How to Make Money Selling Your Art Locally

Most artists are not so well-known as to be able to rely on a steady stream of customers — or patrons — to seek out them and their works. Those who hope to make a living by selling their artwork must instead be proactive marketers. What follows is a list of many possible outlets to which artists might turn in hope of finding buyers.

Instructions

1. Contact all of the interior decorators in your community and surrounding areas. Inform them that you are available to make custom pieces for their clients at reasonable prices. Offer prices that are competitive with those asked by other artists in your area.

2. Offer to make pieces that complement some of the most popular furniture groupings in local furniture stores. Provide the pieces on a consignment basis. Allow them to offer customized pieces by providing them with a portfolio to display to their customers.

3. Place your work in model homes. Many builders and developers provide a display model for potential buyers, and they must stage such models with furniture and artwork. Offer to provide in each of their units art that may be purchased with the home or separately.

4. Make contractors who provide painting services aware of your interest in producing murals for homes or offices. Offer to pay a finder's fee for each sale, or allow the contractor to bid the project and pay you directly.

5. Seek relationships with retail stores. Even stores that do not focus on home decor could be a possible outlet if they will use your art to make their establishments more attractive. Ask them to display your contact information so their customers may purchase similar art.

Tips & Warnings

• When selling on consignment, make sure to have a contract covering all legal aspects. You may want to consult with an attorney for advice on all the issues that need to be addressed.

References

• "How To Make A Living As An Artist"; Colin Ruffell