Market Your Art

As an artist I can only speak from experience, getting noticed and recognized is quite the daunting task. Taking on the life of an artist or freelancer is never easy and here are a few tips on how to get noticed.

Shake hands and kiss babies - It’s not just for politicians anymore. Being a people person is not my forte, but I have come to realize that you just never know whom you are going to meet. Networking and making contacts everywhere you go is very important. Don’t be shy, you are selling a quality product, so kissing a little ass never hurt anyone. Remember, not everyone is sincere, but that’s one more person that knows your name, right? Get out there and sell some vacuums!

Get on the Interweb - These days the world wide web isn’t just for funny videos and sexually explicit material. Artists’ communities are being formed right in your own backyard. All it takes a little research. Sites like Humblevoice and Virb are great communities dedicated to emerging artists, musicians and writers. If that’s too intimidating, then try some as simple and effective as Flikr or even Myspace. All of these are free to sign up and a great place to showcase your work, get some feedback and make friends.

Be A Winner - Quite often art and design magazines such as Communication Arts or HOW have annual competitions. Many of us know this, but always seem to forget, or are too lazy to send in the form with our slides, maybe simply unable to afford the entry fee. If that’s the case, then perhaps find a magazine that offers something similar for less. Sci-Fi book, Spectrum, or the illustration great, Society of Illustrators, are some other alternatives. If you’re like, totally digital, then try some online competitions for snowboard companies, design webzines or t-shirt makers. Get on the web; it’s not too difficult to find them. Be sure to enter early and often.

I want something I can touch! Some art directors and gallery owners don’t have time to cruise the web on their lunch break to check out your super-duper, colossal website. This when you need to beckon the creative gods, or goddesses, for some immaculate ideas. By creating a unique self-promotion piece, we give the art director a reason to stop and take a look at something that isn’t on the monitor. Whether it’s a postcard or a brick you’re your name on it, having a unique presentation is essential for stopping someone in his or her tracks.

Who you gonna call? Not the Ghostbusters, that’s for sure, so try for someone that’s not fictional. First, think about the work that you want to do, and who do you want to work for? Want to design concert posters for your favorite band? Then send your promo piece to the record label and also their bands. Want to have work in ESPN magazine? Then send your promo piece to the BOTH the art director, and their assistant. Want to be in that cool new gallery, then go down there and hand them your slides in person. They’ll remember your face, and you’ll know that they actually got your work.

Remember, ‘persistence over resistance’. Be confident and keep sending someone your work, eventually it will stick in their head and they’ll give you a shot.

Post by laura on 02/17
Around Town • Artwork • Business • Web • (0) Comments •