GETTING TRACTION IN THE ART MARKET

Getting traction in the art market (A Blog by Mike Barr)

With more and more artists entering the art market it is getting harder than ever to sell. Having said that, there is a core group of artists that just can't stop selling. So what is their secret?

Firstly, it is important to understand that selling art is not always about the art itself. There are other things at play, and not least of which is reputation.

Reputation is built over years, and artists that can achieve this are well on their way. Selling art is also about the artist and getting known as an artist, it is just as important as the work.

Gaining a reputation also entails getting known for what you paint. It may sound uncomfortable to us, but those who sell the most are likely to paint different versions of the same theme. Recognition of your art by sight is a giant leap.

Having your work recognised as one of yours is pretty much like branding in the advertising world. If Coca Cola had changed their logo every few years, it probably would have disappeared long ago.

I know the repetition thing can sound unpalatable, but it doesn't mean we have to do just one thing forever. Get known for one particular theme - become an expert at it and own it.

Repetition of theme has been a selling strategy for many artists, and is worth our while to consider it. It will never stop us from painting other things too, but our focus will be on one particular theme, and that will slowly evolve without losing our followers.

Concentrating on a particular subject or theme will have the benefit of become proficient at it too. It means our skills will increase and will become apparent as we paint other subjects. There is nothing like repetition to improve the learning process.

The art world is full of clutter, and it takes a bit of focus, effort, and patience, by artists to get noticed.

Happy painting.