4 Tips to Become a Successful Digital Artist

We know being a digital artist can be difficult, but there are some key things you can do every day to be successful.

You need to capitalize on what makes you and your art unique. Take the time to build your own website or personal portfolio that highlights your best work. Use socials to your advantage to not only gain followers, but supporters, too. Continue to grow in your field so you can keep up with the competition.

Here are 4 things you should do if you want to be a successful digital artist!

Showcase Your Art

Socials are fine when it comes to showing off your latest project, but having a portfolio allows you to tell a bigger story. Potential customers and hiring agencies want to see what you’ve done to become the successful artist you are today.

Website platforms like Squarespace make it easy by offering portfolio templates. You can break it down by different styles or categories – it’s up to you! Write a few sentences about each piece; why you created it and what it means to you. These details paint a better picture of who you are as an artist. 

A portfolio also allows you to build on your aesthetic. Add colors and elements that reflect your art style. Make sure you have your portfolio highlighted in your social bios and on your resume if you’re actively applying for jobs.

Have a Social Presence

It’s nothing new. Everyone knows you need to be active on socials if you want to get your name and art out there. But it’s important to decide which socials work best for your audience.

If you want to create tutorials or make longform vlogs, YouTube is the place to be. Even though YouTube has hopped on the short video trend with Shorts, there’s still an audience for these longform videos. While TikToks and Reels can pop off and disappear in a matter of days, YouTube content gives your art a longer shelf life.

TikTok and Instagram are essential places to be if you want to see success as a digital artist. Instagram is still the spot if you want to create a page that’s visually appealing. Incorporate Reels and make sure you’re using tags that relate to your niche. And it can’t hurt to respond to other artists’ posts! That’s going to up your engagement rate and push your page to the right audience.

Turn Followers into Fans

Having thousands of followers is great, but how many of them are actually true fans? True fans are the ones that will comment on your posts and support you by taking a paid course, or buy your official merch.

Create content that speaks to your target audience. You won’t become a successful digital artist if you’re chasing numbers. Ask your followers directly what they want to see from you. Would it be beneficial to them if you showed your process? Consider doing a Q&A to answer questions related to being a digital artist.

This is going to help you grow your brand and it’s also important to continue to grow as an artist.

Never Stop Learning

It’s important to continue to grow and learn if you want to be a successful digital artist. Keep an eye on what new software is out there. Follow other artists to see what tools they’re using to make creating art easier for them.

Don’t get stuck in a rut. It’s important to be active on socials and interact with your audience. Find ways that you can expand on that. Offer a FREE newsletter for your supporters with insider tips and incentives. People want to feel like they’re part of something special. So give them that.

Making merch is a great way for people to support you. They can buy your custom art on all kinds of apparel. Plus, you can get a percentage of the profits! Spreadshop makes it easy for you to make money as a digital artist.