Become A Famous Artist or Die Trying

Promoting your art is fun. Well, can be fun. I mean it stinks. It really stinks. Let's face it, most artists, and I say this with the utmost respect and esteem, are lazy. At least when it comes to promotion. It's hard work. And, unfortunately, for scum-sucking low-life artists such as myself, it's a buyer's market.

At some point in history, collectors decided, without even asking us, that artists are responsible for advertising their own art.

(Below: "Fields of Green" by Dave Clark. Buy abstract expressionist paintings today at www.daveclark.etsy.com)

Where and when this lopsided system started I don't know, but we're stuck with it, at least for a while. That is, until your art becomes so valuable that collectors visibly orgasm when a piece is put up for sale.

Sadly, this will probably not happen until you are technically dead. But fear not, some artists actually achieve fame and riches within their own lifetimes and you can too.

Here's How:

• Start in obscurity, claw your way into a local gallery, somehow get a show, slowly and agonizingly build a base of collectors, maintain that base of collectors, get representation, debut at your first nationally-recognized museum, win awards, become internationally renowned, die. Or...

• Get lucky. I recommend sleeping with a Sotheby's curator. Find one here.

Here's Really How:

Ok. Here's the lowdown: You write. Write a blog like this one, comment on other blogs, contribute articles to ezines, draft press releases in your local papers and art magazines, etc. When I started blogging I had zero readers, but currently, as of this post, I have: zero readers. This would dishearten most. And I am no different. But I know that eventually, people may accidentally bookmark this site and not know how to remove it from their favorites list. I have hope.

Check Out These Great Resources for More (actual) Info:

www.artbizblog.com
www.artbusiness.com

In the next article: "How to Promote Your Art Show"