The COVID-19 lockdown has opened new doors with a rise in e-commerce and online marketplaces. Many young Bangladeshis have had the opportunity to convert hobbies into businesses, often with no more initial investment than a social media page. As humorously put by a Facebook meme, “Almost every Bangladeshi either has an art account, a clothing account, or a cooking account.” For the artists, this is an exciting opportunity to turn passion into purpose and transform their hobbies into meaningful and profitable businesses.

The Bangladesh art market is diverse, its spectrum being inclusive of traditional crafts to contemporary and modern digital works. Here’s how you could turn your art talent into a successful business:

  1. Pick Your Niche: Play with the medium that works best for traditional art, digital art, animation, handmade items, or maybe a mix of multiple niches. Find an area of focus that speaks to your passion and differentiates you from other artists.
  2. Understand Your Market: Understand people who get your work and build a community to support, encourage, and inspire you, and one day maybe become your customers. Build a fan-following, experiment, and see what people love and what not, what resonates with you and your audience, and work accordingly.
  3. Create a Unique Brand Name and Open Your Account: A unique name will help people remember and find you more easily, especially, when you’re just getting started. Share your page and artwork in public groups and on your timeline for other art enthusiasts and your well-wishers to know about it.
  4. Keep Yourself Up-to-date: By following and engaging in art trends, you will widen your exposure, improve your skill, and be pushed outside of your comfort zone to not only challenge yourself but also, attract newer audiences.
  5. Be Consistent: Post frequently on social media and interact with your followers. Consistency enhances visibility; it reinforces your brand and also plays well with social media algorithms. Follow other creators, comment, and reach out to others. Only staying in your own space won’t help you expand.
  6. Collaborate with Marketplaces: Utilize Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, and even local or university fairs to reach your target audience in order to gain more exposure for your work and business.
  7. Networking with the Art Community: Network with other artists and viewers through engaging comments, the backstory of an artwork, collaboration, and involvement with the community. Take inspiration from renowned Bangladeshi art pages such as Art by Limu, Imagination SoheArt, Lamu’s Art, Art Shop, and so on.
  8. Competitive Pricing: Price your art carefully, considering material cost, your time, and the value it gives others. Start cheaper and work your way up.
  9. Use Local Resources: Learn about local exhibitions, workshops, and grants. Events like the Dhaka Art Summit and spaces like the Kashful Foundation artivism are excellent places to reach out and show your art. Local stores and pages like – Ahbab, Pixels, Circle Art Shop, and Art Box – arts and crafts stores are affordable, have aesthetic items and at the same time, they also share artist work on their product giving you wider exposure.
  10. Don’t Stop Growing: There’s a misconception that an artist has to create something original. No! You can recreate other artists’ works, and give it your touch. Recreating from Pinterest inspiration and other artists is fine as long as they approve. Recreating and experimenting not only helps you grow but also helps you connect to other artists. Many Facebook artists even have their courses where they teach you how to recreate their work and that’s not stealing, but that’s learning. If you still have doubts, give “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon a read.

Once you’ve built a loyal community, the possibilities are endless. You can now:

  • Take custom orders tailored to your client’s preferences.
  • Sell original pieces, prints, or merchandise.
  • Offer art courses to teach others your skills.
  • Partner with brands for paid promotions.

It may be daunting initially to share your art. Two things that can put a full stop to your dreams are imposter syndrome and self doubt. Remember, art is personal. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just your unique expression. Start small: share with friends, post online or participate in local fairs. Every successful artist started with a single step, one piece, one sale.

To read more blogs like this, click here

Writer
Mridula Mozid
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE