Note: This article is a continuation of How to Promote Your Paintings.
Now that you know what networking is and how to make a portfolio it is time to start spreading the word about your art.
Business Cards
Before you say, "Duh, having business cards is a no brainer!" there are some things you should know.
First, you should have cards that stand out and attract attention. The best way to do this is by using an image of your art on the card. A good place to get affordable, professional business cards is vistaprint.com. (In fact, you can get all kinds of nice promotional items for your art at this website. Many creative professionals use Vista Print.)
Don’t forget to put your online portfolio address and email addresses on the cards. This way people not only have that nice image of your painting on the card, they also have a way to look at more and contact you.
Once you have your cards, use them!
- Whenever you mention being an artist, slip that person a card.
- Whenever you sell a piece, give the buyer a card.
- Leave a card with your tip.
- Put a card in the frame of all your works so that others will know who created it.
- Give several cards to family and friends so they can give them out to people they know.
Net Networking
Networking is easy when you do it on the internet. Here are some quick ways to start:
- Make your email signature your name and link to your portfolio like this:
Joe Shmo, Artist
- Join business forums and groups on the web. Meet others there, ask questions, and make friends. Remember to make your post signature like your email’s.
- Join artist’s groups and learn where you can advertise your art, find artist job boards, and more.
- Write! Write articles about how you create your art, or just art in general. Post them on a blog or free article service along with your bio and a link to your portfolio.
Shows and Contests
Probably the easiest way to get your art seen by the most people locally is by entering an art show or competition. Your town, no matter how small, should have some kind of art show, craft show, or art contest every year for local artists. To find out about them contact your chamber of commerce. Don’t stop there though. Find out about all the nearby towns’ events as well.
Most of these are free to enter or require a small entry fee. Besides winning money for best of show, most events allow browsers to buy the art they like (though you can usually opt out of selling a piece). The show or contest usually will take a small cut of the profits you make by selling a piece.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get your work seen by those who want good art. It takes persistence, but you can succeed.
