Ever feel like your art business is hard to explain—even to yourself? You’re not alone. A lot of creative entrepreneurs get stuck in the “I make all the things” phase… which often means no one really knows what you do.
In this post, we’ll walk through why defining your creative biz actually matters—and how it can help you get more followers, attract aligned buyers, and feel more confident as an artist.
Watch the VIDEO
This post is the written version of a podcast-style episode from my Art Biz Unfiltered Series. You can watch the full video on YouTube, or just listen while you’re working, walking, or drawing!
Grab a warm drink and a notebook—we’re going to untangle the messy stuff and help you define your creative biz in a real, sustainable way.
THE BIG PROBLEM & WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
If your online presence is a “mixed bag,” people won’t know what to expect from you—and they won’t stick around. You might be sharing beautiful work, but if your audience can’t answer “What kind of artist is this?” or “What do they make?”… it’s a branding problem, not a talent problem.
Here are the key shifts to help you get clear, aligned, and confidently visible:
1. Niche Down to Stand Out: A broad niche is forgettable. A specific one is magnetic.
“I’m the artist who _____” is a sentence you want your audience to be able to fill in.
It could be related to:
- A subject (e.g. nature, animals, food)
- A medium (e.g. block print, gouache, iPad)
- A vibe (e.g. playful, vintage, edgy)
- A cause (e.g. sustainability, mental health, cultural heritage)
Your niche doesn’t have to box you in—it just needs to position you clearly so people remember you.
2. Be Clear About What You Offer: People need to know who your work is for and what it’s meant to do.
Instead of: “I make art for everyone!”
Try: “I make whimsical botanical art for nostalgic plant lovers who want their homes to feel like a cozy retreat.”
This makes it easier for customers (and collaborators!) to see themselves in your work.
3. Be Consistent Across Platforms: To build a following (and trust), consistency is key—across:
- Your bios
- Your product descriptions
- The tone of your visuals
- What you talk about and post
Use this formula: I am a (type of artist) who (creates what) for (audience) and makes them feel (emotion).
If you don’t know how to answer this yet, neither will your followers or clients.
4. Tell (and Show!) Your Brand: Once you say who you are—show it. Use:
- Brand photos (of YOU!)
- Styled product shots
- Consistent visuals across your site and social media
I do a big photo shoot twice a year to document all the art I’ve made. It’s helped me land licensing deals and features in magazines because they can see the person behind the work.
5. Practice Your Message Until It Feels Real
At first, saying “I’m an illustrator” or “I design surface patterns” might feel weird—especially around people who knew you before this version of yourself existed.
But the more you:
- Say it
- Post it
- Write it in your bio and website
…the more real it becomes—to you and everyone else.
Pro tip: Practice saying your message to strangers first (they’re usually more supportive than family!).
Many creatives try to “do everything” at once—15 platforms, 3 styles, 10 shops—and end up exhausted, with little traction.
Instead:
- Choose ONE platform to start
- Choose ONE style or audience
- Focus until it’s working
I started with Spoonflower, created over 5,000 designs, and built a full-time income before I added anything else.
DEFINE YOUR CREATIVE BIZ PROMPT
Try this in your journal or sketchbook:
I am a (type of artist) who (makes what) for (audience) to help them feel (emotion or outcome).
I am a (type of artist) who (makes what) for (audience) to help them feel (emotion or outcome).Examples: I am a surface designer who creates folk-inspired art for modern crafters to help them feel joyful and connected to tradition. I am a hand-letterer who designs witty, empowering products for introverts who love books and quiet spaces.
Take the Next Step:
If you’re feeling a little called out (in a helpful way 💛), that’s okay. You don’t have to define your art biz alone. Inside The Studio, we walk through exactly how to align your strategy with your art style—without the burnout.
Join us in The Studio
- My bite-sized lessons
- Tutorials on what actually works
- Resources for sustainable growth
And yes—you can try the membership free for 7 days.
