Marketing Your Art

"How do you get started marketing art?" This is a question I frequently get asked. My advice is simply: network. Word of mouth is the key to getting your art in front of the public.

Over a year ago I was asked to join the Artist Network of North Mississippi. This is a group of mostly 2-D artists that succeed in getting their art in front of the public. Meeting one a month, the group provides ongoing art education, discusses opportunities to show and sell artwork at festivals, museums, restaurants and galleries locally and nationwide.

On a school field trip with my daughter, I visited Chimneyville Crafts Gallery located on the grounds of the Agriculture Museum in Jackson , MS . The craft pieces were attractive, of the highest quality, and beautifully displayed. I inquired as to how I might be involved with the group, submitted photos and a pottery piece to the standards committee and was "eventually" accepted, though not the first time through. This group is committed to preserving traditional craft techniques, promotes art in Mississippi, provides art education opportunities and sells guild member pieces in the two galleries. By the end of this year the guild will be housed in a new, large building near the Natchez Trace in Ridgeland , MS that will be a premier tourist destination. Though you may be reluctant to join an organization such as this, I've found it to be tremendously supportive, a place to sell my art, I am appreciated and encouraged to give educational presentations. Check to see if there is an art guild in your area and take the necessary, maybe tedious steps to become involved.

Make sure you have business cards printed with your contact information. Bio cards including an artist statement attached with your artwork is another good way to get the word out about your art. I encourage you to have an email address and website and put both on your business card, bio card, flyers, and stickers.

And here are some additional suggestions;

1. Involve yourself in your community. Get involved with your local Chamber of Commerce. Become a member. Chamber activities offer another chance at networking. Banks and corporations want art for their facilities plus by buying local, it shows that the business is interested in the community.
2. Offer a piece of your art for an auction that benefits a group of your choice.
3. Create note cards of your art to sell at local flower shops, gift shops and tourist destinations. Tourism offices are often willing to help you promote your art especially if the art is community related. For example, if you are a photographer and can take photos of historical homes in your area, local tourism offices, art galleries and museums frequently sell this type of art. Once in the hands of the consumer, your note cards for example, may end up in another part of the world. What great exposure!
4. An acquaintance of mine who did marketing for a full time living said, “What you need to do is tell the story.” He's right, tell people what you do, how you do it and invite them to watch and ask questions. Have you been to a festival or art fair and seen craftspeople demonstrating? The potter on the wheel, the wood turner, the weaver at work? There is always a crowd!