How do you market portraiture art?

[soap]

Hello,
I thought it would be helpful if we could gather everybody's ideas on how to market oneself as a portrait artist. I feel like I have trouble doing this as I don't know where to go or what to do. Most galleries don't 'do' portraits and most people who want a portrait do not go to galleries. Where do people go who want their portrait painted? How can I let them know they should knock on my door?

Besides throwing your business card and such around at every memoboard you can find, talk to as many people as you can.....what else?

Has anybody advertised in magazines or papers? Do you get commissions from fairs or shows (even though you don't sell that painting, because people generally do not want a stranger on the wall).

What other ways you think might work?

I know this is also a subject for the business forum, but I feel portraiture artists have a different market and different ways of marketing themselves.

Share your ideas!

[jocelynsart]

Hi soap: Very good thread. Everyone will have different experiences and alot can be gained by hearing them.
I personally started in highschool. Just by being in the art program gave me the opportunity for people to be aware of my work. We had a year end exhibition that was always fun and interesting.
During college, I had no time due to a heavy course load of 8 subjects a year for 4 years and working 25 hours p-time a week. Just by someone in my family or my boyfriend's family or co-workers at the bank, seeing my work, which was always people as subjects, and telling or showing someone else, I got asked if I could do a portrait. This was very far and few between though. Alot of my early portraits left alot to be desired too.
One thing I did was apply to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition in 1992. I got accepted and I displayed mostly black and white airbrush portraits. I also sold a few small oils of cats I had done. I received 4 commissions from that show. Then, after I had my son at 27, I knew I was not going back downtown to my 30 hour a week bank job. What I really wanted was to make some sort of income with my art. So, I got a less hours p-time teller job near where I lived and also happened upon a retail like craft/art chain store called the Crafter's Marketplace. I asked them if it would be acceptable to rent a booth for portraits and artwork. They were fine with it so I put up samples and prices and business cards for the taking. It took 6 months but steady calls started coming in. This was a great setting as it was run by a staff and my work was there 7 days a week. I did not need to be there, we were vendors and just rented and maintained our booths only. All sales were handled through the store. I ended up dealing with clients who called and not alot of orders went through the store. They were fine with that too. I am no longer there however, after 7 years, because I don't need to advertise anymore. Most calls come word of mouth or through repeat business. I also receive commissions via my site, which I have listed with another Portrait site that has a good search engine representation. I pay $75.00 a year to be on there. I also get searched through Artists in Canada and Google seems to be the engine where most people find me.
Also, another route I took was putting up a nice ad in child related businesses, on their bullitan boards. One was a kids' hair cutting shop near me. Another is dance studios and community centers where families go. I just replaced the ad once in awhile. I no longer do this anymore either but it was great while getting started.
Also, another good outlet is donating to Hospital charities, etc. You are doign a good thing by offering a service they can auction and you also expose yourself to possible further commissions at the same time. I find I get asked by friends if I can offer somethign for various sport team auctions, charity auctions, etc. I do this maybe 2 times a year.
The main thing is to feel comfortable that you can handle the commissions. Be sure of yourself and have confidence in your work. One clue is if people who see your work become interested and ask if you can do something for them. If people are asking, you may want to start out small that way, build up some exposure and samples, and start advertising slowly as you gain confidence and experience doing portraits. Learning to turn down bad reference photos, and jobs you know won't work, is also a hard thing to learn. Also, hone in on a specific thign you want to do. Anything out of that range, deal with individually. This keeps it organized and simpler. The other route is to do large, traditional portraits and deal with a high scale price range. This I feel though is a consideration only after some sort of reputation and past successful history and experience is established. Most clients don't want to commission a $3000.00 plus portrait from someone with no background to look at. Also, you would need to be quite experienced and skilled in a more classical or traditional realistic style and medium in my opinion.
Another choice is to look into framing galleries that would put up samples of your portraits and maybe set up a deal with them in regards to framing. Specific details could be worked out with the individual gallery owner. Also, pet stores could be asked if they would display your pet portrait samples, etc.
Another more complicated choice is to look for an Art Rep. They reop your work and accept a commission. Hard to get unless you are somewhat established. But, if you have a very business saavy friend who'd be willing to take on the advertising and marketing of your work and has the ideas and outlet, it could work.
Personally, I feel it took me about 4 years of errors and disorganization to decide on what I would offer as portraits. I decided on staying in a moderate price range and decided not to get into huge, time consuming, take me all over the place live sittings or large large oils. I did not want this business nor my clients demands to interfere with our family life. It was to be a good second contributing income that also left my time free to be able to do other things as well as work with my husband's schedule as a firefighter and with his business also. I decided on watercolour which is fresh and can be great looser if reference is not so great. I worked out my prices by size as that semed to determine the time spent and not so much the subject/s. Anything above tha standard samples I offer I consider Custom and we work out a price accordingly. This would include large, highly detailed pieces or pieces that need reference research and alot of workign up of compositions etc. Also, this would include acrylic on canvass.
So, alot of trial and error and alot of trial commissions need to be behind one before it begins to really come together and make you a consistant living. I can say that I do make more an hour than I did in the bank. I also don't need sitters and I don't need business clothes. I also can get up and stretch and walk away from my painting for a bit, go to the pool and do some lanes, meet a friend for coffee, do a major clean around here, etc. It works out well for us all and I am glad I did it. I am not rich or famous, probably never will be because I am not a salesman type, but I love that I get to use the only really strong skill I was given. lol!
Good luck to anyone who decides to give it a go.
Joss

[graphicdiva]

this is very useful information that all new artists are wanting to know. I think this should be moved to the hall of fame:)

[Stoy Jones]

Great thread and Joss, thanks for sharing the info! Eventhough I sold cartoon work, I always got opportunities through where I worked. When I worked at DisneyWorld, my department manager always took interest in what people did outside of work and my work made it's way to his desk. Afterwards I was doing posters for the office when holiday castmember picnics would come up and it snowballed to doing comic strips and spot drawings for the union paper for which I got steady pay for. I have received the same benefits where I'm working now in Tennessee, but few and far inbetween.

