Notes on Self-Promotion

"Serenity" - Courtesy of Island Art Publishers and Andy Everson - Canadian Artist

Many artists find self-promotion difficult, yet today this can be a necessary part of the job to let people know that you and your work exist in a world flooded with imagery of all types and qualities.

Again, some very basic logic applies:

• You cannot be all things to all people - have you assessed where your work fits and narrowed your promotion to the websites, galleries, publishers, retail outlets, shows etc. that are the best fit for you. Example: If you specialize in Equestrian Art - would you want to advertise in a publication that is solely for lovers of fine wine? Unless there is a definite correlation that you can identify - you need to narrow your focus.
• Self-promotion is no more than telling people what you do. When you find the areas of focus -don't be bashful, but don't feel you need to do more than let people know who you are and what you do.
• Be yourself! One of the worst things you can do is try to copy other artist's approach. The most important thing about you is that you are unique! So just be yourself and let that and your art speak.
• Lastly in this little logic grouping is to be consistent. When you have found a focus - just keep the message going. People don't always notice when you talk the first time - or even the second or third - but they do notice when you are consistent. One example: When I owned a gallery a few years ago and was accepting artist submissions, I often came across a good artist but did not have time or space to include them at the time. The ones that kept coming back or kept in contact and let me know what they were up to were inevitably at least granted an opportunity to meet and discuss the work if not invited to show.

Keep up the great work - all of you!

What Happened to Art Reproductions?

As I travel and visit stores, galleries and frame shops, I am wondering - what happened to quality art reproductions. The world was crazy about great posters, Limited Edition prints, and small reproductions of all kinds.

Now "decorator" prints are found in Walmart and Home Depot, galleries and frame shops struggle to sell reproductions of fine art and ebay is crammed with people trying to sell work that no longer seems to have value.

Giclee prints - just another form of reproduction, albeit of great quality and often very faithful to the original, greeting cards and gift items form the bulk of reproductions available almost everywhere.

On one hand the world has returned to buying good quality original work - even from relatively unknown artists through the power of the internet and that is a Great Thing! But it does ask the question about where reproductions are headed. I would love to hear what both artists and collectors think the future holds.

I for one think that there will always be some market, but it certainly is changing and quality, the artist's reputation and style of work will bear a major part. More thoughts to come, I am sure........