How to sell your paintings?
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But what if you look at it from a different angle? Maybe while you're still alive and have a collection of paintings, everything is just beginning? Maybe it's time to move forward and finally break free from whining? Start enjoying life, relaxing, having fun, eating delicious food, sleeping sweetly, creating a new series of works? Well, of course, you won't enjoy it for long. Because buyers will quickly come rushing in, start making noise, giving gifts, being happy, buying, bringing friends, and distracting you from the creative process.
And then it will all start over again.
Can someone explain the logic of exhibition organizers?
The condition for delivering the painting is only EMS without specifying the value of the work. At the same time, the exhibition is positioned as a sales exhibition, participation is paid, and the delivery is at the expense of the artist. Organizers bear no responsibility for the safety of the painting, so you need to insure it. Usually, when sending by mail, the full value is indicated for this, because in case of problems, the post office compensates with money.
Actually, this is insurance. And it is included in the cost of postal services. Well, let's say I send the paintings there, everything arrives safely. How will they be sent back? Also, without specifying the value? And what if there is force majeure? What then? Where do I look for my work in case of loss, delay, and who will pay compensation? And what if I prefer DHL? Who has encountered similar conditions, share your experience or how to deal with them?
The problem with most artists
Now I'll tell you what the problem is. The problem with artists. The problem with the majority of artists who want to sell their paintings. The problem is that they are superficial. They don't want to delve into things. They don't want to think. They don't want to apply themselves. And through application, gain skills and results. You see how simple it all is.
Because in order to take the time to look into a group, read posts, contemplate why we're all here and how it's organized, you need to allocate time and pay attention. And instead, artists often continue to post poorly photographed paintings without descriptions. They persist in posting despite comments. The problem is not only that these posts are in groups where there are no buyers. And I'm sure that similar posts are in other groups where there are no buyers (I've seen it myself). The problem is that the artist, apart from themselves, sees and hears no one. No feedback on their posts, no buyers, no one.
But why? I'm an artist, I'm a star. What happens next? And then it gets more fun and interesting. Later, they write to me:
– Galina, how do I sell paintings?
– How good it is to know how to read. Open the documents in our group, the posts and videos.
– But who will do all this?
– Of course, you yourself!
And in conclusion. It pains me to see people seeking buyers for works of good craftsmanship. It pains me to see these identical posts asking for help in various groups. It pains me to read about how artists and their families have no money or how good paper is expensive."
I provide practical information for this purpose. And not only me, other artists too, thank them, participate in discussions, offer advice, share experiences. This is truly invaluable and worth a lot. A friendly atmosphere in our group. You're safe here. Take it. Ask questions. Inquire. Discuss.
So, I've written everything, what should I do next?
Actually, it's an interesting question. You need to show your work to dealers and galleries, as well as independently seek clients. Voice in the audience: "Bring valerian! The artist feels bad! Is there a doctor in the house?"
If you now ask where to find addresses, passwords, and secret signs, your diagnosis will be ready instantly. You don't know how to use search engines and navigate through the clutter of the internet to find the necessary information? You can't navigate among discussions where critics and art lovers gather in any form of representation? If you can't, then you're hopeless and useless. What about sales and profits?
If you understand that you'll have to hustle, that's already not bad. You can select suitable options based on the genre of your subjects and your execution technique. For example, there's no point in sending a realistic landscape or still life to groups, communities, or galleries focused on surrealism or figurative art. Got it? Well done.
After sending your portfolios to a dozen email addresses and not receiving a response, you can confidently send them anywhere. To all possible addresses related to art. Maybe your business card will finally appear, and you'll learn how to leave it in the hands of other people. And even take their business cards. However, sooner or later, the day when you receive positive feedback will come. Assuming you're smart and did everything right.
Stop taking failures so painfully.
About Prices for Paintings
The question of pricing is perhaps one of the most complex for artists. Always. Always! You'll hear polar opinions, from "why so expensive" to "why so cheap." And they'll add, in a friendly whisper: "Tell me, can you even paint?" I suggest we silence this whisper and sideline discussions about artistic and masterpiece value.
What determines the price? No matter how much you think and ask, the decision is ultimately yours. Accept it. You decide how much your work is worth and at what price to exhibit it on a specifically chosen platform for online art sales. In doing so, perhaps you consider several factors important to you personally.
For example, I'm amazed at the question of how much time I spent on a piece. But for some artists, this is important. Or what's difficult for one to draw might be easy for me. For instance. I also often browse what's being exhibited on sales websites and auctions. Sizes, levels, prices. And, most importantly, the level of name and career comparable to yours. Here's a quote from some comments directed at me personally as an author: "You're not La Fe!" Yes, I'm not La Fe, nor are many worthy masters of watercolor painting and drawing. And those masters aren't all architects. Get the idea?