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Hi Sam ,very helpful as usual. I was told by an owner (cafe) he would take 60% and went to great lengths telling me why, hence to say I didn't deal with him. People reading this please be careful and do your homework, it's your hard work and they know it! Keep up the great work and information Sam always a pleasure to look and listen to your advice.
Thanks Steve, thats insane commission especially for a cafe. Any cafe charging 60% commission for art sales is a crook! You were right not to deal with him.
Great video - I am in a proper gallery, a retail store that also sells local art, and a co-op. They all operate differently and that commission split is a real consideration. It's always a balancing act between putting a price on your artwork that makes it attractive to purchase for the consumer...but also nets you a decent return for your time, talent, and materials. For the most part, my experiences have been good. I have learned over time what kind of art sells best in those three locations and at what price point. I've also picked up several nice commissions from buyers who saw my work in a gallery. I left a gallery once, though, because they did absolutely nothing to promote my work. They have a very active social media presence but I was in the gallery for a year and never once did they post anything that featured my art...but they did feature other artists, mostly 3D. It was a good learning experience though and a reminder that if you want to go in a gallery, make sure your work is compatible with the make up of the gallery. Lastly.....could you PLEASE do a video about NFTs? Thanks Sam.
Hey Carol, awesome you are in a good gallery and you are right to paint subjects that you know will sell. It is frustrating when a gallery doesn't do anything to promote your work. Personally I think if they are going to charge commission they need to work for it. I've had a few requests for doing a video about NFT's, whilst I am new to NFT's myself I'll definitely consider this 😀
I had some success with showing my art at cafes, but looking at the fleeting nature of cafes here in Canada I am extremely paranoid of them closing down and I can't get at my art anymore. Because they usually don't announce when a close-down is imminent and when the place is closed, usually someone else owns it and everything that's trapped inside.
Hey Norm, yes I can see the problem and it has certainly been more difficult for people to run brick and mortar businesses especially here in New Zealand. This is why I think it is best to sell your art online 😀
I did the gallery business for about 20 years. Lot’s of mixed feelings, I had paintings stolen, not getting paid for a sale. My very first painting that sold for over US$1000, I never got to see the money. Fortunately I was able to find one of the best galleries in town and developed a great relationship with the owner. I sold many paintings and I’m grateful for that. He only charged 30% commission, this is during the late 1990’s, early 2000’s. Now I’m trying to learn to do it myself on line. I can not see paying between 45% to 60% commissions. I think like my UA-cam painter friend Samuel, why give them away. Keep up the great work you’re doing.
Hey Angel, I have heard so many stories of gallery owners not paying their artists, it's so disrespectful in my opinion. Like I said with the gallery in Auckland I had to chase up to get the money, straight away I thought 'no, I'm out'! Thats when I immediately grabbed my paintings and never did business with them again. 45% to 60% commission is insane and I think anything above 40% is robbery in my opinion! I think it is better to sell your art directly to your customers. It also feels good when you made the sale yourself and you get to keep all of the money 😀
Beste think is to establish a good website to exhibit the work in a very good way and start sale the paintings independently. Teaching videos in the website will help people understand the value of art beauty. Thank you for sharing your experience in the field. Wish you best luck 🤞🤞🤞
Sam, you seem like such a decent, good-hearted dude. Thanks much for sharing these insights. Regarding selling my art, personally I’d have trouble parting with it so I just keep it :)
Thank you so much. I totally get it with regards to parting with your art, I often feel the same when I have sold some of my paintings but I am always happy they are going to good homes 😀
Thanks for the great video Sam, you can do some more on a similar topic about art business, I wouldn't want to be boring, but some time ago I suggested you a topic about painting shipments, the whole process, that would be very useful. Greetings✌
@@SamuelEarpArtist From making contacts, your way of packing, addressing and shipping, a spontaneous and useful video that only you can do without unnecessary complications, thank you Sam 🙂
Hey Sam I wanted to mention one thing I’m part of an art guild a lot of people forget about the art guild. we have shows in restaurants , coffee shop , performing arts Center , even a justice center . it’s a good way to get to your foot in the door . They take 10% and the local restaurant I have artwork in takes 20% in sales , so it’s very reasonable. It’s a good start for me and I’m getting exposure . It’s also a great way to get my résumé started ! 🙏 My world is your world brother !
