Hey artist pals, how are sales right now? Is business booming? Or are things a little tough. If so, we’re here to help you! It can take years for artists to gain gallery representation, but that doesn’t mean it has to take as long to get those all important commissions. If those blue chip galleries are taking their time to discover you, fret not, we’ve got your back! Here are a few ways to sell your work and make money when you don’t have a gallery
Artist Support Pledge
Artists were hit hard when the coronavirus first struck, and to be honest, artists are still struggling. When this all started, artist Matthew Burrows started the Artist Support Pledge, which has fast become a global support network. To take part, artists post images of work for sale for no more than £200 using the hashtag #artistsupportpledge. If people are interested, they can DM you directly to enquire about and buy the work. Once you reach £1,000 of sales, you support your fellow artists by pledging to buy £200 of work from other artists. We’re all in it together!
Make Sure Your Website Looks Professional
At this precise moment in time, many physical galleries are closed, so in one way, if you don’t have a gallery, it isn’t all that bad. Regardless, now is really the time to make sure your website is in tip-top shape. Simplicity is a good option, collectors don’t want to be led around a maze in order to decide whether or not they want to buy your work. Make sure your contact details are easy to find, the images of your work are of the highest quality and that your bio is up to date!
IG Sales
While websites are important, your IG is probably even more crucial. Everyone is using the gram these days and it is a perfect opportunity to market yourself without splashing the $$$. Make sure you are posting often, but make sure you provide variety. Show snapshots of your studio, host IG lives and like the posts of others, too. Often collectors like to bypass galleries and go straight to artists via direct message, so make the most of it!
Network, Network, Network
As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. While artists are known for being shy and retiring types, it’s really not a useful trait for the 21st century. Now is the time to reach out to anyone and everyone: curators, interior designers, your dad’s next-door-neighbour, anybody has the potential to be a collector of yours, so get your schmooze on!
Send A Newsletter
Sending out a monthly newsletter is a great way to remind your friends, fans and potential buyers that you still exist. Let them know what you’ve been up to and what works are available. It’s also a good idea to use your contacts to see if they can feature you in their newsletter, too, that way you’re getting maximum visibility!
Giving Online Workshops
Have you noticed a LOT of artists and creative types offering online workshops recently? It’s a great way to show off your skills while also helping others learn and have fun too. A new way of engagement for 2020!
Patreon
According to Patreon, the creative system is broken, and they’re changing the way that art is valued and creators are getting paid. Patreon gives you the ability to ask your fans to sponsor you. In return, you provide them with exclusive content and an insight into your creative process. It’s a win-win!
#artgirlsmarket
We can help you through our Art Girls Market! Once a month we send an email round to our readers of the artworks that art girls have to sell. On a monthly basis we feature all those hidden gems our community has to let go, from art objects to pre-loved items. We don’t take any commission, but interested parties get in touch with sellers directly for the next steps. We simply love to connect our friends and are excited to help make the perfect match! Email your artwork to [email protected]
Text Lizzy Vartanian
