How to Sell Art

An Introduction to Art Prints

2007-03-10T15:55:00.001-08:00

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By Elizabeth Morgan

Increasingly sophisticated photographic printing techniques have resulted in the development of fine art photography. Fine art prints are considered collectibles and much sought after the world over. Art prints have in fact revolutionized the art world, with photographers able to create masterpieces that can be considered art, and valued accordingly. Art prints have also brought the works of masters into the reach of buyers with modest budgets.

Unlike traditional photographic prints that are reproduced on photosensitive paper, art prints are inkjet prints on non-photosensitive papers. The process is called giclée printing (in French the verb "gicler" means "to spray or squirt") and involves the spraying of inks or pigments onto paper. Since no mechanical devices are used, a giclée print shows up a continuous tone image, much like the original painting in color and shadow. Giclée prints can be made on paper of different textures, and when mounted, look amazingly like paintings.

Multiple prints or reproductions of an original masterpiece make it more accessible to a larger number of people. The number of impressions of a particular work is called an edition. An artist or photographer can choose to make limited editions of his work, and each one can be considered an original. An artist can also choose to make unlimited editions, which may be numbered or unnumbered. While limited editions are usually more valuable, unlimited editions of certain artists can be equally expensive. The value of an art print ultimately depends on the artist who created the original work.

Digital photography allows photographers to tweak and manipulate their work, playing with the final result till they are satisfied. Most choose to make prints of a few photographs till they figure out if they will sell. A photographer can also alter a popular image over time, making changes in color or lighting, so that every print looks a little different.

Art prints have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for art lovers, who now have almost unlimited options to choose from.

Prints provides detailed information on Digital Photo Prints, Prints, Art Prints, Print Shops and more. Prints is affiliated with Digital Art Schools.

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Your Art Website

Successful Self Employment on a Budget for Artists and Other Freelancers

2007-03-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

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By Carolyn McFann

Being a business takes a lot of hard work, to put it mildly, for the artist who has experience in creating beauty, but is less than knowledgeable in the world of business and self-employment. In my experience, after twentysomething years of working on marketing and promotion of my enterprise, life is pretty good. Still hectic, but that goes with having your own business. It pays to work hard, to avoid that horrible starving artist cliche. Who needs to starve? By spending a lot of time building a reputation and trust in clients, the business will grow all by itself. The trick is to think like a savvy businessperson, not a fine artist.

First of all, advertising is very important. Without it, nobody knows who you are and what you have to sell. Learn how to sell, read, and absorb as much marketing knowledge as possible. The internet is a wealth of information. Focus your study on basic business building and marketing concepts, and then grow that knowledge by adding more study on it, later.

Join many clubs and organizations. Think like a business not a hobby. Don't go crazy with fees and big titles. Just get your name out there, and do it as cheaply as possible. Word travels fast if you're good and have products that people like.

Be realistic. Don't expect to take over the marketing world overnight. Build on your knowledge. It may take years but that's ok, it's to be expected unless you have an unlimited marketing budget or an MBA to move ahead quicker. I had a BFA and no marketing experience, had to learn it all via my father and trial by error.

Be professional. Copyright everything. Keep up with the legal side of everything. It pays to be professional and expect nothing but professionalism back from others you deal with. Customers will try to get something for nothing. Don't take it personally but don't cave in, be firm with what you think your items are worth, document everything and believe in yourself. Don't let others control your business decisions unless you hire them to do so.

Put out a quality product. That goes without saying. Lousy product, no repeat customers, and your reputation suffers. Craftsmanship and professionalism. Don't be late in delivering items, dress appropriately when meeting clients and be businesslike. Sloppy presentations will put you at a disadvantage. To stand out you must be a class act and so must your products.

Network, network, network. Attend functions, luncheons, fairs, whatever fits your niche in the world. Get to know others. Big executives do their networking on golf courses. You can network yourself anywhere. Keep business cards on hand and pass them out, don't be shy.

