[Sarah]

I'm unemployed at the moment and it's hard to find a job where i'm located.
I'm not earning enough money to support myself and I don't want to be supported off my family, i'd rather take my own responsibilities.

Until I find myself a job, which hopefully will be pretty soon, I really would love to do some commission work, but I have no idea how I would come across doing this. I already have a Facebook page for my portrait's, but it's hard getting likes and obviously even harder to get order's. I want to make myself a few bob to tie me over and help me get better art equipment.

If anyone has any idea's/advice on how I could sell some portrait's and also take requests's, I would HIGHLY appreciate that.
My brother is in the middle of making me a design for my website that I will hopefully be launching soon. Whether or not it'l be a success, who know's.

So yeah any idea's or advice is much appreciated.

 

[Sadie cullen]

I'm pretty much in same situation as you, I've just started up a website. to get commissions you really need to advertise what you do, for example posting flyers through doors and asking around in art/craft shops if you can leave flyers with them. The main thing is just not to give up if it doesn't work out as quickly as you would hope becuase its going to take a lot of time.

Good luck!

 

[George924]

This is one of my favorite ways to promote my work...Let me try and explain.

First any time I see a photo that is setting on a receptionists desk, or at the electric company, or people looking at photos of their children at the grocery store or even me striking up a conversation with a total stranger and I ask them about their children.

If the photo is something I can work from I ask them if I can borrow the photo for a few days and I will bring it back to them...I get a lot of strange looks but I go on to explain.

I tell them "See, I am an portrait artist and any time I see a photo that needs to be painted I always do my best to turn that photo into a painting" Now granted most of the time they let me take and paint it without much concern and ask me how much it will cost. I answer them vaguely as possible and play it up that their photo of their children or wife or whom ever must be a painted.

I take that photo and do the painting and on delivery, I may or may not get paid for that piece...the goal is to get them and their friends and family to commission a portrait from me and at that time I bring out the price list and start talking about the next piece.

I have used this method for many years and it pretty much always works and some even insist I take something for the initial piece. I know a lot of artists say "I would never do a piece of work for free" My response is you have to pay for marketing and advertising somehow, why not show people what you are able to do instead of telling them and in the long run it saves a whole lot of money. Websites and social media is a great place to direct potential clients to quickly view your work but as a sole marketing tool you probably won't make many sales from the drifter who just passes by.

Another great marketing technique I use is to deliver paintings to the client in public where especially where women both young and older will be...they just love their pictures of their children and grand children. If you do not already have a client and piece of artwork to be delivered, ask a friend or family member to set in as the client. To make it believable actually to a piece of artwork for a friend or family member and make sure they bring along a friend that may be interested in a commission piece.

Makes sure you bring plenty of marketing literature to pass out if asked about a piece but do not ever force the issue and confront somebody about wanting a commission done. That is what the first technique is used for. This way they are not pressured and they think it is their idea. I have gathered many commissions with this technique and always meet some really great people even if they do not commit to the commission right there and then make sure they leave with your information and website to contact you.

Another great way to have people think it is their idea to have a piece of artwork done is take your art to the street or to the mall or park or wherever there is a concentrated amount of people. Set yourself up and start doing what you do, draw, paint whatever...let them approach you and get the conversation started. Now this could take several trips to the same venue to get people familiar with you and your work and if they were reluctant to talk with you the first time they seen you they will become more at ease.

Anyway these are some of my favorite techniques when word of mouth is just slow...I hope I helped. Anytime I am able to help or explain these techniques let me know.

 

[Sarah]

Thank you both for your comment's! I appreciate it .
@Saddie - Awesome, I shall make a flyer design, get some print out's and post them around thanks!
@George - You sure have a business mind haha! I on the other hand have not . But I will use your advice and try out thing's you've said! Thank's guys

 

[tricky raven]

Hi Sarah, I 'used' to do a lot of commission work, mainly household pets, dogs and cats. When I started up, I sent pictures of my work to our local newspaper and they did a write-up on my art, which helped immensely. Also joined art clubs and showed my work at various art shows as well as calling animal shelters and dog shows. Big Brothers and Sisters have an art sale each year, you could offer a painting for them to auction off and they give you a tax deduction for it. Can you advertise in your local library?