Take it As a Good Sign...Ups and Down of Trying to Make Money from Art
Take it As a Good Sign...Ups and Down of Trying to Make Money from Art
I was at my hairdresser's yesterday and was suprised to find it under new management and totally redecorated for a much more modern and clean looking design. Oh well, I thought, at least my painting must have hung there for awhile. I had given the former owner a painting of mine (of Calla Lilies) because the colours and the flowers went really well with the decor she had. My name and website were also displayed on a small card under the painting, she understood that was part of the deal. My art is fairly inexpensive and it doesn't hurt to have a little advertising, even though I know her clients are not likely to buy art online! My doctor's office has a nice little grouping as well. Mostly because what he had there before was so dismal and depressing! His very friendly receptionist will even give people my web address if they express any interest. She is a big fan of my art, and was the person who first told me I should be selling it.
Anyway, back to the hairdresser...my 'stylist' pointed out to me that my painting was now hanging over the new appointment desk. It was the only thing from the old decor that survived! And it looked even better in it's new setting. The newly painted gold walls and black with beech furniture brought out the touches of gold in the painting and made the petals of the Calla lily look creamier and velvety than ever. The new owners were introduced to me, "this is the artist who did the painting." They said all sorts of nice things, and I tried to explain how I painted it, but I don't think they cared. It was a bit of a thrill to be identified as an artist! Doesn't bring home any bacon though, and neither does 80 hits a day, my significant other said when I told him about it. So, there you go, the up and the down in, a day, in the life, of a struggling new artist.
Posted in Miscellaneous on March 11th, 2010. 2 comments so far.
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Alessandro said:
Hi Joan!
Thank you for sharing your frustration. selling online is not easy at all and especially digital watercolors (How do you feel is the acceptance of it?). You are a pioneer and I am following you. I read and looked at few pages of yours and I simply encourage you - if ever this is necessary - to carry on.
You are "yourself", a "real person" and with a talent to share and make profit from, absolutely. Bare in mind that since the end of 2008 we are in financial crisis and so business is down for everybody.
I am not sure if I am useful (perhaps you are doing this already), but you should make short video- 1-3 minutes no longer - with a video screen capture (camstudio.org is for free) and then post it on youtube. Just an idea to increase visibility and "readability" of your nice website...
Ciao
Alessandro
Switzerland