3 Ways to Engage More Viewers Today
Inviting people into your personal space can be a magical experience for both the artists and the viewers.
Successful artists connect their art with viewers in order to resonate and attract a return visit. Using emotive descriptions, your personal history and impactful narratives are ways to connect people to visual art pieces. Artists can incorporate connection-building strategies every day in practice to engage viewers. Visual art is a powerful medium for storytelling, and the connection between the artist and the viewer often begins with the visual impact of the artwork itself, then perhaps the title and a post description. Providing thoughtful, evocative statements can create a deeper resonance, offering insight into the artist's intent, process, or inspiration. When crafting these narratives, it's essential to balance personal storytelling with universal themes that viewers can relate to. For instance, if a piece reflects on themes of loss or joy, weave in details about what sparked those emotions for you as the artist. This makes the art more accessible and allows the viewer to draw parallels to their own experiences, building a bridge of understanding that can lead to emotional investment and, ultimately, purchases. We understand many artists do not want to provide information as part of their purpose. They may want to lead the viewer without influencing their experience. There is still a way to create a narrative that leaves mystery.
Your artistic history is also a vital tool for creating connections. Share stories of your journey—what led you to become an artist, challenges you've overcome, and milestones that define your career. This authenticity humanizes your work, helping potential buyers see the person behind the canvas. Transparency about your process, whether it’s the painstaking layering of paint or the sourcing of materials for assemblage art, adds another layer of intrigue. The goal is not just to sell the artwork but to share your identity and the magical gift you have of art-making, fostering long-term relationships with your audience. It is a superpower. Right, so learning about the origin, the key power chargers and also the kryptonite helps others connect.
Building daily habits to connect with viewers strengthens these relationships. Actively engage your audience by sharing updates on your process through social media, newsletters, or open studios. For example, post progress shots or time-lapse videos that reveal the evolution of a piece. This invites viewers into your creative world, allowing them to feel part of your journey. Thoughtful responses to comments and messages can further nurture these connections, demonstrating that you value the dialogue sparked by your art.
Platforms like Juniper Rag are instrumental in amplifying your reach beyond your immediate network. Use such spaces to showcase your work to diverse audiences, participate in discussions, and collaborate with other artists. Working with organizations that offer opportunities to embrace new paradigms in art engagement, whether through virtual exhibitions or interviews, allow you to reach viewers who might not encounter your work otherwise. By combining storytelling, consistent practice, and strategic use of sharing, artists can create lasting emotional bonds with viewers, transforming casual observers into dedicated collectors and advocates.
Studio views in-person or through photographs and videos give insight into an artist’s space, habits, fashion, persona and connects viewers in a powerful way, plus — it gives you inspiration to clean your studio.
Pictured below, studio shots of: Marinés Adrianza, David Edward Johnson and Leyla Milou, engaging viewers and transporting them to their spaces.
Three ways to engage more viewers today
Building connections through your unique narrative is about creating bridges between your personal experiences and your audience's emotions. Here are three ways to foster these connections effectively:
1. Authentic Storytelling
Share the "why" behind your art—your motivations, inspirations, and the personal stories that shape your creative process. People are drawn to authenticity, so let your audience in on the journey behind your work. For example, if you created a painting inspired by a childhood memory, describe the smells, sounds, or emotions of that moment. This personal touch helps viewers see your art as more than an object; it becomes a portal to your world.
2. Interactive Engagement
Encourage conversations about your work by posing questions, hosting Q&A sessions, or offering studio tours (virtual or in-person). Ask your audience how your art makes them feel or what memories it evokes. Engaging directly with viewers allows them to become active participants in your narrative. Platforms like Instagram Live, Juniper Rag's community discussions, or artist blogs are great tools for fostering this dialogue.
3. Sharing Your Process
Demystify your creative journey, but withhold from giving away any process secrets, by sharing behind-the-scenes content. Document your work in progress, from initial sketches to the final piece, explaining the techniques or challenges faced along the way. This transparency helps viewers appreciate the labor, skill, and emotion embedded in each piece, making it more meaningful to them. Over time, they’ll feel invested in your story and more connected to your art.
Each of these methods draws on your personal creative narrative to build a sense of intimacy and trust, fostering connections that inspire admiration and loyalty.
