Tips from the Studio.

 When I started painting dogs I rented booth space at major dog shows to promote my work.  I wasn’t even selling anything.  I just wanted the exposure.  For that purpose it was great.  I learned a tremendous amount about dogs and the feedback that I got from visitors was invaluable.  But there is one comment that has always remained in my mind and I go back to it whenever things get tough.  After visiting my booth and touring the pieces that I had on display, a gentleman turned to me and said, “Do you have any idea how lucky you are?”  If you are born with an artistic gift, use it.  It is something rare and special.  It really is a gift.

Making it in the art world is tough…very tough.   There are a couple very simple things that artists can do that will greatly enhance their chances of getting into a good gallery.  If I can give someone else a hand up I will. 

#1 Presentation is everything.  Your art won’t sell itself.   You have to sell it.  These days the first step in presentation is to have a web page.  That’s just the way it is.  End of story.

 If you can’t afford to build a website than simply go to WordPress.com or another blog building site and set up a blog page. 

To get your images onto your blog all you need is a basic digital camera and a computer.  Really, the camera doesn’t have to be anything special for this purpose. To photograph your art, choose a calm sunny day, lay the art on two big white sheets of paper or foam core, stand right on top of it and shoot it at the highest resolution that you can, straight down.  It’s not Joe Pro but you can get good enough photos to post on your blog.  If the art is too big to stand over,  put it vertically against a white wall outside and shoot.  Crop the image carefully in your photo editing program.  Adjust the brightness and dark and light but don’t mess with the image.  Make sure you represent it as it really is.  Again, it’s not as good as having it done professionally but it gets it out in the world and that’s what you want.  Keep your text on message. about your art, not about your personal life.  Check your spelling.  Take the time to write well.

Start your blog.  The blog not only presents what you can do as an artist but it shows continuity, organization, dedication and communication skills.  These are all things that gallerys look for.  Your blog page address becomes your web address… and it’s free.  So…blog on!!

Step #2 later.

NH

Four Collies