Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to Common Artist Issues

 

We have wrote many articles here at Artpromotivate focussing on some frequently asked questions that artists have about selling art, promoting art, and other issues. I thought it would be very helpful to all of you if I organized all of these into one post.

This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. We have a short summary about each question, and a link to the original article.

 

1. How do artists sell their art online?

   
   This is by far the top question we have received, and we have been covering several articles on this subject. The first step in selling art on the internet is to know your audience, and know what type of people your art appeals to.  Create an artist website and art blog, build a following at social networks, and promote where-ever you can.
   
   There is so much involved in art promotion online, and it can be very time consuming. If you do not have anyone to do all this for you, take things one step at a time. Allot some time for marketing, and don’t let the internet take you away from studio time.
   
   
   
   

2. What are the best places to promote art online?

   
   There are many social networks, forums and groups on the internet specifically for artists.
   
   
   These are effective for art promotion and gathering followers, but realize that the membership in these places are usually mostly artists. We have found that the best places to market art and an artist website is at large social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Linkedin. We have articles dedicated to promoting artworks at these places. If we had to choose one social network that would be best for artists, it would be Facebook.
   
   
   

3. How to sell art and get commissions?

   
   Potential art buyers are everywhere, but they are not always easy to find. To find them, an artist must put their art out there in the public eye as much as possible. Find public places to display your artwork, such as coffee shops, art galleries, etc. Think about places where people are in the buying mood, such as stores and shops. There may be a local craft shop near you that may be perfect for displaying some of your artworks.
   
   Another way to find art commissions and buyers is to advertise. Use local community boards, newspapers, local television advertisements, and anywhere you socialize on the internet to market your artwork. There are many places to advertise, but time is a critical factor. Artists must allot sufficient time to finding art buyers and commissions.
   
   
   

4. How do artists cope with creative block?

   
   Most artists have had to cope with artists block at one time or another. There are many day to day struggles that may hinder an artist’s ability to create. Artists must learn how to deal with these, and get back to doing what they love best.
   
   The article focuses on several strategies I have personally used to overcome creative block in the past. 
    
   
   
    
   

5. How to create a good portfolio?

   
   There are certain elements that should be included in an effective portfolio to present to art galleries and potential clients. Portfolios should have good quality digital photographs, a presentation case or book, structured layout, an artist statement, and more.
   
   See all of this discussed at the above article.
   
   
   
   
   

6. How to photograph art for the internet?

   
   In order to take quality photographs of artwork for the web, a good quality digital camera is needed. Other elements such as a tripod and adequate lighting are also a necessity. If you are posting artworks to the web, make sure they look as good as possible. They should accurately reflect the quality of your artworks.
   
   
   
   This tutorial is meant for those who have little to no experience with art photography, and it is a starting point.
   
   
   

7. How to sign paintings?

   
   How do you sign your paintings – on the front or the back? There is a debate on whether to sign a painting at all. Some claim that it interferes with the composition. But, it is important to have your name somewhere on the piece, so that future generations can know you created it. The first place most people look on an artwork is for who did it. It helps with branding and recognition. More about this issue is discussed at the above post.
   
   
   

8. How do artists name art?

   
   Finding a title for artwork can be a difficult process. Many artists feel too close to their art to come up with satisfactory names. To find a title for an artwork, one should analyze it thoroughly, and examine all its characteristics.
   
   For more techniques on coming up with a satisfactory name, please visit the above page.
   
   
   
   
   

9. How to set prices for art?

   
   Pricing art can be a difficult process, especially for emerging artists. The tendency is to price them too low or too high. It is important to create a pricing model and stick to it. Incrementally increase your prices at certain intervals.
   
   Take into cost of materials and time spent creating when determining adequate pricing.
   
   
   
    
   

10. How to find an art gallery?

    
    To find and approach an art gallery, an artist must be prepared. You must show them that you are worthy to be represented, and your art is saleable. Preparing a portfolio, working on your resume, and submitting work to art competitions are some things you can do before contacting an art gallery. Work on promoting your art and building a contact list.
    
    
    If they see that you are serious about your art career, and have a future as an artist, they will want to work with you.
    
    
    

11. How do artists plan art shows and exhibitions?

    
    There are a variety of steps and preparations for an art show.  These include setting a time, photographing artwork, choosing a theme, framing, and preparing finger foods. These steps and much more are discussed in detail at the above article.
    
    
    

12. How to enter art competitions?

    
    The internet is filled with art competitions and calls for entry.  I once posted a list of art competition websites which artists can refer to to find recent opportunities. It is important to realize that not all calls for entry are worthy of taking part in. But, to find worthy competitions to enter, a few guidelines should be followed.
    
    Examine the rules thoroughly, read all the fine print, and be wary of high entry fees. For more guidelines, please visit the above article at Artpromotivate.
    
    
    

13. How to write an artist statement?

    
    
    An artist statement explains what your art is about, and where you are going as an artist. The artist statement must be to the point and short. It should be in easy to understand, non-pretentious language.
    
    For more advice on writing and crafting your artist statement, please follow the above link.
    
    
     
    

14. How to write a resume?

    
    Artist resumes are effective for applying for art galleries, art related jobs, and artist grants. Posting one at your artist website may also be a good idea. A good resume should have a name, contact information, biography, education, awards, grants, exhibitions, and more. For a thorough analysis of these points and more, please visit the above page.
    
    
    

15. How to make a certificate of authenticity?

    
    
    A certificate of authenticity is often included along with a sold artwork. These provide proof of ownership which will show that you produced the artwork. A certificate of authenticity should include the title of the artwork, medium, materials, image of the artwork, name of the artist, date, a signature, and more.
    
    For more information and links to free certificate of authenticity templates, please go to the above tutorial.
    
    
    
    

16. Should paintings be framed?

    
    Presentation of finished pieces is important for making artworks easier to sell. Framing a painting depends on several factors. Whether to frame or not actually depends on what the painting is painted on. Many artists choose to leave paintings on canvas unframed, especially if they paint the sides. But paintings on board and paper are more suited to framing.
    
    For the advantages and disadvantages of framing paintings, and some framing tips, please visit the above link.
    
    
    
    

17. How do artists protect their artwork online?

    
    One of the most common issues with online artists is art theft. When posting images online, it is nearly impossible to completely prevent them from being stolen by someone else. But, there are certain anti-theft measures that can make artwork less desirable for theft. Watermarking and using low resolution images seems to be the most effective of these.
    
    To find art that is stolen simply by using Google Image Search, please visit this popular post: Find Stolen Art

 

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