Thanks for your videos. Just found your channel on my hunt for greenmixing advise. Thumb up for honest opinion, thoughts and ideas to that subject. Special thumb up from the heart for the shirt 👍🤘🏻
Hi I enjoyed your video...I once put my paintings in an Art Gallery it remained there for a while, i went in once a month to check if any sale the manager always replied no sales...then one day my relative flew in for a vacation unaware i had paintings in d gallery and bought 3 framed prints all at $200. Each...he came to show me the type of art i should be painting if i wanted to be successful...turned out those 3 prints were prints of my very own paintings....since then i took all my originals out
Hey Nazima, the experience you had with the gallery making prints from your art works without your permission is a story I had heard all too often. I have known other artists that have had the exact same thing happen to them, it is extremely disrespectful and dishonest. You were right to take out all your paintings from the gallery and not do business with them again!
I used to display my work in a restaurant whose owner didn't even want a commission! In fact I almost had to twist his arm into taking 10% which I offered him! unfortunately it closed and now I have about two dozen unsold paintings at home. I have put them up on internet but all I get is well dones and likes! A few months ago I had a painting exhibited in an art shop and the owner told me there was a guy who was interested in it but he wanted to reduce the price I accepted but then he had a change of heart and didn't buy it. Later I learned that he wanted to buy it because he thought it was by another artist which is a stupid reason in my opinion! Fortunately I sold it to another buyer the same day I picked it up from the shop.
Hey Victor, restaurants and cafes can be good places to sell art works and also it's good for the owners as they can have rotating art on the walls. Selling art online can be tricky at first but I have found over the years more people are buying original art online. Awesome you are selling your art in a gallery even if you are having to deal with some tricky customers. It goes with the art business unfortunately so I wouldn't take it to heart 😀
Great vid Samuel! I sell small works through my site originals prints etc, however, I’ve started to paint quite large and to avoid the worry of shipping large artworks, I am considering approaching galleries. I’ve also joined the NFT space thanks to you :) Thanks for the advice 🙏
Hey Sean, thats awesome. Galleries have their pros and cons so I don't think they should be avoided either. With regards to shipping large art works have you thought about painting on loose canvas, rolling it up and shipping it that way, then the buyer can get it stretched and framed? ...or when the painting is finished take it off the stretcher bars, roll it up and send the stretcher bars as well. This certainly saves money. Cool you sell NFT's, do you have a web link so I can see them? 😀
Hi, I just discovered you on youtube today, 2 years after you did this video, but my goodness, you gave so much useful information! I just started with an art gallery backing Dec of '23, and your info about galleries is so helpful. I'm now following your channel, and hope to join your Patreon page soon. Looking forward to a fun art future with you!
You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful. My Patreon channel has moved, I created an Art School. Here is the link to join: www.skool.com/samuel-earp-online-art-school/about
I think artists same as me can get more attention just going and taking some paintings on the street and painting outdoors in some semi crowded places or at least where are some people traffic. I did not tried it yet but I just can guess it might bring some curiosity and attention from the people. Of course it matters about the sizes of artworks but small board paintings easy to bring and carry
Yea I did this in New Zealand and had a lot of interest people love to watch while painting outside .On one occasion I ended up with a whole lot kis watching and ended up doing a teaching lesson for them was a lot fun no money by enjoyable
@@maxlinesartist that's awesome. Thanks for sharing experience. Anyway that flow of people can attract those who are interested and can pay also. Definitely have to try the same.
Hey Dan, yes plein air painting is a good way of getting interest and selling your art work, especially if it's in a tourist location. I have sold paintings as a result of painting outdoors so it definitely works 😀
Excellent video Sam as always. One thing I don't think you mentioned is the cost of framing. I took one of my Dartmoor paintings to be framed a few years ago now and they wanted £60 to frame it, which i just couldn't afford at the time. i wondered whether you frame your paintings before you send them to buyers ?. I used to get some decent frames from car boot sales but since covid they have become a thing of the past.
Hey John, good point, you are right, I did forget to mention the framing costs. With regards to framing I only frame my small paintings and I do it myself, so these are usually 8" x 10". What I normally do is go to a framers and see if they'll make some small frames for me from off cuts. Many of the frames I use only cost $20 or less but they are decent frames. With larger paintings I paint on linen usually with at least 1 inch thick stretcher and the gallery owner hangs the painting on the wall unframed. Regardless when it comes to framing make sure the customer is paying for the frame and I would put a mark up on it as well 😀
Oh and the other thing that’s great about the guild is they’ll often take artists that maybe aren’t at their peak or best of abilities and it’s something that you can grow and improve in. We also learn from other artists as we meet once a month to work the gallery .I pay a small fee $45 each year to be a member . it’s a great deal !
That definitely seems like a good guild to be a member of. There are many ways to get your art out there that doesn't involve galleries taking massive commissions 😊
I couldn’t agree more. I sell my work online and am not interested in competitive or snobby groupie life. Painting with others is fun but I don’t care who wins. A successful painting is its own reward and outside is great!
