Why Isn’t Your Art Selling?

Image Source

Quiz Questions

1.
What best describes your current art income stream?
- A.
  I’m selling art, but it’s unpredictable.
- B.
  I’ve got lots of ideas, but none are selling consistently.
- C.
  I mostly rely on word-of-mouth or referrals.
- D.
  I have offers, but I never know what to focus on.
- E.
  I’m too busy creating to think about monetization.
2.
How do you currently price your artwork?
- A.
  I price based on size and time, but I’m still guessing.
- B.
  I use a formula but second-guess if people will actually pay it.
- C.
  I’ve never really nailed down a pricing strategy.
- D.
  My prices are all over the place depending on the offer.
- E.
  I don’t really talk about pricing unless someone asks.
3.
What’s your current marketing setup?
- A.
  I’m everywhere but don’t know what’s working.
- B.
  I rarely post or promote anything—it feels overwhelming.
- C.
  I post often but don’t have a plan behind it.
- D.
  I have a few things working well, but want more consistency.
- E.
  I’m focused on launches but sometimes forget about daily content.
4.
When someone asks what you offer, how do you respond?
- A.
  I give them a list. It’s long.
- B.
  I keep it vague because I’m not sure what they want.
- C.
  I ramble… then backpedal… then change the subject.
- D.
  I give a clear elevator pitch.
- E.
  I say “It depends!”—because it really does.
5.
Which of these feels most frustrating lately?
- A.
  No one seems to find me.
- B.
  I’m stuck at the same price point and can’t break through.
- C.
  I’m doing too many things and feeling burnt out.
- D.
  I know I need a funnel but don’t know where to start.
- E.
  I don’t have time to even think about my business.
6.
How would you describe your email list?
- A.
  Wait… I need one of those?
- B.
  I have one, but I rarely send anything.
- C.
  I’m constantly promoting but have no idea what’s working.
- D.
  I don’t even know how people get on it.
- E.
  It’s small, but I’m starting to build with intention.
7.
What’s your approach to launching or promoting a new collection or offer?
- A.
  I usually wing it.
- B.
  I send a few posts or emails but never feel great about it.
- C.
  I love a solid marketing calendar—it’s my jam.
- D.
  I try to promote everything at once.
- E.
  I have a launch plan but need better execution.
8.
What does your business schedule really look like?
- A.
  It’s structured enough that I feel productive.
- B.
  There isn’t one. Every week is different.
- C.
  I have a schedule but rarely follow it.
- D.
  I feel like I’m always behind.
- E.
  My calendar is mostly blank except for painting time.
9.
How would you describe your offerings?
- A.
  Too many, honestly.
- B.
  I don’t know what’s an offer versus a hobby.
- C.
  I have one or two but no real system for selling.
- D.
  I promote what I can when I can.
- E.
  Each offer supports a clear path for my buyers.
10.
Which scenario is most familiar?
- A.
  I launch something and then don’t follow up.
- B.
  People ask if my art is for sale—because they couldn’t tell.
- C.
  I’m booked and busy but not hitting my income goals.
- D.
  I’m stuck tweaking my prices and still not selling.
- E.
  I can’t describe what I sell without rambling.
11.
What’s your reaction to “you need a niche”?
- A.
  But I love doing ALL the things.
- B.
  I’ve tried, but nothing sticks.
- C.
  I know my niche, but no one seems to care.
- D.
  I’m niching, but it hasn’t led to sales yet.
- E.
  I’ve got it down—and it’s working.
12.
How often do you check in on your business goals or income?
- A.
  Rarely. I just hope it all works out.
- B.
  I try to look, but it stresses me out.
- C.
  I’m always tweaking the numbers, but they still feel far off.
- D.
  I check in weekly and adjust based on what’s working.
- E.
  I check often but struggle to hit my goals.
13.
What best describes your current pricing structure?
- A.
  Different for every collection.
- B.
  Consistent but maybe too low.
- C.
  I’m afraid to raise prices—I might lose buyers.
- D.
  I don’t even know what I charge off the top of my head.
- E.
  It’s clear, aligned with my value, and sustainable.
14.
What happens when you try to sell your art or offer?
- A.
  I feel confident and clear.
- B.
  I bury the pitch at the end of a post.
- C.
  I promote across platforms and still get crickets.
- D.
  I pitch often, but with too many offers at once.
- E.
  I feel awkward or apologetic.
15.
When someone lands on your website or social media, what do they see?
- A.
  Art, vibes, but no real CTA.
- B.
  A mishmash of things with no clear direction.
- C.
  A clean, focused brand with clear next steps.
- D.
  Lots of sales messages—maybe too many.
- E.
  A rotating list of offers and updates.
16.
How do you currently manage your business tasks?
- A.
  What tasks? I just do what I remember.
- B.
  I have a to-do list but never finish it.
- C.
  I outsource some, but I’m still overwhelmed.
- D.
  I know I need systems, but haven’t created them.
- E.
  I have systems in place and tweak them as needed.
