Tips for artists on selling artworks

By Liesel Wessels

To sell your artwork can be a very tricky thing – I will try to keep you posted on new ideas and some tips on what sells good and what not.  Its unfortunate that very few artschools tells you the principle of marketing your artwork in my personal opinion it should be at least 30% of your total course.  Art Schools tend to see "Commercial Art" as inferior art (which in some cases it is) - however if an artist can't sell how are they suppose to live.  However to learn how to sell your art does not diminish your credibility as an artist - it enhances it.  To take courses in marketing (art) will not only do you good as an artist, but probably give your career a boost in the right direction.

However, there is no “will work plan” out there – most things takes some trial and error.  Different strokes for different folks.  The biggest mistake that most artist in South Africa does is to copy artworks of artist that sells like Portchie and Claerhout - because artbuyers are always looking out for something more unique.  You can copy artwork from an artist, but you must always give homage except if you totally revamped the artwork to give it a new meaning.  It is seen as plagiarism if you sell copies of artwork from living artist and you don’t even give a little bit of credit and it is in my personal opinion downright “evil.”

Just some tips for artists:

• Get your artwork on as many possible art websites, artgalleries as possible and if you can make your own – there is quite a few great websites that support artists.  Try the following:

www.southafricanartists.com
www.paintingsilove.com
www.justart.co.za

• Get socializing on social networks like facebook and twitter and create your own facebook pages where you can add your artwork.  Invite as many friends as possible.  Remember it’s for free.  Very important always upload good photos of your artwork - there is nothing more terrible than a blurred and skew photograph - even better yet let it be professionally done by a photographer.
   
• Further more it is really important to learn how to talk about your art in a manner which normal everyday people will understand.  The way to talk which was acceptable in artschools is generally just "greek" for "normal" people outside.  It is also important to learn how to price you art so that it sells and to be able to answer questions about your price.
   
• Learn how to make people appreciate your art and show it in such away that it is attractive.  Learn how to deal with people when they do criticize (which happens often even to the best artists).  It is also important to present your art in a portfolio which is both attractive and professional.
   
• Try as many art galleries as possible – it is always better to have your art in the open public eye then at home where it only collects dust.  Sometimes certain art galleries can be a little bit stuck-up – then try restaurants, guesthouses and other businesses especially where there is many feet.
   
• Art markets are difficult, but try to exhibit as part of a group it helps with the costs and it gives a little bit more attraction.
   
• Create as many artworks as possible in various genres and types.  Try anything from abstract, landscapes, portraits, still-life, modern types and various art technique.  Those which sells good and that you like the most will usually go hand in hand.
   
• Try to make prints from your best artworks that you can sell as postcards or any other useful items – unfortunately this makes your artwork less unique but also provides a way to sell artworks to the more general public who can’t afford a R4000+ painting.  Or if you despise the idea of prints try to also make some more "affordable" art so that those who have less to spend can also buy if they are interested.
   
• Do try to improve your art skills always.  Not only will you be more respected by other artists but artlovers will also recognize that your skills are improving.  No, you don’t have to study art, but please take art lessons or try some good art books like Betty Edwards “Drawing from the right side of the Brain.”  Go for various art classes in different mediums – each art teacher can learn you some different.  In the end it is that combination of various teachings that make you the best artist possible.  In general our standard of artworks in South Africa is far lower than in Europe or USA -so it will be good to always work on improving that standard.
   
• In general artwork that is lighter in color or more monochrome sells better than paintings in dark or many colors.  The reason for this is that most art buyers tries to get paintings that will suit their rooms and other interiors.  Paintings in neutral tones or less colors in general just sells better.  However, please note that this is not always the case – sometimes art lovers like bright and multicolored tone paintings and other artworks as well.
   
• Subjects that sells good in South Africa especially is landscapes, nudes, flowers and more general paintings of peoples and other still lifes – try to stay clear of a too much “morbid” theme.  Artwork with humor and more inspirational themes sell better in general.
   
• Subject Matter is important.  A good way is to always combine your more academic work with lighter, commercial artworks in between – in that way you will have a wider market to cater for both the more serious artlovers and people that only want artwork to suit their houses interior.
   
• Try to stay clear of artwork that is very personalized – you can make it for your own private collection, but unfortunately in general the public likes a more broader theme which they can relate to.
   
• Artworks but be neat and tidy - this puts off any art buyers if works looks dirty, cut and a bit messed up - except if that was for some reason the idea.  Artwork don't have to be necessarily framed, but at least in a deeper edge canvas or blocked - basically it must be ready-to-use.
   
• Lastly, but not the least like Winston Churchill once said: “Never, never, never give up.” 
  All that is good takes time and effort.  Most artist can’t sell art full-time so if you are studying art always have a few extra possible careers in mind and it doesn’t have to be totally uncreative – careers in interior designing, photography. art teacher, architecture, fashion design, graphic design and many others will keep you up to date what is happening in the arts worlds and in general give you a little bit of an extra edge.

 References:
www.artbusiness.com

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