Word of mouth does wonders, though.

Stoy

[jocelynsart]

One thing I forgot and I feel is important is not to underprice yourself at the beginning. You can still move up your prices 20% once a year or whatever, as time goes on and once you get a high demand going. Then you will benefit from less work, higher prices. But if you start really really low, it is hard to get previous clients and word of mouth clients to accept doubled or tripled prices once they become used to cheap prices. This was a mistake I made at the beginning. I felt that I could not conceiveably ask higher prices than I did because I was young, not known, etc. I should have been more basing it on hours involved, material costs, the fact that it is claimable income, travel time, and level of skill.
My good friend is always telling me to raise my prices. Do less commissions for higher prices. I have recently done this but am happy with the price range my watercolour portraits fall into now and am leaving it. For example: I know that an 8"x10" basic head and shoulders watercolour portrait takes me about 4-6 hours so with a price of $130 -$150 say, I am making a good hourly amount and the portrait will turn out nice.
I do claim my income and I do claim my costs, partial costs of a home office, gas, partial car expenses, all kinds of allowable write offs. My husband and I both learned how to do our taxes involvign our businesses by having them done once for us by someone. One thing that is importrant is to look at it from a business point right away. Keep receipts, records, a job book, time logs, etc. to prepare for tax time and for ever being audited. I also made the mistake at the beginning of not being business minded and just doing jobs here and there and not keeping records well.
If it is just an occasional portrait for someone who asks and that is the way you want to keep it, then you don't need to worry about setting it up as a business. Keeping it as a hobby an occasional extra pocket money is fine. It all depends on to what extent you want go.
One thing is to make sure you are confident that you can do what you advertise you can. Start out by trial and error with people you know first. See how they react to your portraits and go from there, making changes, improving, and even specializing. My advice is not to just start advertising portraits until you are very confident and experienced with the medium you choose. You don't want to still be experimenting and learning major things while doing a commission. This does not mean that you want to reach a stage where you are no longer improving at all and stuck in a formula, you just want to make sure that your client will always be happy. Your style and your portraits may change over time regardless.
I could conceiveably move into high end, elaborate portraits where I meet the client, take reference photos, do sketches and then do a large acrylic on canvas. However, I don't favour dealing with clients that fall into that price range interest generally. I have found what I like to offer and it attracts the clientel that I love dealing with. Moderate to upper income people.
I have also begun cutting back advertising portraits as I want to have a bit more time to paint larger, personal pieces with the intention to exhibit again. I still take commissions if the odd person has my card already. One thing I am weak on is advertising. I hate adveritising to friends, won't advertise to other artists, anyone I am talking to in a social setting, etc. I don't feel comfortable "Networking" or keeping mailing lists nor soliciting. I prefer advertising and if people are interested they will call on their own. I am sure this has held me back alot. If you are outgoing and very salesman like in personality, it can be a benefit to you for getting yourself out there.
One funny recent call I will share becasue it floored me. After I had this I called another artist and was surprised that they had been asked a similar thing as well. A woman called me to ask if I'd do a sketch of a guy and not sign it. She wanted to sign it and give it to him pretending she did it. I said no. If you are ever asked to do work but not sign it, don't! lol That is not wise no matter how much someone wants to pay. I was shocked! But, it was funny.
As I said, I learned by making alot of mistakes. Sometimes that is what it takes.
I think I have yakked enough so I'll let someone else have a turn! lol
Joss:cat:

[bnoonan]

Wow - great thread.

I'm in the process of developing a brochure that I can hand out at an art show I'm participating in one Saturday this month. I'll have the original photos hanging next to the portraits and hopefully will instill some incentive for Holiday gift giving if not this year - in the future.

Something that Mo recommended one time has helped me as well. I went to our local coffee shop where the owner was willing to let me hang up my artwork. I also had him pose for me and I did a painting of his portrait from the photograph. I then framed it and asked him to hang it in the coffee shop with a sign that I did commissioned portraits. Anyone coming knows him and recognizes his face. It got me one job and it's been a good introduction to commissioned work. I prefer to take my own photographs and have been lucky this way so far.

I'm next going to try to post in the pet washing store in town.

Unfortunately working in pastels at the moment is expensive and delicate for framing but I have to start somewhere.

Can't wait to hear what others have to add. By the way I printed your response Joss for future reference.

Barb

[jocelynsart]

bnoonan: oh great point! I am glad you mentioned that. Alot of trendy places, restaurants, bars and stores could be interested in displaying original work. This can lead to a patron viewing and becomign interested in commissioning or purchasing your work. As well, small, local Galleries that offer framing. I was asked the other day to possibly provide some small originals as many of their patrons are asking about local original art as an option to mass produced popular prints. The originals, if they come available off and on, that these prints are from, are into the $1000.00's to $10,000's and not affordable by regular folk that really would love to hang an original piece. Thsis is the gallery who cuts my mats for me.

