In this Artisan Mentoring Session, we sit down with Karlee from Milly Kane Photography, a talented photographer and Madeit artist based in Queensland. With seven years behind the lens and a growing collection of fine art prints, Milly has a beautiful body of work—but like many makers, she’s facing a familiar challenge:
“I know my work is good, but I’m not getting the print sales I want. What am I missing?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
This session is packed with insights for artists, photographers, and creatives trying to turn beautiful products into consistent online sales. We talk positioning, Instagram strategy, storytelling—and the subtle shifts that can turn “just another post” into an invitation to buy.
Watch the full video above to see how Karlee plans to elevate her print sales by showing up with more clarity, more connection, and a whole lot more her.
Goals
Karlee offers two services under her creative brand:
-
Photography sessions (for families and individuals)
-
Fine art photographic prints (available through her Madeit store)
Her challenge?
Blending those two offers into one cohesive brand, while building trust and increasing online print sales.
Key Moments from the Mentoring Session
Each moment below includes a timestamp so you can jump to the part that resonates most.
1:23 – Prints or Sessions: What Leads the Story?
“I’ve been doing sessions for years, but I really want to grow the print side.”
Takeaway: You can offer both—but your Instagram grid needs to clearly communicate what’s for sale. Don’t assume your audience knows. Choose one offer to lead the story, and let the other support it.
3:44 – One Instagram Account or Two?
“I thought I might need two separate accounts…”
Takeaway: Two accounts can split your energy. Instead, create clarity through consistent content, clear bio links, highlights, and regular posts that explain both offers in one brand voice.
6:40 – What Your Grid Actually Shows
“I know what I’m selling, but my feed might not say that to someone new.”
Takeaway: Treat your Instagram like a shop window. A new visitor should immediately understand what you offer and who it’s for. Scroll your own feed and ask: Would I know what this person is selling?
10:21 – Clarity Sells
“I think I’m assuming too much—that people know what they’re looking at.”
Takeaway: Beautiful content without context is confusing. Be direct, especially in captions. Make sure every post helps your audience imagine your prints in their lives or homes.
13:02 – The Scroll Test
“I’ve got all this content, but it’s not always cohesive.”
Takeaway: Focus on storytelling. Help your audience connect the dots between your art, your process, and their own home or experience.
15:47 – Reels and Real Life
“I know I need to post more behind-the-scenes.”
Takeaway: Don’t just show the end result—show the process. Behind-the-scenes content is gold for building connection and trust, especially with handmade or artistic work.
19:31 – Show Your Face
“I’m not in my grid much at all.”
Takeaway: People buy from people. Showing your face—even occasionally—helps your audience feel connected. Your presence builds trust.
22:15 – Lifestyle Over Flatlays
“I love styling, but I don’t think I’m showing how the prints actually work in a space.”
Takeaway: Flatlays can look nice, but lifestyle shots help people imagine your product in their home. Use interiors, shelfies, or gallery walls to create context.
26:02 – Prints as Gifts
“Mother’s Day is coming up… I hadn’t really promoted my prints as giftable.”
Takeaway: Gift-giving is a powerful motivator. Tie your product into seasonal events or emotional occasions (like Mother’s Day) and show how it fits.
28:50 – Styling That Sells
“I think I need to be clearer about what size they are and how to display them.”
Takeaway: Help your customers visualise. Include styling tips, frame suggestions, and real-space examples. Make it easy to imagine, buy, and hang.
33:03 – Customers as Storytellers
“I’d love to get more customer photos.”
Takeaway: Encourage your customers to share where your work lives. User-generated content builds credibility and gives you more organic material to share.
38:11 – A Budget Gallery Wall
“You can create a really beautiful wall for under $150.”
Takeaway: Show the value. Help your customers understand the impact they can create—even on a budget.
41:30 – Finding the Right Frame
“I’m always on the lookout for vintage frames that match the vibe of the print.”
Takeaway: Share your own journey of styling and framing. This adds depth and personality—and inspires your audience to do the same.
43:10 – Next Steps
“I’m going to focus on storytelling and getting more of me into the grid.”
Takeaway: Sometimes, the missing link in your content is you. Adding more of your voice, your story, and your presence builds stronger connection—and sales follow trust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a photographer, artist, or artisan struggling to connect the dots between your talent and your sales, this session with Karlee will feel like a warm, practical nudge in the right direction.
Success doesn’t come from just making beautiful work. It comes from helping people understand, connect with, and want that work in their lives.
Ready to grow your artisan brand?
Join Madeit and connect with a community of like-minded makers across Australia. Sell your work, learn the business side, and thrive with support.
