Side Arts | Blog

Linda Dubin Garfield [Certified Visual Artist – Bala Cynwyd, PA]

Linda Dubin Garfield [Certified Visual Artist – Bala Cynwyd, PA]

Linda Dubin Garfield is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Linda Dubin Garfield, an award-winning printmaker and mixed media artist, creates visual memoirs exploring the mystery of memory and the magic of place, using hand-pulled printmaking techniques, photography, collage and digital imaging. Her abstract and dynamic works use multiple layers of ink that waver between background and foreground creating a fusion of surface design and abstract expressionism She also creates installations that include public participatory art, especially when she is exploring themes relating to women in today’s culture.

Experience

In 2005, she founded ARTsisters, a group of professional artists who empower each other and their community through art. In 2007, she started smART business consulting which helps emerging artists reach their goals and their audience; provides consulting and coaching on the business of art through individual, small groups and workshop experiences; and provides opportunities to exhibit work. Today, she serves on several non-profit boards and appreciates her good fortune to be able to make art every chance she gets.

See more of her work at lindadubingarfield.com.

Linda Dubin Garfield

Linda Dubin Garfield

 

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How To Write A Call For Artists [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need]

How To Write A Call For Artists [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need]

The most important thing to keep in mind when writing and promoting a call for artists is to be clear, concise, and provide facts and other quantitative data. Artists want to know the specific benefits they receive from participating in the opportunity.

How to Write a Call For Artists

  1. Plan your calls for artists in advance
  2. Plan your promotion strategy
  3. Name your opportunity
  4. Decide on tense and readability
  5. Describe the opportunity
  6. Provide benefits
  7. Make the call to action clear
  8. Add an image
  9. Provide contact information
  10. Add supplemental materials

1. Plan Your Calls For Artists In Advance

There are a number of questions you may want to think about before launching a call for artists. What is the purpose of your call for artists? Who is your audience? What do you want to achieve? Where will it be held? When will it be? What are the associated costs?

More calls for artists are promoted in January and February than in any other months. If you have any downtime over the holidays, then it is a good idea to start drafting your new listings.

Have you planned your call for artists schedule for the year? Think about how many you will offer, when, and what themes. Create a content calendar to plan out your promotion strategy.

Calls for artists typically include:

  • Exhibitions – artwork shows featuring selected artists
  • Competitions – awards for themed art contests
  • Vendor events – art fairs and craft shows
  • Residencies – remote live-in spaces for creating art
  • Requests for proposals – paid art projects

If you need some ideas, click here to browse our archives for over 500 call for artists samples!

2. Plan Your Promotion Strategy

Announcing and publish your calls for artists between three months and one month in advance of the deadline. Artists will apply either right away or last minute, giving them enough time to think it through is critical. Posting at least one month in advance is beneficial for your online presence. Over three months, your listing will be indexed by Google and given the necessary time for your followers to share and repost.

Plan to make announcements on other channels between the first announcement and the deadline. Artists find out about opportunities through a variety of channels and are often loyal to only one or two. It is important to space out the announcements. That way, you are receiving a regular influx of new participants over a period of time and have time to interact with propspective participants. Make one more push through each channel during the last four weeks to catch the stragglers.

There are some exceptions when you may want to announce and publish a year in advance. These include residencies that require substantial planning prior to participating and popular annual events which fill far in advance.

3. Name Your Opportunity

A description of the opportunity should be in the name. Avoid generic names like, “call for artists,” “juried exhibition,” and “art fair.” There should always be a theme, topic, medium, or style. Artists want to be able to quickly decide if their artwork is applicable. This helps participants self select into applying.

4. Decide On Tense and Readability

When publishing on your own website, use first person tense. For example, “We’re excited to announce this year’s art fair!”

If you are issuing a press release or submitting content for promotion on a third party site, then use third person tense. When published on other’s sites, then it will appear that that service, rather than your organization, is providing the opportunity. Although we would love to take credit for all your hard work, it’s best that it stay with you!

Avoid duplicate information in the listing. Redundancy doesn’t add any value. It is more important to include more unique information than you think is necessary than less. The more well-thought out the listing seems to the artist, the more likely it is that they will click through and apply.