[Frank van Boxtel]

This is a very helpful thread.

I have been exposing my pet portraits all summer long without much response at local shows and a market and I have pieces up in vet clinics. Now the work is picking up quite a bit and I have been asked to do people portraits as well, something I don't advertise as much but will do. I have had more results from one vet clinic than the others, and some from venues I exhibited at so far in the fall. Most of the pieces I have been asked to do recently are for Christmas.
A few people have mentioned word of mouth advertising works best so I'm hoping the momentum will pick up as I do more work.

[soap]

Joss! What an excellent amount of info!! I suppose I should really go out there with a stack of pr-cards or brochures or whatever and see if I can loose them at shops, leisure centres, print/art galleries etc. I have not done so far, as I am too shy....feel silly....whatever....as you said in your next post - I have trouble networking as well :D. I don't want to come across as 'pushy', but how to make people aware?

Barb and Frank - good ideas as well. One question; if you do a portrait of the owner of a shop or restaurant (or dentist or doctor etc.) so they can put it up, do you do that for free (as it is merely for advertising your skills) or do you sell it full price to the owner (so he/she can take it away/home at some time)??

I am really on the lookout for fairs around here, but most are antique fairs. Some local fairs in the country side (small villages doing arts, crafts and car-boot sales) will be in the summer, but that's ages away....Maybe I should position myself amidst antique clocks and silverware on one of those antique fairs?

And if you go to shops and ask to put some of your work up, how long do you leave it there? How much commission goes to the shop?

Aarch....I should just DO some of these things and stop being scared.....:D :D

Who else has great advice?

[I'm Not Bob]

In the world of advertising you must remember one thing above all others.

repeat your ad over and over and over again.

A truly interested party must see your ad, hear your name, read your brochure, see your work, talk to you, etc... about 9 times before making a decision to buy. This is why it takes from 6 to 9 months for advertising to really start to take effect.

If you run an ad in a newspaper once a week you will have to run that ad for about 36 weeks for it to start to take effect (you have to realize that people reading the newspaper or newsletter will only notice your ad maybe every 4th issue).

The same thing with displaying your work in a public place. A person will typically have to stop, look at the piece, make a positive mental note, and then only after doing this for an extended period of time will the person be able to make a buying decision.

This is why word of mouth is such a good tool. If the person is really happy with the finished piece, they will want to show (and tell) their friends and family all about it. The piece will be on display in their house for all to see. As their friends and family come by to visit, your piece is a constant reminder to all who see it.

On the other hand, if someone is dissatisfied, they will go out of their way to tell everyone they know what a bad experience it was. One bad comment will wipe out ALL of the positive advertising you have presented in the past.

Also, for this to work you must be CONSISTENT. If you change your ad or message you will need time for that new message to sink in (another 6 months).

There are always those who appear to act on the spur of the moment and must have something right on the spot. These are most likely people who have been considering such a purchase for a while, subconsciously waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. Like the person who has been considering buying a piece of art for display over his couch, but had not made up his mind until just recently to make a purchase.

Anyway, I digress.....

REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,
REPEAT AND BE CONSISTENT,

And don't give up. If your work is good, you will succeed.

[lorna12]

Excellent thread!!! So much good information. I've been wondering how to do these very things. Thanks so much for sharing!

[kahlua]

This is a great thread! Thanks for all the wonderful info!!!

[soap]

I did it. :D Well started doing it. Went out with a pile of cards and tried to loose them in shops and so. Phew. Stumbling, red face, shy, but I lost one on a memoboard in a frame shop, a pile in a local libary and a pile in another frame shop/gallery. Finger's crossed. Will go elsewhere and try to do the same next week.
Scary!

[I'm Not Bob]

Hi Soap,

We will keep our fingers crossed for you.

Can we see a sample of your card???

[matmad]

Have you tried ebay? I've listed some portraits of my daughters on there in the recent past, and to my surprise they sold. More to the point, they have drawn in several enquiries about commissions (which I've turned down at present). Prices aren't phenomenal, but it's good, cheap advertising.

Julie

[soap]

Hi Bob,
Sure, here's the one I've printed most. It's just the same as the front of my website. Am thinking of changing the pic for different locations (adult portrait for furniture decor shops, child for kid's shops) but on the other hand, a kid is just as appealing to most people.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2003/15421-PR_card_WC.jpg

Hi Julie,
Yes........I know loads of artists here use Ebay. I am still not sure about it. I find the prices there always very low and, maybe I am a snob, but I don't want to sell my originals for £20. Also, I find pastels to fragile to send off unframed so the costs would rise fast. Recently I've been thinking of selling some reproductions there though. That can be send easily and the cost will be low - profit high. I don't really know much about how ebay works though, so I'd have to study the site a bit. Do you sell regurlarly there? Does it cost anything to sign up?

[matmad]

Hi,

Yes, I have been selling regularly on ebay for about the last three months. My nudes have been selling very well (enough for me to register as self-employed), and I throw in the occasional portrait and still-life.

Prices are low, but I've developed a fast, individual style, which has attracted a small following. The more people interested in my work on ebay the better. Multiple bidders drive up the prices. Also, because the work I'm doing for ebay is targeted for that particular customer base, I don't have a problem with feeling like I'm selling out. I wouldn't put any of my more time consuming, personal stuff on there - it would be a waste of time, but ebay drives more people to look at my other work too, which has to be good.

