For many artists, the hardest part of selling art isn’t creating it—it’s talking about it. The studio is safe. The moment you step into a gallery or event, though, the stakes suddenly feel sky-high. You start overthinking every word: What if I sound awkward? What if I say the wrong thing?
Here’s the truth: every confident salesperson, artist, or gallerist you’ve met learned to talk about art by talking—often, badly at first. The good news is, you don’t need to practice only in formal settings. You can start in grocery lines, on airplanes, or on your morning walk. Everyday conversations are the perfect rehearsal space for learning how to connect naturally.
The Grocery Line Method
I’ve joked before that my family hates going out in public with me because I talk to everyone. In line at the store, on a hike, waiting for a flight—it doesn’t matter. I’ll start a conversation. Sometimes it’s as simple as, “Where are you from?” or “That’s a great color on you.”
It’s not about networking or making a sale. It’s about keeping the social gears oiled. Each time you start a small conversation, you remind yourself that people are approachable, that silence doesn’t have to be heavy, and that curiosity is disarming.
Think of it as training your conversational reflexes. The more you do it, the less effort it takes when it matters—like greeting a collector at an opening or introducing yourself to a gallery owner.
Start Simple
You don’t need to say anything profound to begin. In fact, the best openers are obvious:
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“How’s your day going?”
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“That’s a great jacket.”
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“Are you from around here?”
The point isn’t to deliver brilliance—it’s to engage. Once the conversation starts, the rest tends to unfold naturally. You’ll learn to read cues, listen well, and add just enough about yourself or your art without forcing it.
The Compliment Rule
One of the best tricks I’ve learned is to lead with a genuine compliment. People light up when you notice them. Compliments on names, colors, accessories, or even scents all work, as long as they’re authentic and brief. “That’s a great name—unusual and memorable.” “That shade looks fantastic on you.” “What a beautiful car!”
It’s not flattery; it’s connection. And if you happen to mention your work in passing—“I notice color a lot; I’m a painter”—you’ve just shared something about yourself without launching into a pitch.
Low Stakes, Big Gains
The goal isn’t to turn every encounter into a networking opportunity. It’s to build comfort with human interaction in general. Artists who practice casual conversation find that gallery events, openings, and studio visits stop feeling like interrogations. They become natural extensions of the same skill.
When you’ve had a dozen friendly chats with strangers in the past week, walking up to a potential collector doesn’t feel like leaping off a cliff. It’s just another conversation.
The Cumulative Effect
Over time, you’ll notice a shift. You won’t rehearse every line in your head before speaking. You’ll stop apologizing for existing in a conversation. You’ll talk about your work with ease because it feels like a continuation of the same curiosity you bring to others.
So the next time you’re waiting in line or walking a trail, take a small risk. Ask a question. Make a comment. See what happens.
You don’t need to feel brave first. Talk first. The confidence comes later.