We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claire Gowdy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

With art , many many eyes must be on your work in order to find those whom your art resonates with. The challenge is diversification . To be profitable as an artist , you must sell in a variety of spaces and ways. It can be difficult for artists because many are very shy and are afraid of criticism. It takes a lot of courage to put your work in the ether .

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I had left a marketing job and was looking for a creative outlet where I could profit. I had painted a few things for my home and a friend invited me to participate in an art show. I was successful selling at the show , so I kept painting a selling . I got into the art world by approaching retailers to sell my work and they did. From there I acquired a couple of art dealers who represent me. I have also had gallery representation but that’s not a route a chose to take for now . I am most proud that I have stuck with art and only started at age 53 , I am 60 now. I want my potential clients to know that I take the utmost care in expressing my emotions on canvas and hope that they can feel that emotion from viewing my art . I believe artists should have freedom to create what is in their heart. I am inspired by the Deep South landscape and the foggy air of living near the coast. I tell other artists to “Paint Like a Toddler “

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started on IG and FB . I began following social media gurus and took course about art marketing and how social media works. I continue to study the ever changing algorithm of social media. I pivot on my methods as the platforms dictate. I answer all direct messages and comment on others posts. I build up other artists also. I believe you reap what you sow. My entire business was built on IG, FB, Pinterest and Tik Tok. I have dabbled in YouTube also. There is no better way to broaden an artist’s visibility than to work the social media platforms. I sell things all the time just by posting. But I have built relationships with others on the platforms. You can’t just post static pics of your art and expect sales. You must work the platforms and build relationships

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

As I said before, my pivot was from a marketing job to art. I had no idea I would one day be an artist because I have learned everything on my own, I have not been to art school. But my mother was an artist and my daughter is too so it was a natural pivot. I can’t imagine doing anything else now . There has been so much to learn about the business and it has taken a lot of trial and error and the use of my right. Rain more than my left. Being a creative is a different way to live. The challenge of a pivot from marketing to art has been trying to float between making art and handling the art business.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Clairegowdyart
• Facebook: Claire Gowdy Art
• Linkedin: Claire Gowdy
• Youtube: Claire Gowdy Art
• TikTok: @clairegowdyart

Image Credits
@soelstudio for the second photo