6 answers
Kylah
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get recognized in my art?
I want to make money off of something I love but idk how to start-
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6 answers
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Kyla, how's everything going? We appreciate your engagement with us. That's a fantastic question. If the arts are your calling, simply continue to follow your passion and never cease in refining your skills. Concerning your inquiry, I believe the optimal approach is to become part of an artist network. This will provide a platform for you to learn and expand in your artistic journey. Absorb knowledge from the experts and understand how to promote your art effectively. They are well-versed in the intricacies of showcasing your artwork through gallery exhibitions. Keep pushing forward and never stop trying until your dreams become reality.
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Kylah
Good question, one that most every artist faces: How can I get other people to view, appreciate, and buy my art? There is no easy answer, not is there any ONE way to get recognized, but here are some ideas for you to think about.
Your art has to be of good quality and saleable: original ideas that show a high level of artist skill, and that are well presented, and of interest to the public. Look through your artwork and pick the pieces that you think are your best artworks, and that you feel really show who you are as an artist. Put them in a portfolio to keep them safe and available, and take photos of them. I suggest showing them to your art teachers to get their opinion. Listen to their suggestions. Take the ones in your portfolio that you like best and mat them, so that you can easily show them to other people. Digital photos will also work, but sometimes seeing the actual artwork is better. You can purchase cardboard portfolios and mats at your local art supply store. If you are invited to exhibit your artwork anywhere, then you'll need to purchase some kind of frames, again, you can get good value at your local art supply store or from online sellers.
You will want to exhibit your artwork, even if it not for sale. The best place for a student to start in their school. Talk to your art teacher about student exhibitions and how your artwork could be included. Also ask them about art contests, this is a great way to get your artwork noticed. Other venues could be businesses in your community that might be willing to exhibit (and possibly) sell your artwork, such as coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops and commercial and non-profit art galleries. You could see if your local library features artwork by local artists. If you do want to exhibit your artwork in businesses, be aware that you will have to mat and frame it, or find someway to present it.
You can also share your artwork online, on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. I prefer Instagram because it is so visual, and be sure to learn how to use the hashtags to get further exposure. There are also other websites for online art portfolios that you could set up.
To sell your artwork, as mentioned above, local business might be willing to show and sell your artwork; they usually take a commission on the sales, anywhere from 20% to 60% of the price. You can also sell your artwork online on platforms like Etsy. You could also set up your own website to sell your artwork, but it probably won't get the same traffic as Etsy would. Etsy is very user friendly and has tutorials that show you how to set up an Etsy Shop and features other small business tips and information. Craft fairs and art fairs in your community are also opportunities where you can sell your artwork. Usually, the applications for art and craft fairs are months in advance, but go and Google art fairs or craft fairs with your zip code to see what pops up.
However, please be aware that if you choose to sell your artwork on your own, whether in person or online, you will become, in effect, a small business owner. That means, in the US, you will have to collect, report, and pay the sales tax on what you sell. Check with your local city, county, and state government for the procedures on how to do this; go to their websites and plug in "small business tax reporting" or something like that. Also, if you earn enough, you will have to file and pay state and federal income taxes. Selling art on your own is a little complicated, but this is what anyone engaged in a small business must do. If you sell your artwork through a gallery or a gift shop, you will not have to deal with the sales tax, since the gallery will collect and report and pay the sales tax, but you will still need to file a state and federal income tax statement on our own.
Best wishes! For artists, sharing your artwork with others can be very exciting. Earning money from your atwork can also be very satisfying, but as you can see, selling your art does require some groundwork. Keep in mind that few artists become famous or rich right away from their artwork, so be patient and keep working on your artwork and on finding places to show it.
Good question, one that most every artist faces: How can I get other people to view, appreciate, and buy my art? There is no easy answer, not is there any ONE way to get recognized, but here are some ideas for you to think about.
Your art has to be of good quality and saleable: original ideas that show a high level of artist skill, and that are well presented, and of interest to the public. Look through your artwork and pick the pieces that you think are your best artworks, and that you feel really show who you are as an artist. Put them in a portfolio to keep them safe and available, and take photos of them. I suggest showing them to your art teachers to get their opinion. Listen to their suggestions. Take the ones in your portfolio that you like best and mat them, so that you can easily show them to other people. Digital photos will also work, but sometimes seeing the actual artwork is better. You can purchase cardboard portfolios and mats at your local art supply store. If you are invited to exhibit your artwork anywhere, then you'll need to purchase some kind of frames, again, you can get good value at your local art supply store or from online sellers.
You will want to exhibit your artwork, even if it not for sale. The best place for a student to start in their school. Talk to your art teacher about student exhibitions and how your artwork could be included. Also ask them about art contests, this is a great way to get your artwork noticed. Other venues could be businesses in your community that might be willing to exhibit (and possibly) sell your artwork, such as coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops and commercial and non-profit art galleries. You could see if your local library features artwork by local artists. If you do want to exhibit your artwork in businesses, be aware that you will have to mat and frame it, or find someway to present it.
