Brand Strategy / E-Commerce / Art Direction / Marketing
How saïd + art got started
No one warned me that going to art school might make you hate art. After graduating from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in 2010, I stopped painting altogether.
In 2021, I returned to painting more seriously. I’m not an angry person, but I do channel my frustrations into my work—creating art that reflects the energy I can’t easily express elsewhere.
When I say “more seriously,” I mean it. After graduation, I painted only for myself and those close to me. I didn’t try to sell my work or apply for shows. But resentment has a way of bubbling up. What am I resentful about? The specifics matter less than the fact that I’ve started painting again—and this time, I’m sharing it with the world.
How saïd + art is going
While rebuilding my art website, I shared my plans to take my art seriously again with fellow artists. Their response? “Can you build a website for me too?”
Creating an artist website isn’t hard, but I have big ideas for what makes a truly exceptional one. It needs a robust platform to handle large media files and secure payment portals for high-value transactions.
Instead of rebuilding the same sites repeatedly—something many artists couldn’t afford—I decided to open up my own website. Now, artists can market their work for free and only pay a commission fee after a sale.
How saïd + art Works
- No Gatekeeping: Your work gets seen by site visitors and potential collectors without barriers.
- Fairer Fees: No 50%+ commissions or hidden buyer details. The highest fee is 30%, charged only after a sale.
- Shared Opportunities: Artists, collectors, and collaborators can earn split commissions by helping facilitate sales, creating additional income streams for everyone.
Grow with Me
As artists gain experience and sales, they can upgrade to paid plans with lower commission fees, keeping more of their earnings while accessing advanced features.
My ultimate goal is that you’ll become such an expert art consultant and salesperson yourself that you won’t need this platform forever.
Brand Colors & Typography
With its gothic slab weights and sharp, unexpected angles, PP Gosha Sans is the perfect typeface to embody the dissent and intellectual intensity that my paintings convey.
I drew heavy inspiration from socialist and communist poster designs of the Cold War era.
Whatever your stance, American imperialism only serves the empire, and this is probably why no federal contract recruiter follows up with me after their “clients” view my portfolio (and I will blow the whistle if I ever find something!). Oh, I’ll snitch.
#261e0d
#c7440c
Website Overview
The website is built on WordPress and powered by WooCommerce, creating a seamless funnel that guides visitors from brand awareness and education to conversions. The design is clean and intentional, ensuring the focus remains on the artwork without unnecessary distractions.
Key Features
- Flexible Payment Options: Catering to diverse customer preferences.
- Secured Payment Encryptions: Ensuring safe and trustworthy transactions.
- Automated Cart Abandonment Follow-Up: Re-engaging potential buyers to boost sales.
- Heat Map Analytics: Tracking user behavior to optimize the experience.
- Segmented Contact Form Leads: Organizing and nurturing leads effectively.
For Artists
saïd + art isn’t just for me—it’s a platform for other artists too. Join me to:
- Upload and Sell Your Art: Showcase your work to a growing audience.
- Access Free Courses: Learn how to position your art, craft compelling artist statements, and price your work effectively.
In the Wild + Marketing
I’m starting to question how important the same social media channels might be since each platform has specific features.
And while I feel I have the core ones, I haven’t been able to decide what and how to post consistently by platform:
- saidplusart.com
- facebook.com/saidplusart
- instagram.com/saidplusart (lost access)
- instagram.com/saidandart (back up plan)
- tiktok.com/@saidplusart
Brand Voice
saïd + art can be described as bold, inclusive, and empowering, with a touch of countercultural edge.
1. Bold and Confident
The tone is assertive and unapologetic, reflecting the platform’s mission to challenge traditional art market norms.
Example: “We don’t gatekeep. We empower.”
2. Inclusive and Community-Driven
The language emphasizes collaboration and accessibility, inviting artists and collectors from diverse backgrounds to join the platform.
Example: “A space for artists, by artists—where everyone has a voice.”
3. Empowering and Encouraging
The tone inspires artists to take control of their careers, offering tools and resources to help them succeed.
Example: “Your art deserves to be seen, shared, and sold—on your terms.”
4. Countercultural and Thoughtful
The language reflects a resistance to mainstream art world elitism and a commitment to social and political awareness.
Example: “Art isn’t just decoration—it’s dissent, dialogue, and defiance.”
5. Clear and Approachable
While the tone is bold, it remains accessible and easy to understand, avoiding overly academic or pretentious language.
Example: “Sell your art, keep more of your earnings, and connect directly with collectors.”
6. Action-Oriented
The language encourages immediate engagement, whether it’s joining the platform, taking a course, or exploring art.
Example: “Ready to take your art to the next level? Start here.”
