How to Support Local Artists Through the Pandemic

For almost a year now, traditional ways that artists have made their income have not been available, immediately impacting a countless number of creatives. Most have not been able to recover and could use the support of the community (that means you!)

Many people are not aware of all the ways you can support and how much they can impact someone- what may seem small to you could be huge for a struggling artist. No amount of effort will ever be wasted when it comes to helping artists and everyone involved has something to gain.

Promote on Social Media

I included this first because it is probably the most important way nowadays. There are a few ways you can do this.
-- Follow on Social Media
Many people don't realize that social media platforms have a built in popularity system where people or businesses with less likes and follows are given less tools and opportunities. Popular milestones to "unlock" useful tools are one hundred, five hundred, and ten thousand followers!
-- Like and Comment on Posts
A simple like and a few words (or even just an emoji) will actually boost a person's post! Each time an artist gets a like or comment from you, the more likely the post will show up at the top of someone else's feed, resulting in more chances of it being seen!
-- Share Posts
Sharing someone's post can make their day! You can share a piece of art you like with friends or let people know about a class. On Facebook, a post can be shared to pages you are involved in (which has the potential to be an incredible opportunity for the artist to be discovered). 92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family over ads and 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decisions.

Buy Their Work Online

This is probably the most obvious way to support. Since we are spending more of our lives at the house than ever before, it's a wonderful time to invest in a new piece for your home, whether it be a piece of wall art or a handcrafted table. With galleries and in-person events cancelled, many artists have turned to the internet. Visit the artists website and grab a piece of art! If you can't find the perfect piece, you can always contact the artist to work on a commissioned piece. You can also attend virtual exhibits and openings or pick up a new hobby and take an online class.

Give A Good Review or Personal Endorsement

A five star review can be a huge advantage for a local business and a deciding factor for a customer on the fence about a purchase. A whopping 88% of people trust online reviews just as much as they trust a recommendation from friends or family. A few examples of where you can give reviews are Yelp, Facebook, and the artist's website. If you have bought anything from them in the past, be sure to write a review for the product!

Purchase a Gift Card

A great way to make a friend or family member happy at the same time giving the artist a guaranteed customer. If you don't see an artist selling gift cards, reach out to them directly and ask if they would be interested!

Donate

Many GoFundMe pages have been popping up for artistic individuals and communities alike. You can search GoFundMe by location to find local posts. Another way to help the community is by donating to your local art gallery or becoming a member. Some even go above and beyond and make a GoFundMe for the artist they admire!

Offer Emotional Support

Being an artist was already a struggle before the pandemic. Now, to some, it feels like they are drowning with nothing to grab onto. If you know an artist personally, reach out and ask how they are doing and let them know that you appreciate the work that they do.

And last but not least…

Share this article to educate others on how they can help out artists and creatives!

Article written by Marin County artist, Cassidy Layne
All Rights Reserved