When publishing on third party sites, provide unique information about the opportunity. Rephrase the copy for your listing if the same phrasing is used elsewhere online. Unique copy increases the likelihood that your opportunity will appear in search results. Duplicate copy on multiple websites lowers how often it is shown.

5. Describe the Opportunity

Include the location (city, state, and/or country) and reach (local, regional, national) of your call for artists in the first paragraph of the call for artists description. Artists tend to quickly assess whether the call is relevant to them. If not readily apparent, they often click away rather than scroll and read more. For improved search visibility, have this information in the body of the copy, the tags, and the site’s taxonomy.

In describing the call for artists opportunity or your organization, be cautious of using “fluffy” language. Avoid adjectives such as best, only, or unique. Although it may seem that way locally or even regionally, it is rare that something stands out as exemplary. For example, “the only competition which involves color,” “more exposure than any other,” and “highest sales.”

If the opportunity does stand out, try giving specific facts such as, “Over 10,000 visitors over the course of the weekend,” “reported average art sales of $2,000,” and “awarded top fair by So-and-so Magazine.” Be specific.

If it is a juried event, list the jurors, their titles, and provide bios. Unless a requirement by the juror, keep the bios short – a few sentences at most. Participants don’t require a full life history, every school attended, award earned, and show list.

Once you have a rough draft, use an editing app to help clarify the details. From grammar editing apps to AI platforms, there are a number of low cost options that can greatly improve your content.

Use a bulletted list for the timeline. Consider the following items:

  • Application open
  • Deadline
  • Delivery date
  • Jury date
  • Opening
  • Closing
  • Receptions
  • Pick up date

Decide on the list of questions in the application.

Promote Your Call For Artists

6. Provide Benefits

This is the most important part of your listing. Use quantitative, rather than qualitative descriptors. Remember that “exposure” is not a benefit. Consider the following questions when listing your opportunity’s benefits (not all will apply):

  • Break down the list of the awards and how they will be judged.
  • What makes your audience unique? (demographics, income, interests)
  • What is the break-down of the prizes?
  • How many social followers do you have? What is the distribution of your mailers?
  • What is the average buy from an opening reception/over a month’s time?
  • Average foot / web traffic over a month?
  • Do you partner with any other organizations to increase traffic?
  • What other events in the area are occurring during the exhibition month which may increase traffic (and by how much)?
  • Are there any notable attendees?
  • Who is your collector base and how large (who are your established VIPs and do they receive a preview)?
  • What do you do to follow up with the artists after the exhibition?
  • What’s your customer/client service model?
  • Do you offer additional services to the participant while they are participating?

We can’t stress this enough: Artists don’t work for free.

7. Make The Call To Action Clear

The call to action is what you want a reader to do. Often, this appears in the form of submitting an application or registering for an event. When submitting the link to the application / registration page, provide the most direct URL. Provide a direct link even if it is not to your website, for example to a Google Form, CaFE, or other form site. The more links the artists have to click to get through to get to the application process, the fewer artists will apply. Side Arts will include a link to your website in the listing under the about section.

Make sure your application / registration landing page is up to date. Check that the links work and all the dates are correct. It’s a good time to check that all your social links are working, too!

8. Add an Image

Upload a unique image for the opportunity, one that is not published elsewhere on the web. It should be at least 500×500 in order to be scaled correctly for social media. Use jpgs and pngs. Direct facing, smiling people work best. Location shots are good, too. If there are text overlays, keep the words as few as possible and avoid crowding the image. Do not use organizational logos for the image. You may want to use multiple images to break up the copy if the listing has many details.

Again, AI and content generation apps can help you perfect your images that look professional and are scaled appropriately for blog and social media sharing.

9. Provide Contact Information

At minimum, provide a direct contact’s full name and direct email address. Preferably, use an email of a person rather than a general organizational email such as info@ or contact@. Listings with a person’s email address has a 20% higher click-through and application rate. It provides transparency, accountability, and shows a willingness to respond to questions. For the artist, this builds trust.

Provide information about the organization which is hosting the opportunity. This is usually copied from the organization’s about page. Remember to list any supporting or sponsoring organizations, especially if it is a requirement of the sponsorship.

