Ask an Artist: Listeners Questions III
Episode 55: Listeners Questions II\I
Laura and Peter have another rummage in the post bag in this episode to answer some of the listener questions we have received including; Is it OK for an artist to work across various genres or should they find their place and stick with it? As a portrait artist should I advertise pricing on my website? I am an artist by I'm also very shy. Can I avoid being the public face of my work?
If you have a question that you would like to submit to us then please send them here.
Q1: Many artists seem to pick their genre and stick to it for years. I however, tend to go from one project to the next, often changing subject matter. My genre highway has different lanes in it. How does this work when considering your own unique identity or brand? From an Instagram message from Jayashree
Working in different genres isn’t a problem, provided you make sure your unique artistic voice shines through and there is a linear progress to the work. As the questioner elegantly says, your work needs to be a ‘genre highway with several lanes’ rather that a haphazard mishmash of random experiments. Do make sure, if you have several genres, when you work with a gallery or exhibit at a show etc, that the organiser knows what work you are showing and that the genre is relevant to the audience.
Q2: I do a lot of portraits, mainly for family and as gifts for friends. Recently I rebranded my website to convey that I am now open for portrait commissions. But…should I publish guide prices on my website? Would having no pricing information make me look unavailable or unaffordable? From Linda via Instagram
Yes is the quick answer! You need to publish guideline figures for potential customers or people will be put off at the browsing stage. Make it clear that any figures you publish are a starting point for negotiating a personal price for a bespoke service and might go up and down according to the client’s requirements. Do make sure you update your guideline figures regularly.
Q3: I’m the typically quiet, self-deprecating artist who hates the idea of being the public ‘face’ of my artwork so I struggle with the idea of having an artist’s ‘persona’. Do you have any suggestions for those of use who find it difficult to put on a brave face in front of others?
Even shy artists do have to accept that some connection with the public is a necessary part of the job. All employment comes with a few unpleasant tasks and art is no exception. It is important to be authentic, so it is fine to tell your audience that you are a little shy or awkward in public. However, spin that as a charming positive and remember you always have your technique and passion to fall back on. Never complain, imply that the audience is unwelcome, or you are not confident about your work. It’s also worth getting an honest friend to tell you if your shyness can come off as looking rude or arrogant and work on turning it into something less off-putting for a buyer.
The Takeaway: If you have a question you’d like to put to Laura and Peter, then please send it to them via our contact page.
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