Be picky about assignments. Don't accept anything that comes along. This keeps your standard of work high and uncompromised. I stopped doing freebie projects for those who don't want to pay years ago. If you don't, you'll be inundated with those who will tell you "I don't have any money, but I can give you exposure if you just do ___ for me". Nope. Get exposure on your own. You can bog yourself down with these kinds of projects and make nothing from it. If I want to donate work I will do it to charities or organizations, not fly-by-night book publishers who have no money. Be picky.

Have a budget and stick to it. Don't get extravagant with spending or you'll end up broke. The income of a freelance artist can be a windfall of cash one minute, and absolutely nothing, the next. Work towards more steady income without wild peaks and valleys. It pays to be sensible with money. Save a little money whenever possible, to be used for strictly business purposes in the future. It takes practise, I made many money mistakes in my past but the school of hard knocks taught me to be better with money in the end. Now I am not struggling because I do not buy things I don't need.

Paying for a separate studio is great if you're independently wealthy, if you aren't, having one room of your living space for your art is best. For many years, my living room was my office, now the whole place is. Now, though, I live on a lake, in better surroundings. I take work seriously and so it is incorporated into my life as tastefully as possible. It pays off not to have an extra rent to pay for. It's all about the profit at the end of each month.

Promote others, and they will in turn promote you. Spread the word about yourself and others, and it's amazing how fast good news travels.

If you aren't fully self-supporting, get a side job. It's part of paying your dues. Learn from any part-time job you have, try to get something that will teach you something about marketing, art or whatever your business is about.

If I had to do it over again, I would've double majored in college in not only illustration, but marketing. But, I have managed to make a good living for myself even without this degree. The key is persistence and never to stop learning. If you're an artist, it's fun to do art you like doing, but also keep in mind, if you plan to sell what you do, you must appeal to your audience. Who is your audience? Target your work to them. You can still be yourself, you still call the shots. In art, whatever you do is your right. Artistic license. To be successful it is important to balance your uniqueness with being appealing to your customers. Make it work for you.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio. Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico for two years, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. Her focus is on realistic, natural artwork and illustration through her agent and her website, http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Your Art Website

Smart Artists Use the Internet to Increase Recognition and Sales

2007-03-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

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By Debra Amerson

Many of us have dreamed about making a living doing something we love, enjoying each day to the fullest and living that content, peaceful life we long for. For many of us, becoming a professional artist would be our highest aspiration, but even for those lucky enough to have the talent, making a good living as an artist can be extremely difficult.

Just ask any artist and they can tell you the same thing. Even immense talent doesn't guarantee a decent living. Despite rave reviews from art experts, most artists still find themselves in need of an extra boost to sell their art and make a good living.

So, like many of us, artists are beginning to turn to the Internet for a solution. Believe it or not, there are art-loving people out there who sponsor websites that provide an outlet for organizations, individuals, visual artists and musicians to upload and sell their work online.

CafePress.com is the Web's leading marketplace for selling and buying products direct from the creator. CafePress.com manages every aspect of doing business online, including customer service, online storefront development and management, product manufacturing and sourcing, fulfillment, credit card transactions and offers a full money back guarantee. Organizations utilizing CafePress.com's services are able to generate new streams of bottom-line revenue and build community through creative merchandising with no upfront cost.

The print and product quality is typically very high, allowing artists to showcase their work to millions of art lovers around the world including some well known celebrities who have set up CafePress.com shops such as: Christopher Lee (Lord of the Rings), Rick Springfield, LeeAnn Rimes, David Cassidy, Tupac Shakur, R. Lee Ermy (Full Metal Jacket) and Wil Wheaton.

The Internet isn't just for MLMs and auctions. In recent years, the number of visual artists and musicians with websites has grown substantially, and so have the numbers of people who buy art online. It's a market that, while growing, remains vastly untapped. And that's good news for artists who want to jump on the bandwagon in the early stages.

So, if you're and art enthusiast or someone needing a unique artistic gift, you can skip the galleries. Those who create art can sell it online, and those who love art can buy it online.

