There is a bit of theater in the selling of art, a little magic and anticipation. There must be millions of artists.
It is a competitive trade. I know a lot of artists, a lot of successful artists and what they all have in common is that they work their asses off. The very best ones do not even have a life outside of their art. They are artists, 24 hours a day. That is who they are and what they do.
If you want to become a successful artist you cannot hide. "Calling Cards" are ten bucks for 500 and should be passed out like popcorn. If people don't know what you do they will never come to you when they need something. I pass them out to everyone, my banker, my barber, where I shop, each new person I meet. It is a lot easier than you might think to get your work hung on a barbershop wall or the local cafe, the vets office or the local feed and seed.
Networking is important. It is necessary to be around other artists. There is a contagious enthusiasm that rubs off between fellow artists, a shared excitement, a fun competitive edge and a lot of trade secrets are shared. It is a fact that when one of us does better all of us do better. Art begets art.
Join a local art guild and you will find out where the action is, who is selling and where the shows are and the secrets to get in them.
The economy is crashing and this has hurt the art community most of all. Mostly we sell luxuries, unnecessary things but offer a lift to the emotions in a drowning sea. I see an opportunity here.
For the artist who has a backlog and his studio is full, this might be an opportunity to create something different. We are losing the incentive to create "one more piece", another like we used to make, another that the market won't support. Maybe now is a good time to create something crazy? Something for the sake of art? Something without even the intention to sell? Who knows what could happen? Life is full of mysteries.
I have a friend who is doing well in this crashed economy. A girl-welder! I know a couple!
She is mostly in her shop behind a mask, welding, cutting, pounding and burning steel. That is what she does. She does 30 shows a year, has her work in several galleries from here to New York City, is in every local nursery and gift shop all up and down this valley. In this town everybody knows "Mickey"!
When she is doing her shows, when she is grocery shopping, when she is out of her shop, she is always dressed in an elegant evening gown! Hair dyed bright red and three inch long finger nails! She is a character for sure and that is a part of her secret to success. She has a style. Her art has a style. She is recognizable
from a distance. Mickey doesn't hide.
You can always visit me HERE
It is a competitive trade. I know a lot of artists, a lot of successful artists and what they all have in common is that they work their asses off. The very best ones do not even have a life outside of their art. They are artists, 24 hours a day. That is who they are and what they do.
If you want to become a successful artist you cannot hide. "Calling Cards" are ten bucks for 500 and should be passed out like popcorn. If people don't know what you do they will never come to you when they need something. I pass them out to everyone, my banker, my barber, where I shop, each new person I meet. It is a lot easier than you might think to get your work hung on a barbershop wall or the local cafe, the vets office or the local feed and seed.
Networking is important. It is necessary to be around other artists. There is a contagious enthusiasm that rubs off between fellow artists, a shared excitement, a fun competitive edge and a lot of trade secrets are shared. It is a fact that when one of us does better all of us do better. Art begets art.
Join a local art guild and you will find out where the action is, who is selling and where the shows are and the secrets to get in them.
The economy is crashing and this has hurt the art community most of all. Mostly we sell luxuries, unnecessary things but offer a lift to the emotions in a drowning sea. I see an opportunity here.
For the artist who has a backlog and his studio is full, this might be an opportunity to create something different. We are losing the incentive to create "one more piece", another like we used to make, another that the market won't support. Maybe now is a good time to create something crazy? Something for the sake of art? Something without even the intention to sell? Who knows what could happen? Life is full of mysteries.
I have a friend who is doing well in this crashed economy. A girl-welder! I know a couple!
She is mostly in her shop behind a mask, welding, cutting, pounding and burning steel. That is what she does. She does 30 shows a year, has her work in several galleries from here to New York City, is in every local nursery and gift shop all up and down this valley. In this town everybody knows "Mickey"!
When she is doing her shows, when she is grocery shopping, when she is out of her shop, she is always dressed in an elegant evening gown! Hair dyed bright red and three inch long finger nails! She is a character for sure and that is a part of her secret to success. She has a style. Her art has a style. She is recognizable
from a distance. Mickey doesn't hide.
You can always visit me HERE
5 comments:
Yes, Jerry you hit the proverbial nail on the head with this post.
Not easy for sure and you have to have that 'something' going for you. Today with the economy, art for the walls is a luxury, not a neccessity that's for sure.
I have painted forever, that means I don't remember a time when I didn't. Took some months and at one time even years away from it, but for the past 20 years, I paint or do something with art every day.
I never showed my art, no one knocked at my door, and the only way I sold once in a while was through word of mouth.. You know, like my mother told somebody lol ! Never did I have cards, never did I do a show. Just went to plenty of them .
I joined my first ever art guild about 6 years ago, (first step) and instantly won awards, went onto the internet and sold... just not enough to eat.
Now I've joined another art guild, and opportunities are opening every day.. It gives you the open door to shows, events, and networking to find out so many things about prints, framing, plastic bags lol !
Having a good time with it, meeting people who share my passion.. Now, if I could just make some money at it. You'll be the first to know... because you were the one who put the 'bug in my ear' a year ago... Nooo, I won't have long red fingernails, and bright orange hair, but maybe something about me might slam them. ya think??? BJ
Hey, Barbra, you've got big gold Hoop Earrings and a wonderful smile! Glad you are out there and getting dirty!!!
Yes, being an artist and trying to sell your wears is a JOB. That part I hate. I thought if I made enough noise in the backyard they'd find me, but I guess they are afraid of a woman who carries a torch! :). I love hearing about other girl welders! And I love that you are talking about Mickey, but where's her site so we can see her work? Promoting is wonderful - but we can't see her to network thru this little screen? Cheers my welding friend ~ YOUR other Welding friend. :)
Sorry I've been missing Jer. Traveling, issues, etc. But here I are and I've read what I've missed. Russian blogspys? Well, I never! I like the idea of a class room reading your words though. Wonder what they thought!
As to this post? I don't sell art, it isn't worthy. But wise words to those who do!
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