There are two distinct enemies in the eyes of most artists — networking and self-promotion. As concepts, both are seen as betrayals of what art is all about. Selling yourself and selling your work are not why most people pick up a pen or paintbrush.

But here’s the truth – if you’re here, selling your work on Redbubble, you are a part of a group of entrepreneurs and freelance artists that have taken that first and most major of steps towards turning your love and passion into a living. You’ve taken the paintings, designs, and photos out of the closet; you posted your ideas and thoughts into a system designed to help you succeed; but there’s still more to do to. Your art needs to be seen where interest can grown and turn into fans, who can then be cultivated into collectors of what it is you do.

This isn’t about social media. Hashtags, Tweets, and Facebook likes. Each of those are important but first things first, the art begins in the real world, in a living space, and there are simple tools at the ready to help you reach that audience of strangers you see everyday.

Here’s another truth – as an artist who has work on Redbubble, I’ve done all of these. They’ve been road tested.