Brush Work Episode 1:

How To Support Your Artistic Friends For Free

I'm very grateful to have such a strong support network for my artistic practice. I have family that come to every show, friends that buy paintings and prints for holidays, and many followers on social media that consistently engage with my work online. It's a big blessing!

Sometimes though, you can't monetarily support your artistic friends, no matter how much you like what they make. So here is a guide of ways you can help out the creative people in your life in big ways, all without spending a dime!

1. Sign up for their mailing lists-

Artist emails are way more fun than corporation emails. Not only do you get to hear about shows, get a first look at new art, and learn about their process- sometimes they will send you major discounts too! I find that when people do giveaways on their mailing lists, the prizes tend to be way cooler than anything they give for free on social media. Win-win

Have you signed up for my giveaway?

2. Like/favorite things on their online stores-

Whenever people favorite something on Etsy or other online shop platforms, that item gets ranked higher in the search engines. This means that someone who is looking to spend money on some artwork will much much more likely to see your creative friends pieces. Take a minute to go to your favorite artist store and 'like' a bunch of things- they will get a major boost in sales.

Story time: One time I asked people watching my Twitch stream to go favorite things in my shop, and the next day I made 5 sales from people who wouldn't have otherwise been able to find me.

3. Comment on their social media posts/content with more than 4 words-

By leaving a comment on their Instagram posts, Pinterest boards, Facebook videos, etc. those platforms will see that the post is doing well and will show it to more people. This doesn't include emojis! Take a second and comment on the picture of a painting someone posted and the chance that someone else will see it who maybe wants to buy the painting will be multitudes higher.

4. Follow them on all of their social media platforms-

I assume you are doing this already, but to take it a step further, follow your favorite artist on ALL their social media platforms. This helps them with engagement and shows them to a wider audience!

5. Share their work with your friends!

On Instagram, share their post in your stories. On twitter, retweet their posts in your feed. At a show? Take pictures of the show and post them online! Be an artistic cheerleader.

6. Show up-

If your artistic friend is having an exhibition or show of any type, do your best to be there. Even if you don't buy anything, just showing up to their event means the world to an artist. Taking it a step further: Bring a friend with you!

Hope these were helpful and inspirational. I appreciate everyone who does even one of these for me!

So grateful for you listening to Brush Work. Come back for new episodes every Tuesday!

Host and artist Stephanie Scott breaks down the practicality of the art career with topics including: sustainable creative practices, social media skills, and the mindsets that keep it all together. New episodes every Tuesday!

Sign up for the next Group Art Critique: https://www.stephaniescott.art/group-art-critiques

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniescott.art/

Website: http://www.stephaniescott.art/brushwork

Music by @winepot https://www.instagram.com/thewinepot/

Podcast Cover photo by Maryna Blumqvist https://instagram.com/picturemaryna