Bierer attributes her success to networking, word of mouth and offering a service that few other artists in the area work full time at.

But even when artists find a niche, they still may have difficulty becoming financially successful, Flintrop said. Residents in the Greater Mankato market may not be able or willing to pay artists for what their time and work is worth.

“Artists work to sell, but people aren’t willing to pay the price it takes for that original art work,” Flintrop said.

One of the best thing artists can do for themselves is exhibit, she said. Although gallery space is limited in the area, artists should try to get their work seen by the public as much as possible.

“If you can get your work out and exhibited and people see it and there’s more publicity for artists and galleries, then people are thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to go see that and maybe I’m going to buy something,’” she said.

If people don’t recognize the name of the artists, they may not be as likely to buy the painting. Many people go to galleries and exhibits simply to view work. But when an artist becomes known, the value of owning one of his or her paintings increases.

“It’s not like the average person goes out looking for original art work (when) they can buy a print of it,” she said.

Bierer said her success story took years to develop. Years ago she painted mostly on canvases and worked various jobs, including painting chairs at Hancock Fabrics.

Someone asked her to paint a wall in their home, and from then on she was hooked. Her clients spread the word about Bierer’s work, and soon she had more work than she ever imagined.

“I don’t think anybody’s doing it the same way I’m doing it — full time,” she said. “Plus, it’s kind of in. It’s an alternative to wallpaper, which is beautiful and expensive and hard to remove.”

Bierer recommends struggling artists try to gain exposure in any way possible. Name recognition is key.

Bierer volunteers her time for various charity events and benefits, which helps spread the word about her work. She donates an hour of her time and maybe a few supplies to be auctioned at these events.

“Community is a huge thing,” she said.

She also does the Prairie Lakes art show every spring. The juried show accepts about 200 pieces, so many artists have the opportunity to submit work.

Artists also shouldn’t be afraid to look outside of Mankato for places to show, she said. The Arts Center of St. Peter is a great place to show work and make contacts. St. Peter, in general, is a welcoming and supportive community of the arts, she said.