4:40 yeah, that could be really terrible =( btw, you make amazing content, Samuel. You and your buddy Andrew T are my favorite painters Thumbnail was pretty funny also
Thank you for sharing this! I found it really helpful. Would love to see more content about this especially about independent ways to sell paintings, ie, websites, NFTs, etc
Hello from Guernsey! Really informative Sam. I'm certainly on your wavelength and prefer selling on line or through my studio but I also exhibit in local exhibitions and various events that pop up locally. Guernsey has become quite 'arty' in recent years with lots of events organized each year, which is wonderful. I'm not on you tube...just facebook and instagram and a couple of sites that sell prints etc....and these seem to work for me.
@@SamuelEarpArtist Hi Sam. You can take a man out of Guernsey but you can't take Guernsey out of the man! It certainly pulls people back, if only for a visit! Happy painting....take care.
Hey Belinda, glad you found the video helpful. Honestly, I'm done with art galleries. Nowadays, with the internet and so many platforms you can sell products from, you can sell your own art online and keep 100% of the sale (minus payment processing fees, of course). You can sell your art on Instagram without even needing a website. I hope this video inspired you and let you know that you don't need to be in a gallery to make sales and have a successful art business. 😀
None of my work is sold on commission. Word of mouth is my best sales. I try to sell my art to as much traffic are as I can. People that are active or popular with parties or gatherings bring me sales. One thing that is very important is that you sell a complete artwork. Frame and all.
Real good helpful video Sam ,Your honesty concerning selling is gold , This video will probably go virtual big time as you address a subject from you experience that most artist really struggle with . When I was in Queenstown I meet many of the very top artist in NZ . and concerning gallery's I am not against them but it seems that the best way to have a gallery is to have your own gallery . Often the artist I meet who were successful with this had a house on a road with lot traffic gallery and studio attached .sign at the gate . Yea would love to see more video's on marketing and maybe a video on NFT 's as I have trouble getting my head around the concept . But NFTS seem to be the big thing at this time could you make a video explains how it works and how to set up and sell Thanks
Hey Max, I know Queenstown well as I used to live there. I never actually displayed any of my art works in any of the galleries as I didn't like any of them. I found the art world in Queenstown a bit pukey! Having said that the area surrounding Queenstown is a great place for being a landscape artist and plein air painting. I'll definitely think about making a video on NFT's, I'm still new to it myself. Thanks for watching 😀
wow! Sam, very helpful video. i have been intimidated about galleries, website, & all the technical issues you have to deal with in selling your art. i have enjoyed several of your videos on painting techniques, values, saturation, etc & it has helped me grow as an artist. thank you! i have been thinking i need a website but i'm still intimidated about the legal issues, packing, insurance, shipping, payments. whew! it's overwhelming but this video helped me rethink the whole thing. thank you again for all the great info!! ☺️👏❤️❤️
Hey Leslie, galleries can be intimidating places which is why I prefer to sell my art directly to customers or sell online. You should create a website for your art, I use squarespace.com Squarespace is easy to use, works via drag and drop, it has loads of website designs, e-commerce where you can instal a payment processor and you can determine your own prices and shipping costs. They have it all covered. I believe Squarespace gives you a two week free trial so you can start building your website right away. Anyway I can recommend Squarespace, I use them for my main website. I hope this helps 😀
I’m pretty much in the same mindset. I have a personal cap of 30% and only show locally if I know the person running the show. Mostly I sell online or at festivals. Last show was at a new space with a former gallery owner I had sold a piece when she had a gallery. Her commission was 30%, so I had priced my piece with 30% in mind. At the last minute, she flaked out and decided to up her commission to 40%. Ugh. She then proceeded to flake out promoting the show. On opening night, none of the pieces had name cards with prices. It’s like she forgot how to run a show. Long story short, it didn’t sell. So I’ll never be dealing with her again in that capacity.
I’ve had a few incidences of flaky gallery owners. It astounds me how unprofessional they are and how badly they treat artists. I’m much more in favour of selling my artwork online and finding other ways to make money from my art
Great video, love this sort of thing where you speak of your own experience and history in the art world. Was wondering which gallery you exhibit at in Wellington, would love to go have a look at some of your work in person. Looking to start getting into selling my oil paintings here this year, just need to work on my craft and confidence.
Hey Henry, thanks for watching. I sell my art at The Kiwi Art House which is at the top of Cuba Street, it's across the road from Thistle Hall. You should definitely try and sell your paintings. You could maybe speak to Alan the guy that owns The Kiwi Art House, he loves landscape art 😀
Agree with this video and diversification in selling in the main thing. Choosing the right Gallery as you describe is key. However, online is full of fraud these days also. No easy way!
