Patty Fuller-Sturman 13 Sep 2008

Hello there!, Out of over a thousand and one hunderd mages......................... Yes! I sold ONE!! LOL!! I nearly fainted!!

Kind regards my friend,

Patty

Frances Perea 14 Sep 2008

Hello Steven---I am relatively new to this site as well. I have posed the same question about selling art through this site. It is hard to know for sure as their are no statistics available. It would be nice if their was a way to know what kind of art/prints are selling. So far the only offers I have had for purchase of my work have come from scammers. However, it is a very enjoyable experience being here with other artists and a great place to showcase my art. If you use this as your portfolio to show potential buyers what you have to offer, it could lead you to some sales, but it is my opinion you will need to take an active role in informing prospective customers about your site. A great way to promote your art is to send the ecards of your work to interested people. Also use the url to your portfolio gallery on your business cards, other websites, etc. We could encourage ArtWanted to come up with a way to let its members know what is selling. That could encourage us to keep hanging in there. Your art is very original. I think you will find your niche market. In the meantime, just have some fun on this site. Their are some really neat folks here and you will get a lot of support from them. Best Wishes--Frances

Erin Morey 14 Sep 2008

I haven't sold anything from the site, but have picked up a few small jobs from being able to direct people to my portfolio. I have only sold in person. I think the amount you will sell directly relates to how hard you market yourself. I don't try very hard as I am a stay at home mom and tudor 4 kids afterschool. Hope this perspective helps you.

steven mccorkle 14 Sep 2008

I think your right about having to market yourself and some may come by word of mouth. I do agree that this is a good place to showcase your art and I really enjoy the encouragement I've received from other artists. When I print cards I will put the Artwanted URL to my portfolio on them! I appreciate the good advice!!!!!! Another thing I think is good is seeing which pics receive the most attention for determining what works and what doesn't.

Pamela Munger 15 Sep 2008

I agree, it would be very helpful to know what has sold on this site. I can't find anything that might give me an idea that ANYTHING has sold here.

steven mccorkle 16 Sep 2008

Good news! I finally made my first sale!!!!!!! It's a start!

Erin Morey 16 Sep 2008

Congratulations!!!

Andy Leatherbarrow 17 Sep 2008

My thoughts...

The main problem with this site is it is full of artists! and I personally know very few artists that buy other artist's work. Afterall, that's why we are here in the first place, we make art! How many builders will ask another builder to build a house for them?

In my opinion, the main advantage of AW has already been stated, in that it is an outlet to show people your portfolio and help expose your work.

I agree that advertising your work and getting it known will help you make more sales and further promote your name. Your name is your strength in art. Damien Hirst almost certainly only sells his work these days for millions because of his name and previous success - not necessarily because of the quality of his work today. I joke and say that he could stuff a dead snake, put in some rubies for eyes and sell it for millions..

As far as selling your work is concerned, in my opinion you have to first make a decision. Are you here to make a living or just to expose your hobby? If it's the former, then you shouldn't just rely on AW, you should be going to galleries, trying to present exhibitions and anything else that can help promote your work. What work I have personally sold is mainly through galleries and some commissions (from word of mouth).

The better or more inspirational your work is, the easier it will be to make it popular, which in turn will allow you to sell it for more and make a better living.

WESTERN ARTWORK By Denny Karchner 17 Sep 2008

Hi everyone.

I for one, do not have my art for sale on this site. There two main reasons why. Number one is what Andy said here, "artists usually do not buy art." True! Secondly, when I started here several years ago, there were post after post about how AW was so slow about paying the commissions. I just decided that was the final reason for not try even selling here. AW is probably more on top of paying those commissions. I do not see any posts lately stating there is still a problem. Kudos to AW for that.

I feel you need to look for sites that cater to real "art buyers." I would highly recommend "www.artistrising.com". This internet site has two other sites that they must own that they will tie you into if your work gets good traffic and sales. They might pull some of your good images and feature them on "www.art.com" or their "www.allposters.com". Between these three sites, I have sold almost 100 prints, posters and framed pieces over the last couple of years. Of course, I do not make nearly the amount of money on these "unsigned" prints as I do my "signed and numbered" prints that I sell. But a $50 commission check here and there still counts for something.

I also feel that it is very important to market yourself in as many ways possible. I try to have my art posted on the internet in as many venues as possible. The more you have, the better your chances are for you to be found on Google and other major search engines. AW is probably one of the better sites for coming up in Google within a few days. I have had clients find me here more than once. What work I have got has more than paid for my membership here.

My "Robert E. Lee" sells more than anything I have posted. Go figure...

Good luck to all!--Denny ;{

steven mccorkle 17 Sep 2008

Thanks so much for all your great advice! Just what the doctor ordered, so to speak!!!!

Evelyn Simon 17 Sep 2008

Hey Andy, I have to tell yah; I have purchased another artist's artwork, and plan to purchase more if my wallet permits me. I myself haven't sold anything yet but I'm hopeful :o)

Andy Leatherbarrow 17 Sep 2008

Although I haven't personally bought anyone else's work, I have been very tempted on more than one occassion.

WESTERN ARTWORK By Denny Karchner 18 Sep 2008

"Artists usually do not buy art." I apologize, I was making a general statement. Most artists here on AW do not make a habit of buying here. I do buy signed and numbered prints of my mentor, Jim Bama who lives here in Cody. I have bought over 15 prints of Jims over the years. He is the reason I am here and I do what I do.

Have a great day everyone.--Denny ;{

steven mccorkle 18 Sep 2008

I see art that I'd love to buy but I just don't have the money right now. My money(what there is ) is going towards starting my own business. But hey, I want you guys with the big bucks to feel free and add my art to your collection!!!!!! LOL

Evelyn Simon 18 Sep 2008

Most artist on AW do not make it a habit to buy art here? Denny, there may be artist who buy but may not post and admit it. Someone else may post after me and write they don't make it a habit to buy here either, it doesn't mean artists do not buy other artists work. I'm just voicing my what if they do theory. The artists I know, buy other artists work. You've even mentioned yourself, that you buy this Jim fellow's artwork. You are an artist, this Jim fellow is I assume an artist; your statement seems to contradict.

Andy Leatherbarrow 19 Sep 2008

I'd buy any of picasso's work for 100 dollars, does that count?

WESTERN ARTWORK By Denny Karchner 19 Sep 2008

Hi Evelyn.

I am sorry I was not really clear. From my experiences here on ArtWanted and several other art sites, for the most part, I do not see many members buying art from each other. There has been several of us who have traded art or prints which is a great idea.

When I said about buying the artist, Jim Bama's prints, I should have said that I did not buy them here on ArtWanted. They were bought from a gallery here in Cody, WY. But yes, artists do buy art, I just don't see a lot of it going on here.

Denny ;{

jim rownd 19 Sep 2008

http://emptyeasel.com/2007/11/08/my-review-of-artwanted-comparing-features-traffic-pricing-and-more/

WESTERN ARTWORK By Denny Karchner 19 Sep 2008

Thanks Jim. I couldn't find that. I am sure AW wishes that link would just go away...

Evelyn Simon 19 Sep 2008

Hey Jim, thanks for the link; it does sheds some light on the issue. I think I like the art website titled "Artistful.com." Do you know anything about artistful.com's website?