How to Navigate the Business of Art and Find Your Path to Success?
The Three Types of Artists: Which One Are You?
As someone who has had the privilege of working alongside talented artists for many years, I've come to a realization: when it comes to the business of art, there are three distinct types of artists. Each one has their own approach, their own quirks, and their own unique path to success. So, let's delve into this fascinating world together, shall we?
The Traditional Artist: Navigating the Gallery Scene
Ah, the traditional artist—the one who finds solace in the cozy confines of galleries. These artists cherish the opportunity to collaborate with established art galleries, but they may feel uneasy when it comes to selling their work independently. Without gallery representation, they often find themselves relying heavily on the marketing prowess of these galleries. It's a classic approach that has its merits, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
The Independent Artist: Forging Your Own Path
On the opposite end of the spectr...
Should I? You Must! Pricing Your Art in a Global Market.
By Drew Harris
If there is one piece of advice I can offer, is to remove the word “should” from our vocabulary as artists, particularly when it comes to valuating our work, past, present and future.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Balance
Far too often, I hear artists lamenting on the fact their work is under-valuated, or in some cases, over-valuated and not selling. Finding a perfect balance is never easy as it is often dependent on market indicators such as regional, national or international economics, and often, dare I suggest, it’s based on trends in the market, so if you are not trending, it doesn’t mean you “should or shouldn’t” charge more or less, but remain consistent as trends tend to be cyclical and less stable. Your pricing however, must remain stable, growing as you grow as an artist.
Maintaining Stability in a Fluctuating Market
As the art buying market fluctuates, our work, even when correctly valuated may seem as though no one is interested, or perhaps everyon...