So do you want to get paid for what you do?
It's a simple question and one that you should think about. There's plenty of room in the art world for guys who want to get paid for their art and for guys who just want to express themselves. Which one are you?
If you are the kind that just wants to be expressive, go out and paint, it's a beautiful day, the weather is nice and there's a warm wind blowing the leaves around, why not?
If you are the other, take a look at this article by Maria Piscopo.
Maria represents photographers. There is mo real difference between what she does for a photographer and what you can do as a painter to squeeze some money out of your clients.
Now we all know that clients, God Lov'em want everything for nothing and will happily tell you so. The look on a client's face when you quote a price for that 20 X 40 canvas you've spent the last six month working on will make the gaga reel on any reality show. How can you ask that for oil on canvas?
If you can, more power to you. But if like most of us when the client goes gaga, you shudder and begin reducing your price, Maria has some words of wisdom that might just help.
And while you are reading through Maria's articles, take a look at this one. We're all afraid of no. It keeps people from entering shows, selling their work, even donating it to fundraisers. Is it really good enough? Or will you get laughed out of the show?
And finally before you leave take a look at this gem. Publicity and self-promotion are the cornerstones of making your art pay its own way, but do you do it? Oh sure you can try the magic method where the hidden secrets of your art explain why and what you do, or you can sit down and take a close look at this article and see what you've been missing.
That's the thing about being the captain of your fate, the master of your soul, you have to do all of the work, but then you get to keep all of the rewards.
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