Art Reps - Pros & Cons - Sage Advice

Where I'm nowhere near ready for such a thing, I have been pondering how representation would work when the time comes.
The fact that you've managed to survive as a freelance artist is very impressive.
Congrats and good luck to you.

Joe Burgess
J.B. Imagery

Joe,

Thanks for your kind words. Some artists are extremely successful. I manage to get by, but it can be challenging. I am always looking to improve the quality of my work as an artist and to sharpen my marketing skills. These forums can be invaluable in providing an opportunity to gain wisdom and insights from other artists.

I've had an agent for over 50 years. First the mother and now the daughter handles my work. Only originals. The commission is hefty, but I wouldn't want it any other way. They are fantastic.

Have you thought about licensing your work? There are many companies online where you can submit your work for approval.

Monsieur Dani,

That sounds like a lovely and mutually fruitful arrangement. I will work toward creating that type of business relationship for myself. Thank you for your response.

Jessica,

I have thought of that, but haven't fully explored the licensing options. What you suggest sounds perfect. Thank you so much for your reply.

Art reps were the only way to get your work out there at one point in time, but they don't hold all the cards anymore. With this new digital age of technology you mostly won't need them anymore.

You also need to figure out other ways to market yourself instead of the same way everyone else does on all these sites. Their are endless things you can do related to your art than the same ole same ole everyone else tells you to do.

If your art is good enough, and if you get the following your art will sell itself. Its learning how to get that following that is most important.

Frank...don't move! You are in one of those locations where there is steady visitor traffic and your work is very Venice......so realize that you are going to be the best person to sell your work.....art sells way better when someone can watch you paint, visit your studio, interact with the artist ( a little snob appeal) At most, you might need someone to greet guests and talk you up while you are spending your days painting
SO>>>>>that said, open your studio to the public and have at it.

"I'm seriously considering hiring an art rep to work strictly on commission basis (I assume). But Who? And How? And Why?"


Might want to check this out.

Find a Gallery or Artist Agent or Representative to Sell Your Art or Maybe Sell it Yourself
http://www.artbusiness.com/sellmyart.html

When you limit selling your work to your only your efforts, that is exactly what you are doing, limiting selling your work. That would including limiting you outlets to you own gallery no matter how much traffic you have.

For an artist that want's to spend his time making art and not selling it, a rep or an agent is still an excellent want to go.

"You Can't Sell Your Art Until You Learn How to Sell It"

http://www.artbusiness.com/consultpurp.html

Kevin,

I agree that cyberspace has been a HUGE game changer in every field, including art. Here we are, using it to interact and expand our creative possibilities. :-)

Being innovative in reaching potential clients and collectors is also a valuable insight. Of course, it all begins and ends with having god art that people resonate with.

Thanks for your thoughtful and helpful response.

Marlene,

It's funny, that at the same time the internet offers us an ability to connect worldwide (as you and I are doing right now), there is still no substitute for the intimacy of local face-to-face connection in conducting business or selling art.

Yes, "Home is where the art is!" ;-) Venice Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in California. I recently used a combination of both the internet and local appeal to get studio visitors and sell some prints and one original. I created a "May Day Studio Spring Cleaning Sale" sale on my Facebook page. A few people purchased work online. Friday and Saturday I had studio visitors. One purchased two prints, which I hand-delivered and hung. Another commissioned an enhanced giclee as a wedding gift. Another is stopping by today (Sunday) to purchase at least one print.

I will continue to interact on my Facebook page, continue my creative cyber marketing efforts, but also "think globally & act locally." I will create flyers to distribute around the hood and do some old-fashioned marketing.

Thanks so much for yur thoughtful and enthusiastic response. :-)

Floyd,

Thank you for your informed responses. I will definitely look into the articles you linked and continue to conduct research online through the various resources which offer invaluable information. I enjoy visiting this site, participating in the groups and invariably gaining wisdom from the intelligent interchange among creative people. :)