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August 2007 Return to Newsletter list
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A Day in The Studio_____________________________________________
Question: In the beginning how
did you stay "up"? When I show a
new painting to someone (usually my hubby), I am
usually disappointed in their reaction/comments.
I guess because I put so much time and effort in
it, I want a big reaction! I want actual
feedback, not just a "that's nice".
Anyhow, this discourages me and I get down.
How to not let this affect/validate me?
Janet
Answer: Artists are such
emotional people, so our moods swing as fast as
the paint on most days. We paint for ourselves
but also to touch people and make a connection.
Many times family members do not know what to
say about a painting, their eyes are not trained
to see what another artist could. So that is
where the "That's nice" comment comes
from.
I must tell you that I get the same response
from my hubby. He's getting better after 30 +
years of looking at my paintings. But I
prefer to have my artist friend Jane
Jones look at it. She has a trained eye and
knows what it took to get the painting looking like
that and can spot an area that might need more
attention. But you have to be willing and open to
accept that your NEW baby might not be perfect. So
reactions to a specific painting can affect us if
it's not what we had envisioned when we painted it,
such as it's going to be a hit at the show, or it
will win a ribbon. Or if it gets rejected from a
show. Our belief in our art takes a huge plunge.
Staying "UP" is about OUR belief in our
own art, knowing you did the best you could at
that point in time. Strive to IMPROVE never
settle for "IT WILL DO". I don't
think I know a single artist who is totally
confident. We all suffer from insecurities and low
art self esteem. Especially when there is so much
great art out in the world or in the magazines.
But I would rather be unique than look like a copy
of the "IN STYLE" that is selling and
all over the galleries. So each artist must find
their own market an style and know in your being
that it's the way you want your art to look. Then
you will find your place in the art world, and
have some terrific UP moments once in a
while! But its more about the process of creating
than the UP moments, which fade from memory
so fast. But the excitment of a new painting that
is what I live for.
NEED HELP?
Read the book The Artist Way by Julia Cameron, or
any positive self help book on staying focused on
your goals, believing you can achieve them, and to
make it a priority to paint certain times
each day or when ever you can. Then you will see
the results and have great UP reactions
to your art, in shows, selling. Or just WOW
the family.
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Marketing____________________________________________________
Are you ready for a gallery? How do you know? If
you sell your art with a local art
group, or do the park shows, or hang your art in
dentist or doctor offices, and you sell on a
regular basis, then you may be ready to
move up. Galleries are just like any business
there are different levels, from local
galleries, co-op galleries run by artists,
galleries in high tourist areas and high
commison galleries in the top art markets, such
as New York and Santa Fe, MN.
Most artists must start with their local
galleries and work their way up the gallery
chain, but make sure your ready. Do you sell
a certain style and subject regularly?
Knowing this information, you can tell the
gallery that this is what sells best for you.
Knowing this and saying it with confidence
can help open that gallery door. The
gallery will expect you to supply this
subject and level of quality.
Are you ready to share your hard earned sold
dollar? Gallery commissions are between 30% up
to 60% depending on the level of the gallery and
their location.
Making a gallery commitment, when you show
with a gallery. Set your retail price for
your originals, never under-sell them at home or
other shows. You only de-value your own work by
discounting it outside of the gallery. It's part
of being a business person, knowing that your
painting value is $----- and depending on
where it sells and the show commission or the
gallery commission you will make more or less.
But the collector ONLY sees the $ VALUE for that
size of original.
Most artists price their work by the square inch and
retail sales have always played the game of odd
ending numbers 998.00 as an example instead of
1,000.00, many artists do this too. They
also do not price it by how much they
love it, or how complicated it is. If you skill
level is higher with one type of art then
concentrate on that subject, it's how artists
are reconized by a certain style or subject. I
learned early that my best work was flowers and
sold the best. The old saying "Jack of all
trades master of none" comes to mind.
Pricing
by how high of quality one type of art over
another just confuses the collector. Be
consistant, and only put out your best work.
Approaching galleries If your starting with a local gallery, they are a bit easier and if you have a art friend that hangs there, have them introduce you. Always call for an appointment never just walk in with your art! If the gallery is in another town, then go check them out. Web sites are great to show you the art in the gallery, but there is nothing like a quiet visit. DON'T announce you are an artist. Go as a collector, pay attention to the frames, the prices, quality of the artists, how the gallery appears. BE honest with yourself, would the quality of your work fit? price? framing? Were you welcomed to the gallery? Did they offer information about any of their artists? Was there art sitting on the floor and too many paintings on the wall, or was it hung well and made you drool to hang there. Was it in a art destination area, or in a good shopping area?
If you can't visit the gallery, then the web
site may be the only thing you have to judge the
gallery by and the level of artists showing
there. Be realistic about if your work would
fit, before you contact that gallery. I contact
galleries by e-mail to see if they are reviewing
portofolios. Some answer, many do not and then you
must decide if you will go ahead and send a
portfolio.
If you think your work fits, call to see if
they reviewing artists or accepting
portfolio submissions.
You will want to get these items prepared to
submit a portfolio or to interview in person.
New originals, a resume, artist statement, and
consignment contract. These will be
explained the next installment on
marketing-galleries next month.
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