Hey Maureen, there are a lot of scammers on the internet thats for sure but if your website has a proper payment system set up such as PayPal and Stripe then you don't need to worry about scammers. You get paid instantly when you make a sale. I hope this helps 😀
Brilliant video, I've only been painting for just over 18 months but spend many hours in my art room I've never been to art school so would not feel good enough to approach an art gallery but quite a few people say my paintings are good enough to sell, my problem is knowing how much to sell them for, I've sold a few to friends and I've charged £55 for a 16 x 20 inch acrylic I don't feel I can charge more due to lack of experience but if I was to sell online what would be a reasonable price to ask?
Hey Jane, awesome you have started painting and that you are selling some to your friends. I have never been to art school either. With regards to selling your art works and pricing them there are few ways you can do it. The way I do it is I roughly work the price around a square inch. So for example in your case, at the moment you could charge £1 per square inch. If we take your 16" x 20" painting 16 x 20 = 320, 320 x 1 is £320. As your work improves and your painting style develops you could then up your price to maybe £1.50 or £2 per square inch. I hope this might be a helpful guide. As I said in the video being in an art gallery has some advantages but I think it's better to focus your energies on selling your art directly whether it's online, local art fairs or to people such as friends and family, that kind of thing 😀 Thanks for watching 😀
@@SamuelEarpArtist I am trying to ‘paint’ as much as I can on an iPad (your video on that was awesome help); I am a hemiplegic stroke survivor; now I have to use my non-dominant hand to do it;you’re very helpful and inspirational to me;thank you sir!
Hey Dee, I am not using Squarespace anymore as I switched my website to using WordPress instead. The main reason for this was so I could improve my blog. I would definitely recommend Squarespace and they will have their pricing plans on their website 😎
I've been a full time artist for 20 years... I've sold to A list celebs and billionaires and corporations.... I've had some success.... I will NEVER show in another gallery. They have been the biggest road block to my career. Most are crooks. The art world sucks. Go your own way.
Thanks for sharing your experience with galleries. I completely agree with you. Fortunately with the internet, there has never been a better time to make money from your art. Do you sell your artwork online?
Hey, do you mean nothing is working for you in regards to selling your art works? Whatever you do don't quit, it took me a long time before I sold my first art work. Keep painting and working on your craft 😀
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Hi Sam ,very helpful as usual. I was told by an owner (cafe) he would take 60% and went to great lengths telling me why, hence to say I didn't deal with him. People reading this please be careful and do your homework, it's your hard work and they know it! Keep up the great work and information Sam always a pleasure to look and listen to your advice.
Thanks Steve, thats insane commission especially for a cafe. Any cafe charging 60% commission for art sales is a crook! You were right not to deal with him.
Great video - I am in a proper gallery, a retail store that also sells local art, and a co-op. They all operate differently and that commission split is a real consideration. It's always a balancing act between putting a price on your artwork that makes it attractive to purchase for the consumer...but also nets you a decent return for your time, talent, and materials. For the most part, my experiences have been good. I have learned over time what kind of art sells best in those three locations and at what price point. I've also picked up several nice commissions from buyers who saw my work in a gallery. I left a gallery once, though, because they did absolutely nothing to promote my work. They have a very active social media presence but I was in the gallery for a year and never once did they post anything that featured my art...but they did feature other artists, mostly 3D. It was a good learning experience though and a reminder that if you want to go in a gallery, make sure your work is compatible with the make up of the gallery. Lastly.....could you PLEASE do a video about NFTs? Thanks Sam.
Hey Carol, awesome you are in a good gallery and you are right to paint subjects that you know will sell. It is frustrating when a gallery doesn't do anything to promote your work. Personally I think if they are going to charge commission they need to work for it.
I've had a few requests for doing a video about NFT's, whilst I am new to NFT's myself I'll definitely consider this 😀
I had some success with showing my art at cafes, but looking at the fleeting nature of cafes here in Canada I am extremely paranoid of them closing down and I can't get at my art anymore. Because they usually don't announce when a close-down is imminent and when the place is closed, usually someone else owns it and everything that's trapped inside.
Hey Norm, yes I can see the problem and it has certainly been more difficult for people to run brick and mortar businesses especially here in New Zealand. This is why I think it is best to sell your art online 😀
I did the gallery business for about 20 years. Lot’s of mixed feelings, I had paintings stolen, not getting paid for a sale. My very first painting that sold for over US$1000, I never got to see the money. Fortunately I was able to find one of the best galleries in town and developed a great relationship with the owner. I sold many paintings and I’m grateful for that. He only charged 30% commission, this is during the late 1990’s, early 2000’s. Now I’m trying to learn to do it myself on line. I can not see paying between 45% to 60% commissions. I think like my UA-cam painter friend Samuel, why give them away. Keep up the great work you’re doing.