Debra Amerson's photography has already received kudos from musician and recording engineer Andrew Roberts, a private collector, who said "Debra Amerson is an artist whose work brings vibrancy and positive energy to any space where it is displayed. The colors and textures of her images create a visual experience that, like classic music recordings, are worth visiting again and again-- finding something new and beautiful each time."

For more information about Debra Amerson's California Style Art on subjects from florals to music, and travel to Tibetan monks, visit http://www.cafepress.com/damersondesign

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Your Art Website

Be of Service and You'll Achieve Artist Success!

2007-03-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

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By Greg Katz

We’re caught in a world where time is money and extremely precious. It’s difficult enough to figure out how to create art, run a business, and have a life but there’s one more step we need to consider that will make running a business much easier. When we stand in service to others we create an exchange with the community and those we serve. This is not a call to go out and volunteer for every nonprofit that knocks on your door. I believe that when we are of service to our own community first we are given a huge advantage in the business arena. Remember charity begins at home.

One of the communities most artists belong to is an artist guild. If you go, how many times do elections come around and the board is scrambling to get someone, anyone who will give a year to serve. I can tell you from personal experience that serving on your professional organization’s board is the best investment you can make in your business. It sets you aside from others in many ways and allows you to provide your vision for the organization and the art world.

When we make a commitment to serve we are making a statement to the world that we are firmly planted in our art business. We set an intention to succeed and lead with that example. As part of the leadership team you can keep your finger on the pulse of the community and realize skills you may never have recognized in yourself previous to that moment in time. You’ll be included in marketing decisions, exhibition plans, education opportunities; all of these are things you can take and apply toward your own business.

Upon entering the coaching world I never had any intention of serving in a leadership position. Things change quickly and within six months I was part of the leadership team. That move led me to run for the board as Secretary and then I was asked to run for President of the organization. When you are given the opportunity to lead it’s not just about guiding the organization, but creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and inclusion. You become known for more than just your artistic talents; you become multi-dimensional. The key is the more people you know and know you, the easier it becomes to run your business. Remember, word-of-mouth is still one of the strongest selling points we can hope for in the art community.

Take the opportunity to learn more about yourself and if you want create a work of art based on your leadership experience. Serving will provide you with insights into human nature you can’t gather in any other manner. You get to make the leadership experience what you want it to be. It can either be an asset or a liability, that’s your choice. Since we’re in the business of building an artrepreneurial empire I’m guessing that you’ll find the way that suits your personality and your style to help move your business and the art community you belong to forward in its mission.

Greg Katz is a national juried artist and the owner of the Artist Success Studio, a virtual community focused on transforming "Successful Artist" from oxymoron to declarative fact. Greg can be reached at 720-851-6736 or his website at http://www.gregkatz.com/.

Chubby Artist The How to Sell Your Art Website

Finding an Online Art Gallery

2007-03-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

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By Morgan Hamilton

Are you an artist? If so you may have began your art career in as someone that is commonly referred to as a “starving artist.” It can be difficult for an artist to get people interested enough in their work to want to purchase it. It is very expensive to arrange for a gallery showing, but don't despair, there is a viable alternative known as an online art gallery.

An online art gallery is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a website that features art. But better yet, this can be a web site featuring YOUR art. The art is photographed and displayed on the website. Often times an online art gallery will feature the work of several artists at once. If you are not a web designer, or our computer illiterate, don't despair. You can always hire someone to do the work for you.

Of course you can also join an online art gallery where there are many artists featured in and the actual management of the web site is the responsibility of someone other than you. One of the ways that an online art gallery makes money is by commissioning the work of the artists. An agreement is entered into that states that any piece that is sold through the online art gallery is subject to a fee. The fee will then be deducted from the sale of the featured artwork that was sold.

This type of arrangement works well for the artist as it allows them to showcase their work to a broad audience without the expense that can be associated with that. The Online art gallery basically is supported by the commission's decrease the for the work sold through the site.

