#14 in the series “Thoughtful Thursdays”

Becoming a professional artist takes more than talent, training and desire. It requires a plan, because one’s art can be the best in the world, but if it isn’t seen, it can’t be purchased.

The traditional method of “making it” in the art world is through galleries. An artist can build a professional reputation by entering and placing in juried and judged competitions, and by studying under professionals who are known in the art world. These artists prepare an artist statement and a biography that lists shows, prizes, galleries, professionals studied under,  and other art training.  These types of documents are very important in the formal art world and are often the key to opening doors.

It is more convenient to make it in this traditional manner if the artist lives near cities where shows, master artists, and galleries are available. Since each gallery has its own personality, it can take awhile to find the right match between artist and gallery. Between internet sales and the stalled economy, this traditional road is no longer the automatic route for artists to pursue.

The less traditional method of making it is to be self-representing. These artists seek direct contact with buyers through weekend festivals, commissions, selling on consignment in local shops and by opening their studios to the public. Instead of making art to fit the personality of a gallery, they are making art based on knowledge of their buying public.

These artists tend to have plain speaking loyal customers who say, “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like!” Their customers might be impressed by shows entered and prizes won, but often are not familiar with the shows. They may find it interesting to know an artist’s training, but usually haven’t ever heard the names over which other artists go gaw-gaw.

Now that the internet provides direct access to millions of people, many artists are following the less traditional route. There are artists who sell all their work through eBay. There are several artists’ groups that specialize in completing a painting per day, and these are selling very steadily. There is a site called Etsy that sells handmade goods, and another called Cafe Press which will reproduce artwork on merchandise for the artist to sell. Most serious artists have a website for direct sales to customers.

In Three Rivers, I know several artists who haven’t found it lucrative to sell in Tulare County; they have gallery representation in cities and are building their reputations by entering shows around the country. There are also artists who prefer to stay local and sell directly to the public. All are friendly, helpful, supportive, respectful and genuinely excited to see one another succeed at earning a living through art regardless of the road chosen.