Calling all Artists
Calling all types of Artists from all walks of life...do you dream of your Art getting noticed and bought. Do you dream of being able to make an actual living out of this passion that you just can't shake? Then read on...
If you thought that being an Artist was all about being in your studio slaving away until an "Art buyer" came bounding up to your door on a white horse to buy all your Art up...think again. This is a tough gig, and it's a world where being sensitive can drag you into the depths of despair, but it can also take you far if you work with it wisely. I know because I was a very scared "little" creative type that was frightened to lift up my head for fear of rejection and a whole host of other nasties that I had envisioned for myself.
But thankfully I woke up one day and realised that no one was going to "make it" for me but me. It was a painful realisation at the time because I for one didn't have a clue about how I was going to do this. Long gone are the days of door knocking on gallery doors as most people seemed to be buying and selling online...everything is done online now and so to is exhibiting and selling works.
So thus begun my journey of researching online and I spent hours skimming through sites where people spoke of marketing and other foreign terms that my Fine Arts degree never even covered. I really felt out of my depth but realised that I needed to get my works "up" somewhere out in the matrix that would bring the masses to me. It sounds foolish now, but it was a good step in the right direction.
I signed up with etsy, it's free apart from the 20cents per work you exhibit. Over the months I started seeing traffic come to my virtual gallery and it gave me a boost. But this was just the first of many steps, after a time I then created a facebook fan page and included instagram. I then furthered my presence online by putting my work up in other virtual gallery sites...there are many to choose from and the sky is the limit there.
When I stumbled upon WA I knew that I needed a further platform for my Art and this I feel has been the missing link. Through my site I was able to link up my Etsy shop and facebook etc and through that I have noticed twice as many people are coming into my etsy shop now. And because of that I am reaching so many people around the world and guess what...my works are starting to sell more readily and people are contacting me about what I have for sale etc.
It's been a blast so far and the ball is starting to roll for me...I hope that all the other Artists/Musicians can get inspired too and further promote themselves. WA has every single tool that one would ever need in learning about online marketing and how to promote either your product or specified niche. My knowledge has expanded so much since being a part of this community...all Artists can benefit from this, us "right brainers" can easily so this.
Here is my latest piece that actually got sold before it was finished...thanks to what I have been learning here.
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Basically what you are doing is what a friend of mine did in the good old non internet sales days. She studied business while doing her visual arts degree. Then realising that a country town wasn't a big enough market place she contacted, via uni contacts, others and they leased an old building in the Rocks area in Sydney. Yes it cost but they had enough members to make it affordable. And through this market they netted domestic and the international tourist trade. As passenger liners docked in this area they were one of the first things these disembarking tourists saw. They thought outside the box like you have and been successful. Well done and keep it up.
Hey Helen, did your friend start up craft nsw at the rocks? I had a pop up gallery opposite them at george st for 1 month last year and met a lot of lovely people that exhibited there.
I can't remember the name but I think it was in the old customs building. Her name is Liz Stops but I don't know if she still does market there. It's been a while since I saw her.
Great work Amber looks like you have opened the right doors, and the world may truly be yours now. Thanks for sharing, and inspiring
It has taken many years of knock backs, trial and error...wish I had known about all this in my 20's or at least taught this at Art college
Oh wow, that's absolutely amazing, I love black and white pencil work like that. You really are very talented.
I'll show this to my mother, she goes to art lessons every week, I know she'll appreciate this. How long did it take to do?
Thanks for the lovely comments Jay...took about a month or so. I really need to put more hours in, still trying to get that balance between my site and my Art as one needs to be in a particular mindset to create.
It really is incredible, I want my mother to put more time into her work, but due to her arthritis she doesn't think she is any good.
But that particular sketch is outstanding, you really do deserve some recognition as an artist.
Such a beautiful comment Jay...it took many many years and countless knock backs but it has been worth it.
Maybe your mother needs to go to some exhibitions and get some new inspiration...sometimes others work can give us the drive we need.
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Don't suppose that would have anything to do with the LOA. I can't really think why anyone could not see the amazing talent and gift in your work. Those doors have started to open and the light coming out is starting to shine very brightly.
Well you know and I know that LOA has played a big part in it ;o)