When we think about technology in the art world, many of us rightly cast our minds to the generative AI avatars that were all the rage only last year. These images, which used archived artist’s work to create new, computer-designed replicas, were seen by many as a huge threat to the art community. For working artists, they also spelt a worrying potential downturn in profits.
Luckily, trends like these tend to come and go, and most artists didn’t take too much of a profit hit as a result. In fact, as the glamour of AI art wears off, many artists are beginning to realise that technology might help to boost rather than hinder their earnings.
In this article, we’ll consider just a few of the ways that artists can begin using technology to take their earnings from strength to strength.
# 1 – The Profit Potential of Digital Archives
Real-life art prints are undeniably vital in the art world, but to justify the work that goes into those unique pieces, artists have always had to charge pretty high prices.
By comparison, art scanners, which make it easier for artists to easily archive and create digital prints of their work, can produce a far more affordable product with mass appeal. For each painting they create, an artist using these techniques can sell endless replicas which keep money flowing even during fallow creative periods.
# 2 – Artists on Social Media
Visual social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have proven invaluable for artists seeking to promote and gain loyal followings via self-led digital marketing. Many artists have also managed to make a name for themselves on social media, including now revered pop-culture artist KAWS, and Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami.
Social media is most useful thanks to the artistic community it creates, and artists may be able to boost their earnings through posts that include pictures of their work, exhibition marketing, and even day-in-the-life reels. The key is simply to ensure regular uploads and to interact with followers in a way that creates trust and a great reputation.
# 3 – Technology to Cut Expenses
Even before the hours spent on each creation, artist expenses can be high and need to cover everything from canvases to paints and pencils in a wide variety of colours. This, alone, can stand in the way of profits, and it’s a problem that technology’s also helping to solve.
Many artists now choose to use technologies like the Apple Pencil, which makes it possible to draw directly onto tablet software using one simple piece of equipment. Artists can then easily switch between different mediums and colours without needing to spend additional money.
This makes it far easier to keep ongoing equipment expenses down. Combined with the relative speed that this simple technology provides, many artists are now able to earn more from early in their careers.
Are technology and art a match made in heaven? Perhaps not, but these key technologies can certainly bring artistic profits within easier reach.