Hey Angel, I have heard so many stories of gallery owners not paying their artists, it's so disrespectful in my opinion. Like I said with the gallery in Auckland I had to chase up to get the money, straight away I thought 'no, I'm out'! Thats when I immediately grabbed my paintings and never did business with them again.
45% to 60% commission is insane and I think anything above 40% is robbery in my opinion! I think it is better to sell your art directly to your customers. It also feels good when you made the sale yourself and you get to keep all of the money 😀
This was such a helpful video! I need more videos on the "business" side of art. Thanks for your sharing your honest opinion and experiences 👍
My pleasure Rebecca, I'll make more videos on the art business side of things 😀
Beste think is to establish a good website to exhibit the work in a very good way and start sale the paintings independently. Teaching videos in the website will help people understand the value of art beauty. Thank you for sharing your experience in the field. Wish you best luck 🤞🤞🤞
Thanks Amer, I totally agree with this. Selling your art online is a good way to make money from your art. Thanks for watching 😀
Sam, you seem like such a decent, good-hearted dude. Thanks much for sharing these insights. Regarding selling my art, personally I’d have trouble parting with it so I just keep it :)
He is so lovely ☺
Thank you so much. I totally get it with regards to parting with your art, I often feel the same when I have sold some of my paintings but I am always happy they are going to good homes 😀
Thanks for the great video Sam, you can do some more on a similar topic about art business, I wouldn't want to be boring, but some time ago I suggested you a topic about painting shipments, the whole process, that would be very useful. Greetings✌
Thanks Jakov, yes I remember. So you want to know the process of physically packing and shipping the painting?
@@SamuelEarpArtist From making contacts, your way of packing, addressing and shipping, a spontaneous and useful video that only you can do without unnecessary complications, thank you Sam 🙂
Hey Sam I wanted to mention one thing I’m part of an art guild a lot of people forget about the art guild. we have shows in restaurants , coffee shop , performing arts Center , even a justice center . it’s a good way to get to your foot in the door . They take 10% and the local restaurant I have artwork in takes 20% in sales , so it’s very reasonable. It’s a good start for me and I’m getting exposure . It’s also a great way to get my résumé started ! 🙏 My world is your world brother !
Hey Allen, thats awesome and that does seem like a good and fair way to sell your paintings and get exposure 😊
Thanks for your videos. Just found your channel on my hunt for greenmixing advise. Thumb up for honest opinion, thoughts and ideas to that subject. Special thumb up from the heart for the shirt 👍🤘🏻
Thank you so much 😀
Hi I enjoyed your video...I once put my paintings in an Art Gallery it remained there for a while, i went in once a month to check if any sale the manager always replied no sales...then one day my relative flew in for a vacation unaware i had paintings in d gallery and bought 3 framed prints all at $200. Each...he came to show me the type of art i should be painting if i wanted to be successful...turned out those 3 prints were prints of my very own paintings....since then i took all my originals out
Hey Nazima, the experience you had with the gallery making prints from your art works without your permission is a story I had heard all too often. I have known other artists that have had the exact same thing happen to them, it is extremely disrespectful and dishonest. You were right to take out all your paintings from the gallery and not do business with them again!
I used to display my work in a restaurant whose owner didn't even want a commission! In fact I almost had to twist his arm into taking 10% which I offered him! unfortunately it closed and now I have about two dozen unsold paintings at home. I have put them up on internet but all I get is well dones and likes! A few months ago I had a painting exhibited in an art shop and the owner told me there was a guy who was interested in it but he wanted to reduce the price I accepted but then he had a change of heart and didn't buy it. Later I learned that he wanted to buy it because he thought it was by another artist which is a stupid reason in my opinion! Fortunately I sold it to another buyer the same day I picked it up from the shop.
Hey Victor, restaurants and cafes can be good places to sell art works and also it's good for the owners as they can have rotating art on the walls.
Selling art online can be tricky at first but I have found over the years more people are buying original art online.
Awesome you are selling your art in a gallery even if you are having to deal with some tricky customers. It goes with the art business unfortunately so I wouldn't take it to heart 😀
Great vid Samuel! I sell small works through my site originals prints etc, however, I’ve started to paint quite large and to avoid the worry of shipping large artworks, I am considering approaching galleries. I’ve also joined the NFT space thanks to you :) Thanks for the advice 🙏
Hey Sean, thats awesome. Galleries have their pros and cons so I don't think they should be avoided either. With regards to shipping large art works have you thought about painting on loose canvas, rolling it up and shipping it that way, then the buyer can get it stretched and framed? ...or when the painting is finished take it off the stretcher bars, roll it up and send the stretcher bars as well. This certainly saves money.
