Marketing Your Art - Here, There, and Everywhere by Arnold White

Marketing Your Art - Here, There, and Everywhere by Arnold White

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.

Fine art publishers can be found in art trade publications such as Decor
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 100s
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. Decor, 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.

(Note: Mr. White retired some years a back. It is obvious that some of the information may be time dated. I was associated with Mr. White in several endeavors for many years. This is an article he wrote for one of the art magazines that were in circulation and has now been consolidated with several magazines and only found on the net.- Floyd Snyder)