If you work with a messy medium like paint, avoid clothing that is too baggy, especially if it has sleeves. Even if you aren’t worried about getting your work clothes dirty, too-loose clothing may end up smearing your work.
Keep your clothes in good condition. Clothes that last longer will save you money. T-shirts and jeans may sound like a mundane combo, but you can use your own personal style to stand out. Wear T-shirts of your own design or that are otherwise unique. Wear jeans that are other colors besides the typical denim blue. A simple, creative way to stretch your wardrobe is to “mix and match” different pieces to create unique looks. Simply switching jackets between two suits will give you two “new” outfits.
You can find retro and modern styles and then easily mix and match them. Most thrift shops have one or more glass cases in the front where they display nicer items, often jewelry. These items may be more expensive than typical thrift shop wares, but will still cost significantly less than retail. It’s a great place to look for interesting pieces.
An exception is to remember which brands actually do make quality clothing that lasts. This type of brand may be a little more expensive but will save you money over time. Keep your eyes peeled for them when thrifting or browsing auction websites.
If you have a business or studio, design T-shirts with its name and logo. If the shirts are eye-catching, wearing them can get complete strangers interested in your art. To make a simple T-shirt take a cotton or poly blend fabric with some stretch to it. Use an existing T-shirt as a guide to cut the shape, leaving an allowance of half-an-inch. Sew the shoulders and side seams. Then put a contrasting ribbed neckline.
Tooled leather is fairly uncommon in modern belts, and wearing a tooled leather belt is a simple way of looking unique. You can pick a belt buckle that holds some significance to either you or your art. For example, if your art frequently has an ocean theme, a buckle with a jellyfish or shark is a good choice. If you work with metal or leather, your belt is a great place to display your talents.
Just like your belt buckle, your jewelry can reflect your interests and art. For example, if you’re interested in astronomy and/or frequently incorporate spacescapes, try finding jewelry that features planets or supernovae. Avoid pieces that look too expensive or ostentatious, even if you didn’t pay much for them. It may be harder to sell your work if a potential buyer sees you decked out in gold and diamonds.
Get a blunt cut from your stylist and ask him or her to add bangs. Arrange your hair into dreadlocks if that works for your hair type. Dye or streak your hair with a unique color. If you’re wary of making a major change to your hair color that you can’t undo, then use a temporary dye. If your hair is braided or dreadlocked, one or two strands dyed a bright color will really pop. When adding a streak to your hair, having it closer to your face will have the biggest impact. Back comb or “tease” your hair with a brush and some hairspray to give it volume. While most people who tease their hair today hide the knots with unteased hair, a popular “artsy” look is to make your back combing look obvious. Stop straightening or curling your hair. Let it return to its natural state. Choose a style that defies gender stereotypes. If you’re a girl, go with extremely short hair. If you’re a guy, grow your hair long.
If you are a visual artist, consider drawing your own design for your tattoo artist to use. The modern artist stereotype often includes full sleeves and/or neck tattoos. If you don’t want to commit to the artist look for life, try temporary tattoos instead.