10. Add Supplemental Materials

Depending on the type of opportunity, there are a range of other details that may need to be addressed. These include:

  • Application fee structure and reasoning
  • Commission structure
  • Location maps and images
  • Legal considerations

Conclusion

How to write a call for artists? Take your time. Check for grammar and spelling errors. Look up other similar calls for artists for ideas. There is no such thing as a perfect listing. You’ll learn more and develop a process as you do more. Remember that Side Arts’ copywriters are here to help! Our expert team of content marketers can help you craft your listing.

If you need some ideas, click here to browse our archives for over 500 call for artists samples!


Call For Artists

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Lori Ellsworth [Certified Visual Artist -South Lyon, MI]

Lori Ellsworth [Certified Visual Artist -South Lyon, MI]

Lori Ellsworth is a new Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from South Lyon, Michigan.

Despite the ups and downs of a challenging life marked by foster care, early employment, domestic abuse, and a battle with cancer, Lori Ellsworth’s passion for art has never wavered. Lori is drawn to freehand artistry, a reflection of the freedom embodied in the very term. Her artwork captures emotions, a shared language that binds all of humanity together.

See more artwork, visit loriellsworth.com.

Lori Ellsworth [Certified Visual Artist -South Lyon, MI]

Lori Ellsworth [Certified Visual Artist -South Lyon, MI]

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Robert Deschenes [Certified Visual Artist – St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec]

Robert Deschenes [Certified Visual Artist – St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec]

Robert Deschenes is a new Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, Canada.

Robert Deschenes was born on July 20, 1959, in Ville Dégelis, Temiscouata County, a great place to observe both aquatic and terrestrial fauna.

Robert did not originally intend to pursue a career as a painter. It was while attending a collective animal art exhibition in Québec that he was deeply impressed by the animal-themed artwork. Sometime later and while discussing animal art at a party with his best friend, he suddenly realized (a strong intuition) that if he admired artists who focused their artwork on animals so much, it was because he wanted to be like them. So, Robert made the decision that evening to start his journey in animal art. He started by learning to draw realistically. Subsequently, he took watercolor lessons. In recent years, the observation of mammals and birds has become a passion for him. In his pictorial artwork, Robert conveys his love for the wildlife of North America to the observer.

See more artwork, visit rmdartiste.com.

Robert Deschenes [Certified Visual Artist - St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec]

Robert Deschenes [Certified Visual Artist - St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec]

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Gayle Printz [Certified Visual Artist – Johns Creek, GA]

Gayle Printz [Certified Visual Artist – Johns Creek, GA]

Gayle Printz is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Johns Creek, Georgia.

Gayle Printz is an internationally recognized American abstract artist whose work is part of the Permanent Exhibit of Le Musée de Peinture de Saint-Frajou in France. Using color, rather than purely tangible structures, to express herself, Ms. Printz creates paintings that transcend the familiar. Her work is known for drawing the viewer into the painting and inviting them to assign personal meaning and universal context by listening to the whispers of their imagination and emotional memory.

Gayle’s paintings have been lauded by critics and collectors of abstract art, abstract expressionism, art-resilience, art informel, and tachisme. Although she has developed her own distinctively recognizable style, her work has been compared to that of Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, Hans Hofmann, Joan Mitchell, and Jackson Pollock.

Among other honors she has earned, Gayle Printz was one of eight American painters whose work was selected by the Jury of the 2020 International Art-Resilience Competition. Two Printz paintings, “Pond” and “First,” were on exhibit for a month at Le Musée de Peinture de Saint-Frajou in France as part of the International Art-Resilience Exhibition, the video presentation of which remains in the Museum’s Permanent Archives.

Four of her paintings – “Bird,” “Blue Dog,” “Pigtails,” and “Yellow” – were selected by the Jury of The International ArtisTTable “Are You Serious?” Competition. They were on exhibit through January of 2021. Printz’s painting, “Brush,” was selected by the Jury of Fine Art America for display in their National “On The Beach” Exhibition.

