Digital Artist .. Hangings. Did You Lose It Because You Have Nothing To Hang?

Where are you trying to buy your own prints?

Yeah, it's in the experimentation of what paper will work with your printer. For example some cheap papers bought from a supplier are fine for a print from a home printer. The trick is to also have a guillotine to trim it properly after you've cut it from the roll, or torn it from the pad. Glue the result onto some hard card.

The frames I've used range from banging some old wood strips together, to actual old window frames (complete with chipped weathered paint flakes)

Everything finds a buyer eventually

Sadly, it takes money to make money

David, the only solution I can offer you is to switch to canvas and analog paint, like acrylic.

It is cheaper in cost, especially larger sizes. You could make digital scetches first to inspire yourself.

I was offered a wall in a local coffee shop/gallery for a month. Cool, but I needed over a dozen large framed photos to fill the space. I paid for good prints and bought metal frames but saved money by cutting all the mats and foam core board, getting glass at the hardware store and putting them all together. A lot of work. And guess what I have in my basement today...

OR, the other side of that coin... You manage to scrape together money to have a bunch of images printed/framed, get them in a restaurant, bar or bank...a year later, not a thing has sold. Now what to do with it all? Find another venue? Stack it all against the wall in your guest bedroom? Donate pieces to local church and school auctions? Just as discouraging as not having the money to print in the first place.

edit: Had to laugh at Jim's post above mine. We were commenting at the same time. All part of the game.

I would suggest this site.
https://fundly.com/creative-projects?page=7

Its a site where folks can help by donating funds to your art. I bet you have a huge story to tell. Whats there to lose?

This issue isn't much different for any visual artist today. With POD sites like FAA that buyers choose sizes and configurations (substrate, framing, etc) on an individual basis.

The issue becomes what's the market for OE custom work? I don't think there is one. You can't be cheaper than what they can order online because of upfront costs. It's no difference of product than what can be ordered and it's 'used'.

So first I think you have to make these different prints than your OE prints; I call them artists prints or proofs and provide COA and other artist done enhancements.

Then I'm testing art rotation services for exhibit spaces. Instead of corps being at the whim of desperate artists they can turn their exhibit area into the motivational purpose it was intended for. Art affects behavior. This way I can have at least cost recovery on custom work, and the business gets art that's helping them. Besides the delegation of scheduling, hanging and maintaining the exhibit.
-- mary ellen anderson

That has been my biggest hurdle. Being able to afford to have printed or have framed after printing. I have an art walk coming up early March. I have a few things framed. I have a photo book ordered with about thirty of my images just to have something for people to look at. Local gallery has asked me to place a few pieces on consignment. I'll see what kind of reaction I get from the art walk. Anyone want to contribute? Should I make a cardboard sign
"Starving Artist" and stand at a busy intersection.

David L.

I am not sure about the quality issues in some cases you are siting.

I know that using a good local printer is cheaper than FAA because you package you frame whatever you do it
other than print.

I think you know that. Just getting a print is not expensive. If the printer or your image is not working out
go to an image you know will work out for you and the printing service.

To save on the framing just keep it to a foam backing.

I have seen foam backed 48" prints go for $1250 and $1000 in a local gallery. The images
at those prices are somewhat common. After one month the artist had sold one large $1000
print. Half for the gallery, he had probably recouped most of his costs directly. He of course set himself
up for OTHER business.

Dave

PS about the foam backing. Many folks are going to want to decide on how they frame it for their home anyways.

No profit no mission. Words to live by.

The guys tease me from time to time that my work should be hung on all the walls of the diner
we gather in every night.

I without thinking at all about it say, "no way, I would never waste the money".

The guys stop dead in their tracks. That is a sign I am right....again....LOL

Dave

i had never had an urge to display in banks, and such. i've also never asked the waiter or banker -- is this for sale? i don't know how many patients would come in, then buy the art on the walls. it's not a place for that usually. and i don't know how many banks and all would want a price tag on it. if i were to hang any place, it would be a gallery.


---Mike Savad
MikeSavad.com

I share your pain David, Marlene is correct.

What is your point!
The list of things people can not afford to do would be endless.
If you can't afford to do the art you do then quit .