Lately, there has been much discussion on the Fine Art America forum about the pros and cons of having a Facebook presence to promote artwork. Some people are opposed to it, considering it to be a fruitless waste of time and they worry about privacy. Personally, I disagree with the opinion. I think artists must promote their artwork in all ways that are available to them. The internet and social networks in particular provide a vehicle not otherwise possible to talk about art, network with artists, collectors and reach a very wide audience.
I enjoy Facebook although I do know there are many privacy concerns. I don't let it get me down. I've made lots of friends and contacts on Facebook. It's a great place to learn about art related opportunities and meet like minded people. We get what we put into it. As for privacy, I believe it's good to exercise prudence on what is shared and the pursued activities online. There is no privacy on the internet. Everyone has to know it and if they don't they should be aware. I tell my kids this all the time. When it comes to the internet, nothing is scared. We have to take precautions to safeguard passwords and basicially not do much of anything you think someone will raise an eyebrow or pass judgement. Of course, that doesn't stop some people from doing unscruplous things.
I've created a space for my art on Fine Art America. They offer varied printing options for art including reproducing work on canvas. My work is offered via FAA on high quality prints in formats I'm unable to reproduce from my studio. One of my recent pieces is "Sculpted". I created the art by first making a pencil drawing on Bristol. I captured an image of it and digitially enhanced it in Corel Paintshop. I like the mixed media effect I achieved using the tool.Every now and then, I'll digitally manipulate a piece of my art. It's interesting to see the different effects that can be achieved. All digital work is collected in print form. Using a resource like FAA makes these print offerings a breeze. Art collectors will enjoy the reasonable prices.
Do you have a favorite place to sell and/or purchase artwork? Please do share it here. If you have an opinion about social networks or a favorite page or artist you want to share, leave your comment on this blog.
www.OffTheCuffArt.com
www.BarbaraGiordanoArt.Etsy.com
www.SunfluersJewelryDesigns.com
www.Zazzle.com/Sunfluer
http://SunfluerDesigns.Imagekind.com
Hi Barbara, I came over from the collage groups at yahoo. I am also from The Hudson Valley- Wappingers! My best buddy lives in Dover Plains. Small world with the internet, huh? Anyhoo, I just read this post and your piece about Facebook and went over to Fine Art in America to see your pieces there. Wonderful work. Love your Zazzle Mad HatterI too, like to create a drawing now and then, scan it into photoshop and play. We can get great effects. Your animal pics are too special! I'm still out on Facebook, although I have a page. Unless one has collectors or buyers as friends, and not just friends, I can see it taking forever because you're off the wall and newsfeed in minutes. I think a fan page may be better, but who knows. It looks as though you are trying many venues, and I'd be interested to know, if any are working for you, or some better than others. I spent days creating an Etsy page, but feel unless you are re-listing continually, the only one making $ is Etsy. I received an email from Fine Art America yesterday, and will check it out. I don't know...There are so many artists and one can get lost in the shuffle. And then the economy is so bad right now that many don't have the disposable income to buy unless you're giving your work away. I'm of the thinking that a great website, good links to where collectors and buyers go, and a blog where they can learn a bit more about you, is the way to go. Have your friends here do a "shout out" to their friends about your blog, if they will. I'll keep you posted if I find something working well, but as of now, I think we're all doing what we can. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteKate, Thanks for checking out my blog and leaving your kind thoughts about my work. I'm an animal lover (hard to tell) LOL, so I very much enjoy creating art with animal subjects. It's nice to meet other local artisans.
ReplyDeleteI try to market my work in all cost effective ways as possible. That means getting my work in several selling venues, blogging and connecting with people on Facebook, Linkedin, Ning social networks and the like. When we sell our work on the internet, it's difficult to assess where or who will find our work and purchase it. The beauty of the internet is that we can spread our work out across cyberspace. I know I have sold my art as a result of publicizing my work. I do not discount any venue. And, I think it's important to network.
As for Etsy, I share some of your thoughts and concerns on it. Part of making Etsy work is listing on a regular basis. Some people suggest to list a minimum of twice each day. Although the small fee of .20 per listing is inexpensive, over time, it can add up. Plus, you need the time which may seem so simple but as an artist, I need to spend quality time in my studio. It's a juggling act. With that being said, discussing our work in various ways on/off the internet in addition of selling at various online markets is essential. The fees on Etsy are a marketing expense which I write off on my taxes so in the end it balances out.
I say, keep marketing your work and discussing it. If we don't tell people about our work and where they can purchase it, then, no one will know and therefore, no one will buy it.
Yes, you are so right. I have let etsy slip on by, but may get back to it at some point. The time away from the studio is what gets me. Might just as well become a digital collage artist I'm on the compute so much! I'm really finding that doing the shows may be expensive, but at least you get to meet the prospective buyers and really talk about your work. I enjoy meeting and greeting, and then on my biz card I can include where my art can be found. But truth be told, my website has gotten me more sales and the blog is helping too! Yes, we have to keep our name out there, and sometimes it is our name on google. I regret sometimes that I chose Acoma West Collage, simply because my name Uster Collage may have come up better under collage. I don't know; it's a crap shoot either way, but one needs a name that will come up under a google search among other collage, and I've seen mine come up under colleges! How is zazzle doing for you? I had checked them out and Cafe Press. I have a few friends there. Pretty expensive for a coffee cup though, and not sure I'd get my price. Yes, it's all a crap shoot until one finds something that works. I'm on ning too- Gary Reef's site, which I really enjoy when I have the time to go over there. Also Deb and Company. Lots of artists, info and techniques!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day and enjoy Spring in NY. The desert here is still chilly for some odd reason. We're usually hitting the high 90's in late March, and here it is April and it's a very cool 80. Brrrr... Ha ha
Kate, It's been hot here for the past 2 days; more like speedo weather (snickering). :) Anyway, I see now you're in the SW. I would love to visit NM one of these fine days. Maybe I'll put it on a bucket list. LOL
ReplyDeleteI like Zazzle for the most part. I made some good sales during the holiday shopping. I also get sales from my websites. Some peoople sell on Cafe Press and Zazzle. I think Zazzle is easier to navigate. You're right about the mugs being a little pricey BUT, customers are buying a unique product that cannot be purchased elsewhere. Recently, my Mad Hatter t-shirt sold on Zazzle and people seem to like binders as well. It's all according to what people are shopping for and you just can't find unique products like that at the mall.
The biggest hurdle many indie artists face is marketing and having their arts and crafts reach a wide customer base. It can be a daunting and arduous task. Again, the reason it's so important to have several venues to sell our work. Selling from various online venues is also labor intensive; maintaining all of our virtual galleries, shops and stores.
One thing I want to point out, the price of our work also includes overhead. We cannot work for free or cheapen our craft by underpricing. This is an area many artists and crafters find challenging. We want to offer a fair price but not under price. With my fine art, I'm still an emerging artist. I price my work accordingly. Established artists with a following can place bigger ticket prices on their work. This is the rule of thumb across the industry.
Thanks for the tips. I will have to check out the sites you mentioned and tune in.