It's a great way of getting high exposure, and it's fun. I have to say though, I owe my success on ebay so far to the Internet Sales Strategies forum here. The marketing advice from the regulars there is priceless.

It's free to register, and I've found that the % I pay out of my sales is, all in all, about 10%, compared with the 40-50% that galleries will take. Can't be bad.....

Julie

[I'm Not Bob]

Hi All,

I just tried something that I believe worked out quite well (Actually, time will tell).

I donated a custom drawn portrait to a local charity (this one was a charity for homeless pets) for one of their fund raising events. The winning bidder receives an 8 x 10 portrait of whatever subject (single subject) they desire. I receive a $350 tax deduction.

I placed a stack of flyers along with an example of my work (see attached) on their display table. I noticed that everyone who passed the table spent a few moments looking at the material on display. Some even took a few flyers.

Anyway.....

When the auction started, I was a little bit concerned. I was afraid that my services would only draw bids in the $50 to $80 range even though I valued my services at $350. Most of the items up for auction sold in the $30 to $50 range. Some of these were paintings donated by local artists (flowers mostly along with a large oil painting of a golden retriever that I thought was pretty well done).

When my item came up for bid I was getting a bit anxious. But my fear was quickly put to rest. I told my wife that I would be happy if the bidding made it up to the $120 range. Bidding past this point rather quickly and my services sold for $220. I was very happy and the winning bidder was downright giddy.

I will let you know if I receive any additional business from this event and also how the winning bidder likes the finished results.

[soap]

That sounds good Bob!! Lovely pic of a dog btw.

It's funny you mention this today. I have done a similar thing. I donated a portrait commission to a charity and it was auctioned off at the gala evening. I had a table in the foyer of the hotel where the gala was held and had my portfolio and some samples on display. Everybody there got a free card from me (which was put in bags full of 'goodies' that the ladies took home at the end of the evening). I got rid of over a hundred cards and some people took my business card at my table. That was back in september. I have not had any business from that yet. But then, I just tell myself most people don't buy portraits every day and at least they were made aware of my existence.
The winner of the auction was quiet for a long time. I started to think it would all pass and I did not have to do it. But today, surprise, surprise, the wife of the winner contacted me by email. Wow..she wants me to come to their home with samples (she missed my display at the gala) and talk about the options.

aaarch..........am scared.....never done this before....but it would be great to have some work wit them as they represent the market I aim for (rich, young, middle aged). They might want to 'upgrade' as I set limits to the donation (smallest size 16x20 incl. frame and mat), and I wonder if I should ask for my set prices in that case.
ooh......so exciting....what samples to take.....which represent 'me' best, what would they like.....do I have enough framed....

So......charity auctions......indeed, might be a good idea.....if you don't get business that way, at least people have heard of you and your painting will be in somebody's house (hopefully they'll have a lot of friends and dinner parties :D :D).

[lorna12]

I just did the same thing, only the event hasn't happened, yet. It's this Sat. (22nd) and is a fundraiser for a nearby animal rehabilitation center (wildlife). I am planning on having brochures and bus.cards there. Unfortunately, I can't attend as I am in another show, but I really believe in this cause, that's why I'm doing it. Getting 'my name out there' is secondary. I'm donating one of my small scratch pieces, since this is a medium that is not too well known to the public, I'm hoping it will help raise much needed funds. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Frank van Boxtel]

That is something that is worthwhile. I was at a parrot conference in Toronto last weekend with my display. I had donated a 10"x10" painting to the auction raising money for PDD research. PDD is a horrible disease that kills parrots and not much is known about it. I was asking $90 for the painting at my booth at previous events. It sold for $200 at the auction to the president of Hagen. I was quite thrilled.

[soap]

hmm....seems a popular path to take.....I wonder if any of us have had any follow ups on it? Any more business from it?

[Frank van Boxtel]

I have not had any work as a result - yet - but exposure is exposure and you can help out a worthwhile cause. I was speaking with a fellow artist last night and he donates work to a fundraiser to help battered women and children. That is one I'll be helping out.

[I'm Not Bob]

Hi All,

As stated above, the charitable donation route seems to be a fairly popular choice.

Hummmm.....

I wonder if anyone ever received any newspaper coverage in combination with the event.......

Extra, extra, read all about it. Sophie Ploeg, one of the most Renowned portrait artists of our time, may consent to create your portrait (or one of your closest loved ones). Her services (normally reserved for a year or more) will be one of the highlights of the March of Dime charitable fund raiser to be held in the near future. Sophie Ploeg will be donating her portrait services to the highest bidder. This may be one of your only opportunities to own a very special piece of artwork. Sophie (or Soap to her closest friends) works with pastels. Her technique and unique methods have created a buzz in the art-world.....

Etc... Etc... Etc...

[soap]

I was hoping for some, as it was a big event and a lot of money was raised that evening. Loads of rich and important people. Did not happen though.

(lol....next time somebody does a search on the net for my name, another interesting webpage will come up...lol...:D)

[I'm Not Bob]

Originally posted by soap
I was hoping for some, as it was a big event and a lot of money was raised that evening. Loads of rich and important people. Did not happen though.

Actually, all you need for something like this to happen is for you, or better yet, someone you know, call the newspaper and talk to someone in the current event section of the paper. Local papers are always looking for some newsworthy event. If presented in the proper fashion, you should be able to get your own article. Just look at some of the articles they have run in the past in regards to such events and you will even know the person to call.

