The paintings decorate the walls of thousands of houses. Is your painting looking for a home? Try some of the methods listed in this article.
Steps
Step 1. Go to the Internet
The Internet offers a variety of opportunities to promote yourself. Today there are millions of website hosting services such as Godaddy.com, 1 & 1.com, altervista.org and the list goes on.
Step 2. Seller Fulfilled Inventory
Look for shops and art boutiques in your area interested in your work and ask if they are available to keep your work in store. In this way you will not have to incur any costs and, in the event that your work is sold, the shop will keep a part of the profit. The advantages you will find in doing this are three: you get advertising, you pay nothing in advance and you don't pay the rent of the place where your works are exhibited.
Step 3. Look for an art gallery in town, buy a couple of pieces and ask if there is an opportunity to showcase your work
Find out if there are any upcoming art fairs in your city. Visit the website of the municipality of your city. Typically, renting a small booth at a small fair doesn't cost much.
Step 4. Promote yourself
Depending on your financial possibilities you could advertise in the local newspaper or sell your works on the Internet such as eBay or maybe organize exhibitions in your garage etc. Let your imagination work!
Advice
- Give your work the right price. Too many artists give their art away at rock bottom prices for fear of not being able to sell, practically giving away their works. Get reimbursed for materials and time spent by your customers. Decide what is the right price for each of your hours of work.
- Even if your potential customers may not buy anything from you, still provide your contact details and telephone contacts. They may decide to buy your painting at a later time, perhaps because at the moment they do not have the time available to look at it and evaluate the purchase.
- If you can't think of anything to paint, you could always try painting copies of famous works of art - still be aware of copyright laws when choosing the artist to emulate. It is illegal to copy another artist's work or use photographs found in a magazine unless expressly permitted. It is also illegal to copy another artist's style to try to defraud one's clients.
- Paint your artwork on a wall. If it goes well with any color you may be able to sell it faster. If the job is well done, however, you will be able to sell it whatever the colors are because the buyer may decide to repaint the wall specifically to make room for your work! Word of mouth is the best way to find customers. When you meet new people, always offer your business card and tell them about your latest painting.
- Unless you're good with just one subject, like landscapes, it's always best to try your hand at a variety of genres such as figures and still life. Every art buyer has their own favorite genre.
- All you need is a picture hanging on the wall of any customer to make it catch the attention of several people who will ask "Where did you buy this?"
Warnings
- For your own sake, never give up one of your paintings until you have received the agreed payment. Otherwise, you risk giving away your work for free, without being sure of ever getting paid.
- Your phone number and your name should suffice. Don't give out too much personal information that could put you in a dangerous situation.
- Don't meet customers in their home unless you know them personally. That's a risky thing to do.
