Does anyone sell paintings? How'd you get started? Where do you sell them? I've never sold any but may like to try. God Bless.
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Selling artwork
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Lenora56
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I used to sell some on Ebay, and my prices were gradually rising. Then Ebay changed the structure of the listings, and more mass-produced sweatshop art started flooding the listings, and it became far less worthwhile.
Probably the best thing is to make sure everyone knows you paint, draw, or whatever it is that you do. You should also make a list of the prices ahead of time, because if you don't, someone will come up and want to buy a piece, and you won't know what to say. Then, you'll end up selling it for far less than you probably should.
If you maintain a web presence, remember that there are people all over the net who are dying to have some of your money, and they'll have some tempting offers to put you on their websites or to make prints of your work, stuff like that. Many are scammers and most others just aren't worth the time. I'm not saying that none of them are worth it, but be very careful.
One art teacher who has paintngs all over the world told me to let everyone know I paint, and to exhibit in lots of places. That's how you get the word out.
At any rate, if you get any offers of any kind, it's a good idea to post them in here or in a reputable art message board, and people will share thoughts and experiences. I hope I don't sound negative. It is possible to become quite successful, and it's a thrill when people like your work and are willing to pay for it.
And now, reading over my post, I realize that this may be preachy and full of advice that you didn't request. You may already know much of it. I just want to save you from some of the horrible happenings that others have been through.
Probably the best thing is to make sure everyone knows you paint, draw, or whatever it is that you do. You should also make a list of the prices ahead of time, because if you don't, someone will come up and want to buy a piece, and you won't know what to say. Then, you'll end up selling it for far less than you probably should.
If you maintain a web presence, remember that there are people all over the net who are dying to have some of your money, and they'll have some tempting offers to put you on their websites or to make prints of your work, stuff like that. Many are scammers and most others just aren't worth the time. I'm not saying that none of them are worth it, but be very careful.
One art teacher who has paintngs all over the world told me to let everyone know I paint, and to exhibit in lots of places. That's how you get the word out.
At any rate, if you get any offers of any kind, it's a good idea to post them in here or in a reputable art message board, and people will share thoughts and experiences. I hope I don't sound negative. It is possible to become quite successful, and it's a thrill when people like your work and are willing to pay for it.
And now, reading over my post, I realize that this may be preachy and full of advice that you didn't request. You may already know much of it. I just want to save you from some of the horrible happenings that others have been through.
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Lenora56
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Okay, I see that you are a graphic designer so you've probably already fielded solicitations designed to separate you from your cash.
Hey, I see that you are in Colorado. That's a great tourist state, which may be helpful.
What about putting art in some of the upscale shops that tourists frequent?
What about putting art in something like a furniture store, and maybe people would buy art with their sofas and bedroom furniture?
What about putting together a portfolio and contacting galleries?
By the way, what kind of art do you do?
Hey, I see that you are in Colorado. That's a great tourist state, which may be helpful.
What about putting art in some of the upscale shops that tourists frequent?
What about putting art in something like a furniture store, and maybe people would buy art with their sofas and bedroom furniture?
What about putting together a portfolio and contacting galleries?
By the way, what kind of art do you do?
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cameocat
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I go to coffee shops and sandwich shops that have bare walls, and offer to let them hang my artwork there, and also I provide them with wall hanging devices too. A trimboard with hooks on it works best. Most shop owners appreciate the offer, and will gladly let me hang my art there, and it gives their shop a more classy look. I place my name, price, and phone number on each piece. It works out well. Have gotten some offers on my art pieces, pleasant surprise. Some of these shops already do this, especially the trendy places.
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Thanks for the ideas! I guess I'm a little worried about rejection from galleries. They kind of intimidate meLenora56 said:
But it can't hurt to try. I do watercolor, pencil and recently digital of just about any subject. I know digital hasn't really caught on as a "valid" medium but New York is starting to see the trend as catching on soon. I was also wondering if it's good to frame a piece ahead of time to make the artwork more marketable?
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Good sound advice and not too preachy! You've been there. Most work I've done is commissioned artwork for the commercial illustration world with deadlines and changes. I just want to paint for enjoyment with no deadlines. And still have the option of selling. I just need to let people know I "exist". I just got to get some cheap but nice frames and start hanging them up around town or giving them as gifts. Oh ya, and more hours in the day to paintLenora56 said:
Oops sorry I quote/replied to both of your replies. I should have condensed it into one reply.
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Lenora56
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2Bhumble said:Good sound advice and not too preachy! You've been there. Most work I've done is commissioned artwork for the commercial illustration world with deadlines and changes. I just want to paint for enjoyment with no deadlines. And still have the option of selling. I just need to let people know I "exist". I just got to get some cheap but nice frames and start hanging them up around town or giving them as gifts. Oh ya, and more hours in the day to paint
Be careful about giving your art away. That artist that I was telling you about (the one with paintings all over the world) told me that people won't want to buy if you give stuff away. They'll just think, "Well, if I hold out long enough, he'll just give it to me." Then, either you'll end up giving it to them or they'll sort of forget about it.
Actually, I'm sort of where you are. I'd like to get into selling some more art, but need to get out there. I'm not quite as intimidated as I used to be, though. I'm thinking that if you put together a portfolio of some of your best work (no duds) and send it to a whole bunch of galleries, then you will stand a greater chance of acceptance. Actually, that may be what we both need to do. Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. Sow widely, reap widely (I hope!).
But--we should research the galleries a bit first. If it's within driving distance, go in, look around, see what kind of art it is and if yours fits. If it doesn't fit, then I wouldn't waste my time with them. On second thought, you should probably try to discover the type of art the gallery sells before going any distance, if possible. Sometimes the net can help.
Some galleries would rather you mail slides or photos. Some only want photos, some only slides. Some artists are using CD's for their portfolios but it's not good to limit yourself to that, because some gallery owners/curators would rather not go to the trouble of putting it in the puter (may even have to crank it up) in order to view.
You can probably tell that I am thinking out loud. Uhh...I mean thinking as I type.
Don't worry about answering me in 2 posts. I'm going to break this up too, because I don't want to make one long monotone post, and besides, I have to quit for a while. I'll be back. Oh, if you think of any ideas that I haven't mentioned, do share them with me ok?
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I read in the paper tonight that a nearby mall has been letting local artists hang their work up to sell. The space rent is minimal and artists can even teach or do their craft on-site. There's a waiting list but I may look into it.
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Equineartchick
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If you want to go for the galleries, make sure you have prints ready. Gallaries like to have prints, and they like them matted and shrink wrapped. If you have a few prints like this, and you have a nice frame on your original, you stand a better chance because you look more serious and professional. Also, enter art contests. I have sold a majority of my art that way. Even if you don't win, people interested in art go to art contests, whereas crowds that go to coffee shops don't go for art. Do as much as you can to advertise yourself..get a website, business cards, ads in art mags, exhibitions at city art crawls, enter art contests, and tell everyone you know because word of mouth is powerful! Another thing, try drawing outside in a busy area. People will stop and watch, ask questions, etc- hand out a business card. Even if nothing comes of it, getting yourself out there is always best. O, and another thing...give art as gifts for like birthdays and Christmas and such, and give cards with the gift. Add extras as well, for the person to hand out to other people they know. Good luck!
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I work as an artist full-time, selling paintings, mostly on the internet on my website, and also at local shows (also in CO!). I would highly suggest getting a website set up, and promoting it online. It's been a great experience for me, and provided me with steady business.
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