Not all online art galleries work with this type of system in place. Some will forgo a commission and simply charge a one-time, upfront fee. It is almost like a landlord, tenant arrangement. The site owner is allowing the artist to use their bandwidth space to show their work and therefore a fee is fair and justified. As I stated before, there are no commissions involved in in this type of arrangement. It is yet another option, and a very viable one at that.

One of the benefits of utilizing the services of an online art gallery is that for the price the artist is receiving some promotion as well. Exposure is key to the success of any artist. If no one's future work, then you don't exist.

An online art gallery also makes money when people visit the site and purchase from it. Therefore they are always working hard at promoting their virtual space and their very real artists. For the artists whose work is visible on the site, this means more exposure which can translate to more sales. It's all about getting your product in front of interested parties.

Not every online art gallery features the work of up and coming artists. There are many that will be focused strictly on the well-known, celebrated artists. This type of gallery allows individuals who are interested in art the chance to see it online. Unfortunately, not all people who have resources and ability to visit the great galleries of world. Being able to see world class art online is a luxury that many people really appreciate. It is yet another wonderful way in which the Internet and enriches our lives.

Whether you are an artist or an art connoisseur I encourage you to look over for various works that you can find on an online art gallery. Out that you'll see some things there that will really pique your interest.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning arts. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Online Art Gallery

Chubby Artist — The How to Sell Your Art Website

How to Make a Fortune On and Off the Internet with Classified Ads

2007-03-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

NOTE: ChubbyArtist.com did not write nor edit this article (except maybe for some minor proofing). It's here as a service to you. Go to the site for categorized summaries and other unique content not available here.

By Lamont Braxton

Are you ready to make money-and lots of it? Can you spare a little time and just a few dollars? If you are prepared to fulfill your dreams and realize your goals, pay per click or mail-order classifieds are your ticket to success. You have what it takes-right now. Classifieds are the best dollar-for-dollar return in advertising, and you can earn a high profit on your product investment.

Classified ads are the easiest to write, the easiest to place, and cost the least to run. They require only simple follow-up, and bring in hundreds, and even thousands of dollars in sales. People read classified ads for a purpose. As with most advertising, they are specifically looking for products, services and information that appeal to them. And a well-placed classified ad on the Internet (on PPC, like 7Search.com, GoClick.com, Findwhat.com, etc.), or in magazines like Home Business Connection, Money Making Opportunities Magazine, And Small Business Opportunities Magazine will bring in hundreds, even thousands of replies or orders for your product or service, week after week, month after month, year after year.

You don’t need a special background to make money in PPC advertising or mail order classifieds. Any beginner can realize a steady second income or develop a stable, full-time business through classified ads. But you have to be persistent. You must want to make money and stick with it. If you do, you will find that being successful is easy — just follow the steps of those who preceded before you.

What Sells with Classified Ads?

Take a look at the classified ads in the above mentioned magazines, or just visit any of the PPCs online. Just go to PayPerClickSearchEngines.com and you will see hundreds of ads, the same classified ads repeated day after day, month after month, year after year. For every type of product or service. Why? Only one answer: The advertisers who are running the ads are making money... plain and simple.

And you can too! If you need products to sell, For information check out QualityBooks.com. Or maybe you want to sell electronics and home appliances on eBay or Half.com? If you have a classified ad or ads, you can make a fortune with products you can get at wholesale here: www.myhotbuy.com (And The Best Part Is You Don’t Need To Stock Up On Inventory, They Drop Ship For You). All you need is a good classified ad, even if you want to sell on EBAY.

The most successful type of mail-order product you can sell is information. You can design a classified ad tailored to your product or service and then all you need to do is wait for inquiry’s or orders. I find If you design a good classified ad, and then make it into a on-inch display ad, your orders increase tremendously. But specialized information in the form of ideas, money-savers or self-improvement can be easily produced on a low budget and readily SOLD AT A HUGE PROFIT. Check out the magazines I mentioned above. You can find out about advertising in these magazines once you finished writing your classified ad through www.wolfenterprises.net.

