I’ve recently just began going at it as a full-time artist. The first thing I did was submit a piece for a fundraiser auction. I also volunteered during the event. It has been best thing because I’ve met a lot of local artist and started connecting with local artist groups on Facebook.
I’m also trying to enter as many juried competitions as they come along.
My plan is to have either solo or be a part of a small group exhibit in the first half of 2013.
Great advice here!
I think you’re right Monica, sometimes the best way to get yourself noticed as an artist is to get involved in the local arts community and either volunteer or donate some of your work to a local charity (or both!). That way you not only get your work and yourself out there, but you also rack up good karma in the process :)
Thanks again for your kind words Monica and it sounds like you’re having a fantastic year so far!
Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it
;) I am going to revisit once again since I book-marked
it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change,
may you be rich and continue to guide others.
I need help on how to sell my art work
I know what you mean Douglas, selling your artwork and getting your name out there as an artist isn’t easy. It seems like there are so many different things we should be doing and sometimes it can feel like none of them are working. My best advice to you would be to make sure you are finding a way to get your work (and yourself) out there online and in your local community. The more you get involved, often the more opportunities will come your way. I’d like to be able to tell you that there is some magic method, but honestly there isn’t — it’s just a matter of showing up and continuing to put in the work even when you may not be able to see the results right away.
Great article and info Drew.
“Get in Touch With Businesses” is probably the least one I tackle locally, perhaps ’cause its a small town and I assume they mostly want to nickle and dime for my work, yet I hear it can be about exchanging services too.
One that could be added is schools. Perhaps this could fall with local charities but more often then not there are plenty of government funding available to schools and artists so as to create projects and or events with students of all ages. Here on the Atlantic side of Canada we have two such major programs going on yearly (for the past 10 years or so)
For example Artssmarts.ca is one of them which give lots to the local communities across the provinces for example. School programs like these give so much to all IMO and mostly young aspiring artists, you know, the ones with the most active imagination(s). + it pays well the artists, which is a bonus! ;)
All the best*
I’ve had great success with Wallspace. http://www.wallspaceexchange.com
Wallspace Exchange helps facilitate fine art sales throughout the world. Restaurants, Hotels, Bars, Spas, Salons, Retail Stores, Cafes and Airport Terminals allow artists to sell their paintings on their wallspace in return for a commission. The business generates another source of income while the artist gains a larger audience to show their artwork and increase sales. Businesses save on interior design costs and get an updated look while helping the art community.
The business or artist may want to use an Art Broker from Wallspace Exchange to handle the negotiations, scouting, and logistics for the paintings. An Art Broker may represent a client such as a restaurant or hotel that can bring in certain types of artwork the client is looking for. Also, the Art Broker may represent an artist and help place their artwork on walls of several different types of businesses. In return for the work done by the Art Broker, upon sale of the painting they will receive a commission.
Artists, Photographers, Sculptors and Charity organizations can join for FREE
As far as Selling prints of your work, there is etsy, cafepress, zazzle, and deviantart. Etsy for me is too much of a hassle b/c I need to actually handle the shipping and printing and everything. Personally I use SMugmug.com as a printer and shipper of my work. they give you a whole gallery option and pricing plans. They have their bare minimum prices, and you keep anything over that amount. Say it costs them $2.30 to print out and ship an 8×10 print. if you price it for $12, you get 10 bucks.
Here is an example of my smugmug gallery.
http://obilex.smugmug.com/Art/Obilex-The-Artwork-o
Also, you want to get all of your social media networks on par with one another, make it easy for people to be connected with you. on my homepage Obilex.com you can see that I have links to all of my different outlets (twitter, facebook, instagram ebay etc.)
Hope this helps, and keep up the hard work!
Sam
I find that the phone revelution is helping me out. I use it as a virtual gallery, and point out the ones that have sold (“like its something I do out of thin air). This makes me look set up, or legit (not desperate). The phone is a tool in this regard that acts as a vice between a sales man and a potential buyer. I find it works for me because it alows me to have time with a potential buyer to get to know them and get a feel for the their taste. Also, it acts as an opertunity for me to promote myself as an artist.