[jefuchs]

Not Bob,

You mentioned getting a tax deduction for your donation. I've always heard that artists can't deduct the value of their paintings, only the cost of the supplies. Am I wrong about this?

I can understand why the IRS would have such a rule. Let's face it, a lot of artists would drop their bad works in the Salvation Army box and stop paying taxes altogether. Plus, everyone would claim to be an artist, just to get deductions.

[Holley]

What a great thread! Here are my experiences to date ....
I am a fairly new portrait artist, I begun in February this year (2003). I do my portraits in oil pastels mainly and just recently I have begun soft pastels. I don't have any awards or certificates behind me or any artistic education, I've never entered anything. I am basically self taught and still learning. Although I don't have a fantastic colour palette to work from, I seem to do okay and I have made a bit of pocket money for myself.

I have been getting commissions regularly since about July and these have been through friends and family mostly. I began by advertising 'an introductory price for a limited time only' on my flyers and let friends know that I was only taking a certain number of orders prior to Christmas - as I was feeling a bit nervous about being overworked come Christmas time. With my flyers I tried to work them so that they would catch the viewers attention immediately. I kept them clean not busy titled 'Portraits' had a large portrait example with the photo reference, along with the introductory price / limited time only. If the person is interested they will read on and perhaps take my contact number slip attached. I like to know the price of anything before I buy so I prefer to advertise my prices. Leaving out costs comes across as expensive. I have advertised only in the odd spot. One flyer I did up was for my partners workplace where I put a portrait I had done of him in it, surprisingly it worked and I got some orders.

I don't have any business cards as yet, as I feel my flyers supply more information. When portraits are collected I give out these flyers and suggest passing some onto friends. I also keep a portfolio of my work to date accessible for anyone who wants to look who comes to my house. I find this a good thing as it shows I have had many successful commissioned portraits, even if I have only been at it for a short time.

I am still very much the amatuer so I have kept my prices cheap while I am learning. Its amazing how many people are interested. I have recently upped my prices, I was a little anxious when I did this as I wasn't sure if I would still get work. So far I have had a couple of orders. I find its hard putting prices on your work, but I know how long each portrait roughly takes me so I base my prices on this. Soft pastels take me a hell of a lot longer so I charge more for them, but then I think these look somewhat better to the oils anyways. That's just my personal opinion.

If a portrait doesn't turn out quite like I would have hoped I may discount the overall cost. I do have a weak spot - I must learn to say NO to bad photos!

Basically this is where I am at now. Some months back I was dying to get some orders and now that I have my hands full I am wanting some releif just so I can spend some time doing some work for myself. I have so many avenues I wish to persue, if only I had more time!!! But then I am loving the challenge that comes with each new order I have.
- Holley

[soap]

Thanks for sharing that Holley. Sounds like you're doing alright there! Congrats. I suppose you did right with those flyers. I am only starting out with such things now - should have done it straight away! lol.

Bob, of course you're right. I am just too bl**dy shy. The other day I showed my 'mini' portfolio (handbag size) to a fellow artist at my weekly drawing class. And even that was hard! I felt I was showing off, asking attention etc. He showed his ages ago and was delighted to see mine. phew.

jefuchs - would not have clue there. Sorry. Anybody else maybe.

[Holly_Marie]

I don't know how many of you would find this useful, but here is a site where you can make your own signs (http://www.makesigns.com/section_1.htm) and they are pretty cheap. But the neat thing is, you can upload an image and put it on the poster - a good way to show your art w/out having to have it there (if you know of somewhere you can hang the sign though ;) )
I got one (16x24"), and with the border they left around it, it fit perfectly in an 18x24 poster frame!
Just an idea incase anyone's interested!! :D

[Atrsy]

My first and only show was in October and I have had several commissions since that. I have business cards several places and I do notice that the stack has gone down, but no calls from them. Most of my commissions have come word of mouth.

I donated 3 portrait gift certificates to charity and so far only one has responded. That person only e-mailed to say she bought the certificate and would get back to me later. One of the other's never responded and one didn't even sell (it was a small local museum auction which wasn't advertised and they said that over half of the donated items didn't even get one bid)

Bob, I think that the person who told you that you can only deduct the price of materials was correct. You cannot deduct $350 for a donated artwork. There was a discussion about this in the Art Business Forum. If your tax man tells you otherwise, he could be in big trouble along with you if you get audited by the IRS.

My problem now is that I would like to enter some big shows, but from what I have read, everything displayed must be for sale. That means that I can't display samples with the photos beside them. I have made generic portraits and saved them for reproduction purposes, making and framing prints for sale. I don't know how this would actually work for the big shows. It really is the commission work I would like to do. I have been keeping a photo album with the prints in them so that people can look through and see the commission work that I've already completed.

All I can say is that this is a VERY expensive business to get into. I have spent over $1600 so far and have only recouped about 1/4 of that back. I work in graphite which is extremely inexpensive as far as supplies go, but the expense has been with the tent, the frames, foamcore, mats, prints, advertising, show fees, etc. When I start applying to big shows, that will cost me an average of $400 per show just for the space. It is a scarey proposition, for sure!

