Basic Steps for creating an online Art Gallery and other places to list your Art for sale.

Marketing is an integral part of every business.  For an Artist an online portfolio is of the up most importance as gallery directors, collectors, and potential new clients will be noticing your work, contacting you and if your online portfolio is equipped with a checkout system, it will undoubtedly produce sales along the way depending how you further market your online portfolio. 

  An online portfolio will serve you well as an Artist, because it is a display of your work that is available non-stop, all over the world. Many of my own art sales or inquiries have come from the United States as well as abroad, and you just never know who is interested in your art and when they will arrive and so it's best to have your presentation ready, and in working order as quickly as possible.


There are many online Art Galleries and Art Auction portals on the web, however, starting with your own is the first and foremost important one before the others. I would suggest to get a domain name. Having a domain name that is your very own will demonstrate to most admirers that will visit your site that you are a dedicated artist that is passionate about their art and their clients and that you are anxious to provide your Art along with your services as an Artist.

Domain names are relatively cheap and average on the low end about $10 a year, and Web hosting for your domain to go live on the world wide web, can also be obtained for usually around $10-$15/month.


Take quality photos of your art, and include some alternate views, such as the sides, close-ups of details, and possibly if you have art that is versatile in direction, then show that your art can be turned horizontally or vertically.  These additional images can be shown on their separate web pages showing each particular piece of art by itself, however for the main gallery choose your best photo and allow a click-through feature to it's presentation page.

Offer a basic, but complete description of the Medium your art represents, Colors, the size, whether it has been varnished, or will it be, is it ready to hang, what are shipping costs if any,
and make sure you have your prices listed large enough to see clearly.  One of the first suggestions I ever received by a friend was to increase the font size of my price.

The investment in your very own Art Gallery website will serve you well both for your online portfolio and your future commissioned work and sales that will be direct from the site.

If you aren't ready to embark on an a shopping cart just yet, that is o.k., it can be intimidating to a lot of people. You can at the very least provide a link to another art portal where that item can be purchased.

Make sure that your photos are high resolution this will allow you to sell your art not only as originals but as prints. Try to crop out any background items in your work area that you are photographing in. Unless it's just the actual wall space.  

Here are a few other areas online where you can market your artwork.
http://www.yessy.com/
http://www.fineartamerica.com/
http://www.esbq.com/
http://www.artbyus.com/   (auction)
http://www.zazzle.com/
http://artq.net.com/
http://www.yourartnetwork.com/
http://www.photobucket.com/ 
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.bonanzle.com/
http://www.ecrater.com/
http://www.originalartonline.com/
http://www.artspan.com/


and many, many more! 
Good Luck!  If you need advice on building a website, setting up an easy checkout system, or any other tips, just contact me, I will be glad to help you, by sharing with you, what has worked for me.

Pricing Your Artwork - Some helpful Resources

One the most important aspects of selling your very own creations is the knowledge of how to price your artwork.  One day, I saw a book about this very same subject in the Book Store, but I was trying to stay focused on books targeted towards my project for that particular week and not get sidetracked.

That was a mistake to say the least, as I could never find that book again!!  All I had was a visual memory of it's cover and I guess you could say, that I should have purchased it then, because every time, I tried to locate that particular book again, I could not find it!  

In the meantime, I did some bare bones research on the web to try find articles and other resources to find this important information and I wanted to share the information with you, so you won't have to search as hard as I did! 

Title: InformArt: The Limited Edition Art Price Journal
Description: Provides information through online subscriptions about market value of limited edition prints, including the names of artists, titles of prints, and high and low selling prices.
Frequency: Monthly
Publisher: Westown Publishing Company, Inc.
Publisher's Address: Westown Publishing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 147, Easton, CT 06612,


Title: Empty Easel
Description: Article "Don’t Sell Yourself Short: Price Your Art for What It’s Worth.”
URL: emptyeasel.com/2006/12/11/dont-sell-yourself-short-price-your-art-for-what-its-worth



Title: Artists' Survival Manual (The): A Complete Guide to Marketing Your Work

Author/Editor: Toby Judith Klayman and Cobbett Steinberg
Description: Revised edition. See chapter "Getting Ready: Pricing Your Work."
Publisher: Klayman/Branchcomb
Publication Date: 1996
URL: www.klaymanart.com/mybook/index.html


Title: Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork (The)
Author/Editor: James Dillehay
Description: Suggests formulas for setting prices to achieve maximum profits. Includes a step-by-step record-keeping system and sample forms.
Publisher: LaVergne
Publication Date: 1997



Title: Big Picture (The) : The Professional Photographer’s Guide to Rights, Rates & Negotiation
Author/Editor: Lou Jacobs, Jr.
Description: Addresses pricing of photographs, and the art of negotiation. Includes sample contracts and resource lists.
Publisher: Writers Digest Books
Publication Date: 2000


