I feel a bit insecure about my art - am I painting what people want to see? Am I painting something that is worthy of a dollar sign? All I know is that when I put my paintings on the wall to dry, I smile when I wake up and see them. They make me feel happy, so hopefully there's some people out there that feel the same way.
My audience has grown quite a bit in the last month (now up to over 1500 fans on facebook, which feels pretty awesome if I do say so myself), but I'm not sure how to sell stuff to them. I don't want to come off pushy, or fake, or something, if that makes sense... I don't want to use some marketing trick to try and get sales. I want people to fall in love with my art, and let their hearts make the purchase... I know, it sounds cheesy, but it's how I feel.
I suppose the first step is to actually make some art available for sale. I'll have some of these originals ready very soon, so that will be a start. If they sell, I can fix my printer and then start to offer some prints, and see what happens.
I've also been meaning to look up publishing opportunities in books, magazines, and in art blogs and online zines. I also need to save to get an ipod touch so that I can join instagram and meet some new arty folks on there.
I've also been thinking of seperating my fine art and illustration business (which I've named after myself), and my Bohemian Faerie business (which is focused on wire jewelry and other items for other faes out there). So I'd have two different shops for them - for my art and prints, I'd sell it directly on my website, and for my Bohemian Faerie items, I'd sell that on etsy. I don't know though, there's a lot to think about. What do you guys think I should do?
I'll leave you with an update of my artwork in progress, and something that popped into my head just as I was dozing off last night...
"if I paint it, they will come."
Sasha, I think you should always paint what you love and the sales will come from that :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very gifted ;)
Thank you Launna! Your kind words always encourage me! :)
DeleteI've always said that if you put some of your larger prints in ACEO format, I'd buy them in a second! I have a few favorites I'd love to add to my collection. I personally buy a lot of art from Etsy. I also get more sales on Etsy than on my website, but maybe I'm not a typical case... I dunno.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some stores lately that will open an Etsy shop just to catch more shoppers, but they keep it empty and redirect people to their website in their shop announcement. Might be something else to consider. There are useful marketing tips like that that aren't pushy or manipulative, yet effective.
Keep painting what you love! You're so talented!
Aw thanks for taking the time to comment Alison. :) These are really great ideas. I'd love to make prints available, but my printer is broken right now, and needs to go in for repairs. I've got some upcoming potential jewelry sales that'll hopefully cover the costs, and then I can really get things started. Thanks so much for your encouragement and advice! :)
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