You've probably heard it said a number of times: "There is no money in art." Although it is actually a harsh reality artist face, many people believe that art is only meant to be a pastime and not a career. Therefore, most people enjoy art without considering how to fairly reward artists. And in the majority of circumstances, people would demand free artwork. They even have the audacity to claim that there is no money in art with that kind of behavior.
Artists put in the time, effort, and expertise necessary to generate outcomes, just like anyone in any other line of work.
Consequently, why do some people not value art? The outlook is dismal, but artists may at least stand up for themselves as a group. Never undersell yourself since doing so will harm the fortunes of the other artists as well as the business.
How much to charge for your artwork may be the next issue. There is no set price. However, you can calculate your costs ranging from supplies to electricity usage to the time it takes you to complete a single piece of art. While it is only natural to price it too cheap at first to get the momentum going, when your portfolio grows thicker and clients start to express a desire to pay at a higher price, then it is time to step it up to the next level.
It's pretty nerve-wracking to launch a profession or business in the arts. There really is no sure path. You must put a lot of effort into your work and be persistent and patient. Sincerity be damned, just a select few get to reap the rewards. However, art may go from a rewarding pastime to a profitable business if you have the correct mentality and plan to make that happen.
Discover your area of expertise.
For you to succeed in the market, sadly, talent is not enough. Many people are deemed better skillswise than you or have cemented their ground in the art industry. What will, nevertheless, make you unique? Analyze the market. Do not worry, the act itself is not a sellout. Yes, you are free to pursue your passions, but doing so by itself won't allow you to support yourself. Keep it real. You need to make your product distinctively yours and know what sells, where to sell it, and to whom.
For the type of art that people want to buy, there is already a recognized market. You need to break into that market. However, be prepared to deal with intense competition. What you should do is concentrate on the caliber of your output and effectively market it. You have to be recognizable.
When you have already established a reputation for yourself as an artist, you can now provide something special that the market hasn't seen before. Therefore, you may finally cement your identity, and your name will stand out as the key selling factor. If you can get people's attention, they'll be attracted and start buying from you.
Keeping a standard style might be risky because it will push people to only connect your identity and your work with one single genre. On the other hand, where is the long-term satisfaction in that? Expand your knowledge. You should experiment with several artistic mediums as an artist and keep current with changing trends. Maybe it's time to explore the digital world if you're a conventional artist. By doing this, you are developing as a more well-rounded artist in addition to broadening your market.
Identify your market and look for avenues to sell your work.
Change your mindset and adopt a company owner's perspective. It won't matter how many hours you spend alone in a room crafting exquisite masterpieces if you can't command a fair price for them.
Make sure your work is readily accessible to clients by putting together an online portfolio. It will spread by word of mouth. In order to sell your artwork, promotion is crucial. So, be sure that the portfolio you provide accurately reflects both you and your artistic abilities. Create a website that is professionally and artistically designed. Create a profile on Facebook and Instagram, the two sites with the most active members. More interaction will result from a thoughtful caption, so make sure to think about that, too.
Build trusting relationships with your customers and clients. People have the tendency to speak about your personality more than your fantastic creations. Make connections with artists in different industries to expand your network as well. They will be the first to pass on you the potential business prospects since they are aware of the battle it takes to remain steadfast in the industry. Naturally, clients will believe their advice, especially if they enjoy dealing with them.
Additionally, you may market your artwork on stock websites and through online galleries. You may use a variety of websites, including Shutterstock, Behance, Canva, DeviantArt, Artplode, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Society6, CODAworx, and others.
You may start teaching art lessons as well. The global pandemic has led to a rise in online painting lessons. Many people are seeking opportunities to develop their talents or spend time engaging in new activities to break the monotony of spending their days at home. Your students are not only a reliable source of revenue but also prospective customers and advocates for your artworks.
Setting up your garage for creative projects.
Examining the floor, walls, ceilings, outlets, and general space design is the first phase in transforming your garage into an art studio. Make sure the garage is fireproof if you operate largely with paints, which are extremely combustible and toxic. Adding an epoxy coating on top of the concrete floor will increase safety. The accumulation of moisture in the area, which can deteriorate the state of your artwork, is another problem that has to be handled. Therefore, the heating and air conditioning should be properly set up and kept in order to guarantee that the temperature is adjusted to normal.
The use of light in the creation of art is crucial. A decent, large window is an excellent starting point if you want the space to receive natural light during the day. If you work at night, consider using artificial illumination like LEDs, lamps, and overhead lighting fixtures.
A strong workbench, like the Fleximounts WB201 Durable Work Bench With Built-In Drawer, is essential for the workstation. The design is really straightforward but quite useful. The workbench has a maximum weight capacity of 3,000 lbs. The built-in drawer feature enhances usefulness since it makes it easy to find and store the tools you will use more frequently. To resist the test of time and demanding activities, the surface is 100% rubberwood and extra thick by 1". Its adjustable leveling feet, which may shield the floor from scratches, are another benefit. Additionally, it makes it simple to alter the height of the workbench legs to stop swaying or tilting even on uneven surfaces.