However, if you need a classified ad written for you, for your product or service, you can have it done within a few days. I am an Advertising consultant and 21 year copywriter specialist, specializing in Internet and Mail-Order/Direct Mail Advertising. I will write an order pulling classified ad for you for only $90.00. Your ad will pull for years to come and make you many times The $90.00 fee. If your interested in my copywriting services you can write to me at: Lamont Braxton Dept. A96, P.O. Box 331 Selden NY 11784. And I will send you my free information package on my copywriting services.

Just keep in mind, information in the form of how to make or do something is a constant best-seller. People are always looking for simpler, or cheaper or better ways to improve things. What can you offer?

The 2-Step Approach

The proven method of selling mail-order items of information is called the two-step approach. Here, you simply place a short classified or One-inch ad in any of the Magazines listed above or in a tabloid magazine for your product. The ad doesn’t mention price, but tells the reader to write for further free information. Once you receive the inquiry, you then send the information package you have to offer and watch the stacks of orders pile in. How Much? According To SCORE (Counselors To America's Small Business), Many First time, Mail-Order And Internet Home Business Entrepreneurs Make $50,000 To $100,000 within their first year of operation. The key is to start right now. Once your profits starts, you simply roll some of the profits in more, and more magazines, or on more and more pay per clicks. It’s simple, and being done every day. This is the key to making a fortune in mail-order or on the internet. So Get started now. You’ll be glad you did.

Lamont Braxton holds a B.S. Degree In Computer Science From State University Of New York College At Old Westbury. He Is Also A Graduate Of The American Writers And Artist Institute In Florida. He is a 21 Year Advertising And Marketing Consultant, And Runs A Successful Copywriting Business And Several Successful Home Businesses, Including Market Trends Publishing at http://www.marrkettrends.com, e-mail at lwbjr@alloymail.com

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Your Art Site

What is an Artist's Statement and How Often Should it be Updated?

2007-03-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

By Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman

An artist’s statement is a statement of ideas and thoughts that
describe your philosophy, vision, and passion towards your artistic
creations.

Ponder over the following questions prior to writing your artist’s
statement:

Is your work whimsical, thought provoking, or edgy?
Does it portray a series of stories?
Whom or what has influenced you the most?
How is your work meaningful to you?

How do you begin to write your artists statement? You could begin by
writing a quote that has inspired you and your work, or you could create
a strong sentence that summarizes your philosophy about your life and
how art has changed your views on life in general. You could also
include what type of style and technique that motivates you the most
while creating your art creation.

Some artists have writer’s block when it comes to putting down their
thoughts on paper. I would suggest that you start with words that best
describe your art and inner thoughts then go back to edit them into
definite statements. Most artists know and feel what they are trying to
convey to their audience, however, writing it down becomes a huge task.

Personally, I believe your artist’s statement should be written by
yourself because of the personal touch you would be able to provide to
it. No one knows better about your artistry other than yourself. Your
audience will get a feel of what your inner thoughts are and how you
find this passion to be a lifestyle and not a hobby.

Make sure you aren’t using too many words that only artists would
recognize. Express yourself while allowing your words to flow. You are
expressing your passion; so don’t feel pressured to become a renounced
writer.

While being an artist is a rewarding career, unfortunately, there are
people outside of this industry who would say it is a hobby. So, it is
very important to express how you feel about your craft through your
artist’s statement. Writing a one-page statement would be sufficient in
getting your statement across to your audience, but if it runs to a page
two, that’s fine. Clearly, it shows your audience that you are vividly
and precisely getting your thoughts across.

Your artist’s statement should be updated as your career inspires new
direction and when there are profound events that have captured new
inspirations in your creative vision. Your statement could be updated at
the same pace similar to updating your résumé.

If you’re still unsure how to get started, here are two excellent
sites that have sample statements: Molly Gordon or National
Association of Independent Artists.

