Is there actually a market out there for individual, original drawings? Is there a folk art enthusiast crowd out there that actually purchases work from amateur artists--in my case, it would be drawings, as I don't paint--from places such as eBay and the like?
A former teacher of mine--an art teacher, as well--saw my drawings and gave me high praise for their originality, although the fact that I have not been properly trained is very evident. I'm not very good at orthodox technique and I find perspective very difficult to learn and utilize (personally.)
She suggested that eBay would be a good idea if I wanted to sell my "work." Well, back to the original question. Anyone know anything about this?
Is there actually a market out there for individual, original drawings? Is there a folk art enthusiast crowd out there that actually purchases work from amateur artists--in my case, it would be drawings, as I don't paint--from places such as eBay and the like?
A former teacher of mine--an art teacher, as well--saw my drawings and gave me high praise for their originality, although the fact that I have not been properly trained is very evident. I'm not very good at orthodox technique and I find perspective very difficult to learn and utilize (personally.)
She suggested that eBay would be a good idea if I wanted to sell my "work." Well, back to the original question. Anyone know anything about this?
Depends on the style. The best way to guarantee sales is to design pieces to fit in with interior design plans - simple colour schemes & designs to match pieces of furniture, etc.
If you like more unique pieces, the other option is to do a lot of different pieces, hire a small hall and have a gallery showing - have a coin donation entry at the door to cover costs, and have the pieces for sale right there.
Just some thoughts.
If you really want to sell some art, the best way that I've noticed is to paint your landscape, imparticularly if you live near a tourist area...
Tourists love to have, "that original drawing of the beach umbrella and the sand from that local artist".
It gives them something to show off at thier dinner parties back home.
Ebay is a possibility too, but harder to get people to buy... though there is limited overhead and you could keep selling the same painting/drawing until it sells, a definite plus.
You could also get into a local co-op gallery. My sister was in one until she moved... There you pay a certain fee to be a member and then you can hang your work and have shows... Membership for the one she was in was invite-only, but I'm sure you could email some images to similar places in your town/city. It might be a good way to meet like-minded people as well.
That's a shame, I don't do the interior design stuff and I don't paint. I believe I said I'm an idiosyncratic, unique artist... not a versatile one, by any measure.
I was going by the assumption that eBay/online might be a good way to show my material; maybe it isn't?
Maybe I should just give up. *sigh*
That's a shame, I don't do the interior design stuff and I don't paint. I believe I said I'm an idiosyncratic, unique artist... not a versatile one, by any measure.
I was going by the assumption that eBay/online might be a good way to show my material; maybe it isn't?
Maybe I should just give up. *sigh*
EBay you'll probably get a bit of interest with, but nothing too substantial. If you set up your own online site, I think you'll have a bit more success. Being on this site gives you a bit of an advantage, too - lots of people to spread the word... *grins*
I still think your best bet would be to organise a gallery showing. If you don't feel confident enough to set this up yourself, perhaps you could ask someone to act as a "manager" - offer them 10% or so of sales.
I ditto the gallery showings.
A website is a good way to get going as well... but it is only a tool. I can tell you first hand that you can have a portfolio and still not get anything from it.
It still takes marketing and that happy-happy selling yourself thing that I'm not so good at either.
Oh- you could try contacting an artist agent. An artist/illustrator friend has one... Though you'll have to have some sort of portfolio to send. Something to get started on while you prepare to send the email.
I don't know what kind of drawings you do but there's a huge low-brow art scene out there... sadly I no longer live in a city with ample amounts of artistic individuals, but in Denver there was always neat art...
Thanks for the suggestions Sarah... hopefully you will allow me to tap your knowledge of art (as I know this is your interest) when and if the need arises? I know you are busy, though, so I wouldn't expect anything too involved.
Yea right! Never too busy for a friend. You know that.
This project will (dear god hopefully) be over as soon as the sun rises... okay, maybe sunset on the next.
Should give you enough time to get things together?