Advice for artwork distribution and sales

7 years ago

Hi,

Here is a link that might be able to help you https://fitsmallbusiness.com/how-to-sell-art-online/

Let me know if this helps! I can most certainty help if needed

Thanks
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WellingtonsTravel 7 years ago

Thank you! Will read through it.
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PPG19

7 years ago

Originally Posted by WellingtonsTravel

The latest map took 3 years to produce and is a map of the world.

Thanks!

3 years for a hand drawn map of the world! Interesting. Can we see your work? I love this type of stuff

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WellingtonsTravel 7 years ago

Sure! http://www.wellingtonstravel.com/
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savidge4

7 years ago

Originally Posted by WellingtonsTravel

I make hand-drawn maps that depicts our modern world with old fashioned charm.

The latest map took 3 years to produce and is a map of the world.

Does anyone have advice on how to get distribution for the artwork or suggestions for doing online marketing for this type of product?

Thanks!

This piece in particular.... you could want to have the image scanned.. and then on Etsy or the like you could sell limited run prints. Because you are what would be considered "unknown" the price would be dictated to some extent on the size of the print. There are some ways to manipulate this a bit. You could have 2 sets of prints a regular run of say 250 prints that are signed at a lower price and then an "AP" ( Artist Proof ) set of say 25 or 50 that are signed as well but also have some artistic additions over the top of the print that would be worth more.

Depending on where you live or the ability to have images printed locally you could only print as needed. so if someone orders a print.. you have it printed you sign it you send it out.

The bottom line is you have to start somewhere.. I don't think you can realistically expect to get "distribution" from one image. IF however, you have a collection of works, it may be worth your time to create a portfolio and maybe seeking out a gallery or 2 and discussing a showing or the like - if nothing else to determine the interest in the art world towards your work. - a side note to this. in many cases Galleries will charge for the opportunity to do this, so don't be shocked if there is a value set at them looking at your work.

Hope that helps!

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WellingtonsTravel 7 years ago

This map was made digitally. We tried scanning pieces together and it wasn't possible to for us to make it work, so we drew it digitally.

I really appreciate your detailed suggestions. We have 3 maps in total now, but yes, it's not a big product line. We print in small batches. Thank you for your support. This community is really supportive!
- Thanks
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savidge4

7 years ago

If you want to see the maps in question... look up the OP's username in google.

Ok so you have done Etsy... you have a site... you are selling prints.. but you want more.. its time to find yourself an art dealer or management service that can do the leg work for you to get a distribution deal for your product.... The art word is fickle at best, and it REALLY helps to have an insider guiding you through the process.

Some suggestions on the site. You really need a "Shop" page. I know on each image page you are selling the images, but people expect a shop page, its a now digital built in aspect of psychology... people want to hit the "Shop" button in order to buy.

Part of selling art is the story... You have elements of the story on your page.. but I think you go over it to fast.. As a selling component on your site I want to feel the connection between the artist and myself... why maps? why the whole process of meeting with shoemakers and modern day cartographers?

I don't want to read things like "less than lavish final consumer product" Something more in line with "reaching a balance between great quality and creating a product that is affordable"

Thinking about it.. I might try an ad in National Geographic or the like and see what that gets you. - just a thought.

Great product

Best of luck

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WellingtonsTravel

7 years ago

Thank you for the thoughtful critique.

Do you have any advice for finding an art dealer or management service? I think you're right about needing a mentor or insider.

Are you saying have the products on one page instead of across pages?

Thanks for reading our story. About the lavish part-- initial products were way too expensive and time consuming to make but really awesome. Laser printed emblem and hand painted. Leather was hand glued and sewn. I will spend some time refining it and adding more photos.

That's a great idea to run an ad on National Geographic! I'll look into how to do that now.

Thanks
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savidge4

7 years ago

Originally Posted by WellingtonsTravel

Thank you for the thoughtful critique.

Do you have any advice for finding an art dealer or management service? I think you're right about needing a mentor or insider.

from what I have read on your site, I would think you should " know " someone or know someone that knows someone... given your overall product base the UK maps and now the world map, I would try and find someone in the UK - maybe the Society of London art dealers might be a good place to start?

Originally Posted by WellingtonsTravel

Are you saying have the products on one page instead of across pages?

Would keep the format you have and include all of your products on a single page

Originally Posted by WellingtonsTravel

Thanks for reading our story. About the lavish part-- initial products were way too expensive and time consuming to make but really awesome. Laser printed emblem and hand painted. Leather was hand glued and sewn. I will spend some time refining it and adding more photos.

That's a great idea to run an ad on National Geographic! I'll look into how to do that now.

I was thinking.. and It really would not be that difficult to pinpoint a target audience on facebook. You are kinda looking for the 40 something traveler more or less. might be worth a try.. but I would stream line your online process a bit better or create an entirely separate funnel to deal with that traffic.