For artists in North Canterbury, transforming your creative passion into a thriving business is both exciting and challenging. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant community, and growing tourism, this region offers unique opportunities to showcase and sell your art. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed-media artist, these practical tips will help you boost your art sales while staying true to your creative vision.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence to Reach More Buyers
In today’s digital world, an online presence is essential for artists aiming to sell more work. North Canterbury’s proximity to Christchurch and its appeal to tourists make it a prime location to attract both local and global buyers.
Create a Professional Website
Invest in a user-friendly website to display your portfolio. Include a blog to share your creative process, upcoming exhibitions, or tips for art collectors. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading to enhance user experience.
Leverage Social Media
Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your art. Post high-quality images of your work, behind-the-scenes content, and stories. Engage with followers by responding to comments and collaborating with local influencers or businesses.
Optimize for Local Searches
Since you’re based in North Canterbury, ensure your online profiles are tailored for local discoverability.
2. Connect with the North Canterbury Community
North Canterbury’s tight-knit community and growing arts scene provide a strong foundation for building relationships that drive sales. Engaging locally fosters loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
Participate in Local Markets and Events
Showcase your work at markets. Bring business cards, offer small prints or postcards, and share stories about how North Canterbury inspires your art to spark personal connections.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Partner with cafes, wineries, or boutique shops in Waipara, Hanmer Springs, or Cheviot to display your art. For instance, a vineyard might hang your pieces in their tasting room, exposing your work to affluent visitors. Offer commissions for sales or host pop-up events to draw crowds.
Join or Form an Art Collective
Consider joining an art collective or starting one with fellow artists. Collectives pool resources for exhibitions, marketing, and workshops, boosting your visibility. Promote your group online to attract collectors seeking collaborative projects.
3. Tell Your Story to Create an Emotional Connection
Buyers don’t just purchase art—they invest in the story behind it. As a North Canterbury artist, your unique perspective and connection to the region can set you apart.
Craft a Compelling Artist Statement
Write an authentic artist statement that reflects your journey and ties to North Canterbury. Mention how the rugged Hurunui hills or serene Amberley beaches inspire your work. Share this on your website, social media, and exhibition tags to create an emotional hook for buyers.
Use Video Content
Create short videos showcasing your creative process, studio, or the North Canterbury scenery that fuels your inspiration. Post these on YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok. Videos build trust and make your art relatable, encouraging sales.
Offer Limited Editions
Scarcity drives demand. Offer limited-edition prints or numbered originals, emphasizing their exclusivity. Highlight how each piece captures a unique aspect of North Canterbury, making it a special keepsake for buyers.
4. Price Your Art Strategically
Pricing can be challenging, but getting it right is key to selling more art. North Canterbury’s mix of locals, tourists, and second-home owners means you need varied price points to appeal to diverse buyers.
Research the Market
Study what other North Canterbury artists charge for similar work. Visit galleries in Christchurch or Kaikoura to understand pricing trends. Price competitively, but don’t undervalue your art—buyers associate quality with fair pricing.
Offer Multiple Formats
Not every buyer can afford an original painting, so provide prints, greeting cards, or smaller works. This approach broadens your customer base without diluting your brand.
Be Transparent
Clearly display prices on your website and at exhibitions. If unsure about pricing, consult local galleries or mentors. Transparency builds trust and removes barriers to purchase.
5. Tap into Tourism and Seasonal Opportunities
North Canterbury’s tourism, driven by attractions like Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Kaikoura whale watching, offers a steady stream of potential buyers.
Target Tourists with Portable Art
Tourists seek souvenirs that reflect their travels. Create smaller, lightweight pieces like postcards, mini canvases, or framed prints inspired by North Canterbury landmarks. Sell these at tourist hotspots or online to capture this market.
Host Seasonal Exhibitions
Time your exhibitions with peak tourist seasons, such as summer or during the Hanmer Springs Arts Festival. Promote events through local tourism boards and online platforms to attract visitors.
Partner with Accommodation Providers
Approach boutique accommodations like B&Bs or Airbnbs in North Canterbury to display your art. Offer custom pieces for their properties or provide flyers for guests. This exposes your work to affluent travelers who may purchase or share your art online.
6. Invest in Professional Presentation
First impressions are critical, and professional presentation can make your art irresistible to buyers.
Frame and Package Thoughtfully
Invest in quality framing that complements your work. For online sales, use secure, eco-friendly packaging to ensure pieces arrive in perfect condition. Include a handwritten thank-you note for a memorable experience.
Photograph Your Art Properly
High-quality photos are vital for online sales. Use natural light and a neutral background to capture your art’s true colors.
Create a Cohesive Brand
Your branding—logo, business cards, website, and social media—should reflect your artistic style and North Canterbury roots. A consistent brand makes you memorable and professional, encouraging repeat purchases.
7. Educate and Engage Your Audience
Building a loyal audience takes time, but educating and engaging potential buyers can lead to long-term sales.
Host Workshops or Demos
Offer art workshops in North Canterbury, such as painting classes inspired by the region’s landscapes. Promote these on Eventbrite or social media. Workshops introduce your art to new audiences and establish you as an expert.
Share Art Collecting Tips
Write blog posts or social media content about starting an art collection or caring for artwork. This attracts curious buyers and builds trust, making them more likely to purchase from you.
Build an Email List
Collect email addresses at markets, exhibitions, or through your website. Send newsletters with updates on new work, upcoming events, or exclusive offers. Personalize emails to make subscribers feel valued, boosting sales potential.
Thrive as a North Canterbury Artist
Selling more art in North Canterbury means blending creativity, strategy, and community connection. By building a strong online presence, engaging with locals and tourists, and presenting your work professionally, you can turn your passion into a sustainable business.
Here at Redcoast, we help local artists get more exposure. Contact us here to learn more.
