http://www.painters-online.co.uk artistFebruary 2021 61
Q Describe your brand in a few words
A I describe myself as an artist – not
just a painter, sculptor or drawer. My
art is very much linked to the city I live
in, Brighton. My work is inspired by its
coastline, so my brand is all about the
sea and the sky – it is positive, vibrant
and spontaneous.Q How did you refine your brand?
A It actually came through a lot of hard
work! I went to several workshops and
talks; I asked a lot of people around me
for tips... and I listened. You should pick
up insights from the people around you- some of the parents at my children’s
school are social media managers,
photographers, or copywriters, so I
naturally went to them for specialist
advice.
Q Did this process of finding your
own brand help you sell your work
through social media?
A It definitely did! After winning the
Derwent Art Prize last year, I gained
the confidence to put myself out there.
For three months I worked on a full
collection of landscapes, I documented
my journey on social media and I told
my followers to join my emailing list –
which subsequently quadrupled. When
I released the collection, I gave my email
subscribers a preview – two works sold
within the first five minutes!Q How do you advise artists to find
their own brand?
A Go back to what you did in school.
Take a sheet of paper, put your name in
the middle, and work around it, writing
everything that inspires your work,
excites you, and puts fire in your belly.
Ultimately, you’ll focus into some of
them and that’ll start defining a clear
brand. For me, it’s being outside and by
the sea, so that’s what I share on social
media – I’m not going to be painting fast
cars, but someone else might! Each artist
will have their own unique brand.Q How do you make sure you stick to
your brand?
A This is down to editing. Don’t put
everything out there. You should only
post the pictures that inspire you, that
are relevant to what you’ve written onCASE STUDY
Faye Bridgwater that initial sheet of paper. Those are the
ones that will have a real impact with
your audience.Q Any practical tips?
A Don’t forget to talk about any projects
or exhibitions you’re currently involved
in. When you post, tag the museum
or gallery you’re exhibiting in, or the
magazine that wrote an article about it!
They’ll most likely share it to their own
feeds, which helps to establish your
brand as an artist. Also, when you make
a connection, keep it up. You can’t be
putting out content all the time, you
also have to be engaging with others
and reminding people that you’re still
creating new things.
Finally, I’d say to just put some work in
and learn along the way. Follow people
who inspire you and pick up ideas
from them – you’ll figure out your own
messaging in no time!Next month: Digital assetsq Faye Bridgwater, Down to the Undercliff,
mixed media on boxed canvas, 19¾ 3 19¾in
(50 3 50cm.