Title: Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines
Description: Revised. Contains essential information on business, pricing, and ethical standards for nearly every discipline in the visual communications industry.
Publisher: Graphic Artists Guild
Publication Date: 2007


Title: How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist. Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul
Author/Editor: Caroll Michels
Description: Revised edition. See chapter "Pricing Your Work. How Much Is It Worth"? Revised edition.
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Publication Date: 2009
Email: carollmichels@gmail.com
URL: http://www.carollmichels.com/


Title: Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment & Stock Prices
Author/Editor: Michael Heron and David MacTavish
Description: Revised edition. Although geared for commercial photographers, this book will be helpful to fine artists for establishing fees when photographs of artwork are used in newspapers, magazines, annual reports, books, etc.
Publisher: Allworth Press
Publication Date: 2002

Title: Pricing Your Artwork withg Confidence
Author/Editor: Alexandria Levin Painted Jay Publishing
Date: 2003
Publisher's Address: Painted Jay Publishing, P.O. Box 2234, Jenkintown, PA 19046-0834,
URL: www.paintedjay.com

Title: Talking Prices: Symbolic Meanings of Prices on the Market for Contemporary Art
Author/Editor: Olav Velthuis
Description: A highly praised book that provides an analysis of how prices are set in the contemporary art market and discusses the tension between art and commerce that characterizes the art world.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication Date: 2005
To purchase any of these publications listed above you can go to my direct
Source :  Artist Help Network


For Crafter's you can buy these helpful publications

No. 4 - Needlepoint ready to professionally frame or make into a Pillow based on Designer Grethe Sorenson

Based on Designer Grethe Sorenson

This design is based on rugs made by the Village of Ezine, near Canakkale, close to the ruins of Troy. The design features a star-like medallion and has a scroll border. I've one it with red, navy blue and cream colors. Size is approximately 13-3/4" square. A professional needlepoint shop can easily make this into a lovely pillow or wall hanging and be ready to be amazed at how little it takes to hang this on your wall or have as a pillow for enjoyment for years to come.

Notice the pictures of the back side of this Needlepoint design. The precision needle pointing skills illustrate without a doubt that you can hardly tell it's the back of the design. If you are interested in purchasing this needlepoint you can checkout using PayPal
by clicking this link   Needlepoint Collection

Software Tools for Artists for Creating, Editing and Managing your Art Business and a few recommended Books for Making a Living as an Artist

There are many basic software packages on the market that could be used for all types of businesses when it comes to creating and sending newsletters, or managing inventory, and keeping track of client's contact information such as Microsoft Office, and some artist use programs like Quicken to manage their accounting of sales, and expenses,  however, there are actual software program packages, that are designed specifically for the Artist and their art business.  

Here are four Artist Business Tools that you may be interested in.

Artist's Butler has a built in feature for creating labels for slides, preparing a price list, customer invoices, consignment sheets, your mailing list and customer invoicing and features to help maintain your resume.
It can import to and export from an FileMaker database.  It can pull images from your camera, allowing you to create records instantly.

Working Artist  includes a calendar for managing events, appointments, and course studies and has a reminder feature.  It has features to allow you to track an art registry and limited editions of giclees and other prints.  It also includes a feature to track your supply inventory that way you always know when you need to re-order art supplies. One big feature, I think is worth mentioning, is the ability to create a price grid based on the painting size, it's medium, and the subject of your painting.    It does create invoices and track sales, although, Working Artist recommends using this software along with another accounting software tool.

Studio includes almost all of the functions of the two mentioned above but it also offers the ability to be fully integrated with Microsoft Office Software. For example, instead of manually transferring all of your art contacts, such as suppliers, clients, galleries, etc... it can import all of your contacts from Microsoft outlook, and it can also work with Microsoft Word and other programs in Microsoft office.  This program was designed initially for professional galleries, so you can be rest assured that the areas of presentation and sales are completely covered capabilities in this software package.

Archer Artist also known as Masterpiece Artist is highly recommended, especially If you have a studio gallery This software is perfect for handling sales. It is easily integrated with point-of-sale hardware such as a scanner that reads bar codes and also linking to cash drawers.  This software package is used by many professional art galleries. It  also enables you to use the software to upload to http://www.masterpieceonline.com./ The pricing has also been changed to FREE if you sign up for a website. Small monthly fee only will apply. http://www.masterpiecesolutions.com/

The following is a list of Software packages for Artists that are generally for creating and editing art. 
 Of course this is not all of them, but it will get you started in understanding how each one could possibly benefit you as an Artist.


