by Carolyn Edlund
The easiest and best place to sell your work might be near your home. Use these tips to meet local business people, contacts and collectors.
Sell more of your art at local fairs and festivals.
Sell your work at fairs and festivals in your area.
There is no better way to interact with people and see their response to your art than exhibiting at in-person events. Evaluate local opportunities and select those which fit your work and attract your target customers. Art Fair Insiders is a free online resource that reviews shows, and can help you with this task.
Once you have compiled a list of the most suitable events, put together your best application and submit it with excellent photos of your art or craft. Then, prepare for art shows by focusing on putting together a great booth display and get ready to greet the local public.
Reach out to local businesses directly.
Shows and galleries are not the only places where artists can sell. Alternative venues provide more ways to gain exposure for your work. Banks, coffee shops, libraries and theaters are places where art can be displayed. Make a point to meet business owners and speak with them about showing your art. When you get some interest,consider suggesting an informal opening. Send out invitations and announce on social media to draw customers through their doors for both of you.
Have an open studio.
Bring local shoppers right to your own creative space by participating in an open studio or art walk event. This helps you build a collector base and attract locals who are proven to have an interest in art, which is a very powerful thing. Gather email addresses and mailing addresses to grow your list. Then, keep invitations going out to these interested parties for future sales.
Join an art community.
Not only does an art council, group or salon provide resources and assistance, you can make some very good friends at this type of event. You can also learn about local exhibition opportunities, fairs and festivals, or a co-op gallery that will help sell your work.
Join a business networking group.
These popular groups are where business people meet each other for the purpose of furthering their own businesses, as well as giving referrals to others. Do you want to meet local interior designers who are looking for artists like you? Or perhaps a realtor who may be able to bring you in on a home staging project with your art? This is a great way to come to know all types of people who have their own networks of contacts.
Some of them might know others who are a perfect match for your creative business. You should be willing to pay it forward and recommend resources and give referrals as well, which is the essence of networking.
Get some local press.
Writers and reporters always need material for stories, and artists are interesting people! Put together great photos of your work, and a compelling story for their readers. You can reach out to press members and bloggers through email, social media, or better yet through a mutual local connection.
Once you have received interest about a story, prepare yourself and your materials to give a great interview. And after you have gotten press exposure, stay in touch with the reporter. If they know you as an expert who has fascinating things to say, they will likely use you again in their writing.
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