Cool you sell NFT's, do you have a web link so I can see them? 😀
Hi, I just discovered you on youtube today, 2 years after you did this video, but my goodness, you gave so much useful information! I just started with an art gallery backing Dec of '23, and your info about galleries is so helpful. I'm now following your channel, and hope to join your Patreon page soon. Looking forward to a fun art future with you!
You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful. My Patreon channel has moved, I created an Art School. Here is the link to join: www.skool.com/samuel-earp-online-art-school/about
I think artists same as me can get more attention just going and taking some paintings on the street and painting outdoors in some semi crowded places or at least where are some people traffic. I did not tried it yet but I just can guess it might bring some curiosity and attention from the people. Of course it matters about the sizes of artworks but small board paintings easy to bring and carry
Yea I did this in New Zealand and had a lot of interest people love to watch while painting outside .On one occasion I ended up with a whole lot kis watching and ended up doing a teaching lesson for them was a lot fun no money by enjoyable
@@maxlinesartist that's awesome. Thanks for sharing experience. Anyway that flow of people can attract those who are interested and can pay also. Definitely have to try the same.
Hey Dan, yes plein air painting is a good way of getting interest and selling your art work, especially if it's in a tourist location. I have sold paintings as a result of painting outdoors so it definitely works 😀
We will remember you Sam. Because you’re such a nice decent chap. Thanks for the invaluable info. Cheers👍🇦🇺❤️
Thank you Penny for your kind words, it's very much appreciated 😀
Excellent video Sam as always. One thing I don't think you mentioned is the cost of framing. I took one of my Dartmoor paintings to be framed a few years ago now and they wanted £60 to frame it, which i just couldn't afford at the time. i wondered whether you frame your paintings before you send them to buyers ?. I used to get some decent frames from car boot sales but since covid they have become a thing of the past.
Hey John, good point, you are right, I did forget to mention the framing costs. With regards to framing I only frame my small paintings and I do it myself, so these are usually 8" x 10". What I normally do is go to a framers and see if they'll make some small frames for me from off cuts. Many of the frames I use only cost $20 or less but they are decent frames. With larger paintings I paint on linen usually with at least 1 inch thick stretcher and the gallery owner hangs the painting on the wall unframed. Regardless when it comes to framing make sure the customer is paying for the frame and I would put a mark up on it as well 😀
Oh and the other thing that’s great about the guild is they’ll often take artists that maybe aren’t at their peak or best of abilities and it’s something that you can grow and improve in.
We also learn from other artists as we meet once a month to work the gallery .I pay a small fee $45 each year to be a member . it’s a great deal !
That definitely seems like a good guild to be a member of. There are many ways to get your art out there that doesn't involve galleries taking massive commissions 😊
You are very good teaching your great art work and you will be remembered.
Thank you so much Steven 😀
I couldn’t agree more. I sell my work online and am not interested in competitive or snobby groupie life. Painting with others is fun but I don’t care who wins. A successful painting is its own reward and outside is great!
I agree with this Elisabeth. Thanks for watching 😊
Hi Sam, In Salt Lake City, Park City and Utah as a whole, galleries take 50%.
That is insane!
4:40 yeah, that could be really terrible =(
btw, you make amazing content, Samuel. You and your buddy Andrew T are my favorite painters
Thumbnail was pretty funny also
Thank you so much and thanks for watching 😀
Thank you for sharing this! I found it really helpful. Would love to see more content about this especially about independent ways to sell paintings, ie, websites, NFTs, etc
Glad it was helpful, yes I will definitely make more content on this kind of stuff 😀
Hello from Guernsey! Really informative Sam. I'm certainly on your wavelength and prefer selling on line or through my studio but I also exhibit in local exhibitions and various events that pop up locally. Guernsey has become quite 'arty' in recent years with lots of events organized each year, which is wonderful. I'm not on you tube...just facebook and instagram and a couple of sites that sell prints etc....and these seem to work for me.
Don't tell sam that he might leave us here in NZ and go home .ha ha we don't want to lose him
Thank you Valerie, I can't wait to visit Guernsey, especially so I can paint there. My mum lives in Guernsey in Castel 😊
@@SamuelEarpArtist Hi Sam. You can take a man out of Guernsey but you can't take Guernsey out of the man! It certainly pulls people back, if only for a visit! Happy painting....take care.