Atrsy

[soap]

Thanks for that Atrsy. I know, it IS and expensive business to get into. I've written down all my expenses, but don't dare to add them up. I am sure I only got back a small percentage of it. But I'll just call this starting up costs.....and even if I wanted to stay a hobbyist, I would have expenses....:D...But marketing takes time, people don't order portraits of their loved-ones everyday and not everybody is into that sort of thing. (we never had a stately portrait of grandpa on our chimney whilst I grew up....lol...;))
I hope time will tell.
Shows ARE expensive, aren't they? I understand your problem. I've been painting portraiture that is for sale and quite enjoyed doing it. The likeness is then not what's most important but the appeal and the atmosphere. Have not gotten myself into a show yet (not many around here) but hope to have enough 'for sale' then. Even if they don't sell, it might appeal to people and they might just commission me for a portrait of their own.
Your story is a succes story, Atrsy, and well deserved. Your work is really great, and with some more years of practice has even greater potential. Well done!

[I'm Not Bob]

Hi All,

In regard to the comment "this is an expensive business to be in"....

All I can say is that it depends on your point of view.

For example. Space at a show for an artist may cost about $400, plus or minus. Space at a trade show for my business (industrial wastewater treatment equipment) starts at about $2,500 for a 10 x 10 booth (the smallest piece of equipment we sell would take up about 70% of that space). This means that we have to pay for a minimum of 2 maybe three to properly display a single piece of equipment.

Also, operating expenses for a year at Hydro-Flo comes to about $1,500,000 U.S. dollars per year. So, comparatively speaking, a business that costs about $20,000 per year seams very reasonably priced.

What everyone in business must always consider is the profit generated verses the risk involved. If your business generates about $100,000 in profits, but costs you $10,000,000 in operating expense, the risk verses reward is mighty slim (any number of unforeseen problems, in a business of that size, could easily obliterate such a small profit). On the other hand, if you can generate $100,000 in profits and your operating expenses are less than $50,000, you should be very happy indeed.

Always keep a good handle on your costs verses revenue and determine then if doing this for a living is viable.

With all that said, the term struggling artist comes to mind with renewed meaning.

[djstar]

It is a perfect example of something I have a big problem with. This forum will not allow us to post animal portraits. But, as many of you will notice, it is a real step toward a career in portraiture, human or otherwise.

I am only voicing an opinion saying I wish this thread were more like the theme of the whole site. All portraits human or otherwise would be nice.

My second idea was in a thread I posted in the animal and wildlife forum. It is regarding a subforum there or a third forum (which I dont really feel warrants it) for discussing animal portraits. Mostly to acknowledge that it is valid portraiture and not let us feel like second class portraiturists.

You people in here have used pets and people interchangebly. Do you feel it is such a great stretch?
I know there is a wealth of information in the wildlife forum but I really am not that sincere about specializing in animals. I would rather include animals in the greater realm of portraits, but I am wary of mentioning it. If you want to ignore me, please do. I just found this thread which perfectly illustrates my point. I am starting to believe I don't speak english like everyone else. I seem to have started a controvesy.
meekly
dj*

[jocelynsart]

Hi dj: No, don't worry, you have not done anything. I totally know what you are talking about.
Portraiture and what the Portraiture Forum should be is what is needing to be defined I think. In the Classical sense, Portraiture is not related to animals but the art of portraying the human likeness. When portraiture was studied, it meant the human figure and more accurately, portrayign a certain individual and saying something about them as opposed to just general representation of the human figure. Some figure paintings do both.
If you talk about Portraiture as a career or business sense, it means Human and Animal, like you are proposing. Animal portraits are more popular a commissioned item I find. Or, atleast make up about 50% of the commissions desired, in my opinion. So, in that regard, you are right on the mark.
I am staying neutral on it though, after answering you here. I prefer to not having to deal with everyone regarding it. Animal portrait artists are not inferior or under human portrait artists in any way, no. I personally don't enjoy them anymore, the straight forward head and shoulder ones, but that is really besides the point. I am definately not strong at them. Mine are far from being the best out there.
I guess the procedure is to go through whatever channels on WC are necessary to suggest a new forum or sub forum. I fear posting threads won't really accomplish a decision being made.
The only reason I feel it should be as a sub to the Animal Forum is that it is animal subjects. But, yes, animal and person portraits then would have no home! Cross posting I am told, is not encouraged as much as possible.
Maybe a nice idea would be to have a portrait animal/owner portrait project. One has been proposed and I am going to get back to that person as requested.
Joss

[Lauren F-M]

This IS a great thread!

As I am embarking on a portraiture career, resurrected from the ashes after some years doing other employment, raising children, and doing illustration work, I am finding all of this advice and experience very useful.

Perhaps I can kick in some of my ideas for self-promotion that are possible in my community; they might also apply to where you live.

Local artist-run shows or tours: Many artists will show together in a group show. In the past, I was invited to participate in one, and it was a great opportunity for exposure and networking. Also, some artists locally organize annual art tours, where they put together a brochure -- with the dates, places and artists to visit and a map. The local newspaper usually runs an article on some of these tours. They are usually in the autumn or the late spring, and work very well for the artists involved.

Local artist-run life-drawing workshops. In town, there are regular drawing-from-the-model sessions that anyone can attend. One community complex in town has about 6 different ones a week, with Wednesday being portraiture day, with 3 models posing for long poses. Artists use whatever medium they choose, and it also is a great networking opportunity, as most of those attending are professionals or great enthusiasts.

City Artists registry: Our city has a dept. for promoting local artists; they show art at the municipal gallery, send info on art in public places opportunities for competition, and also purchase work from artists each year for the permanent collection. Artists and register and submit slides of their work for the city's files.

Show in local shops and restaurants: This is becoming increasingly popular here - -trendy, in fact. Coffee and bagel shops, pubs, vegetarian restaurants, community centres, etc. -- all want to show art!! And, you can include a card with contact info and art price.

