For artists, our work is a part of ourselves. It is not something merely to look nice or amuse people, but it is something personal. It is our way of timekeeping. Into each artwork, we pour out our most creative thoughts, emotions, and techniques. Artists need art to make them feel alive. The best artwork is done by those with the wildest imagination. In my case, my mind wanders off, and I find myself daydreaming half of the time. This does not mean that I am trying to escape reality or that I am oblivious to what’s happening in my surroundings, but it’s quite the contrary. I feel I am attuned to every noise around me, people’s emotions (expressions), and the environment. This is why my mind tries to tie everything together, create new possibilities, and is always wondering. Through art, I am able to speak my mind (literally). In a world where our lives are affected by things that aren’t necessarily graspable or visible (economy, social media, technology, politics), art becomes my footnote. Art is the footnote of who I am, it is a sort of introduction and insight to my inner world.
For such reasons, it is highly important that the young freelancing artists get the attention they deserve. Here are some ways in which you, as a freelancing artist, can get your foot in the door.
1. Try having an art exhibition.
This might sound a bit intimidating to have an art exhibition, but it truly isn’t as difficult as it seems. You can start off by making a list of your local art galleries and letting them know that you are interested in knowing how you get an exhibition at their gallery. You can do this by going online, walking around your neighborhood, asking individual people, or looking through the newspaper. You can call, email, or visit them in person. For local artists, what this means is that if an art gallery will give you information in regards to their schedule and any possible fees that they might charge you. What’s important is that you get people to know who you as an artist, that you feel proud of your artwork, and you get to build a relationship with people at these art galleries.
Image from Pexels: Art Gallery
2. Try selling your artwork online.
There are several websites where you can sell your artwork such as Zazzle, 500px, CafePress, or Etsy. It really depends on which website is the easiest for you to navigate. You might find that one website offers you a better deal, or that one is simpler. For me, I have an Etsy website in which I sell art print and will be posting my paintings soon. I use Etsy because I think it’s practical, and I trust it because I have used the website before to purchases artwork or items from people. It all depends on what YOU prefer.
Image from Pexels: Websites
3. Get the word out through your friends.
Getting the word out through your friends and acquaintances is the best place to start. This will help you, in developing a speech, with which you promote about your artwork. You can practice in highlighting the most unique aspects of your artwork and also listen to what people are curious to learn more about.
Image from Pexels: Talking
4. Display your artwork on social media.
Take advantage of the platform social media gives you. You can make a post dedicated to your artwork and will be surprised how far a single post can go.
Image from Pexels: Social Media
5. Your artwork is still amazing with or without the recognition of others.
Say that you were to get an art exhibition or manage to get the word out about your artwork, but it turns out people don’t like your artwork. Regardless of people’s opinions, you should always strive to do what makes YOU happy. Your artwork does not have to be like anything else, it’s open to anyone’s interpretation. The only opinion that matters is your own.
Image from Pexels: Joy
The ultimate purpose of art is to nurture the soul, speak our minds, and to bring us hope. If art is important in your life, you should try to grow as an artist, network, collaborate with other artists, and find a way to make it your career (or something related to it). Never stop dreaming!