Millions of people create art, but only a tiny percentage attempt to sell their works. If you want to earn money from your creations, keep going despite the many myths about how difficult it is to profit from painting, sculpting, making crafts, and similar endeavors. While the market is highly competitive, hard-working artists who focus on producing high-quality goods can make money.
First, free up as much capital as possible to finance a comprehensive advertising and marketing effort. One way to quickly reduce monthly expenses and support a promotional campaign is to refinance student loans. Develop an understanding of the local gallery scene to know what’s hot and what’s not. Current sales trends favor abstract landscape paintings and decorative sculptures. Here is a quick review of the relevant facts for anyone who wants to make money selling works of art.
Step One is to Refinance Student Loans
Making money on art is about getting your creations in front of as many eyeballs as possible. That means spending money on advertising. Sellers invest more in marketing and promotion than any other business component. Whether you sculpt, paint, draw, make crafts, or do something else doesn’t matter. No one will ever purchase your wares unless you get the word out online and in person.
The most efficient way to free up cash for the cause is to refinance student loans on which you’re still making payments. The maneuver is a simple and direct technique for chopping monthly expenses and easing financial pressure. When you transform one or more college loans into a brand-new agreement, there’s more cash available to spend on the business side of being an artist.
Local Galleries are a Good Place to Start
Online galleries serve as excellent starting points for selling, but artists must use high-resolution photos, or they stand little chance of success. The other avenue is local galleries in your city or town. Visit each one and become familiar with their specialties. Speak with owners who might be open to displaying your items on a consignment basis. Take the time to build relationships with as many in the community as possible. Getting into a few top galleries takes time, but those who persist and create a professional network can succeed. Avoid owners who ask for placement fees or unusually high consignment percentages.
Abstract Landscapes and Sculpture Sell Fastest
Even if painting and sculpture aren’t your specialties, consider producing several pieces. Experiment with acrylic landscapes on canvas that are of average size. For sculptures, try making a few pieces with clay and then cold casting them into powdered bronze. The up-front expenses are low, and you’ll gain valuable skills along the way.
What to sculpt? Begin with abstract pieces and, as you gain confidence, do one or two busts of famous people or historical figures. Check out the top online platforms to see what people are selling. That’s the fastest way to get an idea of what kinds of pieces attract the highest prices and sell briskly. Add variety to your portfolio by doing at least one large landscape painting, a miniature or two, and a geometric, decorative sculpture.
