Saturday, November 9, 2013

To Sell or Not to Sell?

I'll admit it - I'm a little afraid to try selling my art. I go back and forth about it, toying with the idea, dabbling in it a bit, but not wholeheartedly trying to sell. The business side of it terrifies me -- I'm just not that interested in numbers -- surprise, surprise -- as I'm sure many artists feel. I have sold a few pieces here and there, more by accident than by clear intention on my part. It's scary to put yourself out there! So today, I've taken one small step in that direction. I've listed some of my work at Society6. I'll be updating my profile there and hopefully adding more work soon. It's a cool site, very easy to use.

I'd like to sell originals of my work, but that also terrifies me. There is so much to learn about the matting and framing side of it, not to mention figuring out where to sell and how to price my work. I guess I am easily overwhelmed. And, like most artists, I'd much rather be happily creating and not bothering my mind with the pesky details of business.

Do you sell your work? How did you get started? What has been the best part of this process for you? Any advice to the inexperienced seller?


4 comments:

  1. I would find a bricks and mortar gallery to sell in or a local business to let you hang you art up in. Or, etsy if you really want to sell online. Personally, I like to trade, donate, or gift my art with people. Too much of a pain in the arse to sell. I found it becomes almost a full time job to really get yourself out there and sell. If you really want to sell I would say get yourself anywhere you can get your face and your artwork seen - festivals for example. People love to meet the artist. Offer to ship. Get that square.com thing for your smartphone so people can use their credit cards. I hope this helps.

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  2. Go for it! At least you can earn some money to buy new art supplies! I sell everywhere I can: Zazzle, Etsy, Society6, etc. It's tons of work to promote yourself but if you're diligent, it can be done. Lots of people make their living this way and if they can do it, why not you? I don't make tons of money (most through Zazzle) but it's fun and it's a good feeling when someone purchases something you've made. It's affirming.

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  3. It was the hardest thing for me to do - open up my etsy store + and it took a long while for me to actually list anything. It took a while to sell something, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight, but I get the biggest high selling something. (especially because my etsy alert makes a ka-ching noise!!) Best of luck x

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  4. I've sold over 1000 original pieces over the years. How did I get started? People liked my work, and asked if it was for sale. I needed money for my art supply addiction. I said sure, it's for sale!! :D

    The best part of the process is knowing a little piece of me is in homes all over the world. That makes me smile.

    Go for it! My advice is have fun!! I think artists tend to take themselves too seriously, and forget to enjoy the process.

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