| When you begin to create art work you are | | | | people to your work. As well as showing your |
| usually focused on the art, getting it to turn out | | | | work in an online portfolio use your website to |
| the way you want, your mind isn't usually on who | | | | gather email addresses, so you can send out |
| will like it and hopefully buy it. Later, when the | | | | regular newsletters featuring your latest artwork. |
| piece is finished, you decide you want to sell the | | | | In the newsletters include links to any articles or |
| art work, but how do you begin? | | | | sites that have spotlighted you, because this helps |
| Being a good artist doesn't mean you know how | | | | to improve your image. |
| to sell, that's a whole different area of expertise. | | | | You could consider listing your work on eBay.com, |
| Until you learn how to sell your art work you | | | | it works for some artists and may to appeal to |
| won't be successful, no matter how great your | | | | customers who don't have the time or inclination |
| art is, because no one will know about you or get | | | | to pay gallery prices, but set a reserve price that |
| to see your work. | | | | assures you'll get a decent return on your time, |
| You need to learn how to present, show, and | | | | dont give away your work for almost nothing, |
| explain your art in ways that the viewer will find | | | | that does nothing to enhance your reputation as a |
| compelling. You dont want to be thought of as an | | | | professional artist. |
| amateur artist, professionalism starts with your | | | | Every artist needs to enter competitions. You get |
| image, the way you present yourself and the | | | | good exposure for your work and you can use |
| presentation of your work. Everything matters, | | | | any awards you receive to pick up extra publicity |
| from the way you look to your artists statement | | | | for your work. Competitions help to inspire you as |
| or resume, from the way you present your | | | | well and motivate you if you are running short of |
| artwork to the content of your work, in every | | | | new ideas. |
| way you need to make the right impression so | | | | You could ask the owners of cafes, retail shops, |
| that your potential buyers are in no doubt that | | | | guest houses and hotels if they would be |
| you are an artist and should be taken seriously. | | | | interested in displaying your art. Take along a |
| So how do you set yourself up to sell your | | | | portfolio of your work and offer a small |
| artwork? | | | | commission from any resulting sales. |
| First begin to build a network. Join an artists' group | | | | You could also consider renting a stall at local art |
| or club, if you havent done so already, to meet | | | | fair, but attend at least a couple of their fairs |
| other artists as well as potential customers. While | | | | first, not all art and craft fairs or markets do well, |
| you are there you can ask other artists questions | | | | you could end up playing to stand at your stall all |
| about how they are selling and distributing their | | | | day with hardly a person going by. Youll need to |
| work. This can be really helpful for selling work in | | | | book a table at a fair that has a good attendance, |
| your local area; because some of the other | | | | with plenty of potential customers looking around |
| artists are already doing just that and often they | | | | the stalls. Otherwise it can just be a waste of |
| will be quite happy to tell you how they have | | | | time and money. |
| done it. | | | | When you are ready to approach art galleries look |
| Dont be afraid to blow your own trumpet. People | | | | for galleries that feature art complementary to |
| need to know you exist; if they have never | | | | yours. Sell yourself to the gallery owner by being |
| heard about you then you havent a chance of | | | | able to discuss your work clearly, including how it's |
| selling your art to them. Send out press releases | | | | created and why it will appeal to their clientele. |
| and articles to local newspapers and other | | | | Make a confident impression, and dont be too |
| publications to enhance the publics awareness of | | | | upset if the first few galleries you approach turn |
| you and your work. If you can get some articles | | | | you down. Keep trying, soon you will make your |
| out there that feature you and show photos of | | | | first sale, and then your confidence will soar and |
| your artwork you will start to get attention and | | | | then you will really start to make money from |
| also attract potential clients. | | | | your work. |
| Next consider creating a web site to introduce | | | | |