There are numerous outlets for selling artwork, some of which are traditional and others which are relatively newcomers. Customers can buy finished works of art directly, through a gallery, through an online service, or through a commercial client. The best venue is determined by the type of artwork and the artist’s goals. One of the most effective ways to promote and sell artwork is to visit new selling locations.
Paintings, sculptures, and decorative items, for example, can be sold directly to customers in a variety of ways. Individuals can sell artwork directly to customers at art and craft festivals. People who attend art fairs frequently do so with the intention of making a purchase, and the entire transaction can be completed in person. While there are many advantages to attending an art festival, getting there can be a challenge; an artist will need to transport his work to the fair and set up an attractive display.
Fine artists can sell their work in the traditional way by displaying finished pieces in a gallery. Although admission to most galleries is by jury or co-op, selling artwork through a reputable agent or gallery is a great way to get finished work in front of collectors and buyers. Students in a college’s fine arts program frequently have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the college gallery or at nearby gallery venues.
Artists with a knack for the internet can make a name for themselves by selling their work on sites like Etsy.com, Artfire.com, and even eBay.com. Online art sales are heavily reliant on good photography and marketing efforts. Prospective customers will be unable to accurately evaluate a piece if it is not photographed well, and will most likely pass it up. Including the selling sites on business cards and other communications is a good way for an artist to raise awareness of his works.
Artwork can be sold on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. While these aren’t specifically for artists, they have a lot of potential for marketing new works and promoting gallery shows. Maintaining a social media presence is a great way to get your work in front of potential buyers.
The best way to sell artwork is determined by the artist’s comfort level and personality. Some artists prefer to market their work themselves, while others prefer to focus on creating and leave the selling to a third party, such as a gallery. Because marketing artwork is relatively inexpensive, experimenting with a variety of methods is a simple and cost-effective way to determine which method works best.