Aug 01 2008
Top Selling Subjects….Should You Chase the Market?
This is a tough question. Should you chase the market in order to sell your art? Many will say that you are prostituting yourself if you are simply creating artwork as a product. On the other hand, creating art to sell is still art and you are doing something you love. I personally think it’s better than being measurable. You know, the getting up each day going through the daily grind working for the “Man” with the hopes of security, pensions and maybe retirement. The truth is only a few in every hundred ever see any real money from creating art, but we are happier than most of the working stiffs of the world. We bring joy, pleasure and love to others lives. Even though I’m a believer that the mechanics of art can be taught, it takes God given talent to see things differently and transform those images into a viewable canvas. Be it photography, painting or sculpture; be assured there are many who would love to create as you do.
After some research on what sells and what doesn’t sell, I have come up with a short list of 10 top selling subjects. I analyzed data from several different sources:
Art Business News, Décor Magazine, Gallery Magazine, Art Business Today and multiple Internet sources and found pretty much the same list. See the list that follows:
1. Traditional Landscapes
2. Local Scenery views.
3. Modern or semi-abstract landscapes.
4. Abstracts
5. Dogs
6. Figure Studies (excluding nudes).
7. Seascapes, harbor, and beach scenes.
8. Wildlife.
9. Impressionistic landscapes.
10. Nudes
Now the other question is; which is better to sell your originals or to print them and sell the prints? The answer to the question is simple. Prints are always going to sell quicker. Prints are less expensive to the consumer therefore easier to sell. Here is a list of the best selling mediums:
1. Limited edition offset-litho prints.
2. Limited edition giclée prints.
3. Open edition offset-litho prints.
4. Oil Paintings
5. Acrylic Paintings.
6. Watercolors Paintings
7. Artists’ original prints (etchings, engravings, carvings).
8. Open editions
Please note that depending on your area this list can vary some. Some areas of the country find watercolors sell more than oils or acrylics. This is a cross section list.
Your comments are encouraged and appreciated ~ Jose DeLaRosa www.framingrochester.com
2 Responses to “Top Selling Subjects….Should You Chase the Market?”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Not A Member? Register for Free!
I am interested in the selling of my art, but for now I am building up a resource of fantasy art drawing.
I wonder what the implications would be of selling your art in multiple places all at the same time, would it be productive, How would one plan all this to be marketed al at once?
Fantasy is a very small niche market. I have a fantasy artist in my gallery. In his case he specializes in fairies. The answer to your question is actually very simple. Yes, yes you should place your pieces in every possible venue that your potential customer might visit. Some examples might be alternative stores and gift shops. Note the fact there are only a few high dollar fantasy artists out there so seriously consider selling prints of your pieces in relatively small editions (500 or less). Keep in mind your images will probably sell better on something. Such as small furniture or other gift items. Also consider festivals, of course on line, and developing a relationship with a framer also help. We have found that a framed fairiers sells much easier than an unframed fairy. If you don’t have a framer to work with consider creating art works to fit ready made mats and frames. This way the finished product still looks professional. Whatever you do, if you try to get in to one of your local galleries, make sure it is framed properly and a gallery will know if it is or not. One last little piece of advise. I don’t know where your located but, the last festival we participated in was a gay pride festival, and he did very well. The truth of the matter is I was very pleasantly surprised.
Happy selling!…I hope this helps some.
Jose DeLaRosa
www.framingrochester.com
hangingaround.framing@gmail.com