If you search on the web, you will probably find even more useful advise, but in the end, everyone searches out and finds out what works best for them and their business. This is just a list of a few things that I have gleamed by experience and talking with people:

1. MAKE SMALLER PIECES, at an affordable price. There is marketing sense in making something small, and then people can collect more if they want.

2. KEEP PRICES AFFORDABLE for the market in which you are selling your work. I use the formula experience level + time + materials + costs related to selling (shipping and/or booth fees.) On the other hand, don’t price too low either...you may regret it if it sells. More about pricing in general later, because this is a tricky topic.

3. KEEP OVERHEAD LOW. This is really important, and I especially see young artists making big mistakes with this.

• Trade with other artists for services like photography or web design (especially works out if you are both starting out in the biz). Maybe somebody you know needs your graphic design knowledge or really wants one of your paintings in exchange?
• Avoid paying a lot for a website. Invest in “Rapidweaver” or other useful, low-cost, web design programs.
• Use Facebook if you have to, to create a gallery of your work (but don’t rely on this very long because not everyone is into Facebook and will have access to your stuff.)
• Go to manufacture and trade shows to buy discount art supplies.
• Sign up for free newsletters from art stores to find out when paint goes on sale.
• Some paint manufactures have free samples or contests for free supplies...sign up for anything that will give you a discount.
• Buy in bulk.
• Search Craiglist for people getting rid of an easel or paint.
• If you can, make your own stretcher bars.
• Canvas for paint is CHEAPER if you buy it in the fabric section of Hobby Lobby, rather than the arts section. Be aware that some items can be purchased cheaper in other areas and are marketed up for artists, while keeping the quality, while other items (like paint) differ in quality by cost. For example, the quality of the canvas is the same but paint is more expensive as more pigment is added to the medium. The higher cost of the paint = more pigment = brighter colors = less paint to use.
• If you need postcards, consider VISTAPRINT. You get 100 free, and you only pay for shipping + uploading a design. They also have inexpensive business cards, which are a MUST for anyone!

4. NETWORK. It is just plain easier mentally to have friends that are pursuing similar goals. Not only will friends help pep you up with failures, or give you tips on an art gallery, they may also remind you to have some fun!

5. FIND LOW COST AVENUES FOR EXHIBITS. People will try to talk you into things, so beware! My father, who spent many years selling my mother’s art, always told me that if you are thinking about doing a show, visit it first. Then you will know if it brings in people and if those people are buying. Carefully examine the content of the show and if your work would fit in. If it is an antique show and you sell duck sculptures, DON’T DO IT!

If you are just starting out, don’t spend a great amount of money on shows unless you know something about it first. That is a long-term investment in your business, and you don’t want to just spend money without a return.

Other ideas for exhibits:

• Be a member of a local arts coalition. This will most likely give you networking and exhibiting experience.
• Prepare your art to present, professionally, to art galleries. A GOOD GALLERY WILL TAKE COMMISSIONS FROM YOUR SOLD WORK AND NOT ASK FOR MONEY UP FRONT.
• Beware of scams.
• Beware of what you see on Craiglist.
• There is nothing wrong with having your art hang in a restaurant or bar. Many do not ask for for a percentage of the profits.
• Brainstorm different places that might be interested in your art: would it fit with a community center? Local birding store? Bookstore?
• Join national art organizations. This can be more expensive, but some offer artist directories or “call for artists” newsletters, that can be an added benefit.

Good luck! If anyone has any success with any of the things I have listed, I’d love to hear your story! Please write me or post your experience below!