Marketing Your Art
A professional artist’s success is in direct correlation to finding the right markets for his artwork. The million dollar question is ”Where can I market my art and get the most out of my efforts?”
First, determine if you are really serious about selling what you make. Selling is what separates the amateur artist from the professional artist. As an artist you are creating a product. If you believe your product is valuable and you believe people will buy your product, then it is essential that you identify the market for your product.
The following are the main areas you should consider: Select two or more (don’t put all your eggs in one basket).
Art Galleries
Begin with developing a list of local art galleries that are within 100-200 miles of you. Art galleries are listed in your regular or on-line yellow pages. Take the time to personally visit each gallery on your list to determine which ones showcase the style of art most compatible with your art. Contact the owner or director of the gallery by telephone for a firm appointment to show your work.
Print Publishers
The print market is very profitable. When your art is in print, it is available and affordable to the widest possible audience, and your originals become more valuable. In my free online booklet, ‘Marketing Your Art’ is available for professional artists wanting to market their artwork.
Fine art publishers can be found in art trade publications such as D’cor Magazine, World Art News or On-line. Develop a list of those publishers you want to contact. The next step would be to send them a professional presentation of your work letting them know you are available for licensing.
Art Shows and Festivals
Outdoor shows and festivals are an excellent way for you to generate immediate income and see first hand how the art buying public responds to your work.
Many successful artists get their start and pay their dues with this venue. There are several Art Show and Festival promoters such as Art Fair Source Book (AFSB), American Art Festivals, Sunshine Artist Festival Network online that conduct 100’s of these events all around the country. Dates and locations are available in their directories, and you can contact them online or ask others artists and friends about their experience.
Banks, Restaurants and Corporations
Thousands of works of art are showcased and sold each year in banks, restaurants, and other private and public facilities every year. These locations are ideal prospects for the showing and selling of your Art. Local artists, local companies and the local public all benefit by having art displays in a bank or restaurant or business.
Co-Op Galleries
Co-op Galleries are generally local art associations that establish a location where fellow artists can hang their art. Contact your local art association for details about membership.
Commission Projects
Interior designers, architects and art consultants are constantly looking for artists. You can generally develop a list by searching your local phone directory yellow pages or online yellow pages. Contact these firms by telephone and send them your brochure.
Your Website
Your website is your own personal on-line gallery, open 24-7. This is a very cost effective way to show and sell.
A first class website is like a first class brochure; but, even better, it allows you to change and improve without reprinting.
Your website is of little value if no one goes there to view what you do. We cover how to fully maximize your website in our website chapter.
Trade Shows and Art Expos
These are high traffic professional events where you can purchase space to showcase and promote your art. D’cor, Art-a-Rama, and the New York Expo are a few of the major annual and semi annual productions.
Studio Showings
Your home studio is an excellent and inexpensive way to exhibit and sell your work to friends, family and collectors. You should develop and maintain a mailing or e-mail list and should be in contact with this list on a regular basis.
Competitions
Competitions can be good venues, but generally do not produce much income. They can, however, add credibility to your resume or biography. Good sources for dates and locations of competitions are available through Art Magazine and American Artist Magazine.
Remember it is important that you choose the venues that you feel will provide the best results for you. You may not be able to participate in all those areas, but you need to choose two or more to begin with. Since you have many choices. choose the marketing option that best fits you personally and puts your artwork in the best light.
** Courtesy of Arnold White, a publisher and distributor of fine art prints for over 20 years.
