10 Myths About Marketing as an Artist

Marketing is often seen as a dirty word by many artists who want to focus on their creative work and not worry about selling it. However, marketing is not only essential for reaching potential customers and fans, but also for building a sustainable and fulfilling career as an artist. In this blog post, we will debunk ten common myths about marketing as an artist and show you how you can use marketing to your advantage.

Myth #1: Marketing is selling out.

Many artists think that marketing means compromising their artistic integrity and pandering to the masses. They fear that marketing will make them lose their authenticity and originality. However, marketing is not about changing who you are or what you create. It is about communicating your value and your story to the people who will appreciate it. Marketing is not selling out, it is sharing your art with the world.

Myth #2: Marketing is expensive.

Another myth that stops many artists from marketing themselves is that marketing is costly and requires a lot of resources. They think that they need to hire a professional agency or buy expensive ads to get noticed. However, marketing does not have to break the bank. There are many low-cost or free ways to market yourself as an artist, such as creating a website, using social media, networking with other artists and influencers, collaborating with brands or organisations, creating content, etc. Marketing is not expensive, it is an investment in your future.

Myth #3: Marketing is spammy.

Some artists think that marketing means bombarding people with unwanted messages and annoying them with constant self-promotion. They worry that marketing will make them look desperate and unprofessional. However, marketing is not about spamming people or begging for attention. It is about providing value and building relationships with your audience. Marketing is not spammy, it is helpful.

Myth #4: Marketing is one-size-fits-all.

Many artists think that marketing is a generic and formulaic process that works the same for everyone. They follow the latest trends or copy what other successful artists are doing without considering their own goals and audience. However, marketing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a personalised and strategic process that requires research, experimentation, and adaptation. Marketing is not one-size-fits-all, it is unique to you.

Myth #5: Marketing is optional.

Some artists think that marketing is not necessary or relevant for them. They believe that their art will speak for itself and that word-of-mouth will be enough to spread the word. They rely on luck or fate to get discovered by the right people at the right time. However, marketing is not optional or irrelevant for any artist. It is a vital and ongoing part of your artistic career. Marketing is not optional, it is essential.

Myth #6: Marketing is hard.

Many artists think that marketing is a difficult and complex skill that they don’t have or can’t learn. They feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and options available for marketing themselves. They doubt their abilities and confidence to market themselves effectively. However, marketing is not hard or impossible to learn. It is a learnable and enjoyable skill that can be mastered with practice and guidance. Marketing is not hard, it is fun.

Myth #7: Marketing is boring.

Some artists think that marketing is a dull and tedious task that takes away from their creative time and energy. They see marketing as a chore that they have to do reluctantly or begrudgingly. They find marketing boring and uninspiring. However, marketing is not boring or tedious at all. It is a creative and exciting activity that allows you to express yourself and connect with others. Marketing is not boring, it is stimulating.

Myth #8: Marketing is selfish.

Some artists think that marketing is a selfish and egotistical act that makes them look arrogant and narcissistic. They feel uncomfortable or guilty about talking about themselves or their work. They worry about what others will think of them or how they will judge them. However, marketing is not selfish or egotistical at all. It is a generous and humble act that shows respect and appreciation for your audience. Marketing is not selfish, it is altruistic.

Myth #9: Marketing is manipulative.

Some artists think that marketing means tricking or deceiving people into buying something they don’t want or need. They associate marketing with lying, cheating, or scamming people out of their money or trust. They fear that marketing will make them lose their credibility or reputation as an artist. However, marketing does not mean manipulating or cheating anyone at all. It means educating and informing people about the benefits and value of your art. Marketing does not manipulate, it enlightens.

Myth #10: Marketing is static.

Some artists think that marketing means doing the same thing over and over again without changing or improving anything. They stick to the same methods or strategies that worked for them in the past without considering new opportunities or challenges in the present or future. They resist change or innovation in their marketing efforts. However, marketing does not mean staying stagnant or complacent at all. It means evolving and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of your audience and the market. Marketing does not stagnate, it innovates.