How to Support An Artist…

…even without spending any money!

This blog is written alongside my Instagram Support An Artist Sunday challenge. Follow along, or check my stories to catch up! Just click the icon:

If you are reading this, a blog written by an artist, then I imagine you really want to support artists and other makers with small businesses. And I love you for that already!

At the same time, you are probably not rolling in cash. In fact, if you’re anything like me you are carefully hoarding your change and doing complicated sums in your bank account because somehow you need to manage Christmas on a tiny budget. The majority of us are not in a position to buy gorgeous art, hand knitted sweaters, or beautiful artisan mugs (my particular love!) at the drop of a hat. We understand why the prices are so high (and if you don’t there’ll be a blog post about that soon as well!), but we simply cannot afford to spend that much regularly.

That’s okay, we artists (and artisans) understand! We don’t want you to bankrupt yourselves to keep our small businesses afloat! But there are a few things you can do, many of which don’t cost a penny, that will help us reach as many people as possible, some of whom will be ready to buy from us (the more people we reach, the more likely we are to make a sale!). Especially for you wonderful supporters of makers and small businesses of all kinds, here is a list of ways you can help!

Like

So you found paintings that look gorgeous on Instagram, or a maker selling on Facebook. The simplest way you can help get them noticed is to like their post. Even better, visit their feed and ‘like’ all the things you enjoy looking at. This helps artists find patterns in what is popular, so they can keep making things that others enjoys.

Comment

Even better than just liking, make a comment on an artist’s post. This does two things: tells the dreaded Meta algorithms that this is something that should get more exposure; and encourages conversation with others, which also promotes exposure. Try to ask a question, or tell the artist something specific you noticed if you can, although a simple “This is great!” is enough.

Follow or Subscribe to their feed

When you find an artist or maker that keeps posting things you love, follow them, or subscribe to their page. That way you will see more things you love, and they will get a lovely fuzzy ‘more followers’ feeling! Go one better on Instagram, and tap the star to favourite an artist. This is another way to tell the algorithms that this artist should be getting more exposure.

Save

Did you know that saving posts helps artists? Yep, it’s another message to the algorithms that this artist’s work is loved and needs more air time.

Share on your feed

I love when other people share something I have done on their feed. It means this person likes what I do enough to tell others about it, and it means a few more people might see my art.

Send to a friend

If you see something you think your friend would enjoy, send it to them! Yet another algorithm-pleaser.

Join the mailing list

Check your favourite artist’s bio, and find out if they have a mailing list. If they do, join it! Now you’ll get updates about what the artists is doing and maybe discounts and special offers, and the artist will know they are loved. (You can join my mailing when you scroll to the bottom of this blog post! 😉)

Write a review

Do you already own something by this artist? If so, write a review! Many small business have somewhere for you to add a review, be it a form on their website, a Google business page, or something similar. If you can’t work out where to send your review, DM it directly to the artist with permission to post it on their website or social media. Extra points if you include a photo of whatever you own that they made in your home or being used.

Check for Patreon/Kofi/Substack

If you feel like you can add a little regular financial support help an artist keep arting, have a look to see if they have a Patreon, Substack blog, or Kofi page. Each of these offer ways for artists to create little memberships in which fans pay a small monthly amount and receive special treats in return.

Buy a card

This is a great way to support artists you come across out in the world, not just online. Most artists have some sort of greetings card or postcard offer that costs just a couple of pounds. You get to take home a small piece of art to stick on your fridge or in a small frame, or to send to a friend, and card sales can make a surprising difference to an artist’s ability to keep making art.

Buy something you would have bought anyway

This is a great idea for this time of year: check out the artist’s merch. I’m thinking calendars and notebooks in particular; things that you might be buying at this time of year anyway. Instead of picking one up in the supermarket, order from your favourite artist and you’ll have something lovely to use for months.

Buy a gift

Whether you are buying holiday gifts, birthday gifts, a housewarming gift, or teacher gifts… artist-made products are a brilliant choice. For something really special you might stretch to an original or even a commission, but if you need to spend a little less consider a print, or more merch. Lots of artists have their work on mugs, T-shirts, and other small things that would make a special gift for a special person.