This information was very useful. Im a beginning artist and I'm learning so much about where to go to sale my art. Thanks for sharing 😊
Hey Belinda, glad you found the video helpful. Honestly, I'm done with art galleries. Nowadays, with the internet and so many platforms you can sell products from, you can sell your own art online and keep 100% of the sale (minus payment processing fees, of course). You can sell your art on Instagram without even needing a website. I hope this video inspired you and let you know that you don't need to be in a gallery to make sales and have a successful art business. 😀
None of my work is sold on commission. Word of mouth is my best sales. I try to sell my art to as much traffic are as I can. People that are active or popular with parties or gatherings bring me sales. One thing that is very important is that you sell a complete artwork. Frame and all.
Hey Steven, I agree with you, it is much better to sell directly and have direct communication with your customers 😀
Some really good insights to galleries issues, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Chris, thanks for watching 😀
Real good helpful video Sam ,Your honesty concerning selling is gold , This video will probably go virtual big time as you address a subject from you experience that most artist really struggle with . When I was in Queenstown I meet many of the very top artist in NZ . and concerning gallery's I am not against them but it seems that the best way to have a gallery is to have your own gallery . Often the artist I meet who were successful with this had a house on a road with lot traffic gallery and studio attached .sign at the gate . Yea would love to see more video's on marketing and maybe a video on NFT 's as I have trouble getting my head around the concept . But NFTS seem to be the big thing at this time could you make a video explains how it works and how to set up and sell Thanks
Hey Max, I know Queenstown well as I used to live there. I never actually displayed any of my art works in any of the galleries as I didn't like any of them. I found the art world in Queenstown a bit pukey! Having said that the area surrounding Queenstown is a great place for being a landscape artist and plein air painting.
I'll definitely think about making a video on NFT's, I'm still new to it myself. Thanks for watching 😀
Sound advice and is exactly what needed to hear much appreciated.
My pleasure Frank, thanks for watching 😀
Thanks Sam for sharing your experience
My pleasure Rudy, thanks for watching 😀
My moto is repaint repaint and thin no more. I copied that from the saying repent repent and sin no more. Both work.
Thanks for your thoughts on galleries. I agree with you and respect both your work and your approach to being a painter. Very refreshing.
Thanks for watching 😊
wow! Sam, very helpful video. i have been intimidated about galleries, website, & all the technical issues you have to deal with in selling your art. i have enjoyed several of your videos on painting techniques, values, saturation, etc & it has helped me grow as an artist. thank you! i have been thinking i need a website but i'm still intimidated about the legal issues, packing, insurance, shipping, payments. whew! it's overwhelming but this video helped me rethink the whole thing. thank you again for all the great info!! ☺️👏❤️❤️
Hey Leslie, galleries can be intimidating places which is why I prefer to sell my art directly to customers or sell online.
You should create a website for your art, I use squarespace.com
Squarespace is easy to use, works via drag and drop, it has loads of website designs, e-commerce where you can instal a payment processor and you can determine your own prices and shipping costs. They have it all covered. I believe Squarespace gives you a two week free trial so you can start building your website right away.
Anyway I can recommend Squarespace, I use them for my main website.
I hope this helps 😀
I’m pretty much in the same mindset. I have a personal cap of 30% and only show locally if I know the person running the show. Mostly I sell online or at festivals. Last show was at a new space with a former gallery owner I had sold a piece when she had a gallery. Her commission was 30%, so I had priced my piece with 30% in mind. At the last minute, she flaked out and decided to up her commission to 40%. Ugh. She then proceeded to flake out promoting the show. On opening night, none of the pieces had name cards with prices. It’s like she forgot how to run a show. Long story short, it didn’t sell. So I’ll never be dealing with her again in that capacity.
I’ve had a few incidences of flaky gallery owners. It astounds me how unprofessional they are and how badly they treat artists. I’m much more in favour of selling my artwork online and finding other ways to make money from my art
I am the same . Agree with you
Wonderful video... I surely got some great advice... And it'd be great to have more videos like this, about the "business side" of being an artist...
Thank you so much, consider it done! 😊
Great video, love this sort of thing where you speak of your own experience and history in the art world. Was wondering which gallery you exhibit at in Wellington, would love to go have a look at some of your work in person. Looking to start getting into selling my oil paintings here this year, just need to work on my craft and confidence.
Hey Henry, thanks for watching. I sell my art at The Kiwi Art House which is at the top of Cuba Street, it's across the road from Thistle Hall. You should definitely try and sell your paintings. You could maybe speak to Alan the guy that owns The Kiwi Art House, he loves landscape art 😀
@@SamuelEarpArtist Thanks Sam, I live just down the road from there :) Will check it out when I'm not working.