Art Lending: There are at least 2 places for renting art, with the option to buy it, with some of the money already paid in rent going towards purchase. One is at the municipal art gallery; the other is monthly (7 0 10 pm Monday & 10 am - 10 pm Tuesday), run by the artists included, and they rent the space at the local Unitarian church. All the display boards, etc., are owned by Art Lending, and stored at and set up by the church, as part of the rental fee. Once a year (in April) they jury for new artists.

Make business cards! I finally did this, and SHOULD have them on hand where my artwork (murals in a local music shop) are on display (a must-do for 2004!).

Website: I don't have one, but many artists do. I expect that one of them can advise us on the do-do's and don't-do's of this.

Another thought on self-marketing: as you mentioned that you are shy at self-promotion (I am too -- esp. at establishing prices), perhaps you have a close friend or family member who will take this on for you? I know that my family believes in me -- anyone done this?

All I can think of for now,
Lauren

[RobinZ]

DJ, since you are one of my heros, I would never say you're second class!!!!

In some ways, I find animals harder than humans. I just about went crazy over cat anatomy a while ago!

I keep going back and forth about doing pets only or pets and humans. I feel like I'm better at pets, but I like doing people, too. I wonder if I sound desperate..."Hey, I'll paint your cat, your dog, your husband, your kid....ANYTHING!!!!"

What do you think?

[Maryeve]

Another thing that I have done, is offer to people to "rep" me.

If I know someone has a huge mouth, and is obviously a fan, and is a social person.(and I know quite a few know it alls..LOL)

I tell them, I will give you a percentage of any sale you bring me..either in cash, OR in trade.

I one time had a woman that had 2 children, she could barely afford to do the first one but desparately wanted the other one done,...she was having them done at the same ages, so she had two years btwn the first and the second. I told her this, I told her 10 percent I think...this motivated her and that megaphone mouth went to work...she didn't even tell pple she was benefitting from what they bought from me. She ended up bringing 3 clients to me that had portraits ranging from 1-1500. So she ended up with a total of 400 dollars to apply toward her second portrait. NO work for her except to show off her first portrait...

As far has this being an expensive business..it, as Im not BOb pointed out, Is all relative to your perspective. But I was floored recently when talking to my accountant...I really need to get creative in my deductions b/c I will otherwise be reemed by taxes.

It is expensive to buy everything, but once it is bought, the actual cost of painting a portrait....what say $50(which is probably pushing it) I turn around and make 1500 on...well, see my point.

I hate taxes.

[Lauren F-M]

Gee, this subject is broadening out!

Actually, I started off with animal art back when I was a kid. The first actual animal-from-life portrait I did was of our cat, in pastels. She didn't always cooperate, but I eventually got a good likeness of her head... and usual ornery expression.

Anyways, lately, I have had a few pets included in family portraits, and I think it adds immeasurably to the portrait, as it brings in another relationship, thus, aspect, to the sitter(s).

So, another kind of portrait I could mention on here is the house portrait. They were pretty popular a few years back -- are they still?

Lauren

[soap]

Hi all, and happy newyear!
DJ started the subject of animal portraiture so I'll add my comments. But DJ, I think your idea of a subforum, or your thoughts on the nature of the portraiture forum did not really belong in this thread on portraiture business. But many people agreed with you that pet portraits are a great way of getting business. And that counts. I've never painted any animal but it is starting to become more appealing as we've just gotten ourselves into trouble with a little monster-cutey; a nine-week old Springer Spaniel puppy. Maybe, maybe I'll paint her sometime.

House portraits.........yes, since I like painting historic architecture I wonder if there is a market for that. I've never had anybody interested in that, but then I have not been in the business that long. Interesting though. I hope to do an 'artists impression' of a house that is for sale soon, in order to gain more interested parties for the seller. Maybe that will start something?

Mary, people who 'rep' you - I like that idea!! So far, my fiance has been the one with either a bigger mouth, or more commercial sense, as he is the one handing out my cards and telling people about what I do. I am just too shy and always think (or am told) after the event that I could have made good use of the situation by telling somebody about what I do..........But I hope I am learning. The 10% thing is a good idea. I'll keep that in mind, although I should stay consistent and if I offer one person 10% in exchange for more work, I should offer that to everybody who gets me work via referral.

Lauren, welcome! You had some good ideas! Local artist groups are often a great idea. I've joined mine, but must admit I was put off a little by the huge amount of pensioners and the style of their work, which is not like mine. Their exhibits seem only to attract family and fellow members. But I'll stick to it, as their drawing sessions offer good practice and they are all so awfully friendly and nice. :D I am now considering how far I want to travel to join in groups, or competitions etc. Especially with competitions I wonder if it is worth the expense of travel.

(PS: my charity auction portrait is now in the design stage: I've taken photos of the children they want me to paint, and am now trying to come up with a composition. I hope having a portrait in their house will lead to more commissions.)

[Lauren F-M]

Looking back over this thread, I was reminded of a few things I want to comment on:

re: tax deduction for donated artworks -- I assume that the "materials only" claim is in the U.S.?I live in Canada, but don't know if our tax law is different. Does anyone know? If not, I suppose I can ask the guy at H & R Block, when I take my taxes in this year.

Soap wrote:
House portraits.........yes, since I like painting historic architecture I wonder if there is a market for that. I've never had anybody interested in that, but then I have not been in the business that long. Interesting though. I hope to do an 'artists impression' of a house that is for sale soon, in order to gain more interested parties for the seller. Maybe that will start something?

