Knowing When to Fold

I was scheduled to go to San Francisco for an art seminar this past weekend but, I came down with a sore throat which developed into a sinus infection. After seeing the doctor, I reluctantly decided to eat the cost of the plane ticket and cancel the trip. It would seem to be bad luck but wait, after the fact it was a good thing I didn't go. It seems because of the uncharacteristic bad weather this last weekend, the flights where horribly delayed and what should take one and a half hours took well over 7 hours up and 5 hours back. If I had gone, I probably would have returned with pneumonia. So after the fact, I was lucky to have cancelled.

My motto is "If you don't try you can't succeed," but deciding not to do something can be just as important.

• Juried Art Shows: You don't want to enter every show since not all shows are appropriate for your genre. First check award winners from previous years. It is the easiest way to see if the show is compatible with your work. Another clue is the judge. I will look up the judges work and if I like what I see, it is usually a good indication that the judge will like mine.
• Art Co-ops: Showing your work is the only way to make sales but every venue needs an evaluation of the cost verses exposure. Art Co-Ops are springing up all over but not all are created equal. A good location is essential, costs need to be balanced by the possibility of sales and many require a time commitment. You may not mind sitting the gallery but you need to factor that into your costs.
  
• Art Walks and Sidewalk Shows: Many artists make a living doing these shows but are they right for you? The initial cost of the setup, tent, panels, etc. will cut away into the profit from any sales the first year. The show fees are high so that will also subtract from any sales you make. In the current economy climate, trying just one would be unwise so think more long term. You need to make a commitment to the show and decide to do it for at least two or three years. Setting up the booth, sitting the show and then tearing down the setup is hard work too. Find more insights into this venue at Art Fairs: Another Scam or the Best Way to Market Your Art?
• Studio Tours: The only down side to this venue is the chance that you will not sell enough to make back the application fee but many local studio tours have very reasonable entry fees. Clients come to your studio and someone else does the organizing. The most you can lose is a weekend and the admission fee.
• Plein Air Events: One of my favorite venues but not for the weak or lazy. Painting in strange locations, under unknown conditions is stressful. Being able to adapt to any situation is a must. You'll be away from your studio for a week and there are travel costs. Some of these shows have great sales while others struggle. No matter what I love doing these because I learn so much from every show. You can find more information on plein air events at Painting on Location.
• Website, Blogs, Facebook, etc.: A wonderful promotional tool for every artist. There are long discussions everywhere about all the different ways to use social media and the internet so I won't get into it all here. I know only one artist who sells consistently through Facebook. I agree that you need to have some online presence and I love my website through FineArtStudioOnline. My site is easy to use, has a built-in audience and is reasonably priced. I enjoy blogging but it is time consuming to post at least twice a week. For me, the return is well worth it but again it is not for everyone. Don't let this one venue take over your life, because it will if you let it.
• Galleries: You walk into the gallery and they need to replace an artist. Your work is a perfect match. What luck. You are thrilled but... Worst case; you find out from other artists who have work in the gallery that the gallery is a year behind in paying their artists and the reason they need new work is because many are pulling their pieces out of the gallery. Usually the red flags are not this obvious but take the time to find out some information about the gallery. There are many reasons to overlook problems in order to have your work in a gallery but there can be good reasons to pass when a gallery calls.

Just because some of these venues may not be for you doesn't mean you should give up. I want to restate that you will never sell anything if you don't have your work in front of buyers so always be open to new venues but make sure you do your homework before making the commitment.