5/20/2012:: What to do when you’re ART is NOT selling or moving:
OK, you are super productive, your ART is amazing, and you have total confidence in yourself and your work…BUT, it’s not selling at the moment, in fact it has not moved in months now! No sales, or showing opportunities. You see it, its collecting dust, its piling up, its getting in the way of creating new work, you are stacking other things on top of it and no longer know where or what is there… Guess what? You have got yourself a GOOD problem. I know, I know, How so? First of all, you get to continue your education on resourcefulness and stretch that mind of yours. As an artist you are already a creative surge of problem solving energy! You solve complex compositional issues with space, color, scale and content, so why not transcend this faculty of yours onto the game board of your physical life? These skills do not only exist on canvas, paper, in stone, plaster or on the digital monitor, they are with in, and it is time to activate them into a new context. Follow me now, where do you begin?
First: ADMIT IT, be honest with yourself, and stop sulking, blaming someone or something, or teetering the boarder line of “giving up art.” Just know that there is a new challenge upon you. Be grateful for it, and take the challenge. Persistence wins, dedication wins, trust wins.
Make a new commitment to yourself. Create a fresh outlook and start your new mission here. “Think global but start local.”
Of course we all want the world to see our work, and who we are. This is a natural human desire manifesting itself as the infinite energy of human self-expression! This is a process, I’m not saying that you cannot hit it big over night, but keeping realistic goals help you build a new formula. You would be surprised as to how many other artists there are in your current town, weather its a big city or a small one horse town, there are many other artists just like you out there seeking to connect. Take New Action.
1. What other Artists do you like? – Artists like to promote other artists. Did you know that? If not, WHY NOT? What other artists both living and dead inspire you and your work? Make yourself a list, overtime; you will see that this list grows. Share the info with other people to find similarities and contrasts. Like attracts like.
2. Try your local phone book or search engine. Simply type into a search engine: “your town name / artist” or “your town and state / artist /artist organizations.” Find out who the locals are, what they are doing, and how you can connect with them. You would be surprised as to what kind of support they have, the festivals they put on, and who they may know to help you and your specific style of work. Artists like to meet other artists. Art enthusiasts like to meet artists and help them as well. It’s time to get social.
3. Contact your local Public Library! Most public libraries have a gallery space and or more than one area where they display the works of local artists. Call up or visit and ask who is in charge of the exhibitions. Contact this person, introduce yourself and see what opportunities and programs are available. I am certain that you will make contacts and be offered opportunities and resources.
4. Contact the local Public & Private secondary schools in your area. Ask them about the community art organizations and courses that take place as a part of the adult education programs. Again, you will make contacts and find resources. This is also good practice. As artists we need to constantly research and assert ourselves! Most high school art departments are always looking for guest artists to come in and demo or make a presentation to their students. These gigs will even pay you money for your time.
5. Contact the Local Colleges and Universities – You can contact the ART departments directly! Every art department, or college / university libraries all have gallery spaces where they display the works of their students, local, and outside artists. Ask them about the campus community art organizations and courses that take place as a part of the adult education programs. Again, you will make contacts and find resources.
6. Ask local businesses for support. You would be surprised as to how many people will say yes to help you once you ASK THEM. Once again, this practice of asking for help will pay off. Get pro active, go out there and ASK. I have witnessed several colleagues sell their works and obtain shows through local businesses that generate a lot of everyday traffic. Sometimes just having your work placed into a space or area that involves high volumes of traffic will lead to contacts and sales.
7. Collaborate with other artists. Reach out to artists who have styles that compliment your own. Approach the artist(s) with an idea or concept that will benefit and challenge all in involved. This could be in an exhibition form, or a series of works such as a limited edition of silk screen prints, collage paintings or a curating venture.
8. The INTERNET – Yes, that’s right. You can build local connections and beyond from your presence online. Where can people find your work online? Do you have a blog? Are you active on social media?
These are just a few suggestions. I will revise this post and add more information over time.
Link to the original post:: http://wp.me/p2SFO-GX
