Sell Art

So you want to become an Artist? In the beginning there are in my humble opinion a few basic principles I have found adhere to any Artist's journey. It can be very overwhelming for you with questions and choices, such as; mediums, subjects, niches of various artwork, selling, and marketing! Will you be good enough? Will people buy your artwork? Where do I start? That many questions in it are enough to scare many away from the notion of ever attempting to begin an art career.

Foundation! Decide your direction and follow your passion. There are as many mediums, niches and variety of artwork as there are stars in the night sky. Canvas, murals, wood working, glass, jewelry? Oils, acrylics, watercolor, it is endless of what can be used or combined. Do not always heed those that say, "You cannot do that". The best things I have come across in my art are the things I was told could not be done and stumbled upon by just trying something new, that is CAN be done.

What are YOU drawn to? Where do YOUR interests lay? I say this because you cannot guess what other people want to buy or what might sell at any one time. Oh, yes I fell into this trap briefly, but found I was not happy with what I was creating and it showed in my work. GO TO ART SHOWS! Small ones are the best to see new things or gather ideas. The large established ones tend to have the "same old same old" and are over whelming. LOOK AT ONLINE GALLERIES. There is such a glorious, mind boggling array of art and artists all free to browse. Make notes of what you like and are drawn to, of what you might want to try. When you have a direction, GO FOR IT! Do not worry about staying with it; remember you are experimenting to find your direction. Baby steps make better steps. And your passion, your drive, your interests will evolve! Work on one OR several mediums at a time. NO ONE LIMITS YOU BUT YOURSELF!

You do NOT have to invest in expensive brushes, paints, canvas, just wing it. I do still and have for almost 25 years now. Have an area where you can keep what you are working on available to you at all times, not a large area, anything will do. A reminder when the urge hits to work at your art. Try to establish a discipline of a time slot that works for you to devout to your art. Get some paper and a note book to keep notes in and sketches when the idea's bubble up in your mind. Try used online used book stores and establish a reference library. Books with pictures that would cost you a small fortune can be found for pennies. BE KIND TO YOURSELF! The more you practice at anything the better you will become. ALLOW yourself to evolve, experiment and do not be critical of your work. You will find others will do that for you. REMEMBER! Rome was not designed OR built in a day! Take pictures of your work to see in time how far you have come in your evolvement. I am still amazed at what my first pieces look like so when I become frustrated I can remind myself with them. Start looking for local art shows in your area, fees and requirements. A great start to begin showing and selling your artwork. And do NOT forget the internet is a great place for sales also.