If you want to sell more art and grow a sustainable creative business, there’s one powerful shift you need to make—and it’s got nothing to do with pricing, Instagram, or fancy equipment.

You need to own your identity as an artist.

That may sound simple, but for many creatives, it’s the biggest hurdle. If you hesitate to say “I’m an artist,” or feel like you need more training, more followers, or more sales before you can claim that title—you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: being an artist isn’t something that gets bestowed on you. It’s something you decide. And that decision can radically change the way you show up, speak about your work, and ultimately—sell your work.

This blog will guide you through why owning your title is essential, and how it feeds directly into your confidence, your marketing, and your ability to attract buyers who believe in what you do.

Want the full experience? Watch the full video episode here:
Shifting Your Mindset is the Key to Selling More Art

Your Identity Shapes Your Outcomes

Ever notice how some artists show up with ease and sell their work consistently—even if they don’t have the “perfect” feed or gallery representation? It’s not luck.

It’s identity.

When you believe you're an artist, your actions change. You take yourself seriously. You price accordingly. You talk about your work with clarity and confidence. That energy is magnetic. And buyers feel it.

But when you’re unsure—when you hesitate or downplay your role—it creates confusion. People are less likely to invest when you seem unsure.

Stop Waiting for Permission

You don’t need a degree, a solo show, or a certain number of followers to claim the title.

You just need to want to create art.

That’s it.

Everything else—skills, confidence, consistency—can grow over time. But identity? That comes from within. So take a deep breath, look yourself in the mirror, and say it out loud: “I am an artist.”

Say it again. Say it until you believe it. And then take action from that place.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Artist Mindset

1. Write your artist title somewhere visible – on your website, your Instagram bio, or even your mirror.
   
   
2. Start introducing yourself as an artist at events or in your emails. Watch how people respond.
   
   
3. Surround yourself with others who reflect your identity – communities like Permission to Paint help you stay accountable to the version of you you're becoming.
   
   

Remember: claiming your identity doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It just means you’re showing up as you truly are—and that’s powerful.

Final Thoughts

Owning your identity is the foundation of any successful art business. Without it, you’ll keep second-guessing yourself and hesitating to put your work out into the world.

But when you know who you are, everything else gets easier.

You’re already an artist. Now let’s start acting like it—one beautiful, imperfect, aligned step at a time.