Artists Advice- Successfully in Business
Success in business is measured in whether you are able to get your works shown and sold. That doesn’t mean you will not be a successful “artist” just if your goal is to sell you work then these few tips will help you to do just that.
1. "Being Discovered" does not happen
There are thousands of artists promoting their work each and every day. Waiting for a patron is just like waiting to win the lottery. Sure it happens but your odds are 1 in 100 million. Get a game plan together and get moving. Submit your work to galleries, make a facebook fan page, talk to people, etc.
2. I am looking for a gallery that "understands my work"
Sorry, but that is not what you need to sell your work. Although many gallerists are passionate about the artists they represent the majority are primarily interested in selling art. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if sales are one of your primary goals. Artist you need to stop dreaming about finding the one person out there who can be your "art soul mate". Realize that galleries are in business to sell art, and that is exactly what you are hiring them to do for you. So do just that, hire someone who can sell your work not someone who can is in love with your work.
3. Know what makes your work unique
People buy art because it is unique and they buy posters because they like what they see. Ask why your work is important, different, or sets you apart. It is ok if someone else does the same technique as you. What matters is if you use that same technique but in a different way. If you can explain why your work is unique you have a better chance of selling it.
4. Price your work correctly
The price of your art has very little to do with what it looks like or what it is made of and everything to do with what the market will bear. Also, a bit of supply and demand, your exhibitions, and sales history all count towards pricing. In evaluating how to price your work, you should be looking at other artists in your same career range, and the prices people are willing to pay for YOUR work. That is how you establish a market value