Last night's Art Walk was a complete BUST. Not only was it raining, the signage was dismal, and so was the venue.
God bless the organizers at 5Rivers Art Alliance, though. They have designed and printed up a wonderful brochure--far better than I ever expected. They are all super people who are quick to help their fellow artists in any way they can.
In my opinion, however, being nice is sometimes a slight detriment to success. Here's why: It may be nice to allow any kind of display setup imaginable, but looking like a cyclone hit the space you are set up in does not a public draw make.
Art displays need cohesiveness. They need uniformity to some extent--that's why only white canopies are allowed at most art fairs.
Artists need to convey a sense of confidence and wisdom about selling art or they risk putting people off. Few "lookers" will lay down real money for a poorly framed painting with a hand scrawled price tag hung on a rack with an old curtain thrown over it for a backdrop. This may sound condescending, and if it does, I'm sorry. I simply wish to point out that making an effort with your display
usually reaps rewards.
Here, though, is the POSITIVE SIDE of a failed Art Show, Art Walk, or Art Festival: There is always much to learn from many sources if you are willing to look for it. Some of the examples below might seem silly to you. But important knowledge is different for each individual, depending on the stage of life/career they find them selves in. So here is what I learned last nite:
-Never assume that members of any organization or group are more knowledgeable, or more talented, or more successful than you are.
-To find lots and lots of beautiful sea glass, comb the beaches in winter months. Who knew?
-Having a video made of your artist philosophy, work habits, and samples of your work is rather simply done and within anyone's financial grasp.
-Small, portable battery operated lighting can be f
-Lines (of buildings, poles, doorways, etc. do not have to be straight in a painting in order to have the piece work very well.
-The most valuable asset you can have as an artist is a loyal follower. Nothing else feeds your confidence more than that.
In my opinion, however, being nice is sometimes a slight detriment to success. Here's why: It may be nice to allow any kind of display setup imaginable, but looking like a cyclone hit the space you are set up in does not a public draw make.
Art displays need cohesiveness. They need uniformity to some extent--that's why only white canopies are allowed at most art fairs.
Artists need to convey a sense of confidence and wisdom about selling art or they risk putting people off. Few "lookers" will lay down real money for a poorly framed painting with a hand scrawled price tag hung on a rack with an old curtain thrown over it for a backdrop. This may sound condescending, and if it does, I'm sorry. I simply wish to point out that making an effort with your display
usually reaps rewards.
Here, though, is the POSITIVE SIDE of a failed Art Show, Art Walk, or Art Festival: There is always much to learn from many sources if you are willing to look for it. Some of the examples below might seem silly to you. But important knowledge is different for each individual, depending on the stage of life/career they find them selves in. So here is what I learned last nite:
-Never assume that members of any organization or group are more knowledgeable, or more talented, or more successful than you are.
-To find lots and lots of beautiful sea glass, comb the beaches in winter months. Who knew?
-Having a video made of your artist philosophy, work habits, and samples of your work is rather simply done and within anyone's financial grasp.
-Small, portable battery operated lighting can be f
-Lines (of buildings, poles, doorways, etc. do not have to be straight in a painting in order to have the piece work very well.
-The most valuable asset you can have as an artist is a loyal follower. Nothing else feeds your confidence more than that.
RSS Feed