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Michelle
How to Become a Professional Artist
Do you dream of selling your art and making a living from what you love? I know that feeling. I’ve been exactly where you are.
When I left college, I was riddled with self-doubt. Everyone encouraged me to take “back up” courses, something sensible to fall back on. But deep down, I knew art was all I wanted to do. I just had to figure out how to make it work.
I started at my kitchen table. Built a website. And over 17 years, I grew Art2Arts into a thriving online platform that helped artists sell their work all over the world. We sold several million pounds worth of artwork, and along the way, I learnt everything there is to know about selling, marketing, and presenting yourself as a professional artist.
Pictured below is my previous business – Art2Arts. Here’s a link if you want to take a look: Art2Arts Original Paintings Online
If you’re serious about stepping into the world of professional art, here’s what I’ve learnt matters most:
1. Create a Cohesive Body of Work
Your portfolio should feel like it was painted by one artist with a clear voice. If your work looks like it’s been created by five different people, it tells buyers (and galleries) that you’re still figuring out who you are as an artist. That’s okay if you’re exploring, but if you want to be taken seriously, you need consistency in style, subject matter, or approach. Think about what makes YOUR work unmistakably yours.
2. Take Good Quality Photos
This one’s massive. When I was selecting artists for Art2Arts, I was always shocked by how some would present their work. They could have been brilliant painters, but if the photos were poor—badly lit, wonky, or not cropped properly—it was an instant no.
If you’re not presenting your work well, it raises two questions: Are you a professional artist? And do you actually care about showing your work at its best? Good photography isn’t optional. It’s essential.
3. Be Consistent
If you start showing your work and then disappear for six months, you’re not staying in the minds of your buyers. The artists who sold the most through Art2Arts weren’t always the ones with the “best” paintings. They were the ones who showed up every week, consistently listing new work. Buyers want to see that you’re active, engaged, and committed.
4. Use Good Quality Materials
If you want to be seen as a professional and ask for professional prices, your work needs to stand the test of time. That means investing in good quality paints, canvases or boards, and varnishing your work to protect it. Cheap materials show, and they undermine your credibility. Your art is an investment for your buyers—make sure it’s worth investing in.
5. Build a Strong Online Presence
Your website is your shop window. It needs to show buyers exactly who you are. The way you present and describe yourself and your work is vital. Whether you’re self-representing or working with galleries, you need a solid biography and a clear understanding of what your work is about. Make it easy for people to connect with you and your art.
What’s Next?
If you’re serious about wanting to become a professional artist, there’s a lot to consider. I’ve worked with so many artists over the years. I’ve seen what sells and what doesn’t, how to represent yourself, and how to build a sustainable art business.
Over the coming weeks, keep an eye out because if you’re someone who’s ready to push yourself creatively AND professionally, I’d love to help you. I’m going to be opening up my 1-2-1 mentoring for artists who are serious about taking their practice to the next level.
Watch this space…
Let me know in the comments if this resonates with you or if there’s anything else you’d add to this list. I’m here to help you grow and thrive as an artist!
Happy painting,
Michelle ✨
10 thoughts on “How to Become a Professional Artist”
Great post, Michelle! The five suggestions you made really resonate with me and make a lot of sense. I am looking forward to hearing more about your 1-2-1 mentoring in the coming weeks! As always, thanks for all your input!
Thank you Dan. I’ve loved seeing your work develop and the originals you’re creating. I can really start to see your voice develop in your work.
It has been something I would like to do, but I do need to build up a body of work and be consistent. I love that you will be doing 1-2-1 sessions and it’s something for me to aim for in the future. In the meantime I will keep on painting and being inspired:)
Amazing Helen. There’s no rush, keep painting and finding your voice and you’ll get there when the time is right for you.
I have to say that attending your course vibrant visions has really pushed me over a threshold. It has helped me so much , especially gaining more confidence….and with that I also upgraded my painting skills. Because I invested in that course, in myself (and taking myself ,my art really serious by doing so) it paid off in establishing a clear focus, a style of painting that feels so natural and almost effortless to me, that feels consistent (something I lacked before)
and all of this has added up to a much more consistent and clear Social Media presentation …and I am SELLING my art now !! Woohoooo….. It feels so good to do what I love most and making other people happy with my art.
something important for me also was turning within and becoming aware that i had some “issues” with RECEIVING, and noticing that , being aware of that shifted something.
Sandra I’m so thrilled to read this and that’s absolutely amazing to hear you’re selling your work and your cofidience has grown. I couldn’t be happier that Vibrant Visions has helped you with this. I’m excited to keep seeing your grow as an artist.
Thank you for the material sent, I am interested in being guided to become a professional artist and sell my works. I await more information.
Best regards,
Cristina Șiclovan
Bucharest, Rom
Wonderful Cristina. I’ll be in touch soon. Michelle
thank you Michelle as always for your support. Still loving and growing in my artwork but definitely not ready to think about selling my art. Maybe one day.
thanks again
There’s no rush Tim. It’s good to explore and find yourself as an artist.