As an artist, you can see the world through the lens you choose, applying your creativity and technical skills to create pieces that inspire new conversations. Creatives struggle to make ends meet less than before. The art market is a commercial institution – artists sell their work, and collectors buy. It’s about synergy, meaning there must be some kind of chemistry between the two parties. You can sell exclusively through galleries, art fairs, social media, or a combination of all of these. Once you decide to sell your art, there are a few basic steps to take, so please continue reading to understand how to get started.
Ask Yourself A Few Important Questions Before You Start Selling Your Art
When someone truly appreciates your work, it can be flattering – take a deep breath and address the real issue. You’re entering a business relationship like any other. Have open and honest conversations about expectations, budget, finances, and so on. No doubt, selling art can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared and thoughtful about the process. Here are some questions you must ask yourself before taking the leap:
- What is your main goal for selling your artwork?
- Is your work ready to sell?
- How much time do you have to sell your art?
- What skills do you have to sell your art?
- Can you sell artwork under pressure?
These are just some of the questions to remember as you learn how to sell your artwork.
Working With A Gallery Will Give You A Low-Pressure Way To Show Your Work
Being represented in a gallery is a sign that you’ve made it. Time is your most precious resource, and you’ve made so much progress that you feel more hopeful about the future, and your outlook on life is more positive. A gallery publicizes and sells your art for you, bringing target buyers through the door. Established online art galleries get a lot of traffic, and the market’s success is generally on the rise. They work like a personal shopper, selecting the work they think the client will like. Friends and family are your most loyal clients, but they don’t view themselves as collectors – they’re advocates; they spread the word and boost your confidence.
It’s easy to start selling with an online gallery: you create an account and upload photos of your work. There’s a strong and growing demand for fine art prints. Exquisite fine art prints for sale by renowned and emerging artists are more affordable than paintings or sculptures, which makes them an excellent option for those looking to add art to their collection. If a prospective client sees you at an art fair and then Googles you, they may find you via the online gallery rather than your website. Online sales are growing fast, so now is the time to get started.
Price Your Art With Confidence And Feel Comfortable Standing By Your Prices
Art is typically sold on the basis of its value. Pricing your art is the most challenging task of all, especially at the beginning of your career. You can’t price too high because it puts buyers off, and the pieces will only appeal to collectors, but then you can’t price your art too low because the works will look cheap, so it’s necessary to strike a balance. Whether you sell directly to consumers or through an art gallery, the price should be the same everywhere your art is available for purchase. The price doesn’t change depending on who is selling it. It’s just the profit that changes.
The most obvious way to let people know you’re making art is by promoting your undertaking on social media. Instagram can be an excellent place to attract followers, as clients can see the story and process behind your work. Hashtags allow you to connect with people and find future clients; putting them in your comments guarantees you make the most out of hashtags without bombarding followers with tons of signs. Reddit has dedicated audiences for many subjects, and if you find the right place to post, you’ll have tons of fans there and ready. You don’t have to search for groups intentionally because you’re part of the community.
Put Your Art Portfolio Together To Show What You’ve Created
A portfolio helps communicate who you are as an artist, so you can use it to submit your pieces for a prospective job or educational/scholarship opportunities. A hard copy portfolio is useful at trade shows and art fairs or if you have an appointment with an art gallery; ensure it’s well-organized and interesting to view. You can create and distribute your digital portfolio by email or link it to your artist profile page. It’s recommended that the PDF file size be manageable by compressing photos before inserting images. As you grow as an artist, your portfolio will develop to include new pieces. If a teacher, tutor, parent, or peer has praised your work, ask them why.
If you’re interested in creating a portfolio on your own, here are some steps you need to take:
- Write an artist statement: Describe what you make and why you make it. It should be written in the first person, using the terms “I” and “me”. The idea is to help the audience understand and access your work, so focus on revisions and fine tuning.
- Create a CV: The resume is a record of your professional activities and can include education, experience, exhibitions, awards, and gallery representations.
- Make sure images are sharp, clear, and free of background clutter: There’s no rule about how many pieces of art you should include in your portfolio. Have clearly labeled individual works so an interested viewer can browse them without difficulty.
You’re at the end of the beginning. If your art doesn’t sell, don’t doubt yourself.
Also Read: The Art of Portrait Photography: Tips for Capturing Personality and Emotion
