13. Try a Wide-Ranging Pricing Model
Unless you are as renowned as Jeff Koons or Ai Weiwei, you can benefit by having a price range that appeals to diverse income groups. I see no harm if a painter goes from $200 to $20,000 or if a sculptor goes from $5,000 to $50,000. The beauty of art ought to be available to all, not just High Net Worth Individuals. You can sell $100 prints of paintings or even $100 paperweights of sculptures. Versatility and variety, especially in your early to mid-career years, will give you valuable insights into consumer behaviour and ultimately help you focus on and put more resources into what matters and what works best for you.
14. Experiment with Combining Your Art with Commodities that have More Obvious Utility
A lot of people may not have the money to buy art but cushions, curtains, dresses, scarves, bedsheets, chairs, tables, mugs, bags—who doesn’t need these? Why not inscribe your designs on fabric or furniture? Give a few pieces a go. If people respond positively, manufacture more. Such approaches will really democratise your art, take your mission to the masses.
Designs by British artist Ketna Patel on apparel, beds, sofas and chairs.
Designs by American artist Karlos Marquez on sofas, cushions and tables.
15. Create Mock-Ups of Possible Works
To avoid accumulating unsold works, from time and time, create a good number of designs for possible paintings or sculptures digitally and share them with your followers on your website and across social media. Invest your time and energy into them on a physical level only if they are selected and commissioned.
16. Conduct Workshops and Classes
Try Googling for art classes and workshops and you will find that they are in demand almost everywhere in the world. There are plenty of people out there—doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, marketers, bankers, writers, scientists—who do have some basic aptitude for art and would like to improve their skills but aren’t really in a position to attend a proper art school. But they would love to get some direction and guidance, if only to create something for their own enjoyment. A professional artist situated in a big city/town with a bustling corporate environment can organise small and affordable classes or workshops for different age groups—children, teens, adults. A painting or drawing or pottery retreat could also be set somewhere far in the country, particularly during holiday season when everyone is relaxed and looking for some fun. Such events are a great way to socialise and also earn money. Sure, during your first few attempts you may not have many registrations. But in the long run, an initiative like this will surely pay off.
“…organise small and affordable classes or workshops for different age groups—children, teens, adults.”
17. Expand Your Business by Teaming Up with Professionals from Other Fields
If you have an entrepreneurial side, why not start or participate in a business that might have art as an element—not the whole thing but one important component. Here are two examples, from the restaurant and tourism industries. Take “Supper in a Pear Tree” (www.supperinapeartree.co.uk) that:
pops up once a month in the rustic surroundings of London Fine Art Studios in Battersea. The evening starts at 7pm with a glass of wine and a drawing session around a nude model, run by artist Charlotte. Beginners are more than welcome! And then a three course scrumptious supper will be served. The night costs you £40 and for that we can promise you’ll leave with a masterpiece, a full belly and probably a new friend.
Then there is the Indian company “Awesome Experiences Pvt Ltd.” offering artistic sessions like pottery and spray painting in different locations. See bluebulb.in/destination/mumbai.
The possibilities might be endless. Think, plan—act, execute!
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