Artist Tips – Simple Advice to Improve Your Work

Whether you are just starting out or have been creating for years, a good tip can save you time, money, or frustration. Below you’ll find short, practical ideas that you can try right now. These pointers cover everything from handling delicate watercolor sheets to figuring out how much to charge for a portrait.

Everyday Techniques That Make a Difference

First, treat your watercolor paper gently. If you need to move a finished piece, roll it on a clean tube—only if the paper is thick enough and the paint is dry. Unroll it slowly and press it flat under a heavy book for a few days. This prevents cracks and saves you a costly re‑paint.

When you want to bring a sketch into the digital world, use a flatbed scanner for flat artwork and a DSLR or good phone camera for three‑dimensional pieces. Scan at 600 dpi for the best detail, then adjust the colour balance in a free editor. Export the final file as a PNG for web use or as a TIFF if you plan to print.

Oil painters often hear about the "slow over fast" rule. In plain terms, let the first layer dry a bit before adding a slower‑drying layer on top. This keeps the paint from cracking later. A quick test: dab a bit of thinner on the wet layer; if it spreads, the layer is still too fast.

If you’re working on a portrait, start with a limited palette of three to five skin tones. Mixing too many colours leads to muddy results. Use a warm base, add a cool shadow, and blend a mid‑tone for the middle areas. This keeps the skin looking natural and speeds up the painting process.

Turning Your Art Into Income

One of the hardest questions is pricing. A good rule is to calculate your hourly rate, add material costs, then multiply by the number of hours you expect the piece to take. Compare that number with what other artists with similar experience are charging. If you’re unsure, start a little lower and raise your rates as your portfolio grows.

Selling prints on platforms like Etsy can be profitable, but only if you track your expenses. Count the cost of paper, ink, packaging and the platform’s fees. Then set a price that covers those costs and leaves a margin. Many artists find that a 2‑3× markup works well for standard‑size prints.

Gallery exhibitions often generate more sales than online listings because buyers can see the work in person. To maximize earnings, offer a limited‑edition print alongside the original piece. Make the print price lower than the original but high enough to add value. This gives visitors a chance to own something affordable while you keep the big sale for the original.

Finally, remember to protect your work with a simple watermark when you post online. It won’t stop every theft, but it deters casual copy‑pasting and lets you claim ownership if needed.

Use these tips as a starting point and adapt them to your own style. Small changes add up, and you’ll see improvement in both your art and your earnings without a massive overhaul.