I love this video! Thank you for creating this, I love your Pateron account! Bargain for what you get! Thank you so much 😊 😎
You are so welcome, thank you Autum 😀
Valuable information thanks Sam 🙏
My pleasure Joan 😀
Agree with this video and diversification in selling in the main thing. Choosing the right Gallery as you describe is key. However, online is full of fraud these days also. No easy way!
Hey Maureen, there are a lot of scammers on the internet thats for sure but if your website has a proper payment system set up such as PayPal and Stripe then you don't need to worry about scammers. You get paid instantly when you make a sale. I hope this helps 😀
I've lived my whole life with people making 'assumptions' - totally get what you're saying there:)
😊
I don't yet have the skills to produce artwork good enough to sell, but it was so interesting listening to this video, Sam.
Thank you Helene, keep painting and practicing and enjoy the process and the journey 😊
Thank you ❤
Brilliant video, I've only been painting for just over 18 months but spend many hours in my art room I've never been to art school so would not feel good enough to approach an art gallery but quite a few people say my paintings are good enough to sell, my problem is knowing how much to sell them for, I've sold a few to friends and I've charged £55 for a 16 x 20 inch acrylic I don't feel I can charge more due to lack of experience but if I was to sell online what would be a reasonable price to ask?
Hey Jane, awesome you have started painting and that you are selling some to your friends. I have never been to art school either.
With regards to selling your art works and pricing them there are few ways you can do it. The way I do it is I roughly work the price around a square inch. So for example in your case, at the moment you could charge £1 per square inch. If we take your 16" x 20" painting 16 x 20 = 320, 320 x 1 is £320. As your work improves and your painting style develops you could then up your price to maybe £1.50 or £2 per square inch. I hope this might be a helpful guide. As I said in the video being in an art gallery has some advantages but I think it's better to focus your energies on selling your art directly whether it's online, local art fairs or to people such as friends and family, that kind of thing 😀
Thanks for watching 😀
Great advice! Thanks.
My pleasure Zoe, thanks for watching 😀
Thanks for the time in making this video Sam; now as a side note; you and Andrew Tischler should paint each other’s portraits 😁😳🤗
Thank you. Whilst I'm mostly a landscape artist I would like to get into portrait painting 😀
@@SamuelEarpArtist I am trying to ‘paint’ as much as I can on an iPad (your video on that was awesome help); I am a hemiplegic stroke survivor; now I have to use my non-dominant hand to do it;you’re very helpful and inspirational to me;thank you sir!
Enlightening, Thank You Sam! Cheers from Canada
My pleasure Nancy, thanks for watching. Greetings from New Zealand 😀
Thank you for posting this video. I found it to be very helpful. :)
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching 😀
Good video Sam. Cheers
Thank you Jeff 😀
May I ask how much are you paying per month for a squarespace website?
Hey Dee, I am not using Squarespace anymore as I switched my website to using WordPress instead. The main reason for this was so I could improve my blog. I would definitely recommend Squarespace and they will have their pricing plans on their website 😎
Thank you! @@SamuelEarpArtist
Thanks Sam !
My pleasure Corky 😀
Thank you Sam for this information🇨🇦
My pleasure, thanks for watching 😀
Hi,Sam..
good info..thanks,
My pleasure, thank you 😀
cool advice Sam well spoken
Thank you Sanjay 😀
Difficult making sales in my area,they have short arms and deep pockets 🙂
It sounds like you should definitely sell your art works online 😀
THANK YOU MANE
really helped me alot , i got alot of art ready to sale as Houston artist i almost went to a gallery but my gut relates alot to your words!
Thank you for watching, I'm glad you found it helpful 😀
Love your video! You are SO cool!❤❤❤
Thanks so much 😊
I've been a full time artist for 20 years... I've sold to A list celebs and billionaires and corporations.... I've had some success.... I will NEVER show in another gallery. They have been the biggest road block to my career. Most are crooks. The art world sucks. Go your own way.
Thanks for sharing your experience with galleries. I completely agree with you. Fortunately with the internet, there has never been a better time to make money from your art. Do you sell your artwork online?
Nothing works for me, I will quit by years end if nothing changes.
Hey, do you mean nothing is working for you in regards to selling your art works? Whatever you do don't quit, it took me a long time before I sold my first art work. Keep painting and working on your craft 😀
@@SamuelEarpArtist yes that`s what i meant. I do sell but so rarely that it barely covers my expenses
I think art galleries are price gougers!
Ha ha 100% 😂
What was the truth again?