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Subject: Some ideas for making money with art

Posted By: alejandrodjr in reply to Topic
Msg #:

Posted On: 10/22/2008 9:18 PM Viewing 5 of 25 Replies

I am a 65 year old artist and I believe I can understand the frustration of artists who are trying unsuccessfully to make a living by selling their pieces. I have many artist friends who are in the same spot. Let me firs, say that I am one of the cowards who, having the opportunity to study art formally, did not. I am a self taught artist who chose to study accounting and finance. So what am I, an accountant or an artist? Well, I always say I am an accountant by profession and an artist by vocation. I can’t remember when I was not drawing or painting. I also find accounting and finance a “neat” system to understand how money is “*@#* around”. I will not show you my financial statements, my house is all paid up but, you can see my paintings at the website indicated below.

I have found most artists not to be very practical. This may be so because the process of creation must deal with ethereal things. This habit has a way of staying in the mind even when not in the artistic process. People who are not artists are not far from the truth when they stereotype this kind of behavior. I believe artists can play both roles, that of a salesman and that of an artist. It may not be pleasing but it can and should be done. Otherwise, an agent has to be paid.

Now, I must attend to the discussion which originally brought me to this forum.

First, let me say a few facts about money. The market is always right. You better believe it or you will not be able to adapt. Buying art is like buying jewelry, it is a luxury. Usually, the people who buy these things have first, taken care of basics. There are people out there with more money than they need but, you must do some homework. Go to gallery openings. Talk about art but, try to meet these people. Find out their professions. Get the point? If you have to visit a dentist, a doctor, a lawyer etc., find out if he (she) likes art. Do a lot of talking. Bring with you some business cards.

Show your own work at places where you don’t have to pay a penny like universities, hospitals, restaurants, government buildings, etc. I even made friends at a small museum and showed my art there. Make friends with other artists and do group shows. It’s free. If your work is any good people will notice. You can teach art to children and adults in your own studio. Have you noticed how many of the professionals are having high priced workshops? I taught art on Saturdays for 15 years. I also produced a DVD with a first part art basics by myself. I purchased a cheap editing program which was very easy to learn and did all the filming and editing myself with my family’s camcorder and computer. Currently I am writing the script for the second part. It is selling well through my website.

I would like to make a last comment. One must be willing to work hard at trying to make money. It will not be nearly as pleasurable as holding a brush with paint in your hand but, it has to be done.

I hope these ideas will help you pay your bills. They did mine..

Alejandro DJ

www.alejandrodj.com

alejandrodjr@gmail.com