In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb shares a practical, five-step strategy for aspiring artists who may feel their dreams are out of reach. Squibb, who met a waitress with artistic ambitions, frames his advice as a direct guide for anyone unsure of how to transition from dreaming to doing. He emphasizes that the path to becoming a professional artist, or pursuing any passion, often comes down to knowing the actionable steps.
Squibb opens by highlighting the power of self-perception and language. He advises aspiring artists to shift their internal and external dialogue from a future aspiration to a present reality.
Stop saying “I want to be an artist.” And instead, say you ARE an artist.
He elaborates on this point, explaining that this linguistic shift is not merely about outward projection but a fundamental recalibration of one’s own mindset and subsequent actions. As Simon Squibb notes, “When you start saying you’re an artist, you start thinking like one. And when you think like one, you act like one.” This foundational step, in Squibb’s view, primes individuals for the subsequent practical actions required to build a career.
Leveraging Existing Audiences and Visibility
A significant portion of Squibb’s strategy focuses on practical methods for gaining exposure and finding buyers. He suggests a proactive approach to placing artwork in visible, high-traffic locations.
I’d walk into boutique venues. Hotels, cafés, private members clubs. And say: “I’m a local artist. Can I hang one piece here for free?”
Squibb argues that these venues act as “walking billboards,” introducing the artist’s work to potential buyers who are already present. He further suggests enhancing this strategy by including the artist’s name and a QR code linking to more work or purchasing options. This makes the art accessible and trackable, turning passive viewers into an active audience.
The Importance of Documenting Success and Live Creation
Building on the idea of visibility, Simon Squibb stresses the importance of documenting and promoting every success, no matter how small. He calls this “documenting every win.” According to Squibb, “Status sells. If people associate the status of the location with the status of your art, they’re more likely to buy. Perception creates demand.” This strategy leverages the perceived value of the exhibition space to enhance the perceived value of the artwork.
Furthermore, Squibb advocates for the practice of painting live as a method to engage potential patrons on a personal level. He suggests that by allowing people to watch the creative process, whether through live streams, videos, or time-lapses, artists can build a connection with their audience.
People buy people first. The art comes second.
In Squibb’s perspective, this human connection is crucial, often preceding the purchase of the art itself.
Creating a Scalable Business Model
The final key step Squibb outlines is the creation of a “ladder” for pricing and sales, catering to a diverse range of buyers and fostering long-term relationships.
A Tiered Approach to Sales
Squibb proposes a tiered pricing structure, starting with more accessible items and moving towards higher-value pieces. He suggests:
- £50 prints
- £200 originals
- £2,000 commissions
He explains that the buyer of a £50 print today could potentially become a significant collector in the future. This approach, as Simon Squibb points out, is not just about immediate sales but about cultivating a customer base and building a sustainable art business.
Broader Applicability of the Strategy
In his conclusion, Simon Squibb broadens the scope of his advice, stating that these steps are not exclusive to aspiring artists. He asserts that the principles of self-belief, strategic visibility, documenting progress, engaging personally, and building a scalable offering can be applied to “almost any dream.” His overarching message encourages individuals to “Stop waiting to be discovered. Build your own discovery system.” This call to action underscores his belief in proactive self-creation and entrepreneurship.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →