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How to Sell Your Art: 4 Things Art Buyers Really Want...

6/13/2017

13 Comments

 
How to sell your art, how to sell art, where to sell my art
I've had the privilege since 2009 of making my living primarily from making and selling art to what many would call the luxury market. My clients are typically people who have multiple homes around the country (and internationally) and enjoy purchasing and commissioning unique pieces of art for their homes ranging from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. Although many of them could probably afford anything they wanted, price is almost never a part of the initial conversation as they determine whether or not they want my work. For many artists, this begs the question... if price is not really a main issue, then what DO they care about? What are they really looking for?  How do I know where to sell my art? Here's my top 4 things I know every art buyer is looking for:

  • Uniqueness
    One of the first things I hear from people considering purchasing or commissioning my work is something like "Wow, I've never seen anything like this... ever. I love it." Yes, it's beautiful but there are a lot of beautiful things out there... I'm also the only person that does what I do. Everything I create is a one of a kind and so there will never be another one exactly like it. I've said for years, differentiation is THE key to marketing.  To think about it another way, just imagine what makes you and your work different in a field of 5, 10, 20 or 100 other artists who do essentially the same thing you do.  The more you develop a unique approach to your art making, the more buyers will be attracted to your work.  Bottom line, they want something no one else has... because they can and because it's special.


  • Craftsmanship
    No matter how unique a piece of art is, people who can afford to invest $1000, $2000, $5000 or more on a piece of art want to be sure that the piece is constructed with quality and craftsmanship. Are you using the best materials? Do you practice close attention to detail? Do you sweat the little things?  At this level of selling believe me, it matters.  Your work should stand the test of time. Create pieces with longevity and legacy, not just a quick sale.

  • Unparalleled Service
    The Biltmore Estate is here in Asheville, NC where I live and their staff is trained to practice something they've coined Gracious Hospitality. According to their website, through "being genuinely warm and authentically nice - we are able to deliver a customer experience that far outweighs the quality of any product we can sell."  I've found that to be true in my own business as well.  I always offer to deliver and install my work for free.  I always carry new purchases to the car. I write thank you notes. I drop by to visit clients and partners.  Long story short, I just go the extra mile. People love it and it's one of the hallmarks of buying a piece of art from me.  I make it easy to do business with me because it's a genuinely enjoyable experience. When you sell your artwork, do you make it easy and enjoyable?

  • Connection
    One term many artists use is "collectors"... as if these special art gods swoop down from the heavens, grace the door of certain artists and then swoop back into the ether.  From what I've found over the years, people who buy lots of expensive, high-quality are are just people; people looking for connection.  That connection might be with the artist, the subject matter, artistic process or even a special experience. Regardless, everyone loves to feel special and genuinely connect in a way that's meaningful. This is especially true when it comes to people who purchase high-end art. Most people I encounter really enjoy the personal connection that commissioning a piece brings including getting to know the artist, a personal studio visit, a home visit to see their space and understand their preferences in interior design and art.  This doesn't just happen in person either but online, too! Your website and social media should convey an authentic idea of who you are through video, images and story that will help deepen this connection over time with potential clients.  Since connection points differ for each artist, you'll need to listen intently over time to understand why people connect with you, your work and then work diligently to deepen that connection over time.

Understanding and practicing these four principles are core to the success of my business and any art business who wants to thrive over the long term.  Comment below and share your thoughts. I'd love to hear them as you share your insights on how to sell your art!

13 Comments
sherry
6/13/2017 04:40:47 pm

Matt grade art article thanks for sharing

Reply
Ulando Dunn
11/8/2017 09:26:38 pm

Hi there good night how r u doing? I got lots to say I would love to talk to you in person tho. Am an artist paint brush n am having problems selling my art and I need your help. My Number is 2909534 Thank you

Reply
Aeron
6/13/2017 10:43:51 pm

Sooo good, a good read for any artist

Reply
Keiko link
6/15/2017 01:42:49 pm

Thank you so much for the great article! I totally agree with you, and these are the goals that I want to accomplish. I want to use top quality materials to create my art. I want to go extra miles. I want to connect. To be able to do that, I need enough resource as well. That's where I struggle as a beginner as an artist. So, here is a question. What was your experience at the beginning to be able to do those?

Reply
Jan Thorp
6/16/2017 11:58:42 am

I appreciate this article. Totally make sense to me. I am also new to actually setting up an Artist business (not set up, yet). I am obsorbing information to move forward. I understand "customer service", & this is a step above most. Uniqueness - got it. Craftsmanship - ok, makes total sense. Connection - I will work on that to not be afraid. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I mean this with the most sincerity!!!

Reply
Peggy Wilmeth Carr
7/2/2017 09:40:34 pm

I am starting over, with my website. For those who are just starting, like me, all over again, I can say one thing: Start collecting what you need, by asking God for it. He's a loving Father, and He doesn't ask you to do anything, without giving you the tools. Remember to ask in faith, unwaveringly, and then watch, with wonder, how He supplies! Here's an example; I am typing on a MacBook, which I asked God to give me. I found it, second-hand, for $200.! I asked God to give me a studio, and God ave me a house, which I am paying my parents for, and it had room for a small studio! After all these years, all I had to do was ASK!

Reply
Linda Carlson
11/6/2017 12:16:47 pm

Thanks for sharing that, Peggy. I needed to hear that today! God bless!

Reply
Bill Hopkins link
8/21/2019 08:11:04 pm

Thank you for the reminder Peggy! I truly needed to hear that all over again. Continúed BLESSINGS for you and your family.

Reply
Linda Carlson
11/6/2017 12:20:53 pm

Thanks for your insights, Matt! I'm slowly beginning to see the possibilities for starting up our nature photography business again. The time isn't yet, because of other time commitments, but it will come eventually. Blessings today as you deliver your sculpture!

Reply
victor Morgado
11/25/2017 10:07:21 pm

This advice has a 21st century edge, open to possibilities and genuine advice, so unlike most 20th century 's articles on this subject.

Reply
Denise Alton Bergner link
8/18/2019 08:33:38 pm

Matt, I came across your article when searching out how I should fill out my descriptions under my art pieces. Do buyers want more of an editorial description or a personal description.

Your article provided me with a wealth of in depth answers as to what clients | buyers are looking for. It's so good to have a piece to the puzzle!

Thank you!
Artist for life, new at the business!
Denise

Reply
Matt
8/22/2019 04:13:12 pm

Glad you found this helpful, Denise!

Reply
Kearney G.Moore
2/4/2020 04:38:09 am

Your article was very helpful and am interested in selling my Abstract Art. Thank you for your insight and love for you to stay in touch through email..

Reply



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  • Home
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