Sometimes art marketing activities can be difficult and time-consuming. Simple ideas for increasing sales will help you spend more quality time creating art. In this article you’ll find ways that I know have worked for many artists and art dealers I know. I hope you try some of my suggestions. As usual, you’ll find many links to more articles to read on the different topics.
Refresh Your Hidden Treasures
When asked to write an Art Review for an artist we discussed his newest pieces. I also felt it was important to discussed his earlier works that he had stashed away in his “Archives”. There, we found some hidden treasures. Surprisingly, some of the unsold paintings in his “Archives” had similarities to his new series.
Have you looked at your older works of art with a new, fresh, objective perspective? This may inspire you to refresh them and retrieve them from the trash or archive files. Revisit your “Archives” and see how you can offer them for sale.
Sell A Beautiful Bundle
If your potential buyer is considering purchasing one one work of art, chances are they are also attracted to more pieces in your portfolio. Don’t expect them to ask about them. Offer a beautiful bundle they won’t be able to resist. If they buy one work of art immediately offer them a chance to purchase their second piece at a discount price, or offer them a bonus if they purchase more than one. Better yet, bundle three works of art into an offer they cannot refuse.
Suggestion: Place three pieces together and show them how beautiful they all work together, either side by side or in the same room.
Create a Digital “In Situ” Presentation for Potential Buyers
Meg Black’s art work is in many many individual homes, corporate and healthcare facilities. On her website megblack.com she created a section named “Installed Work” in which she offers four distinctive categories for viewing her installations: “Corporate”, “Healthcare”, “Residential”, and Public Collections. Potential buyers can visualize her art in their spaces.
Offer Low, Medium and High Prices
Offer art that is small, medium and large with appropriate prices. Marketing experts offer consumers three price levels — low, medium and high — for excellent reasons. They sell more using this practice. The lower priced art (such as smaller art or art in a different medium) is often referred to as a “Cash and Carry” option. It doesn’t require a lot of thought. Art offered in your medium price range is safe and many consumers can avoid taking risks. High priced art is exhilarating. Often, potential art buyers feel they are getting more “value” with the highest priced art. They often feel more powerful and confident.Take a look at your prices now and see how you can offer more options for potential art buyers that will lead to more sales.
Follow the Lead of Expert Art Sellers
Visit the websites of the most successful galleries and art consultants. Study the way they describe their mission statements and the attributes of the art they sell. Then, incorporate some of the language they use that resonates with you. For example, a corporate consultant or designer may say in their website sales pitch: “The art we offer is aimed at uplifting your environment and your life. The art will brighten your home and business.” An art consultant who sells to the healthcare art market may use these words: “We strive to have the patients and staff feel relaxed, happy and stimulated by the art that surrounds them. The art provides a sense of well-being for all”.Words are powerful. Think of all of the benefits your potential buyer will receive from your art and integrate the vocabulary in your descriptions of your art and Artist’s Statement. Use Use “picture words” — adjectives — to describe your art, such as brightly colored, textured, illuminating, energizing, calming…
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Andrea Robinson says
Thank you Renee. I love your tips, especially the bundle idea.. 😍
Renee Phillips says
Thank you Andrea. I think the “Bundle” idea would work perfectly with your spectacular art and I can picture a lot of different bundle arrangements you could make.