I learned a lot Saturday April 4, 2015; also known as Art Crawl here in Nashville, Tennessee. For those of you who may not be from around here, Art Crawl is the first Saturday of every month where all the galleries in Nashville open for a special set of hours. There are vendors, wine, live music, and a plethora of unique local art of every kind. If you live in a major city that hasn’t started this movement, maybe you can spread the word.
On to the many things I was taught by the other local artists; along with what I gained through my own short comings.
1. When you finish a piece, no matter your media, decide how you are going to display it and take all measures to make it ready to show.
2. Choosing the art to show is very important. There are many things an artist must consider.
a. The venue of choice; certain galleries have focuses on different subjects as well as different Medias. Regulars will go to the same galleries that have already satisfied their tastes.
b. Another idea to embrace is how cohesive or independent the works are to each other. For instance, you have a series of works on the same subject, has it sold well before; if not try to add more independent works to insure you utilize the space to get attention from a larger viewer group. The more attention the more likely you are to make a sale.
c. Price is a big lump to swallow at your first showing. As a starving artist, someone with no other income (if that), I can tell you I would very much enjoy a world where an artist can expect at least minimum wage for hours spent plus supplies. Unfortunately, as I found out and as warned that is not a typical even once you have made a considerable following. Offering a special gets a lot of attention, but be wary of underselling your work.
3. If at all possible make a painting able to hang without a frame. Frames are an expensive add on from your pocket, additionally most people are very picky about the kind of frames they have in their homes. The easiest and sale attracting way is to finish the edges of your canvases. Great sales pitch!
4. Hanging/placing your art in a visually attractive fashion can draw a buyers attention as well as naturally move their eye throughout the body of your work, hopefully allowing them to find the one that’s fits them.
5. Make sure you have plenty of business cards with accurate information on your contact information; an etsy shop is a cheap way to get sales after the show, just make sure you list it as a possible pick up delivery system.
6. Titling your work creatively is a nifty way to get viewers talking about your work to those that came with them. It is also a great conversation starter.
7. As a not so social human this next part is difficult for me; I admit to failing at it completely at this show. Talk to those that linger about your work: the process, the subject and even your theories, as long as you do not begin to ramble.