Poser Figure Artist  intermediate users
Corel Painter X  Expert recommended
Adobe Photo Shop Elements great for beginners
Adobe Photoshop intermediate users
Artworks Basic  great for beginners
3D Virtual Figure Drawing Studio great for beginners
Gimp intermediate users and this program is FREE

Many programs such as these will offer a trial version so you can try them out before you buy them.  The majority of programs today are Windows compatible but do not despair because if you are operating with Macintosh software then you can always utilize emulation software, in order for Windows based programs to work with your Macintosh software.

Here are some recommended Artist Books for Making a living as an Artist

HURRY!!! All Beaders, Jewelry Designers, Handcrafted Jewelry Artists- Last Hours for Sweepstakes and SALES!

I have to share with you some serious savings going on that will end tommorrow by 9 a.m. Pacific Time. So PLEASE HURRY!  You can click this ARTBEADS photo or the one at the bottom of this post, to get to the store now!!


Base Metal Sale


Take 20% off our entire collection of base metal jewelry supplies. The Base Metal Sale includes everything from chain and links to pendants and clasps in a variety of finishes including gold, silver and copper. Take advantage of these savings by entering coupon code ZZW20P-BCG at checkout. Shop now! This sale ends at 9am (PT) on Thursday, June 17, 2010.


Pressed Czech Glass Sale


Save 20% on pressed Czech glass  during the Pressed Czech Glass Sale. These brightly colored beads come in a wide range of shapes from teardrops and roundels to leaves and hearts. You're sure to be inspired by these handmade beads. Enter coupon code ZZW20P-BCG at checkout to take advantage of these savings. Hurry! The savings end at 9am (PT) on Thursday, June 17, 2010.


The World's Greatest Bead Sweepstakes


Vote for your favorite bead category, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a $100 Artbeads.com gift card. When you enter The World's Greatest Bead Sweepstakes, you'll have the opportunity to let us know why you prefer Swarovski crystals over sterling silver or pearls over glass beads. Your responses may be posted on our Facebook page. One grand prize winner will receive a $100 gift card, two 2nd place winners will receive a $50 gift card and four 3rd place winners will receive a $25 gift card. You must vote by 9am (PT) on July 22 to be entered for your chance to win. This sweepstakes is open to all United States and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) over the age of 18.


Gifts for Guys


 If you're struggling to come up with a gift idea for your dad for Father's Day, consider browsing our Gifts for Guys section. You'll find simple ideas as well as components that will help you create great pieces for your dad. These pieces have been hand selected by Artbeads.com employees to help you create the perfect gift for even the pickiest guy you know. Hurry! June 20 will be here before you know it.


Artbeads.com Coupon


Save 5% on orders of $40 or more when you use coupon code ZZW5P-40 at checkout. Coupon expires at 9am (PT) on Thursday, June 17, 2010. Only one coupon per order may be used.


Weekly Specials


Offers good through 9am (PT) on Thursday, June 17, 2010.


Metallite™ - Up to 40% OFF


Wood Links - Up to 31% OFF


Adhesives - Up to 27% OFF


Swarovski Single Stone Settings - Up to 29% OFF


Be Sure to Check out their new and featured products!

• New Wood Links & Pendants
• New LTD Cabochon Settings
• New Lillypilly Pendants
• New Druks

Click Photo for fast access before the sale ends!

Acrylic Collage - A Step by Step DVD Guide - Product Review and more.

The artistsnetwork.tv workshop has put together a great DVD for you, if you are interested in a basic learning guide  on creating an Acrylic Collage. 

This instructional video will demonstrate, drawing, painting, and collage techniques for a truly personal art-making experience. You will learn how to solve problems on the go, evaluating your composition, and how you can incorporate existing works of art through collage.

After watching you can then apply the techniques and variations of creativity that you have learned from Rosen's Expressive Painting workshop to complete your own painting. You can't beat the price.  Most private art classes would cost $60 and up. You really need to consider it.

Here is a photo of a collage that I designed after viewing this same DVD.

 This acrylic collage is named "Exploration Discovery"

I made this creation with ribbon, burlap, tissue, rice paper, tissue papers, faux metal coins, and bow paper. The adhesion was created with Liquitex Matte Medium.

Slide Shows - A Creative Presentation Tool to Display and Market your Art Gallery and More

SLIDE SHOWS ARE SO MUCH FUN TO CREATE

You can make use of a slide show to deliver a vivid presentation of visual images combined with music, text icons, blurbs, and more.  Typical ideas for a slide show can include developing a showcase of your fondest memories,  your children as they grow up year by year, your original art, your collectibles that are for show, or great moments in your life, such as family or work outings and gatherings, commencement, wedding and sport events.  The possibilities are really absolutely endless, when you think about it.

