While many artists would feel it a luxury to be able to paint/sculpt/build/draw, more must be done to garner success. They often must choose what to create. The work they find personally fulfilling isn’t always the same as what their buyers purchase.

Watters believes this is one of the many challenges of working artists. “I have decided not to alter what I paint to increase my sales. It must be me first. I don’t feel comfortable selling something that isn’t good in my eyes. When things don’t sell, this can be disheartening- ing, but I’m willing to accept the rejections and failures to be true to my art.”

For their art to be discovered, artists must promote, including having and maintaining a website, creating content, posting regularly on social media, attending art fairs, and networking with galleries.

Watters turns to art shows to help promote her work. She participates in several a year, looking for events that bring art lovers rather than just the general public. Doing shows can be costly in terms of time and money, but she sees their value.

“I consider shows a long game as far as selling my work. I may do a show, meet the customers, and sell nothing. If I have a good crowd and lots of interactions, I consider it a success, even if my sales are not great,” said Watters. “Many times, I’ll hear from a customer months down the road regarding a particular piece or even a commission.”