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08 January, 2005

James Franssen
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8 Comments

Portrait Commissions?

I looked for a FAQ but haven't found one.. and I didn't see any questions about this on the first page here, so I'll ask.

I am interested in doing portraits to help supplement the costs of college, but I don't know where to market myself. Are there any magazines or places to put ads? I've tried various bulletin boards around town, and all my tags with my contact info gets pulled, but I've only received 2 calls and I couldn't get back in touch with either one. A friend also suggested I contact my local paper and see if they'll do an article about me.. a sort of local human interest story.

So, besides bulletin boards around town (which I will still do), where can I promote my skill and get commissions? Has anybody had experience with this?

8 Comments

Sarina Renee 08 Jan 2005

I posted some quick flyers at work and had a few responses. I've had a ton of people interested that have seen me working on my drawings, but only few have actually called. I have one I did for a hairdresser that is being placed in the lobby of the salon. I'm hoping that it will help me. I've been asking questions like yours for a while around here... like in the "pencil art" discussion a bit further down and not getting any feedback. Good luck with your college thing. I'm aiming for the same thing myself.

Sarina Renee

Andrew Liberto 09 Jan 2005

Hi James, welcome to AW! That's an awesome drawing in your portfolio. I can't wait to see more.

As to your question, craigslist.com is a good place to start. You can place free ads there. Also, print your own cards and put them on grocery store bulletin boards,..pretty much any where you can think of where lot's of people will see it. I'll e-mail you with some more low budget ways. In the meantime eat lots of mac & cheese and other cheap stuff. Hunker down for the long haul. LOL.

eileen martin 09 Jan 2005

unfortunatly you have to be as much a PR expert as well as an artist. when i first started doing my christmas home portraits, i gave away lots of business ones. once they get hung and people see them, then thats where your commisions start.

Juan Gomez 09 Jan 2005

James you shouldn't have any problems doing portrait commissons..just visited your web-site..nice art..one advice..draw any famous person as a sample..like Andrew and Eileen stated put your-self out there..advertise on your web-site with those samples...do some in color..I do alot of commissions and have for years..both black & White and color..keep your prices reasonable to draw people in..trust me you'll get them..good luck..below a drawing of my niece D D..very small 2 inches square...Welcome on board to ARTWANTED.COM..make it known on your web-site..another important key..make it a big deal..

ghada zoughby 09 Jan 2005

James,I had the same problem when I was studying in the college, I tried everything to promote my work, finally I received a call from a carpenter to draw on furniture, so I did and I kept working on furniture untill i graduated.

a friend was drawing portraits in a cafe, I think this is a good idea too

so don't limit youself in drawing portraits to earn money,maybe you'll find something else, anything you can do will help

Gordon Szczubelek 10 Jan 2005

James, If your college has any art galleries it is good to introduce yourself to the people that manage them. Stop by often and let them know the quality of your work and that you welcome commissions.

Also, if your college or town has a cultural or historical museum maybe you can get involved with drawing displays, etc. That kind of experience alone will take you places. If your college has a course in museum developement, make an appointment to see the dept. chairperson because there are career opportunities for artists in that field.