Artists trying to sell Art
We are artists trying to make a living from our work. It's not easy and most of the time it's frustrating and downright depressing. But do we give up? No, we continue, we persevere and hope that one day we will find success.
Success is different for everyone. For some it's to have a gallery take them on, for others to have an exhibition, for some it's to earn a living from their work, and others to sell enough to cover the cost of their materials.
However, we don't give up. We've been told that social media is the way to go. We've read about success stories. Artists making enough from internet sales to give up the day job. But the reality is this. You get likes and the more artists and people you follow, the more likes you get. You write up your blog. You put your photos on Instagram, and FaceBook, you pin on Pinterest, you open a shop on Etsy, you link on Linkin. But tell me, how often does it translate in to sales? Less than most would admit to I guess.
I'm convinced that the majority of buyers want to see the art work before handing over their hard earned cash. Therefore I say, if you want to see you art you have to go out and exhibit it.
How, you may ask? Well, mount an exhibition in you home, your studio, your shop, your friend's garage, the railings of your house. Clear the living room, the garage, the studio, whatever space it is.
Put the art on the walls, pin it from the rafters, stick it on the windows. Show it! Invite everyone you know and get them to invite everyone they know to a "special" one day show. Or maybe a weekend show. It doesn't have to be for a week or a month like in some galleries. In fact there is a lot to be said for a short. sharp show. It's better to have lots of people milling around at one time than if the room is virtually empty. It give the impression that you are popular and it means people will be more inclined to buy. Once a red dot appears on a work it encourages people to buy before the piece they like gets sold. Red dots make for more red dots! Try to invite people personally. That means an invitation. If you can't afford to have invitations printed, then write them by hand. But it should be by invitation as well as a general open invitation to the public.
Make it sound "special", as in exhibition for one day only, for one weekend only, pop up show, etc.
So try it, tell me how you get on. Have you any other ideas?
Do you need any help or tips for the organisation?
I'd love to hear if you have a go and if it was a success - or not as the case may be.
mcloughlinhelen7@gmail.com
Success is different for everyone. For some it's to have a gallery take them on, for others to have an exhibition, for some it's to earn a living from their work, and others to sell enough to cover the cost of their materials.
However, we don't give up. We've been told that social media is the way to go. We've read about success stories. Artists making enough from internet sales to give up the day job. But the reality is this. You get likes and the more artists and people you follow, the more likes you get. You write up your blog. You put your photos on Instagram, and FaceBook, you pin on Pinterest, you open a shop on Etsy, you link on Linkin. But tell me, how often does it translate in to sales? Less than most would admit to I guess.
I'm convinced that the majority of buyers want to see the art work before handing over their hard earned cash. Therefore I say, if you want to see you art you have to go out and exhibit it.
How, you may ask? Well, mount an exhibition in you home, your studio, your shop, your friend's garage, the railings of your house. Clear the living room, the garage, the studio, whatever space it is.
Put the art on the walls, pin it from the rafters, stick it on the windows. Show it! Invite everyone you know and get them to invite everyone they know to a "special" one day show. Or maybe a weekend show. It doesn't have to be for a week or a month like in some galleries. In fact there is a lot to be said for a short. sharp show. It's better to have lots of people milling around at one time than if the room is virtually empty. It give the impression that you are popular and it means people will be more inclined to buy. Once a red dot appears on a work it encourages people to buy before the piece they like gets sold. Red dots make for more red dots! Try to invite people personally. That means an invitation. If you can't afford to have invitations printed, then write them by hand. But it should be by invitation as well as a general open invitation to the public.
Make it sound "special", as in exhibition for one day only, for one weekend only, pop up show, etc.
So try it, tell me how you get on. Have you any other ideas?
Do you need any help or tips for the organisation?
I'd love to hear if you have a go and if it was a success - or not as the case may be.
mcloughlinhelen7@gmail.com
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