We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trisha Howell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trisha below.
Trisha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Artly International emerged as a concept cultivated after years spent in the ever-evolving landscapes of both traditional and digital art sales. It emerged from a recognition of the challenges that face the art industry – challenges that are experienced by the artist, gallerist, and collector alike. Working within the traditional and digital art market, a need became palpable—a space where collectors worldwide could discover truly exceptional art without navigating an overwhelming sea of options, and artists could trust their work was being well-represented. The rationale was clear: a hybrid platform intentionally limiting its roster to an exclusive cadre of artists, each working in non-competing styles. This approach aimed not only to nurture artistic community but also to efficiently serve collectors by offering works from the best contemporary talent. The imperative for traditional galleries to transcend their physical confines also became evident. To thrive in the contemporary art scene, expansion beyond gallery walls was essential. Thus, Artly International emerged as a bridge, leveraging a digital platform for art sales. What kindled my excitement was the realization that Artly International wasn’t just solving a problem; it was presenting a wholly unique approach to art sales. By curating a select group of artists, we became not just a marketplace but advocates for the artists we represented. It was about recognizing each artist as a brand and tailoring our efforts to amplify their distinctive voices. Another challenge felt in the art world is limited art knowledge. At the heart of Artly International lies a commitment to art education. Acknowledging that art transcends canvas and screen, we launched “The Journal”—a space to delve into art subjects and for the collector to learn more about a represented artist. This venture wasn’t merely about selling art; it was about cultivating a community and education around a subject so intertwined with human history, touching every life every day – even if it goes unrecognized. Artly International isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to the belief that the art world is a dynamic ecosystem. By blending tradition with innovation, we’ve created a space where art thrives, artists flourish, and collectors find a deeper appreciation for the stories within each piece.
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.
My degree is in business administration – a path not often tread by artists. One of my initial roles post-college involved working for a partnership acquiring a longstanding local art gallery. I was hired as an accountant, but quickly began utilizing nearly every skill learned from my degree – marketing, sales, and general management. I immersed myself in the complexities of the industry, navigating the nuances of an industry that has a life of its own. This experience was the seed that germinated into the concept behind Artly International.
The essence of Artly International lies in fusing the traditional and digital art market. Our team intentionally curates an exclusive group of artists, each with a distinct voice. This deliberate selection serves not only to foster a sense of artistic community but also provides a space to efficiently serve collectors by offering works from the best contemporary talent.
At the core of Artly’s existence is a response to the challenges echoed by artists, gallerists, and collectors- the need for traditional galleries to transcend physical confines, more robust artist representation, and a space where collectors don’t have to sift through an overwhelming array of art.
I’m most proud of serving the art community by launching an ecosystem where art thrives, artists flourish, and collectors discover a deeper appreciation for the narratives within each piece.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
SEO! I often feel like calling chairs of college art departments and asking for a marketing course to be required for BFA and MFA degrees. Knowledge of how search engines rank pages is key to getting your work in front of the right eyes. Artly International is the online division of J. Peeler Howell Fine Art, so we collaborate with several local and regional collectors, as well as art advisors and consultants, to facilitate art transactions. All sales on Artly International that involve clients with whom we have no prior relationship have come through search engines. In today’s landscape, having a solid SEO strategy is essential for effectively promoting art online.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One of my main priorities is promptly returning phone calls or emails from artists. Maintaining a strong relationship, built upon trust, is essential for a good working relationship with the people on whom I truly depend for success. I always strive to go above and beyond for them—I aim to alleviate marketing anxieties, allowing them to focus on what they love best: creating art. Additionally, I make an effort to understand their unique perspective, to comprehend the meaning behind their art. This twofold approach benefits both the artist and the collector. For the collector, being knowledgeable is KEY. To effectively sell art, one must be able to converse about it. Part of my job is to inform, and I’ve built a reputation for being there for the artist and being knowledgeable for the collector.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artlyinternational.com/
- Instagram: @artlyinternational