I also found that doing art…and/or drawing in a public places helps create the environment where the potential buyer comes to you and you don’t have to go to the buyer. The script gets flipped, and the hustle becomes. Hince, the art sells itself. Ex’s) parks, restaurants, coffee shops, cafeterias, hotel lobbies…where ever…etc. possibilites are endless.
Second, I don’t listen to people that say I can’t do this! (Especially FAMILY and friends)! They are the closest to us and have the strongest ability to bring us down and hurt our confidence. (ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE NUMBER CRUNCHING EDIOTS THAT CAN’T EVEN DRAW A STICK FIGURE!) WHAT THE HELL DO THESE PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU DON’T–YOU ARE THE ARTIST, NOT THEM!!! These people are lamenting player haters, that wish they had the qaulities of those they tear down. Funny how a stranger will tell you to follow your dream and they will support you, but those closest to you have a knack for tearing you down, if they don’t support you and your art.
Thanks for all the comments every one! I learned a lot on this visit.
Hi, I’d decided that it was really time to get my act together regarding my photography and really have been at a loss as to how to begin getting myself out there. Up until now finding the courage has played a large part in my procrastination. Just found you in my ‘how to’ search…and am inspired by all I’ve read so far. Thanx all who have been brave and generous enough to share your knowledge & experiences. I think I may have found the support & guidance I’ve been looking for. Up the artistic revolution!! VK
Hi, i think the best way to sell your art pieces is through constant advertisement of your self and your artworks until you come with clients that have passion for art. But you have to exercise lot of patience because it might take you a very long time before you will come in contact with potential client (buyer). Make sure that you dont paint or produce any artwork for money, it should be freewill and that is how you will be able to poduce quality artworks that will meet the taste of your clients.
Hi,
We are just working on new website for selling art files. We are in beta version now. It is for free. I hope we can be helpful in future :).
Please visit us at
http://www.trifyo.com
Who wrote this?
never mind ^-^ sorry for not reading thuroughly
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I need help selling my art work. I do a lot of acrylic painting and sketching and I would like to start selling. But I’m only 14… I start high school this fall. any advice?
Fantastic information :) as an unknown artist just starting out selling my paintings, It is all alien to me. I stumbled across this information while looking for information on how to sell art! Thank you I can use this information to get me started
Thanks Karen for your kind words and also for taking the time to let us know. Welcome to the community!
What l love most about this article is that there is a strong message of keeping things traditional – there is no mention of using a hashtag or creating an Instagram count that have become modern, new age advertising marketing techniques that everyone seems to be relying on.
This article presents a fresh perspective into how working traditionally and gaining contacts with those most immediate to you in your surrounding community may present you with more valuable lessons and benefits later in life.
Perhaps this also is the way for those who are overshadowed by modern social trends that under-rate the beauty and complexity of abstract art forms to get back in touch with the community as it allows for a more personable and intimate approach at presenting the message they want their art to portray.
I think you’re right Stephanie that sometimes we can get so blinded by the flash of new technology that we can sometimes forget that it’s really about finding a way to make that connection with your customer, whether it’s through social media or a simple face-to-face conversation (that’s still a real thing, right?) Not to mention the fact that when you go out into your local community, you become more a part of that community. This works both ways as well, because when your community feels knows and likes you, they are far more likely to support you and your creative work.
Nice tips. It is a great idea to get known in the local community.
Great,lots good info for me as an amateur artist!!
This article has helped me a ton. I am freshly starting out as an artist and have often questioned if I have the potential but this article definitely boosted my confidence to make some moves. So much appreciation towards the author for this <3
It has really been a good idea for me to start marketing my art in the community.
Thanks and waiting for more ideas.
I agree with a lot of your statements- especially the one about forming a network with your local artists. Not only can they help you find ways to get your art noticed, you can make a lot of friends in the process. To answer you question, I would suggest going to some local coffee shops. I know there are a few in my town that will exhibit art for free. I have met a few artists this way and have even bought some of their work!