The Survival of the Artists
by The current recession has negatively affected us all, but it may be a blessing in disguise. Now is the time to consider things in your life that you never had time for before. Maybe you had a skill or interest when you were younger that you never had the opportunity to pursue. Here’s your chance.
I also used to buy feathers off Ebay for my paintings, but prices, combined with shipping costs, were too much for me to handle. Instead, I posted a wanted ad in craigslist, asking any turkey or waterfowl hunters if they had any feathers they’d be willing to part with. I offered to pay for the feathers or, if they preferred, I would create a custom painting for them in exchange. The response was overwhelming and, though I didn’t make anything off of my paintings, I didn’t pay anything for the feathers. Not only that, I got free advertising. Those who received free paintings (and a business card) showed their friends and family or gave them as gifts, allowing me to easily (and inexpensively) increase my customer base. It took a little bit of work, but it was well worth it. Trades work especially well these days. Just because people don’t have the dispensible income they used to have, doesn’t mean that they aren’t still willing to give something up in exchange for something new.
Another thing you can do (that may create a temporary financial setback) is to give your work as gifts. People always appreciate unique, personalized gifts and, if you’re planning on spending money on a gift anyway, you might as well spend it on the supplies to create something special. This way you also get free exposure as that person shows it to friends and family. You can also participate in charity auctions. You won’t receive compensation for that piece of work, but it’ll get a ton of exposure, your name will get out there, and you’ll raise money for a good cause (and sometimes that’s better than personal profit, don’t you think?)
5. Persistence. The last thing I can tell you is never give up. You may face many challenges and setbacks while not seeing much profit, but have patience. The art business is unlike any other business. It requires a lot of the same elements, but any artist will tell you that it’s not all about the profit. Make sure that you always derive a bit of personal pleasure from your art. If you make money at it, that’s the ideal situation, but never lose sight of what’s important.
Anything worth having is worth fighting for.
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Post Commentclay hurtubise
On April 10, 2009 at 8:55 am
All good advice. I’ll keep it in mind as I launch my new publishing company!
Thanks,
Clay
skylite
On May 1, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Some good advice !
Penn Pensill
On January 24, 2011 at 3:05 pm
I love this article! I’ll be saving this link, you really re-shaped the way go about promoting myself. Though it might be a while before I get to put these steps to use, I won’t soon forget this info! Thank you so much!
adamboustead
On February 4, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Haven’t yet had time to read it all yet I am very sory. Will find time to read the rest. But what I have read I realy like it.
Iramble
On July 12, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Interesting.
faidzinn
On November 19, 2011 at 2:36 am
Hey I have added you as a friend and I hope you will do the same. I will read your articles and comment on them, I hope you will do the same in return as Triond success is determined by support from fellow writers.
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