See more work, visit gayleprintz.com

Gayle Printz

Gayle Printz

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Provide Excellent Customer Service: Tips For Visual Artists

Provide Excellent Customer Service: Tips For Visual Artists

Did you know that creating fantastic art goes beyond just the canvas? It’s also about how you connect with the people who admire and support your work. We’re talking about customer service! In this blog post, let’s dive into the wonders of providing excellent customer service as a visual artist. This isn’t just about selling art; it’s about building relationships, enhancing experiences, and  boosting your chances for exciting call for artists opportunities.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

  • Connect with a Smile (Even Virtually): Whether you’re showcasing your art in person at a gallery or displaying it online, a smile (or its virtual equivalent!) works wonders. Respond to comments or inquiries with warmth and enthusiasm. Engaging with your audience in a friendly manner creates a welcoming atmosphere and leaves a lasting impression. Seriously, just be nice to people.
  • Be Prompt and Polite: When someone shows interest in your art or reaches out with a question, it’s like receiving a gift of appreciation. Be prompt in your response and always maintain politeness. Even a simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing gratitude for their interest in your artwork.
  • Offer Clear Information: Imagine someone admires your artwork and wants to purchase it. Provide clear and concise information about the piece, its size, materials used, and pricing. When people have all the details they need, they feel more confident in making a purchase decision. They are actively trying to give you money, why ignore that?
  • Packaging with Care: When someone buys your art, it’s like sending a piece of your heart to their home. Ensure that your artwork is packaged with care and arrives safely. A well-packaged piece not only protects your art but also shows that you care about the buyer’s experience.
  • Say Thank You… Again! Once your art finds a new home, don’t forget to express gratitude. A heartfelt thank-you note or a follow-up message after the purchase shows your appreciation and leaves a positive impression, encouraging buyers to return or recommend your art to others.
  • Welcome Feedback and Improvement: Feedback is like a secret map guiding you towards becoming a better artist. Embrace it! Ask for feedback from buyers or admirers. Their thoughts might inspire new ideas or improvements in your art. Plus, actively seeking feedback shows that you value their opinions.
  • Prepare for Calls for Artists: Providing excellent customer service isn’t just about selling your art—it’s also about creating a stellar reputation. Art galleries and call for artists opportunities seek artists who not only create stunning art but also leave a positive impression. Your exceptional customer service can lead to invitations for exciting exhibitions or collaborations.

Conclusion

In the beautiful world of art, outstanding customer service isn’t just a bonus; it’s the golden thread that weaves connections and builds lasting relationships. Be prompt, polite, and warm in your interactions. Offer clear information, package your art with care, and always express gratitude. By providing excellent customer service, you don’t just sell art; you create delightful experiences that linger in the hearts of your audience. And who knows? Your exceptional service might open doors to incredible call for artists opportunities you’ve been dreaming of. So, use the steps above to create a customer service plan and actively follow it.

Next Step

Are you ready to invest in yourself and showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading agency connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist. Click here to apply.

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Be Kind: Tips For Visual Artists

Be Kind: Tips For Visual Artists

In the world of creativity, there’s a magical ingredient that can transform not just your art, but also your entire artistic journey: kindness. Being kind isn’t just about being nice; it’s a superpower that can fuel your creativity and open doors to incredible opportunities, including exciting calls for artists. In this blog post, let’s explore the art of being kind and how it can elevate your artistic path.

Be Kind

  1. Kindness Fuels Inspiration: When you approach your art with kindness, you create a positive environment for your creativity to flourish. Being kind to yourself means embracing your mistakes as valuable lessons and celebrating your successes, no matter how small. This self-compassion fuels your inspiration, allowing you to explore new techniques fearlessly.
  2. Kindness Creates Connections: The art world thrives on connections, and kindness is the glue that binds these relationships. Whether you’re collaborating with fellow artists, curators, or enthusiasts, kindness opens doors. Being supportive, offering genuine compliments, and sharing your knowledge can create a network of allies who champion your art and recommend you for exciting call for artists opportunities. Kindness goes a long way when applying to be represented by Side Arts and engaging with our team and our clients as a represented artist.
  3. Kindness Builds Confidence: Believing in yourself is crucial for any artist. When you approach your art practice with kindness, you build confidence. Embracing your unique style and acknowledging your progress, no matter how gradual, strengthens your artistic voice. Confident artists stand out, attracting both admirers and prospective collaborators.
  4. Kindness Fosters Growth: Artistic growth often stems from constructive feedback. When you approach critiques with kindness—both giving and receiving—you foster a nurturing environment for growth. Constructive criticism, offered kindly, helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Similarly, offering feedback with kindness can help your fellow artists thrive, creating a supportive community.
  5. Kindness Attracts Opportunities: The art world loves kind souls. Your reputation as a kind and generous artist can attract a myriad of opportunities including call for artists invitations. Galleries, curators, and event organizers often seek artists who create incredible art and contribute positively to the artistic community.
  6. Kindness Spreads Joy: Art has the incredible power to evoke emotions. When your creations are infused with kindness, they radiate positivity and joy. Viewers connect not just with your technique but also with the emotions your art conveys. Kindness in your art spreads joy, making your work memorable and cherished.

