How To: Build a Successful Resin Art Business in Australia

How To: Build a Successful Resin Art Business in Australia – Have you become addicted to creating with resin or jesmonite? Well what do you do with your pieces, after you’ve gifted friends and family many pieces (yes, we’ve all done that!) Starting a resin art business seems like the logical thing to do! A Resin Art business can be an exciting and rewarding venture for creative individuals.

With the growing popularity of resin art and the increasing demand for unique, handcrafted and locally made pieces, there is a significant opportunity to turn your passion for art into a thriving business. We’ve created this general step-by-step guide, to walk you through the process of setting up and running an art business in Australia.

Step 1: Define Your Niche
To begin, it’s essential to define your niche within the art market. Identify the specific style, theme, or type of resin art that you excel at or have a unique approach to. There are so many other people out there selling resin art, what makes YOU and your pieces stand out? This will help differentiate yourself from competitors and attract a target audience who ‘resonates’ (get it) with your artistic vision.

Step 2: Develop a Business Plan & Business Set Up
Creating a solid business plan is crucial for the success of any venture. Define your business objectives, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. Include details about your product offerings, production process, and potential suppliers and costs. A well thought-out business plan will guide your decisions and serve as a roadmap as you build your resin art business.

Defining a pricing strategy is a crucial step in this process, and one that most small businesses fail to get right. Create a spreadsheet or a costings list. Include everything: Resin, pigments, safety equipment, tools, boards, moulds. Most people think this is where the list ends, but it doesn’t! You also need to consider and cost in: your time (creating, cleaning and packing), shipping (of your supplies) bank or merchant fees, bubble wrap/ packaging materials, boxes, thank you/ handling cards, stickers, and anything else you add into your finished product. You also need to decided whether you include shipping or charge it additionally.

Once you have your plan put together, it’s time to register your business. Apply for an email address, Business name, ABN, GST (if you feel it’s applicable – speak to an accountant or business manager for more) bank account, website and other social media pages. If you are considering market stalls, teaching or similar, you’ll also need the appropriate insurances (speak to a broker for more).

Step 3: Set Up Your Space
Establishing a dedicated studio space is vital for creating and showcasing your resin art. Not only creating the art pieces but also creating content for social media. Choose a well-ventilated area with ample natural light and invest in the necessary equipment. Equipment including: a sturdy workbench, bench protection (painters plastic) resin mixing tools, colour pigments safety gear, and a well-organised storage system for your materials. Depending on the content you want to make, you may also need to invest in lighting (ring light), cameras, phone stands, etc. Create an inspiring and organised workspace that promotes creativity and efficiency. Importantly, resin needs to be away from direct sunlight, (make sure thats considered when planning your studio space).

Step 4: Source Quality Materials
Selecting high-quality materials is essential for creating exceptional resin art pieces that will last a life time. Research, trial and source reputable suppliers for resin, pigments, additives, and substrates. Ensure that the materials you choose meet safety standards and comply with any regulations applicable in Australia. By choosing a long standing and reputable Australian supplier (like U RESIN), can also be an added selling feature to your finished art pieces.

Remember, that no matter what products you use, especially if you change brands of supplies, to cost those supplies accordingly.

Step 5: Master Your Craft
Continuous learning and improvement are key to developing your skills as a resin artist (well that goes for anything in life!). Invest time in sharpening your techniques, experimenting with different colour combinations, and exploring new resin art styles. Attend workshops, seek guidance from experienced artists, and leverage online resources to expand your knowledge and stay up to date with industry trends.

Looking to other industries as well can be a great resource. See trends and techniques that they use that can be interpreted to creating or selling your resin art.

Step 6: Build an Online Presence
In today’s digital age, establishing an online presence is crucial for reaching a broader audience and promoting your art business. Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, provides information about your services and pricing, and includes an online store for customers to purchase your pieces. Leverage social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, engage with your audience, and build a community around your brand.

Brand awareness and story telling through Tiktok is an underrated tool. If you can find your desired target, this can help you grow exponentially. No matter what social media you use, communicating and keeping connected to your audience is so important. Reply to comments, messages and start conversations through posts to help you grow.

Step 7: Market and Promote Your Business
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise awareness of your resin art business. Utilise online and offline marketing channels, such as social media advertising, email marketing, galleries and participate in local art events or exhibitions. Collaborate with influencers, art bloggers, and interior designers to gain exposure and reach potential customers.

Exhibitions or Shows are an excellent tool and should be used to your benefit. Many exhibitions will cost money (some will even cost a LOT of money) but it’s all about the exposure you will get from participating. Always make sure you have brochures, flyers, cards, or something that they can take away with them to help remember your brand.

Step 8: Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Customer satisfaction is so important for building a loyal customer base and generating repeat business. Ensure prompt communication, provide accurate product descriptions, and handle orders and inquiries professionally.

Package your artwork securely to prevent damage during shipping and consider offering a satisfaction guarantee or return policy to instill confidence in your customers.

Step 9: Stay Passionate and Never Give up!
Those first few months and years are the most important to gain trust and credibility. Once you are well established, it becomes easier selling to customers and retail. Don’t be afraid to spend the extra hours each day focusing on your new business – it will all be worth it in the long run! As long as you continue that focus and passion, it will show through and become clear to customers why they should buy from you over your competitors.

Sometimes things get tough, and you may feel like throwing in the towel but just keep pushing and focus on what you love most!

Please be Advised: The information and advice provided in this blog is of general nature only. There are many things to consider when starting a business and this is only a general guide for an Australian Resin Art Business. Should you wish to pursue self-employment we recommend finding a business mentor, course or guidance from an industry professional. Some steps described in this blog may or may not be relevant for you or your business venture.