Included in this article are the 7 most successful ways to market your art. Remember to always be professional no matter what path you are pursuing. These are the 7 steps you should follow:
1. Create a Professional Marketing Package.
2. Find a Gallery.
3. Become a member in an art club, association or organization.
4. Advertise for free or inexpensively.
5. Apply for juried shows.
6. Make prints of your work and other ways to leverage your work
7. Find Corporate Art Representatives or Rental Programs.
1. Create A Professional Marketing Package.
Included in your package should be a biography, artist statement, resume, slides or digital images, business cards, stationary, and a portfolio. An Artist statement is a brief description of why you do your art and what it means. A resume should include awards, exhibitions, collections, education, memberships, and commissions. Use high quality paper for your resume and business cards. You want your marketing package to be as professional as possible. Your slides or digital images should be high quality as well.
2. Find a Gallery.
Commercial galleries have a small stable of artists therefore it is difficult to get in, but not impossible. Attend openings in galleries and always make sure you have your business cards with you. Introduce yourself and your work to the galleries that you have selected. It helps if you have insider connections with people in the arts; a gallery owner, or a museum director. Stay away from the galleries that want to charge you a fee upfront. These “vanity galleries” are not respected by other galleries.
3. Become a Member in an Art Club, Associations and Organizations.
There are many organizations in your area. It is worth your while to join these groups because they have: gallery space, publicized shows, mailing lists, social events, art classes, art openings and an established clientele. Memberships look good on your resume as well. It’s a good idea to volunteer. The more you give of your time; the organization will keep you in mind for future important events. You will be able to network and promote your work through the people you meet while volunteering.
4. Advertise for Free or Inexpensively.
One way to advertise your work for free is on the online websites. There are many websites that allow you to join and upload your images for free. Some websites charge an annual fee which is usually quite minimal. Another way is to have your own website. These can be designed for a low fee as well. Media advertising isn’t the right venue, because it is usually very expensive. You can also advertise your work on bulletin boards in community centers for free.
5. Apply for Juried Shows.
You might not get accepted into every juried show you enter. Here are a few steps to improve your chances. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow all the rules. Do not send work that exceeds the size specifications. Do not send any artwork that is against the rules. For example, don’t send a collage piece if it is an oil painting show. Label your images properly. You can find calls for submissions in art magazines or on the internet.
6. Make Prints of Your Work and Other Ways to Leverage Your Work.
Apply for a grant. This money is a gift to promote your work. Digital imaging is a wonderful way to market your work. Your work can be printed on canvas, watercolor paper, T-Shirts, and mouse pads. Phone your local printer to get costs on these items.
7. Find a Corporate Art Representative and Look into Rental Programs.
Try to find someone who deals with supplying hotels, banks, and large corporations.
Interior Designers are also an excellent source to contact. Check out your local library and art gallery rental programs as well.
The most important winning steps in promoting your work are: always have your marketing materials ready. Try to market your art and yourself at all times. You and your art are one package. Be as professional as possible on your road to becoming a successful artist.
Please visit my website at www.labedzki-art.com
Artists are welcome to join for free