I suppose the popularity depends on where you live and what market you seek. I live in a large city, with many lovely historic homes. There are now folks who specialize in researching the history of one's home. It might be nice to give one of those professionals your business card or brochure, showing samples, to get a house portrait done. A good networking opportunity, I would think. Otherwise, I suppose it's a matter of word of mouth.
Soap, that realtor might be another possibility as a house portrait networking ploy -- perhaps discussing your idea with the realtor will be fruitful!

Soap wrote:
Lauren, welcome! You had some good ideas! Local artist groups are often a great idea. I've joined mine, but must admit I was put off a little by the huge amount of pensioners and the style of their work, which is not like mine. Their exhibits seem only to attract family and fellow members. But I'll stick to it, as their drawing sessions offer good practice and they are all so awfully friendly and nice. :D I

Thank you, Soap! I am finding WetCanvas really helpful and supportive in getting me back to work! :clap:
Also, I'm finally getting a bigger room for studio, as we are moving bedrooms around, starting off with moving my teenaged son to the basement (his choice). As I can hardly turn around in my present studio, the reality of soon having a decent (though still not huge) sized room is very inspiring.

As to local artgroups: I find that there are many different approachs to art in the different groups in the city, and that I can benefit from connection with each of them, as I sometimes feel straddled between a few different "head spaces," as far as my own style and art preferences go. Here, there are groups with artists of various ages; some are dominated by older artists; some by younger. As someone who is "middle-aged", I feel rather adaptable. :p Actually, a few years back I was invited (by an artist-mom I met at my children's school) to take part in a group show of art done by mom artists who did their art at home -- the show was called "Wait Til I Scrape the Jam Off!" It was a great experience, and a very interesting show. Some of the women who were in it formed an artgroup that now shows together.

While I have always been a figurative artist, I went to artschool in the 70's, and it tended to be a conceptual era. I wonder if artschools now teach more about the realities of making a living as an artist, because it was rarely mentioned when I was at school. I think it was assumed that one would live on art grants or something. :p

So, here in town, some of the artists I know are quite contemporary and avante-garde, while others are very traditional. As I am pretty outgoing, I enjoy discussing art with others, and as I really need to get to know the art community here (I've been doing illustration work, primarily, for the past 10 years, and mostly for out-of-town publishers), I welcome all contact! As for what to do to promote myself, the first step for me is to produce some art! Besides going to the local open lifedrawing workshops (I'm aiming for once a week, to start off), I plan on grabbing my kids as models, once the studio is in place. :)

Soap wrote:
I am now considering how far I want to travel to join in groups, or competitions etc. Especially with competitions --wonder if it is worth the expense of travel.

I guess we each need to balance the benefit of doing it, as opposed to not doing it. With a competition, balance the value of going, meetig artists, seeing the art, etc., as being benefitial to you, even if you don't win (though I hope you do!). Same with travel to join groups. Also figure how often you want to attend the groups. If distance is involved, perhaps you can attend less regularly, but still benefit from doing it.

Lauren

[Dana Design]

Wow, this has been a great thread and I've gotten so much out of it. Great suggestions from everyone, however.......there was only one mention of website usage. I feel it's imperative that an artist have a website. I can't imagine dragging people into my studio on a daily basis to look at my art. I'd never get anything done!

Last weekend, I was about to order more biz cards, an expensive proposition here, when I saw that Office Max had a sale on snap apart DIY cards. I bought 3 pkgs for the price of two, came home and made my own. It took me about 2 hours total and I saved bunches of money. My cards have my website address on them and people seem to appreciate the fact that they can go to my web and see my work.

A sideline to this is that I also build websites for other artists and local businesses (finally putting to use all of those hours spent in web design classes)! I link them to other art sites and it drives business. Now if I can just stay away from the computer long enough to paint! :p

Dana

[sandge]

I feel it's imperative that an artist have a website.

A sideline to this is that I also build websites
haha :p

It might be interesting to discuss how best to actually make a website work for you. However, that might be one for the General Business forum since it would be of interest to other disciplines, not just portraiture. :)

[Dana Design]

Well, I pointed it out here in Portraiture because for the most part, portraiture art is marketed differently than other art. The web is good for advertising all kinds of art as we know, but portraiture offers so much to those of us that attempt to make a living at it.

I didn't intend to make my last post sound like a pitch! :( Merely wanted to jump in and say...use the web! You can post your photos and the likeness that's been painted more easily than schlepping paintings and photos everywhere. The brochure is also a terrific tool if you can do it yourself. If not, it gets expensive. ouch.

Dana

[CEN]

...and then there is sticking your 2 cents in on message boards ;)

[Dana Design]

Connie, of course! That's what these forums are all about! :clap:

I see you design web sites also! Good for you! It's fun, isn't it.

Enjoy!
Dana

[soap]

I've gotten loads of fun out of creating my website. I've learned a lot too. I now find I know more about the internet and HTML than many of my friends around me. It is great to be able to learn whilst having fun. My website functions as a portfolio and I refer people to it and hopefully others refer people to it. I have not received any direct sales from it (yet) but then I can understand people not wanting to buy without seeing it 'in the flesh', so to speak. I design my business cards, postcards, greeting cards, brochure and what-not all around how I design my website, so I have one (recognizable?) design going on. My (paper) letters have the same heading and I try to stick to one design as a sort of logo, although I never can decide on which one...:D