Conclusion

As you embark on your creative endeavors, remember the transformative power of kindness. Be kind. Approach your art practice with self-compassion, nurture meaningful connections, build confidence, embrace growth, and spread joy through your creations. Be kind. Your kindness will enrich your artistic journey and attract a world of opportunities. Let kindness be your guiding light, illuminating your path to artistic excellence.

Next Step

Are you ready to invest in yourself and showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading agency connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist. Click here to apply.

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Ann Dunbar [Certified Visual Artist – Calvados, France]

Ann Dunbar [Certified Visual Artist – Calvados, France]

Ann Dunbar is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Calvados, France.

Ann Dunbar, originally from England, was born in Faberstown, Hampshire, in 1953. She currently resides and works as an accomplished painter in France.

With three decades of artistic experience and aesthetic exploration, Ann has honed her skills in the delicate art of watercolor, seamlessly blending the rich tradition of English embroidery onto paper canvases.

Her unique approach involves layering fine threads of cotton and silk alongside paint, imbuing her artworks with an added dimension, creating a captivating interplay of colorful reflections that dance with changing light and the viewer’s gaze.

Experience and Achievements

Ann’s journey through the world of art began with a degree in Education from the University of Southbank in London in 1975. She pursued her passion further, graduating with honors from the School of Fine Arts at Surrey. Her dedication to the arts extended into the realm of education. She served as a professor of applied arts in England for an impressive 16 years.

Notably, Ann Dunbar has been recognized and included in the prestigious Larousse directory of artist ratings since 2005. Her professional artistic journey continues to flourish in France, marked by numerous publications and official accolades.

Among her recent achievements, she was awarded the Vermeil Medal by the Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Letters in Paris in 2022. In 2016, her exceptional work earned her the Gold Medal at the International Artcomexpo.com exhibition in Oslo, Norway.

Ann’s masterpieces can be admired at several esteemed galleries across the globe including the Shoalhaven Gallery in New South Wales, Australia, G&C Agent, United Kingdom, and China.

Her unique fusion of watercolors and embroidery continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.

See more work, visit anndunbarart.com

Ann Dunbar [Certified Visual Artist - Calvados, France]

Ann Dunbar [Certified Visual Artist - Calvados, France]

 

 

 

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Marketing For Beginners: Tips For Visual Artists

Marketing For Beginners: Tips For Visual Artists

Hello, artists! Creating beautiful artwork is just the first step. To shine in the art world, master the art of marketing for beginners. It’s not as daunting as it sounds. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of art marketing specifically tailored for beginners. Whether you’re looking to sell your artwork, gain recognition, or explore exciting call for artists opportunities like those listed on Side Arts, these tips will set you on the right path.

Marketing For Beginners

  1. Define Your Unique Style: Every artist has a unique style that sets them apart. Take some time to discover yours. Whether it’s vibrant abstracts, realistic portraits, or whimsical illustrations, understanding your style will help you market your work more effectively. Embrace what makes your art special.
  2. Create a Portfolio: A portfolio is your artistic resume. It showcases your best work and provides a glimpse into your creative journey. Create a digital portfolio featuring high-quality images of your art. Include a variety of pieces to demonstrate the depth and diversity of your talent. A well-curated portfolio is essential when applying for exhibitions or responding to call for artists opportunities.
  3. Leverage Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for artists. Create profiles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your art. Share your creative process, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and completed artworks. Engage with your followers, respond to comments, and connect with other artists. Social media not only helps you reach a broader audience but also allows you to participate in online art communities.
  4. Start a Blog: Blogging is an excellent way to share your artistic journey. You can write about your creative process, art-related topics, or even tutorials. A blog establishes your expertise and attracts art enthusiasts interested in your work. It increases the content available about your art and make it easier for people to find you.
  5. Attend Local Art Events: Engage with your local art community by attending exhibitions, fairs, and gallery openings. These events provide networking opportunities and allow you to connect with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and potential buyers. Building relationships within your community can lead to collaborative projects and word-of-mouth referrals. This isn’t about sales, it’s about networking to find sales opportunities.
  6. Explore Online Art Platforms: Online art platforms like Etsy, DeviantArt, or Saatchi Art provide a platform to sell your artwork to a global audience. Create a professional profile, upload high-quality images of your art, and provide detailed descriptions. These platforms handle transactions and shipping, allowing you to focus on your craft.
  7. Utilize Artist Calls and Contests: Call for artists opportunities and art contests are fantastic avenues to gain exposure and recognition. Keep an eye out for these opportunities on websites, social media, or art forums. Participating showcases your talent and provides valuable experience practicing how you communicate about your art.

