“They’re a sell out!” Have you heard this? First of all what does “selling out” really mean? Secondly, who usually levels this criticism?
My experience is that it’s most often unsuccessful artists who are green eyed with envy and whose work is not selling.
Selling art is a business. In fact, it’s big business. So by definition, sales are part of it.
If you are uncomfortable with sales, you’re not alone. But you’ll need to get over it. And you can by simply educating yourself and getting some experienced guidance.
Otherwise you have two options:
1. Don’t sell your work.
2. Get in a long line to find a number of decent reps. You’ll need more than one to thrive.
My definition of “selling out” is knowingly compromising your creative integrity. But everyone’s values are different.
What’s your definition of creative integrity?
I’ll share an example of my own. I can’t count how many times its been suggested that I take up the enterprise of painting famed golf courses.
This is a target market with passionate and wealthy enthusiasts so I can appreciate the suggestion.
The problem is that I couldn’t care less about golf. It bores me to tears. I don’t play golf, I don’t identify with the culture, and these folks are just not my tribe.
Although I’m quite sure I could find inspiration in some of Arnold Palmer’s groomed greens, I’m just not going there. Potential profit or not.
We all possess free will. If you don’t want to do something, you don’t have to. If others sell work you wouldn’t, God bless ‘em.
My advice. Mind your own business. That’s what really matters.
Did you enjoy this article?
Leave a Reply