As an artist, therefore business owner, I can tell you it takes a lot of work to do what I do.\u00a0 Which is why it is always surprising to me when people are confused by the amount of time I spend marketing my work.\u00a0 Someone once said that it must be “relaxing” and so nice to “just paint all day.”\u00a0 HA!\u00a0 That is clearly not the case.\u00a0 Artists know this but many still struggle with the idea of taking time away from the easel to market their work.<\/p>\n
The thing is no one cares about our work as much as we do.\u00a0 It may seem that if you have gained the coveted gallery representation that you are able to just paint all day, but that is not the case.\u00a0 Why else do you see so many artists with representation with various galleries, myself included?\u00a0 I can tell you, and even the gallery owners will tell you, that you can’t put all your eggs in one basket.\u00a0 Galleries are dealing with multiple artists and also multiple tastes and preferences.\u00a0 You are not their only artist and they can’t possibly devote all their time and energy solely into your work.<\/p>\n
It is up to you to grow your business, get your work seen, show in different galleries in different cities or even different countries, and meet people.\u00a0 If you want people to know your art even exists, you will have to learn to market it and make the time to do so.\u00a0 If you’re still reading this, clearly you’re serious about your work but I’m sure some of you are groaning at the thought.\u00a0 But hear me out.\u00a0 I have artists from all over email me and ask me how I did this, that, and the other.\u00a0 Some of them assume that I “knew someone” or I was “lucky” but (though I haven’t done any actual math on this) I would say that 99% of what I’ve accomplished is a direct, or sometimes indirect result, of my actions.\u00a0 If you want it done, you need to do it yourself.\u00a0 Call that gallery, email that magazine, write that press release.\u00a0 Whatever you are looking to gain, you will have to take the steps to make that happen.\u00a0 It won’t just fall into your lap.\u00a0 Very rarely does that ever happen.<\/p>\n
Make time to work in the studio, but plan to spend a good portion of your day or week marketing as well.\u00a0 Here are some ideas to get you started:<\/p>\n
Update your website<\/p>\n
Attend gallery openings<\/p>\n
Send out a press release<\/p>\n
Create a Fan Page for your art on Facebook<\/p>\n
Hand out business cards<\/p>\n
Send an email newsletter<\/p>\n
Give a talk about your art<\/p>\n
Read a marketing book!<\/p>\n
These are just a few examples.\u00a0 Think big.\u00a0 Whatever you want to accomplish with your art- do it.\u00a0 Make a list and take action.<\/p>\n
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www.AmyGuidry.com<\/a><\/p>\n Sign up for my monthly newsletter at: www.amyguidry.com\/contact.html<\/a><\/p>\n Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com\/pages\/Amy-Guidry\/51953219932<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As an artist, therefore business owner, I can tell you it takes a lot of work to do what I do.\u00a0 Which is why it is always surprising to me when people are confused by the amount of time I spend marketing my work.\u00a0 Someone once said that it must be “relaxing” and so nice … Continue reading Perceptions<\/span>