips to make sure you have the best opportunity to make sales this holiday season while keeping in mind that people are careful with their money.

Regardless if you have an audience on Facebook or through an email newsletter, it’s very important that you let them know what you have available and how they can make a purchase.

Tip #1. Talk to your audience - Regardless if you have an audience on Facebook or through an email newsletter, it’s very important that you let them know what you have available and how they can make a purchase. For most artists selling online is the only option. Provide as much information about your art as possible. Start with good photos (at least 4), update to date prices, and availability. Then make sure they can contact you or purchase in the most convenient way possible. If it takes too many steps or is too frustrating to contact you or make a purchase you are going to lose the sale.

There are also local events like Paintbrush Alley Market Days, First Saturdays at the Chicken Farm Art Center, Dia De Los Muertos, Cactus Days and some other holiday events where you can apply to set up as a vendor for a fee.

Tip #2. Show up in person - The best way to make a sale is to do it in person. If you don’t have an open studio or retail space you need to go to where your audience is shopping. This means contacting local retail shops and seeing if they can sell your art on consignment or find local establishments willing to display your art i.e. restaurants, bars, music venues etc. (AASA has an agreement with local establishments to show AASA member art). There are also local events like Paintbrush Alley Market Days, First Saturdays at the Chicken Farm Art Center, Dia De Los Muertos, Cactus Days and some other holiday events where you can apply to set up as a vendor for a fee. Most people go to these events to hunt for gifts and good deals not normally found online or in stores. Especially locally made items! 

The business that lives rent free in people’s minds usually wins.

Tip #3. Talk about your art - The business that lives rent free in people’s minds usually wins. In other words, if your art is always top of mind people will think of you when they want to buy something. That’s fundamentally how marketing works. So as an artist it’s really important that you show people your process as often as possible so they can get to know your art and remember it when it’s time to spend their hard earned money. Post to your most active social media platform(s) and make sure it's shareable!

Finally, keep in mind that prices are going up everywhere and it’s hitting the pockets of everyone. Small gifts are a great way to start building collectors that will eventually purchase larger art. Just make sure you have enough room in your pricing to turn a profit.