17.
What do people say when they try to support or buy from you?
- A.
  “I didn’t know you were offering that!”
- B.
  “I’m confused… how do I️ buy?”
- C.
  “You should charge more.”
- D.
  “I love your work but I’m not sure what to get.”
- E.
  “Thanks, I already bought one of your pieces!”
18.
What part of your business do you avoid most?
- A.
  Talking about money or pricing.
- B.
  Creating a marketing strategy.
- C.
  Putting myself out there.
- D.
  Organizing and simplifying offers.
- E.
  Tracking what’s working.
19.
When was the last time you did a full business check-in?
- A.
  Never.
- B.
  Last year… maybe?
- C.
  Recently, but I didn’t know what to do with it.
- D.
  Last month—and I made some helpful changes.
- E.
  I was too busy launching to stop and reflect.
20.
If someone asked you to explain your “business model” in one sentence, what would happen?
- A.
  I’d freeze.
- B.
  I’d talk in circles and still not answer.
- C.
  I’d nail it. I know exactly what I do and for who.
- D.
  I’d realize I don’t even know myself.
- E.
  I’d say, “It’s complicated…” and trail off.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Ghost Gallery
Image Source
You’re creating beautiful work, but no one’s seeing it. You’re the best-kept secret in the art world — and that’s the problem.Why this is happening:You haven’t built visibility into your routine. Whether it’s inconsistent marketing, unclear messaging, or lack of platform strategy, your dream buyers simply don’t know you exist.Your Strengths:Strong body of workDedicated to your craftOften getting great word-of-mouth in small circlesYour Challenges:Lack of consistent traffic or outreachNot showing up enough in search, social, or emailsAfraid of being “salesy” or self-promotionalQuickstart Tips:Pick one platform and post 3x/week for the next monthCreate one Pinterest board or blog post that answers a common collector question (e.g., framing, shipping, styling art)Add a call-to-action to every piece of content (even if it’s just “join my list”)
2.
Funnel Fumble
Image Source
You’ve got content. Maybe even a few sales. But your customer journey is leaky. People are finding you, but they’re not sticking around.Why this is happening:You don’t have a clear next step for visitors. No opt-ins, no nurture, no ongoing invitations = missed opportunities.Your Strengths:Solid visibility and effortEngaging or beautiful online presenceSome traction with followers or collectorsYour Challenges:Weak or nonexistent email listNo automations or follow-upsSelling only during launchesQuickstart Tips:Add an email freebie to your site today (a studio tour, desktop art, or style guide)Set up one simple welcome sequenceCreate a monthly email schedule to build trust
3.
Studio Scrambler
Image Source
You’re all over the place, working hard but without a plan. You’re wearing all the hats with no roadmap and burning out fast.Why this is happening:You started making art, then had to figure out business on the fly. Now you’re reacting instead of strategically moving forward.Your Strengths:Passionate and prolificWilling to learn and try new thingsMaking real progress, even if it feels chaoticYour Challenges:No business model or time structureConstant overwhelm and second guessingNo systems or goals keeping you focusedQuickstart Tips:Set three 90-day goals: one business, one personal, one creativeCreate a weekly calendar with 5 non-negotiable business habitsBlock time for marketing just like you do for painting
4.
Offer Overload
Image Source
You’re doing a little of everything: commissions, originals, prints, workshops, coaching… and it’s starting to dilute your brand.Why this is happening:You’re multi-passionate (love that for you!), but your audience is confused. If your website or social media doesn’t clearly tell people what you do, they won’t stick around.Your Strengths:Talented across multiple areasGreat ideas and high capacityWilling to put yourself out thereYour Challenges:No signature offerSplit energy and unclear messagingConfusing or busy website/InstagramQuickstart Tips:Choose one focus for the next 90 daysStreamline your bio and homepage to reflect that focusPoll your audience to find out what they actually want
5.
Pricing Puzzle
Image Source
Your art is priced in a way that doesn’t reflect your value...and you know it. You’re either underpricing, confusing your collectors, or both.Why this is happening:Pricing feels like a mystery, so you picked numbers that “felt right” or mirrored someone else’s. Now you’re attracting the wrong audience or not making enough to grow.Your Strengths:Your work is desirableYou care about making your art accessibleYou’re committed to delivering valueYour Challenges:Unclear pricing strategyEmotionally tied to pricing = second guessing yourselfHesitant to raise prices or charge for your timeQuickstart Tips:Audit your pricing: what do similar artists with your experience charge?Use a simple formula: (materials + time) x experience multiplierWrite one email or post (even just to yourself) explaining why your work is worth it