Go ahead, page down to the bottom of this page and ask me!
I’ll do my best to answer your question, based on my experience.
The more specific your question the better. “How do I become a famous artist?” That’s difficult to post an answer. “Where do I start to learn more about copyright?” That I can answer!
Please note. I won’t be answering any legal, financial, or medical questions. But you knew that!
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Direct mail can work but it depends on the quality of the media, the quality of the list, and the number of exposures. You won’t know unless you try it. Do the math first. What is the total cost of the campaign? What is your take for one commission?
Always cultivate referrals. They are free and easier to close.
Hi Ann,
I’m a portrait painter and want to increase my own sales locally while still retaining the services of brokers in areas I can’t reach on my own. It has been suggested that I do a donation for a private school auction as a way to have my target tribe see my work. I have done this in the past, did the portrait and that was it, I didn’t even get one call from a prospective client. The school wanted a total donation not a discount on my services so I put in considerable time on something that gave me no return. I would like to try again with the private schools as I think this is a way I might get to my tribe but I don’t want to do a total freebie. Also how do you feel about direct mail promotions to private affluent households?
If this donation is generating sales, reaching your target market, and demonstrating your “good will.” Then great.
I only object to artists, who are in business, donating their art with the promise or hope of receiving “exposure.”
Be clear. Are you participating in charity, with no expectation of a return, or is your participation marketing and PR?
Note. You can only deduct your contribution of the art materials, not your labor, or the value of the art.
Ann,
On our last call we talked about incorporating scarcity into my business, like John Singer Sargent did by not making his portraits available to everyone. I am wondering if I should still donate gift certificates to private school auctions. I wouldn’t be able to chose the winner, so I wonder if that will undermine what I am trying to do. On the other hand, I always get a commission out of it.
Steve,
I seems that you too have the cart before the horse.
First thing first.
Like any enterprise, you first need at business plan, then a marketing plan, which could include social media strategies, and then a sales plan.
Is that done?
Ann
Danny,
I am not clear on what “strategies you are referring to.
First thing first. Like any enterprise, you first need at business plan, then a marketing plan, and then a sales plan.
Is that done?
Ann
This web address is limited to a specific portfolio i have on-line to show to collectors. Had a web site for a long time but became bored with it and have been so distracted that I haven’t organized a new one.
For months my intention has been and remains buying some consultation time from you. However for the present i have packaged two very unique collections of images in limited edition custom made portfolios. Both historic in nature. I’m insecure or confused over the best way to pitch them to a collector (s). My bias is someone else can sell me better than I can sel myself or make it sound more authentic. For example I may be able to sell or “pitch” Ann Rea better than, or more effectively than she can; although in her case it isn’t necessary. Not quite sure how to proceed. have made a significant investment in the production of both and want to recoup my costs before having any other manufactured. What strategy do you suggest i use ?????????
My question is how to use FACEBOOK to sell my artwork and find my target market?I thought of limited edition prints and selling the original artwork…how to set it up???
Figure out your terms and price and speak to the collector directly while they are still interested.
Discuss and agree on the terms and price.
Collect your money up front or at least 50% up front via PayPal.
See how this goes before you venture into the business of commissions.
Hi Ann,
I just found your blog and it’s very helpful and inspiring.
I have some paintings up for auction on ebay, and recently a potential buyer asked if I could do a 24×24″ version of a smaller painting I have up for sale there. I’d be willing to accept the commission and do the larger painting, but I’ve never received a request for a commission online and not sure how to go about it. I have a blog but I don’t have a website with e-commerce to accept a deposit from the buyer.
Should I set up a new listing on ebay for a custom work with a buy it now button, and conduct the transaction through ebay?
Or can I contact the buyer directly and conduct the transaction via phone/email, and go straight to Paypal to set up payments outside of ebay?
Also how do I set payment arrangements on Paypal, so the buyer can make the initial deposit then pay the rest later?
I have not emailed the person back yet; I’m not sure how to word a response that sound professional and protect myself at the same time. I have searched ebay and Paypal, art forums and Google and can’t come up with specific answers. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.
Thank you Ann, I will give that a try.
Happy Holidays!
Grace
Hi Grace,
This is one of those questions that I can not answer in the space of this box.
However, my recommendation would be to ask each for referrals from each of your former collectors. This strategy results in the easiest sale to close and it is free.
Good luck,
Ann
Dear Ann,
I just discovered your site and I’ve learned a lot in just a hours!
