Marketing yourself in a new area

MicheleB1030 wrote

on 2 Jan 2011 4:42 PM

So I have been having an ongoing discussion with my sister about how to become known in the art community so your art can sell or get commissions.

I have recently moved to California in the Ventura County area. So I am brand new and unknown. I have always gotten myself out there by entering competitions and joining co op studios where I can hang my work. She is telling me that I have to paint to the market, find out what sells and paint for it.

This is a hard thing for me to digest. I have always been taught paint what you know, that by doing that people will recognize your work and come to look for it. I don't want to be making paintings that go with people's sofas, lol.

So my question is this, what if any, is the art trend out there today? Also, finally being in a position in my life where I can make a living off my art, what is a good way to go about it? Is my sister right? Am I? Or are we both right?

I would appreciate any suggestions given.

Barbara A. Lewis wrote

on 3 Jan 2011 4:37 AM

If you want to paint for the market as your sister suggests, then I would suggest visiting the local galleries and shows and talk to the exhibiting artists and get a feel for what is selling. Joining art groups and exhibiting your work locally will give you an idea on the trend as well. Pick up several art magazines, and check out websites. Make a business plan on where you want to go with your art now that you are in a position to go full time with it. There are some excellent books out there on art marketing ideas too - review those.

Personally, I do not paint for the market - I have to paint what I have a passion for or I do not do my best work, plus I am just beginning after a very long hiatus. The first thing I did was check out my local artists groups and joined a couple. I am currently exhibiting my work locally which has met with some success, and this year I hope to branch out and enter more regional shows. It takes time, but I am sure you will succeed. Keep us posted - your experience with getting established in a new area would be great advice for other artists encountering similar circumstances. Best wishes!

KatPaints wrote

on 3 Jan 2011 6:38 AM

I create for the market through my full-time job. Let me tell you the market changes about every two years. So say you direct yourself towards the market and it take about two years to break in ..... then the market changes. What then? In my opinion, unless you are doing this for a job, keep the artistic puppet activity limited to an employment situation. If you want to be an illustrator for the movie industry this would be good advice.  As an artist, create your own vision of what you want to say. The internet is here to connect you to an audience. If you create trendy Ukrainian Easter eggs --- there is an audience for you. Unusual stuffed voodoo dolls, yep the internet will help you find your audience.

Just get started, KEEP DEVELOPING YOUR SKILL, when you are on your way then look into marketing strategies. But the work comes first.

judyl40 wrote

on 25 Feb 2011 8:56 AM

Some artists have no problem painting for the market... just as illustrators have no problem working under an art director. It really does depend on who you are as an artist, what your reasons are for being an artist, how you express yourself, & how important the work is to you, personally.

Taking into consideration that any strategy of fine art as a business plan is an anomaly as far as business plans go, I've found it more sane & satisfying to know myself, & to paint what I really love to paint in the way that I really love to paint it. This is the only advantage a painter really has... once that is determined, there are a number of markets & exhibitions & galleries that fit YOUR work, not the other way around.

Good luck!

Marketing Yourself wrote

on 16 Mar 2011 1:42 PM

You should do what you like to do and if its good it will be liked by the market for sure. Show your work to people and ask them for suggestions. Good Luck.

http://www.andrewskelly.com/marketing-yourself