How to Make Money Selling your Art - Portraits
Portraits capture images of persons at a specific point in their lives. These images evoke memories and emotions for generations. Portrait artists typically create these works of art using photographic tools or traditional paints. Unlike other art forms, portraits offer a very personal memory and rarely sell well to traditional stock venues or image galleries. Portrait artists must travel to where the clients reside or gather to advertise their services and work with individual customers.
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Instructions
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Attend events where people gather to have a good time. These include local craft shows and markets or festivals and fairs. Those unwilling to sit for a painted portrait may provide a down payment for later delivery on images painted or sculpted based on photographs taken at the event.
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Purchase space at Artists' Alleys or Dealer Rooms at conventions. Photographers and line artists regularly work with conventions to capture portraits of attendees. Customers may individually commission works or the convention itself may sponsor the portrait artist.
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Contact local event or wedding planners. Portrait artists often find work at weddings, baby showers, and early birthday parties. Planners may recommend the artist to their clients or include the work as part of an existing package.
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Distribute business cards to bridal shops and local wedding or baby shower registries. These shops may also request that the artist carries a copy of her card to provide to potential clients as well. These joint ventures serve the interests of both groups.
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Purchase targeted advertising in local newspapers or other media. Ads appearing next to relevant notices, such as wedding columns or announcements, or in magazines with such announcements, fare much better than generalized ads.
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Tips & Warnings
Portraits made with slower art forms, such as paintings and sculpture, may still sell well. Remember to include all of the relevant contact information and offer regular updates if delivery of the portrait may take some time.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
