How to Get Your Art Noticed - Expert Lessons from Award-Winning Watercolorist Will Elliston

How to Get Your Art Noticed - Expert Lessons from Award-Winning Watercolorist Will Elliston

In today’s vast and competitive art world, getting your art noticed by the right audience can feel overwhelming. However, with insights and strategies shared by acclaimed watercolor artist and Skillshare Top Teacher, Will Elliston, you can navigate this challenge effectively. From embracing imperfection and finding your unique artistic voice to leveraging the right platforms and overcoming self-doubt, Will offers practical advice to help artists grow and gain recognition.

Embrace Imperfection and Explore Your Unique Artistic Voice

One of Will’s foundational tips is that you don’t need a rigid, signature style to stand out. He emphasizes the value of exploring various styles and subjects, which keeps creativity fresh and builds a broad skill set. As noted on ArtPlacer’s guide to SEO for artists, authenticity in your artistic voice is a key factor in attracting an audience genuinely.

“By studying a range of artists you admire and experimenting with different styles, you gradually build an intuition that blends those influences through your own unique lens.”

Finding your artistic voice is about authenticity and intuition, not forced originality. This naturally evolves with continued practice and passion.

Overcome Self-Doubt by Focusing on Growth and Expression

Will openly shares his early struggles: when he first started, his paintings were far from perfect, but persistent practice brought improvement. As highlighted in SEO Tips for Artists by Ethan Lazuk, ongoing skill development and persistence are crucial for building confidence in your craft.

“At the end of the day, it’s just pigment and paper. Taking the pressure off helped me keep painting.”

In competitions, Will stresses focusing on authenticity and emotional expression rather than technical perfection. This sentiment echoes advice seen in EmptyEasel’s smart linking guide for artists, where genuine connection often outshines flawless technique.

Grow Your Audience by Sharing Smartly and Strategically

Sharing your work online can be intimidating. Will initially hesitated to post online until he felt his skills met his standards. He reminds artists to share when it feels right and not let algorithms dominate their creative process.

“Don’t let online reactions shape your art or self-worth. Share when you genuinely feel ready.”

Experimenting with different platforms such as Skillshare, YouTube, or Instagram is key. Will experienced meaningful audience growth on Skillshare, where connecting personally with students was rewarding.

Foster Genuine Connections Beyond the Screen

While online presence is valuable, Will highlights the importance of face-to-face connections at exhibitions, local meetups, and workshops.

“The most valuable relationships with artists and collectors often happen in person.”

Attending such events builds trust and network organically.

Prioritize Skill Refinement Before Chasing Followers

Will cautions against focusing prematurely on social media followers or competitions before perfecting your craft. High-quality work naturally attracts attention and sustains long-term success — a principle supported by Ceri Hand’s SEO advice for artists.

“Improving your skills first is far more valuable than chasing viral fame.”

He recommends challenges like recreating favorite paintings to deepen understanding and find your unique style.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Your Art Noticed

Q1: Do I need a unique signature style to get noticed?
No. Developing your artistic voice through experimentation and authenticity is often more effective in building a genuine audience.

Q2: How do I handle self-doubt while improving my art?
Focus on consistent practice and allow imperfections. Artistic growth is a journey, and expression matters more than perfection.

Q3: When should I start sharing art online?
Share when you feel confident but also be open to feedback. Don’t let online metrics dictate your creative process.

Q4: Which platforms are best for growing an audience?
Try platforms such as Skillshare, YouTube, and Instagram to find where your work resonates most effectively.

Q5: Is in-person networking important?
Yes, attending exhibitions, workshops, and meetups helps build lasting connections beyond online interactions.

Incorporating these expert lessons from Will Elliston allows artists to approach recognition strategically, balancing skill development, authenticity, and audience growth.

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