About six weeks ago I went with my friend Lily to Jackson, MS to drop off some of her watercolor paintings at a gallery in Fondren. Lily is a very talented artist who paints portraits and animals using watercolors. As we were driving back, Lily and I discussed the challenges of making art, finding venues to sell it, and finding a niche market.
Shortly after that trip, we began a creative journey. Like most things, it's been a learning experience for me!
I'd like to share some things I've learned!
Make the most of social media, like Facebook. I got a free e-book from Amazon. It's written for publishers, however the principles are applicable to independent artists. "Social Media Marketing for Publishers" by Liz Murray is available for download
First, find a niche market. Lily's experience at the gallery showed me that you need to find the right venue to reach the right folks. The gallery in Fondren wasn't ideal for a number of reasons. The ladies at Magnolias and Sassafras are WONDERFUL! They asked for pencil drawings (from me) because they wanted to feature a variety of mediums. This is a deciding factor in my subject choice. The niche market of M & S is things made in Mississippi. Lily has watercolor pictures on display. For both of us, this gallery is a good fit!
The second thing I've been working on is a Facebook page for my artwork. (I titled it Abigail Farmer Artwork.) I uploaded photos of my artwork. Admittedly, it would be better to scan and upload them. Also, some of my photos of framed pictures are crooked and there's reflection off the glass. I invited my friends and family members to "like" my page. I joined the group Mississippi Artists to connect with similar folks. Finally, I offered a set of note cards in a drawing for people from Mississippi Artists who "liked" my page.
I set up a free online gallery at FoundMyself.com. I'm still learning about this interactive artists website!
Marketing. This is a hard one for me because I'm not a natural salesperson. I'm an introvert. And I'm sensitive. Knowing this about myself - that putting myself out there is out my comfort zone - has been important! Artists, musicians and other creative types will appreciate this. It takes a great deal of courage to put something so intimate as your artwork (or music, or stories) on display for others to criticize. Because, no matter what others say, it's personal. I know that I have more confidence in myself now than I did as an undergraduate art student. I know that the things I create are my best and I'm always challenging myself. My value as an artist is from know I've exceeded my own expectations, but this has to be balanced with a bit of humility and the ability to filter input from others. I place a lot more value on input from others who understand the creative process. Finding the right venue with friendly and helpful ladies was so important for me and my personality.
Subject matter. What do people in your niche market want? What are they buying? This is another careful balancing act. I have asked my Choctaw friends what they like. The answers are different from what my White friends like. Asking and listening gives great insight. This way you can choose subject matter to meet the market need.
Do you criticize your audience because they're not responding? Be careful here - not everyone is going to like your stuff. Not everyone understands the ups and downs of the creative process. Offer people grace. Be mature enough to move on if folks aren't interested. As Lily says, "There's a chair for every behind." There's folks there who will understand your work and appreciate it. There's a place where you'll find a natural fit. Be encouraged and persevere!
Next steps?
I'm making sure to respond to requests, questions and comments in a timely manner. I make sure to follow-up quickly with commissions.
I'll be sharing more in the future about this process. Thanks for your support!
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