Your artist’s statement is a very important tool. Take a block of
time out of your daily or weekly schedules to create the type of
statement that will allow your audience to understand how you began your
journey.

Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman, Virtual Assistant & Lifestyle Entrepreneur
Coach, is the owner of a home-based business called
The Brownstone Workshop. If you need your artist support materials (ASMs)
professionally created and updated along with other administrative, ad
hoc services, or lifestyle coaching, call on Yasmeen at (919) 319-6271,
via e-mail yasmeen033@aol.com or visit her website.

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Your Art Website

10 Tips on Buying Original Contemporary Art for Investment

2007-03-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

By Arthur L. Browning

Record-setting prices are being paid for art created in the last one
hundred years. For a time it seemed as if Van Gogh's work would remain
the most valuble of recently auctioned pieces. But now other artists are
bringing in the multimillions per work as well.

Investing in art for the average person must take on some very
different dimensions. Yet, buying, collecting and selling art can be
interesting - even profitable. There some things to remember when you
are shopping for art - especially as an investor.

First, remember that the odds of finding a De Kooning at a garage
sale is infinitesimally small. His works, as are those of many artists,
were seen, bought, catalogued and stored almost as a public record. The
people who bought De Koonings along the way stood to make multimillions
as well, if they held onto the works.

Second, try to find artists whose works interest you, and get to know
those artists. Communicate with them about their work, their prices,
their career objectives. Try to acquire the best examples of their works
that are available.

Third, bargain on price - which is not easily accomplished if you are
after their largest or most accomplished pieces. Price can be tricky,
but don't let it cause tension between the artist and yourself.
Remember, heart felt appreciation of an artist's works go a long way to
softening negotiations. This doesn't mean you should be insincere in
your flattery, but do be expressive.

More words on prices. Bartering is not out of the question. Smaller
and less accomplished pieces should be less expensive. Sometimes buying
more than one piece gets a discount, or buying on a regular basis.
Buying works after an exhibition, or before an exhibition on the
condition that they are not sold during the exhibition, can bring some
discounts. Telling the artist his/her work will be shown prominently and
giving out the artist's cards should be a given if you want discount
prices.

Fourth, see how well the artist is received by other buyers or the
art community generally. Do not expect the best art, art prices, or art
investments from the best-known artists or the artist commanding the top
prices. By the way, these do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. When
galleries "discover" an artist they usually increase the artist's
prices. Your job is to discover the artist before the next big buyer or
gallery discovers them.

Fifth, either pick classic, timeless themes in artwork, or be very
aware that you are picking niche-interest or local-history themes.
Abstract and nonobjective works happily don't have this problem.

Sixth, try to focus on artists with a recognizable style. This does
not mean a generic, academic, or knock-off style. The style should be as
original, different, and strong as you and your friends can tolerate.
Investments usually have to be cutting edge, by the time they are blue
chip it takes big money to get into the game.

Seventh, diversify your collection across one or two axes and buy as
many as you can show in your house, office, or apartment. You can buy
one from each artist or several from a few different artists.

Eighth, choose artists who are productive and well-grounded in the
process of creating. Be careful of artists who are (or act as if they
are) "suffering artists" or confounded by life, etc. This does not mean
you should turn away a legitimate bargain because the artist really
needs money. Artists should be judged on their work, not their profile
or personality or their press hype.

Ninth, take good care of your art, it will appreciate rather slowly
on average. And, yes, price hikes may not start until the artist dies.
This doesn't mean you should follow only elderly artists, but you might
want to make sure your children or friends share some of you interests
in your selected artists. They may be the caretakers of your investment
one day.

Tenth, don't sell your art until you get good offers. Check the
market for other transactions on art from your artists. Don't expect to
make a quick killing - the stock market only works like that if you are
an insider or you are a very wealthy opportunist waiting on a sure
thing.

There are a lot of other things you can learn to increase your
ability and taste for art buying and investing. I will write some other
articles on this topic in the near future.

