The Aspiring Artist (Walter D. Joseph)

There are a lot of freelance artist in the world who unfortunately do not make a lot of money (if any) for their artwork. Some freelancers spend their lives creating wonderful works of art, but if they have no fan base or anyone to sell their work to, then all of their work is essentially in vain; in turn wasting energy, money and time. For those of you who want to make money from your work, pay close attention. This weblog includes several tips for the freelance artist on increasing your likelihood of success.

The Collection

As a freelance artist, your portfolio should include your best artwork, and more importantly be well designed and organized. The portfolio is your opportunity to make a great first-impression with potential clients. The portfolio should display both your artistic ability and professionalism. When arranging your portfolio be sure to allow another creative mind to help you decide what looks best. What many may find hard to believe is the fact that the artist is rarely the best judge of their personal artwork. If you are serious about your freelance work, treat it like a real business. Ask for help, advice, and strategies; this will only help you appeal to a larger audience. In addition to having a well-structured physical portfolio, I encourage you to create an online display of your work as well (this will certainly allow for a wider range or people to view your work).

Diligence

As a freelance artist, you will without doubt have to learn to deal with rejection. However, you will not be able to sell your work if you are not taking an honest effort to sell what you have created. As a freelancer, rejection comes with the territory; so be prepared to deal with it. The key to selling your artwork is persistence or doggedness. Be a go-getter, make calls, make appointments with galleries and future clients, network with new people. Just do not be afraid to get out there and show-off your creative spirit! If you don’t do it, no one will do it for you.

Exposure

Make a name for yourself; promote your work. This is one the most vital rules of a successful freelance artist. Let the world know who you are and what you have to offer. Hang flyers, write a weblog, create a website or better yet a myspace page. Post your work to freelance forums, allow your artwork to be critiqued by others (http://www.visualdiner.com (community critique)). Simply get media coverage by any means necessary. Believe it or not, freelancers should be spending more time gaining exposure than creating art; this is how money is made. Don’t be afraid to expose yourself or your artwork; people need to see it in order to buy it!

Networking

In this day and age, there are likely several freelance artists living and working near you. Get to know these artists and their work. Join them at local shows, go to social events with them, get to know them and take interest in their work. Get others interested in not only your work, but you as an artist. Networking is an essential skill for all freelance artists; DO IT!

Create your brand

Develop your personal identity as an aspiring and talented artist. You want your clients to not simply purchase your artwork, but you want them to buy your image/brand. Create a brand of your own. Create both art and a image that people want to be affiliated with. Be interesting, make others want to crave your persona. You want an audience that admires your work and your brand. The better image you have as an artist, the higher your chances are of becoming a very successful artist.

Positivism

People love to work with other people who are optimistic, happy, and nice. If you are a freelancer who complains a lot, who often has a negative attitude or is rude to others, then your image as an artist is forever tainted. Even those who are empathic to your nagging and complaining will get tired of it and will soon be buying art from someone else. Do not become the artist who is known for complaining about everything. If you are stressed or having a bad day or week or month, take some time to yourself, listen to your favorite song, take a trip. Whatever it is, just be sure you do something to get out all of your negative energy. Especially before meeting and greeting potential clients.

Following the tips provided here is not a fool proof way of becoming a successful artist, but I am certain that practicing these strategies will without a doubt help you reach your goal. This list can and should be expanded; what are some other ways one can increase their chances of becoming a successful freelance artist? What strategies and tips do you recommend to the aspiring artist?