Many Photo imaging software products include in the user toolbar a selection to create a slide show, however, if you don't have these resources available, don't worry, Just go to Slide.com and start creating  your own personalized Slide Show today!  Don't be intimidated by all the features if it's your first time creating a Slide Show, it takes time to learn all the features and functions and it may take some practice. 

Slide Shows have the ability to move people deeply by presenting your photos in an extraordinarily, creative way. It is a creative project that everyone should try at least once. With all the options available such as selecting and changing the order of your photos, the ability to change the music at anytime and even to change the way the slide show images transition and how long of a duration before they transition, you can customize it to your selective and personal taste. Many slide show software and programs allow you to send the Slide Show by email and share immediately with others.   

One of my favorite features about Slide Shows is that if you save your presentation in HTML code format and you place it on websites, blogs or social networking sites, anytime you update your Slideshow if it is using an online program such as SlideShow.com, it will automatically update your Slide Show. Now that is awesome!  Who doesn't like less work! 

Take a look at my own Slide Show of my Original Contemporary and Abstract Art so you can have an idea of what a completed Slide Show will look like, however, keep in mind, everything is customizable so no two slide shows are alike.
MY ORIGINAL ART SLIDE SHOW

Divine Fusions Art Supply Store

This month, I have opened up an Art Supply Store on one of my websites Divine Fusions Studio.  I invite you to take a look and see if there is anything that you need or there is someone that you know who would love to have a great art product as a gift.  Even a young child in your family or one of your friends children would appreciate a small art supply gift. 

I recall a conversation during Christmas time where a 9 year old girl, thanked me for giving me her a package of simple assorted colored art markers. She said,  "I have been asking my mother for almost 6 months to get me some markers" I was sad to hear this pitiful news, especially with a drugstore around the corner, and so I couldn't help but to think of her when I first published my art supply store. 

In the end, I knew I had made her whole Christmas from a gift of a few markers.

It's also fun everynow and then to just try something new. I have been an artist for almost my entire life, and I have dabbled into all kinds of arts and crafts. There has never been a time where I wasn't dabbling into some sort of creative and artistic process,  I have sketched, portraits and cartoons, I have painted flower pots, I have made creations out of polymer clay such as pendants, I have made jewelry with fantastic plastic and I have made over 100 necklaces from glass and gemstone beads,  and painted over 100 paintings, and the list goes on.   There are still creative ideas that I have, that I have yet to accomplish, such as creating a mosaic piece and making a metal sculpture, and many more. This just goes to show you that there is always something you can dabble in. 

My own family, especially my father is always creating  and he is his 70's! So it's never too late to get started!

In my new Art Store,  I have a huge assortment of products under many categories. 

The categories I currently have are:

• Paint Supplies
• Art Books
• Art Drawing Supplies
• Art Cases, and Carriers
• Arts and Crafts

Remember there are hundreds of other categories and items available under every category!
Come in and take a look around!

Divine Fusions Studio - Art Supply Store

LIQUITEX MODELING PASTES - Create a Creative Sensation in Your Artwork

Liquitex Modeling Paste is the brand I have used exclusively since I began painting original abstracts and contemporary art. I have never switched because I am completely happy with this brand and had no desire to switch to a competitor, besides from what I have learned, The price and the quality of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is a solid value.

I started off with one of the smaller sizes of modeling pastes in the beginning but it was a few days before I was bringing home their largest size, an entire gallon! I was never regretful for purchasing such a excessive amount at once, because I feel it's always better to have what you need on hand in terms of art supplies, so if you want to use it, and for some reason you don't have enough, you could have missed out on that creative moment when you can really create something spectacular simply because of the timing and the mood at that moment.

This product is worth having in your art supply closet, if you love to create. It comes in three types and many sizes although I recommend the size I have which is "The Gallon." You can't go wrong for a little extra money and you will have a supply to last many, creations to come and not have to worry about running out.

For 3-D forms. This modeling paste Can be textured when wet, and carved when dry. You can use many creative objects to form unique shapes and designs while wet. It usually dries overnight, unless you have really thick areas, then it may take slightly longer.

They Make Standard Modeling Paste, but also a Light Modeling Paste — This lightweight, airy, flexible, thick, sculptural gel is specifically formulated to be used in applications where weight is a factor. If you use by itself, it will dry to a matte opaque white that can readily accept staining if desired.

It will not exhibit "mud cracking." It is often used with texture gels.

Flexible Modeling Paste is a matte, opaque mixture of marble dust and polymer emulsion that is used to build heavy textures and three-dimensional forms on flexible or rigid supports.

The photos I have shown are an example of the cool textures and designs you can incorporate by using Liquitex Modeling Paste.  I know you are going to buy some? you could order right now using the link photo above and you could have it on your doorstep in a couple days!  come on and try it out!!!