Open chat / Making $$$ / Wystro 16 years ago

Making $$$

How do you guys generate money from your art? I've had prints available through DA, but it never reaches the threshold where they actually send me a check. I ended up privately selling four copies of "I Dream of Fish" which minus shipping is decent money -- print-level money, but better than getting a cinder block smashed in the face.

I assume that most of you work on private commissions, but if you sell prints, where do you set up your storefront? Do any of you have any good leads at where I can look at for that? Right now, sending out my portfolio for illustration work is like throwing a paper cup into a stormy ocean. I'm looking for a way to make some decent supplementary income.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

ROzbeans 16 years ago

I've seen other places that sell prints that are cheaper and better from Deviantart. At least, that's what the artist said. You might want to check some of the more popular and higher page hits people. They usually put it right in their journals. Sorry I can't think of any off hand, though =/

Laschae 16 years ago

Etsy might be a place to go but I dunno how well anything sells there. The boss lady says she gets alot of business from art shows, conventions, craft shows, things like that where you have a booth. I dunno really, no one wants my crap lol. Just keep knocking on any door you can.

Lessa 16 years ago

My brother has an Etsy store he sells jewelry on, Im not sure if hes ever tried selling his photography there. I have been told that I should get booths at conventions and renaissance (sp) faires to sell prints, Ive never had the opportunity before so Im not sure how well it does. I would imagine art festivals would do well also, though those are usually a summer thing I think.

ROzbeans 16 years ago

Jennafae from the old NS had a store there and sold her graphic design prints. My husband's civi co-worker has a profitable store there too - selling cute little yarn...things. Worth a try.

Wystro 16 years ago

Okay then! I'm going to set up an Etsy site in January and see what it does. I'll get a decent selection of prints up and then push it through Facebook.

My non-artist "civilian" friends are the ones who seem to buy, and general social sites like Facebook seem to be the best way to get them. I think I may have a commission from my mom's ex-second-husband's new wife -- how fucked up is that? =)

It's amazing to think that those of us who were the old-school geeky online gamers were the vanguard for the online social culture that is now commonplace in the general culture!

pharren 16 years ago

All in a day's work.

Verileah 16 years ago

This has probably already crossed your mind, but have you considered trying to get an agent for illustration work? Maybe go to the library and get the latest Writers and Illustrators Marketplace.

Wystro 16 years ago

Hmmmm....since mental telepathy and vaguely hoping for a career while playing MMOs hasn't panned out, your idea is worth a shot, Verileah!

pharren 16 years ago

Sounds a lot like my plan for winning the lottery by waiting for a winning ticket to fall from the sky and land in my lap.