Self-promotion. Just the phrase can make many artists feel a little… squirmy. Perhaps it’s the fear of being seen as pushy or spammy. But, possibly it’s the worry that our art should “speak for itself.” Or maybe it’s the vulnerability of saying, “This is me. This is my work. I hope you like it.”
Regardless, it’s important to remember that confident self-promotion isn’t about convincing everyone but connecting with the right people.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Why self-promotion isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
- How to approach self-promotion with authenticity and confidence.
- Simple, practical tips for sharing your art without feeling icky about it.
Because here’s the truth:
“Your art deserves to be seen. And you deserve to feel good about sharing it.”
1. Why Self-Promotion Isn’t Selfish (It’s Essential)
Your art is a gift. But if no one knows it exists, how can they connect with it? How can they be moved, inspired, or changed by it? Self-promotion isn’t about bragging. It’s about inviting people into your creative world.
Here’s the reality, if you want your art to be seen, you must show up and share it!
Self-promotion is about:
- Visibility: Your art can’t make an impact if no one sees it.
- Connection: Sharing your story builds relationships and trust.
- Sustainability: Selling your art allows you to keep creating and growing.
And here’s the big mindset shift:
✨ Self-promotion isn’t about you—it’s about the people who need to see your work.
👉 Takeaway Tip: Next time you feel hesitant to share your work, ask yourself: “Who might be inspired or moved by seeing this today?”
2. Practical Ways to Promote Your Art Authentically
Being confident with self-promotion doesn’t have to feel salesy, pushy, or awkward. When done authentically, it feels more like sharing something wonderful with a friend.
Here are a few ways to promote your art with confidence:
1. Share the Story Behind the Art
- Every painting, every sketch, every creation has a story. Share it!
- Why did you create it? What does it mean to you?
2. Use Platforms You Enjoy
- If you love writing, focus on newsletters and blog posts.
- If you enjoy visual storytelling, Instagram might be your place.
- Find the platforms that feel fun and natural to you.
3. Celebrate Your Wins
- Just finished a challenging piece? Share it!
- Sold a painting? Celebrate with your audience.
- People love cheering you on—it makes them feel part of your journey.
4. Adapt the 80/20 Rule to Your Platform
Years ago, when I built my presence on Twitter, I followed the 80/20 rule religiously: 80% value and connection, 20% promotion. And it worked!
But every platform is different. On Instagram, for example, I find that this rule applies better to Stories than to the main grid:
- 80% of my Stories: Behind-the-scenes moments, process videos, travel snapshots, and personal reflections.
- 20% of my Stories: Clear, intentional promotion of my courses, workshops, or available artwork.
✨ The key is to understand the rhythm of each platform and adapt the 80/20 rule to fit naturally.
👉 Takeaway Tip: Think about how you show up on your favorite platform. Are you connecting and offering value most of the time?
Are your promotions intentional and clear?
3. The Vulnerability of Sharing: My Recent Newsletter Story
Self-promotion isn’t always easy, even for those of us who’ve been doing it for years. Recently, I sent out a heartfelt newsletter—only to see a wave of unsubscribers. And one person even called it “spammy.” It stung.
But, social media has taught me to brush off losing a follower here and there—it’s part of the rhythm, and honestly, the algorithm has a mind of its own! But newsletters? They feel different. They feel personal.
It reminded me of something essential:
For a moment, I let those few negative comments overshadow the positive emails, the ‘thank yous’, and the phone calls I received from readers who said, “This was exactly what I needed to hear today.”
And I realized something:
✨ For every person who walks away, someone is leaning in closer.
Confident self-promotion isn’t about trying to keep everyone—it’s about showing up for the people who are meant to hear your message.
👉 Takeaway Tip: When you feel the sting of rejection—or someone calls your heartfelt work “spammy”—shift your focus to the ones who stayed, the ones who replied, the ones who leaned in closer.
4. Final Reflection: Self-Promotion is an Act of Belief
At the core of self-promotion is one powerful truth:
✨ It’s an act of belief.
Belief in your art.
Belief in your message.
Belief that someone, somewhere, is waiting to connect with what you’ve created.
It reminds me of that famous line from Field of Dreams:
“If you build it, they will come.”
Self-promotion is your “building it.” It’s putting yourself out there, sharing your work, and trusting that the right people will find their way to you. Not everyone will stay. Not everyone will connect. And that’s okay. Because the ones who do? They’re your people.
So, keep showing up. Keep sharing. And most importantly—keep believing.
And stay tuned for Part 2: Lessons in Self-Promotion: My Personal Journey, where I’ll share stories from my early days at The Limited, my experience as a branding expert, and how those lessons still guide me today.
Check out my online courses at Lori’s Fine Art Tips School
