By Art has been around for centuries to communicate ideas, express emotions, and capture moments in time. It helps people connect and see the world from a different perspective. As an artist, you want to ensure many people see your work. One way to do this is by exhibiting your art in public spaces.
But how can you make sales during an exhibition? Will you be able to reach your target market? Yes. They will help showcase your work and connect with interested buyers, investors, and other industry professionals. Here are some tips to increase art sales in exhibitions.
1. Work on Your Marketing Strategy
You can have the best artwork in the world, but without adequate and relevant marketing, you will not sell much. So, come up with an effective marketing strategy before the exhibition. Employ marketing for artists that help you reach the right people and sell more art.
Your marketing strategy should include various elements, such as identifying your target market, understanding their needs, and finding the best way to reach them. Consider online and offline marketing tools. Some of the best marketing channels for artists include social media, freelancing platforms, and email marketing.
Targeting people at exhibitions requires a different approach. You can use fliers, postcards, and other traditional marketing materials. You can also talk to people directly and tell them what you do. Be creative and use what works best for you and your target market. Put up your work at strategic positions in the exhibition area so people cannot miss it.
2. Use Desirable Materials
People must be interested in your artwork before they can buy it. And you know that quality speaks a lot about desirability. So, only use the best materials for your art. High-quality materials last longer, and they are usually more expensive. But the increased price is worth it because you can charge more for a piece made with desirable materials.
Pick fine-quality canvas, paper, wood, metal, or any other material you are comfortable using. Also, use high-grade paints, pencils, and other tools. The better the materials, the more expensive your artwork will be. That also translates to better sales.
3. Have Affordable Pieces
Price is a primary determinant of whether someone buys your artwork or not. You might get tempted to put a high price tag on your paintings because of the time and effort you have invested in them. However, remember several other professional painters, molders, and sculptors are selling their art at exhibitions.
To make sales, you need to be competitive. That means having affordable pieces without compromising on your revenue. Aim at covering your costs and making a small profit. For instance, if you spent $50 on materials and 47 hours to make the piece, you can charge $200. That way, you will cover your transport and booking and make a profit while still being affordable. Do not overprice your paintings because you will only scare away potential buyers.
4. Avoid Stuffing Your Exhibition Area
When exhibiting your paintings or sculptures, do not overcrowd the space. That will only make it look cluttered, and potential buyers might not even notice your work. So, be strategic when placing your artwork. Place the larger pieces first and then fill in the gaps with smaller ones.
Showcase only a few pieces during an exhibition. That way, you can create a balance between an empty and cluttered space. Plus, it will eliminate the need for storage space, which can be expensive. Interested buyers can order custom designs, which also helps boost your sales.
5. Invest in Quality Photography
You may want to showcase your photography skills or present photos of your artwork. The former is a direct way of marketing your art, while the latter is an excellent way of generating interest. Photos of your art eliminate the need to carry everything to the exhibition. Customers can order artwork from what they see, and you arrange to deliver it later.
In both cases, you need high-quality photos. Ensure your camera has a high resolution, and use the correct settings. If you are not a professional photographer, hire one to help you take great photos. Never rely on smartphone cameras because they might not be adequate. Also, phones cannot take great pictures in low light. You might need artificial lighting, which can lower the quality.
6. Get Professional Help
When unsure about something, get professional help. Many artist development programs can help you take your career to the next level. These programs offer workshops, online courses, and other resources. Enroll before the exhibition and get all the help you need to make sales.
Also, consider hiring an exhibition stand company. These firms have the necessary experience and expertise in designing and setting up stands. They will also help with storage and transportation when necessary. Ensure you hire a reputable company to avoid any stressful surprises.
Summing It Up
The art industry is competitive, but that does not mean you cannot make sales. Adequate preparation, professional presentation, and pricing are critical to increasing sales. Also, use quality photography and get help from experts when necessary. Use these tips to increase art sales when presenting your work at an exhibition.