You can also share your artwork online, on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. I prefer Instagram because it is so visual, and be sure to learn how to use the hashtags to get further exposure. There are also other websites for online art portfolios that you could set up.
To sell your artwork, as mentioned above, local business might be willing to show and sell your artwork; they usually take a commission on the sales, anywhere from 20% to 60% of the price. You can also sell your artwork online on platforms like Etsy. You could also set up your own website to sell your artwork, but it probably won't get the same traffic as Etsy would. Etsy is very user friendly and has tutorials that show you how to set up an Etsy Shop and features other small business tips and information. Craft fairs and art fairs in your community are also opportunities where you can sell your artwork. Usually, the applications for art and craft fairs are months in advance, but go and Google art fairs or craft fairs with your zip code to see what pops up.
However, please be aware that if you choose to sell your artwork on your own, whether in person or online, you will become, in effect, a small business owner. That means, in the US, you will have to collect, report, and pay the sales tax on what you sell. Check with your local city, county, and state government for the procedures on how to do this; go to their websites and plug in "small business tax reporting" or something like that. Also, if you earn enough, you will have to file and pay state and federal income taxes. Selling art on your own is a little complicated, but this is what anyone engaged in a small business must do. If you sell your artwork through a gallery or a gift shop, you will not have to deal with the sales tax, since the gallery will collect and report and pay the sales tax, but you will still need to file a state and federal income tax statement on our own.
Best wishes! For artists, sharing your artwork with others can be very exciting. Earning money from your atwork can also be very satisfying, but as you can see, selling your art does require some groundwork. Keep in mind that few artists become famous or rich right away from their artwork, so be patient and keep working on your artwork and on finding places to show it.
Daniel Tovrov
Copywriter
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
A mentor told me once that the best way to start selling your art is to tell everyone that you do it. Don't be afraid to call yourself an artist--a painter, illustrator, writer, etc.--even if you don't have any commissions yet. Eventually, someone will may have a commission for you. It worked for me. It's a good way to land that first commission, but it's just a start. It won't make art your job overnight, or ever. That takes commitment to your craft, which it sounds like you already have, and intense practice and thought. Sometimes at the beginning artists work for free. If you have the time, do it, but if you don't, don't. Early on, I took jobs that were only somewhat related to my art but not the art itself, and I learned a lot. It's a great way to grow your skills.
Maria Rodriguez
Visual artist and art instructor
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hi Kylah,
Fortunately, there are many ways to promote your artworks on social media, such as YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. There are also art calls for every painting medium you want to participate. Some you can submit your piece for free, others will cost you money depending on the prize.
Another option can be your portfolio with some of your best pieces and / or digital images of your best pieces, then make time to visit some local galleries.
A key to gain recognition is creating unique pieces, keep in mind that there is audience for every type of art, so don’t be discouraged by comments or criticism about your artwork.
Good luck!
Fortunately, there are many ways to promote your artworks on social media, such as YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. There are also art calls for every painting medium you want to participate. Some you can submit your piece for free, others will cost you money depending on the prize.
Another option can be your portfolio with some of your best pieces and / or digital images of your best pieces, then make time to visit some local galleries.
A key to gain recognition is creating unique pieces, keep in mind that there is audience for every type of art, so don’t be discouraged by comments or criticism about your artwork.
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Enhance your understanding by studying books that delve into the masterpieces of artists like Miro and Picasso. These artists had a unique allure that made their art irresistible. To promote your art, it's beneficial to showcase it in a gallery, especially one that caters to high-end markets.
Approach your subject not merely as a replication of what you see, but as an abstract interpretation. This can captivate certain audiences, as the use of colors can create a calming effect. For instance, blues and greens are often more soothing than reds and oranges.
However, some people are drawn to art that stimulates their senses with vibrant, bold colors. Instead of focusing on negative imagery, aim to create positive, inspiring art. People often find portraits fascinating, such as photographs of centenarians.
You can also explore the world of photography as a form of art. Capturing moments and scenes can be just as compelling as painting or drawing. Remember, art is subjective, and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another. So, continue experimenting and creating - your unique style could be the next big thing in the art world!
Approach your subject not merely as a replication of what you see, but as an abstract interpretation. This can captivate certain audiences, as the use of colors can create a calming effect. For instance, blues and greens are often more soothing than reds and oranges.
However, some people are drawn to art that stimulates their senses with vibrant, bold colors. Instead of focusing on negative imagery, aim to create positive, inspiring art. People often find portraits fascinating, such as photographs of centenarians.
You can also explore the world of photography as a form of art. Capturing moments and scenes can be just as compelling as painting or drawing. Remember, art is subjective, and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another. So, continue experimenting and creating - your unique style could be the next big thing in the art world!
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
You can try selling your works of art. But in many cases, making money with art may not be one of the easiest options. I mean it requires time and dedication. Although money is important to support yourself and your family, don't focus on that aspect only. Try to improve your artistic skills and expand your creative horizons.