Skip to main content

Questions and Answers

By March 21, 2013October 30th, 2017Blog, Questions from students

Painting is my all consuming passion and can completely take over my life. It can be both exhilarating and deeply scary and it is so lovely to hear from people who appreciate what I am trying to create. For example, yesterday I received this from a former student and it made my day!!

“Since leaving art school, I have taken a different career path, and whilst I enjoy my job I wanted to tell you how much I admire your courage and passion to have become a such a successful full time artist.  For me your work is like a mixture of sea, sky, stone, and plant life but somehow you always convey your passion for what you do and I find your work incredibly positive and uplifting, yet remaining quietly beautiful.”

I also get a lot of students and artists asking for advice so I have come up with some suggestions which I hope will be helpful:

  • You need a website. This is where you showcase your work, it’s your gallery space so it needs to look professional with fast loading images of exceptional quality. Include a regular blog. This is one of the best ways for your art to be found by search engines and provides content for social media.
  • Social Media Networking is a great way to spread the word about your art. Start with Twitter and then move on to Facebook and Pinterest.
  • Create ebooks of your work. I use Blurb
  • Exhibit your work in local businesses. You get to sell your work and they have something to hang on their walls. Win-win.  Ask hotels, restaurants, bars, beauty salons but make sure they are establishments that suit your style. Clearly label your work with the price, your name and  your website.
  • Get business cards made up with different images of your work. Make sure you include your social media networks
  • Lend your work to influential people who could promote your work.
  • Use good quality materials
  • If you are interested in exhibiting your work at an Art Fair visit first then apply the year after. Do your research, speak to people who have been and artists who have been involved.
  • Sell yourself with your art. Always be polite and on time.
  • Be true to yourself, keep your integrity and make art that you love not that you think will sell
  • Always keep records of your sales, and start to build a database of potential clients. It might sound obvious but you would be amazed how easy it is to forget these things! I use mailchimp.

For more Questions and Answers on another blogpost please click here

I would be happy to add to this list so please do let me know if you have any other questions.

FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Join the discussion One Comment

  • Jane Sartain says:

    Hi Jessica I am in the throws of creating my website for jewellery and my paintings. I saw your beautiful paintings through Pinterest .i am always creating with colour like you.my paintings are of similar texture you create . So it is lovely to see your work through Facebook many thanks for sharing your idears have a great day Jane Sartain