I have a question about reaching my tribe. I paint portraits of children and adults. I’ve been represented by a number of portrait brokers in different parts of the country, mostly in the South, but have had difficulty reaching people in my own area, NYC / Southern New England, which isn’t know as a big family portrait market, yet has a lot of wealth .
My potential clients are in a different economic group then I am in and I’m not able to socialize with them at their country clubs and organizations.
Do you have any suggestions on how I might meet these clients in other ways that won’t seem forced to them? Thank you so much for the advise.
Grace
She will probably want the spotlight on her for this event but reach out to her before hand and suggest a collaboration. Who knows? Maybe you will work with her on this event or one in the future.
Regardless, go and meet your “tribe.”
Ann,
A client of mine told me she was hosting a trunk show for a friend of hers who makes children’s clothing. My client invited me to attend so I could meet some of her friends. I am wondering if I should go just to mingle as a guest or if I should get in touch with the clothing designer to coordinate a cross-promo event. It’s a two-day trunk show. Guests come in and out all day so that might make it difficult to give a presentation.
Thanks,
Kate
You are not dong anything wrong. Just thank them for thier interest and state that the next step is to schedule an appointment to determine if you are a good fit. Offer them a few options to meet in person or at least by phone.
If they dont respond, let it go. They aren’t really interested
Ann,
People will contact me via facebook or email and tell me they are very interested in commissioning a portrait. My response is that we should set up a in-person meeting and I ask them when would be a convenient time for them. Sometimes I never get a response. I’m concerned I’m not properly replying to them and if I contact them again I’ll seem desperate. Is there some other course of action I should be taking?
Thanks,
Kate
The key is to go where the money is to reach the luxury market. I live in San Francisco. Because of Silicon Valley, and other factors, we have more billionaires here than anywhere in the US.
great blog, thank you.
just a quick question for you, do you feel that to make it into the larger art market/world, I mean the BIG ART WORLD, you have to live in LA or NYC??? This would be because you need to constantly network? Or would it be ok to only visit these cities a few times a year, to network and mingle?
funding your market? I think you meant finding your market?
There is no way I can answer that question in the space of an email reply.
I recommend reading the articles here, attending a seminar, or booking a phone consult….https://artistswhothrive.com/book-a-blue-sky-session/
Hi Ann ,
how would I go about funding my market?
Without knowing you, your work, or the potential of this opportunity it is impossible to answer your question.
However, doing something to market your work is always better than doing little or nothing.
Hi Ann – I was wondering, do you feel like entering shows are a good way to get exposure (especially if the likelihood of selling is small)?
Thanks!
Skye
Melanie,
I’m not sure if you are asking for a recommendation to an online gallery? If so, examine the terms and commission closely.
Ann
Can you recommend websites to sell photographic prints on gallery wrapped canvases and on metal? I found one called Gallery Direct today. I could also do my own website and sell these products. Thank you
Just ask. Why did you buy my work? What do you like about my work? May I quote you?
Hello Ann,
I’m am trying a new direction, and so far its off to a good start. I’d like to start to ask and keep a record of testimonials to use it for promotional materials. Can you suggest how to approach a satisfied commissioner to give a testimonial?
Thanks!
Thank you Lisa.
I recommend that you keep the ratio and change the mat openings.
Dear Ann,
I have been enjoying reading your “ask Ann” blog. Thank you for sharing this resource in the art community. Wondering if you could help me understand how to address the differing aspect (width to height) ratios of my original art works and then offering them as framed and matted archival prints?
Here is my situation: I am doing original encaustic art works on the following sized panels: 18″ x 24″ and 24″ x 30″. They have aspect ratios of 75% and 80%. I would like to offer them in the following frame sizes (11″ x 14″ and 18″ x 24″) with mat openings of 5.5″ x 7″ (aspect ratio 78.5%) and 9″ x 12″ (aspect ratio 75%).
What is the best way to deal with these different ratio aspects? Once the images are proportionately reduced do you recommend slightly cropping the images either horizontally or vertically so that it fits into the mat opening??
Thank you in advance for any guidance you can offer!
Lisa
Online courses are actually being planned. Please stay tuned.
I’m not familiar with “Ann Monothie?”
with the live semi ars that you give it seems it would be very beneficial, both ways, to video them, and perhaps have a charge-for-view ? If you’re on the Internet you may be worldwide . what income from that it could be.
anyway, I was just inquiring for myself. Perhaps you’re a refreshing “new” alternative to Ann Monothie or something like that.