Conclusion

Marketing your art doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With passion, creativity, and a strategic approach, you can successfully promote your work. Define your style, curate a compelling portfolio, leverage social media, attend local events, explore online platforms, start a blog, and actively participate in call for artists opportunities. By mastering these basics, you’ll pave the way for a successful art marketing journey. Remember, every masterpiece deserves an audience—so go ahead, share your art with the world.

Next Step

Are you ready to invest in yourself and showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading agency connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist. Click here to apply.

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Budget Wisely: Tips For Visual Artists

Budget Wisely: Tips For Visual Artists

Being an artist is about more than just brushes and canvases—it’s also about managing your resources wisely. Budget wisely so that creating stunning art doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with a bit of budgeting know-how, you can make your artistic dreams come true without emptying your wallet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of budgeting for visual artists, and how being smart with your finances can open doors to creative possibilities, including exciting call for artists opportunities.

Budget Wisely: Tips For Visual Artists

  1. Know Your Expenses: The first step in budgeting is understanding your expenses. Think about all the materials you use: paints, brushes, canvases, and sketchbooks. Don’t forget about those unexpected costs too, like framing or shipping fees for your artwork. By listing everything, you can create a clear picture of where your money goes.
  2. Create a Budget Plan: Now that you know your expenses, create a budget plan. Determine how much you can afford to spend on art supplies, workshops, and other artistic ventures. Having a budget helps you avoid overspending and ensures that you always have funds for your art.
  3. Explore Affordable Alternatives: Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Look for affordable alternatives for your art supplies. Many stores offer high-quality materials at lower prices. Additionally, consider upcycling—turning everyday items into art supplies. This not only saves money but also adds a unique touch to your creations.
  4. DIY Your Art Tools: Ever thought about making your art tools? From homemade brushes to DIY canvases, there are plenty of tutorials online that can guide you. Not only does this save money, but it also allows you to customize your tools according to your artistic style.
  5. Take Advantage of Discounts and Sales: Keep an eye out for discounts and sales. Many art supply stores offer great deals, especially during specific seasons. Sign up for newsletters or follow your favorite stores on social media to stay updated. By shopping smart, you can get the supplies you need without straining your budget.
  6. Participate in Community Events: Local community events, workshops, and art fairs often provide free or low-cost opportunities for artists. Participating in these events not only expands your skills but also helps you network with fellow artists and potential buyers. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to showcase your talent.
  7. Prepare for Call for Artists Opportunities: When preparing for call for artists opportunities like those listed on Side Arts, plan your budget wisely. Set a yearly budget and stick to it. Allocate funds for application fees, printing promotional materials, or framing your artwork. By budgeting for these opportunities, you can confidently submit your work without financial stress.
  8. Save and Invest: Lastly, consider setting aside a small portion of your earnings for savings. Having an emergency fund gives you peace of mind and financial stability. Additionally, consider investing in art-related courses or equipment that can enhance your skills and, in turn, your earning potential. This is investing in yourself.

Conclusion

Budgeting as a visual artist is like mixing colors on a palette—it requires balance and a keen eye for detail. By understanding your expenses, exploring affordable options, and seizing budget-friendly opportunities, you can create magnificent art without overspending. With careful financial planning, be prepared to grab those exciting call for artists opportunities that come your way.

Next Step

Are you ready to invest in yourself and showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading agency connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist. Click here to apply.

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