Arthur Browning Contemporary Art Gallery Magazine

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Art Website

Investing in Arts

2007-03-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

By Michael Russell

Buying art is considered a 'boutique' investment or something that is
off the beaten track. However, is this really the case? Unlike other
forms of investment, economic conditions do not affect the art market
much.

The art scene has its own rhythm, mostly influenced by the artist's
quality of work and excitement of the collectors. It has more to do with
cycles. Basically, art investors would only buy a piece which they think
will increase in value in the future and bearing in mind that art is a
mid to long term investment.

People who bought art produced in the 1960s have managed to secure
500% returns on investment. However, the pieces are done by pioneer
artists who started their careers in the 1960s, or earlier.

New collectors need to practice caution and not be carried away with
hype and expensive art. When it comes to art investment, it can either
be a costly or affordable endeavor, so it all depends on the investment.

Potential investors might initially be turned off by the price of
art. However, you can start off with lesser-known artists whose
paintings are relatively cheaper. You can start with as little as $500
and build up your collection from there. The initial cost of buying art
would depend very much on the artist. Pioneer or seniors can command
prices ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 while works from
second-generation or mid-career artists range from $10,000 to $50,000,
depending on the size.

So, what is good investment value? There are two important factors;
style and consistency, which depend very much on the artist's commitment
level. The investment value also depends significantly on the artist's
track record, which includes his exhibition record, collection,
marketability and length of career (new, mid-career or senior).

Artists with good track records are often popular. However,
popularity may be hyped up. Price and quality do not necessarily go hand
in hand. More importantly, it's the psychological worth that determines
the price. Similarly, investing in established artists doesn't
necessarily guarantee good investment value either as sometimes their
work can decline.

There is a suggestion for collectors to buy works of artists who are
growing in value rather than those who are at their peak. Works of
mid-career artists are often considered to have potential for higher
investment value. On the other hand, works of most pioneer or senior
artists, have reached their price ceiling.

For collectors who are particularly new and budget-conscious,
consider works of young artists, as they are more affordable. There is
also a chance that the painting's worth might double or triple in five
years' time.

The art world is not easy to navigate, especially for new investors.
Getting to know artists, movements, genres and periods is one part of
the problems and becoming competent at identifying works of art can take
a long time.

You need to identify your own taste, so ask yourself why you like
certain art and dislike others. Serious art investors also need to know
which types of art sell and which do not. Moreover, talk to as many
people as possible, from curators and gallery owners to artists.

In many ways, investing in art is like investing in your taste, which
is why loving what you buy is important. People who buy art because they
love the piece, end up getting very good investment value.

Whatever the reason, you may not always get great monetary returns
from an engaging art piece but it can provide you with a lifetime of
visual pleasure.

Michael Russell, Your Independent guide to Investing

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Art Website

Choosing Original Art for Your Collection

2007-03-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

By Arthur L. Browning

An art collection can provide the buyer with many things. The art
collector can first and foremost indulge their own aesthetic preferences
and share them with family and friends. Anyone can appreciate your
collection when they see the pieces as both individual works and part of
a larger, coherent collection.

Secondly, the collector can choose pieces that are suitable as a part
of the decor for home or office. For this the collector can buy in one
particular style, genre, size or even color scheme. Some collections
have color and size variance within one style.

Thirdly, the collector can use the financial benefits from an art
collection. An astute collector can make a viable investment in art as
prices increase for certain artists' works or certain styles of work.
Art expenditures can also be a tax writeoff if used for a business space
in home or office. Art can even be donated to charitable concerns for
tax deductions.

Choosing original art for your collection can achieve all of these
goals if you use some common sense and planning. Within your area of
taste there are affordable artists to be found. You can get to know
several artists that you appreciate and negotiate discounted prices as a
regular practice.

Finding artists is not difficult. The internet and local art fairs
are good places to start. Art galleries also provide a lot to see and
discuss.