Get the ball rolling! Call her and invite her over for a studio visit.
Hi Ann!
I have a lady who for a couple of months has mentioned commissioning me to paint her son. She has my contact info and gets my email newsletter, so I am not sure what whether to wait for her to call me or to contact her. I have considered calling her to offer her a complimentary consultation as a way to get the ball rolling and to see if she is really serious. Do you think this is the way to go or is there something more effective I can do?
You’re welcome. Just use a variant on your name. This is a small matter compared to clarifying your SMART goal and building your action plan.
Congratulations! Yes. All your business terms should be stated clearly in your written agreement.
Ann,
Thanks for all you do to help artists be successful in business.
I’m ready to establish my fiber/mixed-media art as an LLC business, and get a domain name. Next I’ll apply for your coaching/planning services, and start an e-commerce site.
My problem is that there are at least 200 people with the same name as mine on the Internet. When searching for my name, I get links to their Facebook pages, etc. To distinguish myself and be easier to find, I want to use a variant of my first name (which changes only one letter) along with my surname, as my business, domain, and “Artist name”. I would mention my birth name, as I have some exhibition and competition history. An internet search shows the only person with the “variant name” lived in the 1200s.
Q 1: What are your thoughts about using a “variant name” as my business and Artist’s name?
Ann,
I have client who agreed to have a portrait unveiling at her house and she is so excited about it! Thank you! On a different note, do you think it’s necessary to have my satisfaction policy stated on my contract?
What would you prefer? If you gather them at your studio you might invite others. If you do this at their home you may enroll them in inviting others. Ask what they would like to do.
Let them be surprised. You can ask, “What is your budget range for an original oil painting?” Then say nothing. If there number is in your price range then offer them your pricing options. If not, then they are not qualified. Not everyone is a qualified prospect.
Ann,
How do you feel about hosting the portrait unveiling at the client’s house as opposed to my studio and how would you go about approaching them on this subject?
Kate
Hi Ann,
What’s the best way to respond to someone who is interested in your work but expresses surprise over the prices?
Kate
Hi Melanie,
My recommendation is that you document the work flow to give to that to the patron so that their is no surprises.
Have written terms. When you write a contract think of it as if you are going to get married and in case you have to get a divorce. Your terms should address your worst case and best case scenario.
Ann
Hi Ann,
I love the idea of creating commissioned paintings for a targeted niche, and have one in mind. I’m currently developing my own unique artistic voice, but in the mean time I have a question. I’m terrified of being taken advantage of and the client never accepting the work I make for them. How do you ensure the commission process goes smoothly, and is enjoyable for artist and client?
Hi Eric,
That is a very broad question that is very difficult for me to answer in the space of this post. Be clear on your unique value proposition and target market. Then you can target the media that serves that tribe. Much of my press came from referrals. That is a very good place to start.
Ann
Hi Ann,
I am a Gilded Age of New York Artist, I specialize in the time period of 1880-1910. I illustrate the buildings, people and street scenes of this historic period. I have had much success lately as I have had many shows that have sold art and a piece being sold in CB2 and a A-list celebrity recently acquired a illustration of mine and I received a lovely note from that person. So things are good but I am trying to get to the next level. Getting press and my name known is a very difficult endeavor. I am running against a wall. I have sent out cards to news agencies about my art and how it ties in with NYCs history and also emailed lots of reporters. I was wondering if you could offer any tips for trying to get my art seen and my name known.
Thank you .
Eric
Michelle,
I recommend my course. I don’t know of anyone else who is actually a successful artist and is teaching from that perspective,
I will be rolling out webinars in the future so please stay tuned.
Ann
Yes. I’ve worked with jewelers, photographers, musicians, mixed media artists, film makers, and painters.
Hi Ann,
I have been following your blog for almost a year and I wanted to thank you for creating the business of art discussion – how I wish I had this information when I was an art student back in the 80’s.
I am a graphic designer and although I enjoy what I do I am expanding to represent professional artists and help them thrive. Could recommend a particular course or seminar that you teach that could help me get started with my new venture. I am located in Toronto so the Telephone meetings do appeal to me. I also started reading the Blue Ocean Strategy.
Thank you,
Michelle
I am a jeweler and was wondering if your program is applicable to commerce based art like jewelry or is it just for fine painting?
Thank you very much.
Thank You for taking the time to respond!