I've been readin the complaints... (here and there)
Reply to: comm-674865776@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-09, 8:08PM MDT
I've been reading the posts on Free or charged display of art. I would like to say that I personally enjoy being able to share or sell my art. I understand the frustration of having to pay for the costs of buying the canvas ( or whichever medium you choose) the paint....spending time to do the art, the costs of traveling to drop off the art at a location, etc, and then not being compensated.
It simply boils down to business. A business owner has overhead and costs to run a business of their own. Rent, (thousands for a commercial lot or mortgage), their own advertising, labor, inventory and the costs go on. They typically don't have a budget for artwork to be on display. They may require a commission sometimes and yes..unless they are advertising, it usually will end up as profit for them if you sell a piece. The question is if you as an artist are willing to put the costs and effort into having your hard work and emotional attachment into your art to have it displayed at this particular establishment. If all "professional artists" stop displaying their art in these places, then they will just go to the people that are willing to and/or their niece who does crayons on line paper (which may be really good).
Changing the way the society acts in regards to an artist is impossible. Trying to get artists together to band as one and stop is impossible. My best suggestion is for you to change your way of business.
Artists come in so many different varieties. Some are hobbyist, some children, elders, amateurs, professionals...so many people are blessed with creativity that to band them all would be a hopeless fight. If you are an artist that is trying to make a living off of art, become a business. A business will look at the scenario and determine what is best for the business. If the output is not worth the input then it is a bad investment and shouldn't be pursued. The same with your art....if the show doesn't match the worth in exposure, adverting, costs....don't do it. Art is free and it is also purchased...feel free to look...enjoy..if you want this eye candy to last...buy it. When it comes to these scenarios that are somewhat aggravating, think of the number of people that pass through the doors of the business in question...do they advertise to bring in more customers for their business? How many people will be exposed to my art? Even if they don't purchase...maybe they know someone that might want to see your site..assign a commission or buy something. When you talk to them...ask about space on a table or counter to set cards or fliers to a different show you may have coming up...throw in a contest or silent auction...be creative in using this avenue of attracting customers.
Overall...I feel your pain...but I also feel pleasure in creating..as an artist it is important to realize as an artist you will feel miserable:
If you plan on being famous or rich
You do things other people want
Plan on your best piece being your only path
These are a couple of examples...
Do art for you and enjoy...as a business, run it as such and don't do the shows that don't work in your business plan.
Changing other peoples ways is a miserable battle....change you business sense and the world will open up...if you are marketable.
Anyway...hope this helps...
DR RAGS
Doug's Rock n Roll Art Galleries
Some of the most famous artists never had fame or money....They had talent and passion
- Location: here and there
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 674865776
