It would be worthy to note that after you have invested your time, energy and skill in creating an artwork, without proper and adequate advertisement, they may never get to the buyers. This is why we intend to show the importance of artwork marketing. But first;

What is Artwork Marketing?

Artwork marketing is a process whereby an awareness and desire to acquire art is facilitated through a continuous advertising process.

Artists must know that beyond creating an artwork there is a need to create interest in the art. This is implying that apart from the skill or the art itself, the image/personality of the artist is another avenue for marketing.

3 Marketing Mechanisms Available for Artwork Marketing

In order to procure financial fortunes from your artworks, there are a number of marketing mechanisms open for artists to make use of. We offer you three of such marketing mechanisms;

1. Publicity

Publicity is necessary to market any goods whether it is an artwork or not and it has proven quite effective over the years. In order to sell any goods, you would be required to show it to your buyers and the public in an appealing way which will, in turn, compel them to acquire what you are selling. Thus, as an artist, you would require a publicist.

A publicist is a person whose job is to generate and manage publicity for a public figure or for a good. This is why celebrities, businesses, writers and even artists opt for one. The work of your publicist is to manage your relationship with the media. This may include; arranging and managing press conferences, managing your social media, making press announcements on your behalf, etc. This form of marketing tilts more to your image than the artwork itself.

2. Arts Exhibition

In order to make your artworks public and bring in buyers, you would want to host art exhibitions. An art exhibition is a display of a collection of your artworks for the public to see. This can be arranged personally or through your manager.

Art exhibitions are normally held at museums, public halls, art galleries or even hotel lobbies. It is worthy to note that such exhibitions can be sponsored or self-sponsored and it requires a lot of preparation.

Art exhibitions are one of the forms of showcasing your artwork. It will require you to network with the people in attendance who are bound to be art lovers or even a first-timer. You would have to explain your work in great detail, get feedback, express your thoughts behind each piece. You do not have to be tensed up, the secret to doing away with the jitters is to take the form of one of your visitors and look at your work with fresh eyes and am sure you would be confident enough to explain the beauty you created.

3. Galleries

Just as art exhibitions showcase your artworks, so do galleries. An art gallery is a space or building acquired solely for the permanent display of artworks for sale. You may own one or on the other hand approach gallery owners to display your work. We have local and international art galleries.

5 Ways on How to Display/Advertise Your Artworks

If you are looking for ways to display your artworks, we have some ways which should be of interest to you.

1. Art workshops

One effective means of advertising your artwork or skills is via art workshops. Think of it as a means of giving back to society whether it is free or a token. While the workshop aids to popularize the artists, in the long run, it helps to generate the public interest in artworks.

2. Blogs

Blogs are another efficient way of displaying or advertising your artworks. So running an art blog provides you with the opportunity to share your ideas with your readers. While you display each artwork, you can write about it. Fact: You regularly posting artworks would increase your fan base and readers.

3. Fliers

Art fliers would be necessary to advertise your artwork if you are planning to organize an exhibition, art shows, trade fairs or open an art gallery. The fliers include the name of the artist and the work which is a way of advertisement.

4. Social Media

Social media is another effective way of displaying or advertising your artworks. You can maximize your social media by channeling them into platforms used in displaying your artworks. You may even make use of email marketing, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc. You can share amazing videos and pictures of the process and result in making the artworks. You can also make use of these platforms as a means of educating and advocating for the value and beauty of artworks.

5. Television Shows and Scheduling Interviews

Being on television shows and scheduled interviews is a means whereby the artist gets to talk about the artworks. It may be expensive but you may want to think about it as an investment if you are paying for it. On the other hand, it may be free.

Why is Artwork Marketing Important?

Artwork marketing is important for the following reasons;

Credibility

Everyone wants to pay for something they know is credible i.e. they would like to buy artwork from a reliable and trustworthy source. Since marketing isn’t solely about the artwork but also the artist’s image, it is important to know that artwork marketing is necessary if you need to let your audience know that your art is worth collecting and that your prices are fair. Credibility here connotes that you are trustworthy and reliable.

Desirability

Desirability is built on the emotions of the buyer. Thus in order to persuade your buyers to purchase your art, it must be desirable enough for them to consider such a choice- hence marketing. Desirability here is dependent on the interest and appeal your artwork has on your audience. This is dependent on your skill and creativity and how good enough you are able to market them.

Visibility

If you have some goods and you do not make it visible to the public, no one would buy it. Visibility here is to get the attention of the public and showcase your work. It’s best you take conscious steps in making people aware of your work rather than leaving it to chance.

Networking

Artwork marketing is important such that it helps you build your network. While marketing your artwork you get to meet people who share similar interests with you and maybe someone you can do a collaboration with. Building your network should be of primary value to you.

5 Sources of Funding For Artists

If you are looking for sources of funding as an artist, then this may interest you;

• Personal savings
• Apply to foundations
• International sources for funding
• National galleries for arts
• Support from family, friends or art sponsors

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture have an intrinsic relationship. Arts may be subsumed into the culture but it is a vast subdivision of culture. This suggests that culture provides a creative imaginative plain in which artists draw inspiration from. A long-standing ideology is that our culture influences the way we view the world. On the other hand, different cultures have different artworks they create.

Why are Art and Culture Important?

Art and culture are important because it provides an opportunity to showcase your talents and artistic knowledge.

See Also

3 Black Heroines of Our Time: African Women Leaders You Should Know

Functions of Traditional African Art

Traditional African arts have an important relevance both to the artist, culture and the people. Here are some functions of traditional African art;

• Religion

In some African communities, there is still African traditional worship and some of these artworks serve as images of the gods used for worship.

• Decoration

Most artworks are used as a source of decorations. This is like the primary function of artworks, they are used to adorn our homes, offices, schools, etc.

• Income

Artworks are used as a source of income. This is why we had earlier discussed the importance of artwork marketing.

• Tourism

Tourists travel to African communities, even to the villages just to have a glimpse of beautiful artworks that they might have heard of. The beauty of such artworks is their ties with the culture of the people.

• Documentation

Through artworks, the tradition and history of the people are documented and preserved. Even when archaeologies or art lovers find these artworks they can trace the history of the people.

Art and Craft

Art and craft indicate a wide variety of activities that involve making things with one’s own hands. It is mostly a hobby but people have channeled it into a source of income, education, and innovation.

Examples of Crafts

Some examples of crafts include;

• Crocheting
• Knitting
• Weaving
• Woodcraft
• Pottery
• Jewelry making
• Lacemaking
• Embroidery
• Papercraft
• Basket making etc.

Artworks are just a part of what art is in general. Arts may be categorized into fine arts, visual arts, decorative arts, applied arts, crafts, animation art, performing arts, etc. The beauty of every art type is that every art is valuable and unique in its own right.

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