social media – bobskyart

Hare Style!

Recently a local gallery has closed its doors and switched off the lights for the last time, I suspect this is a common happening. As a budding new artist I have to admit it made my heart sink but I am not one for staring at closed doors, and if you are reading on then you are looking for new doorways too. Galleries are seen as the pinnacle of promotion for most artists, we just love the idea of people walking up to, around and into the idea of that which we create. If I am honest an art gallery also acts as a buffer between me and the dirty word…Money. Why do I call it the dirty word? Because it is the one thing I am uncomfortable about handling, and I do not think I am alone in this. In fact I would rather walk on fire in a nylon nightdress than ask for the prices I would really love to command with my work. Like so many, I do want to make it my business, after all I am calling it ‘my work’.

It seems the outlets for my work are changing so I have to learn to change with them, unless I am content with failure. There is a reason for the high street Gallery demise, the internet seems to be far more accessible for clients and if I get it right I can be the master of that craft too. In the long run success will get you the possibility of Gallery exposure as surviving Galleries show work by artists with solid sale potential and notoriety. ironic as it seems.

You want people to see your work, we all love the idea that they wish to live with our work as it becomes part of their daily background. The showboat in us wants to eaves drop as they talk about our work. Wouldn’t you love to know how the conversation may move into other things that your art has provoked? Perhaps I am a nosey so and so that loves to be part of every ones lives but doesn’t wish to be noticed, thats exposed my artistic neurosis.

If you want to sell your art then it isn’t just about you, so sharing it is a mission.

There are so many places we can show people what we are doing, I am very brave when it comes to that, and I know there are lots of you watching the likes on your personal Facebook account and getting motivation through the encouraging comments… Any one collecting commissions and\or orders through Facebook? For those without Facebook pages, don’t think you have to use it, but remember you are choosing to put one of your best tools back into the box without trying it out! Used well I believe your friends will help you spread awareness of your work, and that kind of network and referral is precious. Knowing more about how to connect and grow easily on the internet is now important to us as an industry, learning how to connect with potential buyers makes sense and can be fun. I will make mistakes, and just like a painting. those mistakes will become part of the picture, adding value in their own way. Please join me, I could do with some company.