To use the internet you can search the types of art you prefer. An
example would be to search for "abstract paintings". There are hundreds
of results to choose from. Once you find the websites look around for
images and prices. Let's say you find

Abstract Paintings by Brad Bannister - now click on any of the
galleries in the portfolio. Some websites have prices available - you
will see prices in this website.

Most artists provide an email or contact page. This is the best way
to begin contact with the artist. As you discuss the works available you
can find out more about possible discounts. You may even negotiate a
commissioned painting.

When you go to art fairs you can browse, pick up business cards,
discuss pricing, etc. face to face with the artist. Remember that if you
are diplomatic and friendly the artist will probably negotiate a
substantial discount. This is how art collecting begins.

Arthur Browning began his career teaching technical writing in a
small Midwestern university for 15 years. He later edited and published
a national professional journal for some ten years. He is now an
investor. His interests include art collecting, web marketing, writing.
Contemporary Art Gallery Magazine

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Art Website

Enjoy a Hobby in Art Collectibles

2007-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

By James Bowie

Having been an avid collector of a number of different subjects for
many years, I can honestly recommend collecting as a fun and very
interesting hobby.

Collecting, no matter what the collected subject is will be a fun and
highly enjoyable hobby, and I have found that one of the more
interesting items to collect is art collectibles. There are many
different items to be found, which once created or painted will become a
work of art in their own right. This artwork then becomes an art
collectible. Art enthusiasts will collect such things as items made from
animal bone, and wooden novelty items, all of which will have been hand
carved or had artwork painted on.

Many people have large collections of designer rugs which are seen as
art. Other art collectibles are limited edition plates, thimbles,
Christmas ornaments, and figurines produced by such companies as
Franklin Mint. And then of course, a huge majority of art collectors are
people who collect fine art paintings.

People who have art collectibles as their hobby will always find
their own favourite artists whose works they enjoy and appreciate. They
will often choose to collect art from one particular artist, either an
old master or an artist from the present; Then again, other collectors
will choose to have items from the works of a number of different
artists. There are of course those who will fill their collection, with
art and art objects which are based on a particular theme, such as
landscape paintings, animal figures, or various types of sheet music. It
is not uncommon for people to think of art collector’s as being very
rich; they think that they may have the ability to spend hundreds of
thousands of pounds on, lets say an original Monet. However people who
do not have huge amounts of money at their disposal can also collect
art.

I found that collecting postcards was a very good place to start. If
you visit museums of art, you will find in their gift shops high quality
items, these include glossy postcards which depict some of their art
collections. If you purchase any of these cards, you will begin to
really appreciate that anyone can build an art collection. A very good
source of art collectibles is the online auction site ebay, no matter
what type of art or collectible you wish to have. If you are just
starting your collection, the choices and options available are quite
overwhelming! You should also bear in mind that you can sell your own
bits and pieces; this will help you to afford items for your own
collection. Doing this on ebay would certainly help your budget. Other
places you can find inexpensive items for your collection are, local
flea markets, charity shops, and garage sales. You will be amazed at the
treasures other people will be getting rid of.

A good thing when it comes to art collectibles is that you can find
artists in every part of the world. When you become an art collector you
should visit your local art shows, museums, and local galleries. Here
you will be able to find out what inexpensive talent there is close to
home. Because most pieces of art have a local theme, art collectibles
make excellent travel souvenirs. For instance, the artist Heather
Bagnoli specializes in oil paintings of landscapes and architecture most
of which are found around her home in the Thames Valley. Of course,
collectors of art will be able to find a local artist almost everywhere.
Having an art collectible hobby will keep you interested in your
surroundings and life in general. With an art collectible hobby you will
have a beautiful home filled with wonderful art masterpieces. If having
beautiful and interesting things around you is something you enjoy, then
you really should consider starting an art collectible hobby today.

James McLean Bowie is an author and book dealer who resides in
East Yorkshire, England. He owns a number of websites which offer
resources to the writer, collector, hobbyist and webmaster, including
James Bowie Books.

Chubby Artist – The How to Sell Art Website