There must be many artists out there who love to create but are not too sure how to market themselves.
The main idea is to ensure people will remember you, so that if they are not ready to buy any art or have not considered it before, your continual presence in their lives will mean that the idea may start to brew in their minds and one day, whoops, you have a sale.
1.
Have business cards professionally made, you can use one of your works as the image - I used a section from one of my paintings as the background image on mine.
Find opportunities to hand them out - or better yet, try to get other peoples business cards.
Then, if you write about them, you can send them a link to your site using their email.
People respond to you when you focus on them rather than yourself.
You could congratulate someone on their new job, a recent graduation or qualification, a new house even.
They may think of you when they decide to decorate their new home! 2.
Have postcards and blank birthday cards made from images of your work.
Include a small note somewhere inside or on the back with the name of the work and your contact details.
Then try and find out important dates for other people - birthdays and anniversaries for example.
Then simply send them a card with a personal message.
3.
If you receive great service from someone - acknowledge it in writing.
This will definitely ensure they will remember you positively.
You could include a postcard of your art and a business card with the letter.
I recently emailed someone who gave me great service and I got a reply from her boss asking if he could post it on their blog - so of course I asked for a link back to mine! 4.
Outdoor art fairs Keep a supply of postcards handy - if someone likes your work but either finds it is out of their price range or they are not ready to buy -dish them out free or sell them for a small price.
They will then have a reminder of you and a way to contact you later.
Have some kind of guestbook nearby where people can make comments - try to get them to sign on to your mailing list by offering them something in exchange - maybe a set of 5 or 10 postcards, or a free sketch.
The bigger your mailing list the bigger your reach.
I don't think it is good manners to just add people without asking permission first.
5.
Always make your collectors feel special by including a personal note with the artwork when it is delivered.
I bought a painting and it was so carefully wrapped and boxed when it was shipped to me that it made me appreciate the work even more.
The artist also included a business card with a small personal message.
6.
Give them more than they expect: Include a free set of ten postcards or blank birthday cards with the shipped work.
Or offer them a discount on their next purchase with you.
Or a free sketch, something that does not take too long but will make them love you for going the extra mile.
I plan to include a copy of a book I recently read on achieving success to my next few buyers of significant works because it was such a marvelous book.
It's called The Principles of Success by Jack Canfield.
I haven't decided yet whether I will announce this giveaway or just surprise them with it on delivery.
7.
Start a blog.
Begin your mailing list with friends and build from there.
When people receive regular emails about you they will remember you.
Make your posts short and try not to be too dry, keep it conversational.
In my next article I will give you some more ideas on how to use blogging and the internet to get you and your art remembered.