Isn’t it funny how we often teach the things we’re still learning? For years, I’ve helped others grow their brands, share their stories, and confidently promote their work through self-promotion. Along the way, I became a Top 100 Woman on Twitter, wrote for major publications, gave keynote addresses, produced DVDs, and taught thousands of creatives how to show up boldly.
But here’s the irony: I wasn’t always comfortable promoting MY own art. Although I could easily guide someone else through the process, I hesitated to share my own!
In Part 1 of this series, The Artist’s Guide to Confident Self-Promotion, I explored how to reframe self-promotion as an act of connection rather than self-serving. It’s about shifting your mindset from “selling” to “sharing.”
In Part 2, I’m delving deeper into the lessons I’ve learned. Self-promotion isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, sharing your story, and creating opportunities for connection. These lessons have shaped my career, plus how I approach every opportunity to share my art.
🛍️ Lesson 1: Selling Yourself—The Limited Story
When I was in college, I worked as a salesgirl at The Limited clothing store. It wasn’t long before I became the pacesetter for my store, and eventually, for the entire state of California. Thousands of associates across a massive retail chain, and there I was—leading the way.
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t pushy. I wasn’t sales-y. I focused on building trust, being authentic, and guiding customers toward what truly suited them. I never let someone leave with an outfit that didn’t make them feel confident and beautiful.
And you know what? That approach worked.
Decades later, I realized I still use those same principles in my art career. When someone looks at one of my paintings, I don’t want them to buy it because of a clever sales pitch. I want them to connect with it. I want them to feel something—to see themselves in the scene, to feel inspired every time they look at it.
✨ Takeaway: Self-promotion isn’t about convincing—it’s about serving, guiding, and connecting with meaning.
🐦 Lesson 2: Building an Online Presence—Top 100 Women on Twitter
In the early 2000s, I became a social media branding expert and was named one of the Top 100 Women in the World on Twitter. I built an online presence that led to writing opportunities with outlets like F&W Media, Northlight Books, and Streamline Publishing, plus features in publications including the Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post. I even created instructional podcasts and DVDs to help artists grow their brands.
But here’s the part most people don’t know: I was teaching others how to promote themselves confidently, but I was still learning to do the same for myself.
What I discovered is building a presence online isn’t about the numbers or followers—it’s about connection and consistency. People follow you because they want to hear your story, see your journey, and learn from your perspective.
✨ Takeaway: Show up online as yourself. Share your journey, your insights, and your art with authenticity—this will build lasting connections.
💡 Lesson 3: The Lessons That Still Guide Me Today
Both of these experiences—my time at The Limited and my journey in social media—taught me foundational truths about self-promotion:
- Authenticity Wins: People connect with you first, then your art.
- Serve, Don’t Sell: Whether it’s clothing, a tweet, or a painting, it’s about helping people find something that resonates with them.
- Believe in Your Work: If you don’t believe in your art, how can you expect others to?
These lessons still guide me each time I share a painting, write a newsletter, or post on social media. I don’t focus on selling—I focus on sharing, connecting, and inviting people into my creative world.
🎤 Final Reflection: Self-Promotion is About Connection
My dad used to tell me, “If you can sell yourself, you can sell anything.”
At first, I thought this was about confidence and charisma. But now I see it differently: It’s about trust. It’s about showing up authentically and allowing people to see not just what you create, but why you create it.
Self-promotion isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s not about slick marketing tactics or polished sales pitches.
It’s about:
✨ Believing in your art.
✨ Believing in your story.
✨ Believing that someone, somewhere, is waiting to connect with what you’ve created.
If you’ve ever hesitated to share your work because you’re afraid of seeming too “sales-y” or “spammy,” remember this:
✨ When you share your art with heart and authenticity, you’re not selling—you’re serving.
So keep showing up. Keep sharing. Keep believing. And don’t hesitate to take that next step—because the world needs what you create.
