Murals bring color, vibrancy, and cultural depth to our communities, yet muralists often face challenges with fair compensation. The intricate work and creative expertise involved in murals deserve adequate pay, yet many artists struggle to receive fair remuneration for their time, materials, and unique artistic skills.
Here are several strategies mural artists can use to ensure they’re paid fairly.
With today’s technology, art gallery owners have a unique opportunity to reach beyond the walls of their physical space and captivate a global audience. Building a solid online presence is key to attracting both local visitors and art lovers from around the world.
Here are five expert strategies to help gallery owners boost their visibility online, increase engagement, and ultimately drive more visitors and sales.
Artists often face the challenge of feeling that their work goes unappreciated or misunderstood, which can be discouraging, especially in an industry that’s highly subjective. However, several strategies can help transform these feelings into positive momentum. Here’s how to handle underappreciation while maintaining a focus on growth and fulfillment.
As an artist, achieving financial security without relying on side jobs may seem challenging, but there are practical and effective strategies to make it possible. By diversifying income sources, managing finances carefully, and building a strong professional network, artists can pave the way to a sustainable career focused solely on their art.
As a muralist, balancing your artistic vision with client expectations can be a challenge. Whether you’re working on a public art commission or a private project, it’s crucial to maintain creative control while delivering a result that satisfies everyone involved. Here are some practical strategies to help you safeguard your artistic integrity without compromising on professionalism.
Running a successful art studio requires more than just artistic talent; it demands a strategic approach to business. In a competitive market, achieving consistent sales growth involves a mix of creativity, marketing, and community engagement. This article outlines practical, research-backed strategies for art studio owners to boost sales and grow sustainably.
Contemporary art, often characterized by its diversity, innovation, and responsiveness to current events, plays a crucial role in society today. But why is it so important? To answer this, we must learn how contemporary art acts as a mirror to societal changes, a desire for dialogue, and a force in shaping cultural identities.
Packing and shipping framed canvas art requires careful attention to ensure the artwork arrives at its destination safely and in pristine condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pack and ship framed canvas art:
1. Gather materials. Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. You’ll need a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than the artwork, acid-free paper, bubble wrap, air cushions, packing paper, packing tape, cardboard corner protectors, and a marker for labeling.
2. Wrap the artwork. This step has many layers. Take your time during this step.
Tip: When packing a very large framed artwork, it’s better to remove the glazing since there’s a greater risk of the glass breaking during transit. Put a clean sheet of cardboard on the painting to protect it.
3. Protect the corners. Place cardboard corner protectors over the corners of the framed canvas to provide additional reinforcement and protection against impacts.
4. Prepare the box. Line the bottom of the cardboard box with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion the artwork. If shipping multiple pieces, separate them with additional layers of packing material to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
5. Position the artwork in the box. Carefully place the wrapped and protected framed canvas art in the center of the box, ensuring that it is positioned upright and does not touch the sides of the box. Fill any empty spaces with additional packing material, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, to prevent shifting during transit.
Tip: Make sure that you’ve filled the box with air cushions and/or insulation foam so the artwork doesn’t move at the center of the box.
6. Seal the box. Once the artwork is securely positioned in the box, seal the box with packing tape. Reinforce the seams and edges of the box to prevent it from opening during shipping.
7. Label the box. Use “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers all around the shipping box. Include the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, as well as any special instructions for the carrier.
8. Choose a shipping method. Select a reputable shipping carrier that offers insurance and tracking services for valuable items. Consider opting for expedited shipping or additional insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
9. Schedule pickup or drop-off. Arrange for the packaged artwork to be picked up by the shipping carrier or drop it off at a designated shipping location. Be sure to obtain a receipt or tracking number as proof of shipment.
10. Monitor shipment. Keep track of the shipment’s progress using the provided tracking number. Notify the recipient once the artwork has been successfully delivered.
Packing a canvas art may take so much of your time, but it will give you and your client peace of mind. Also, remember that the time spent packing your artwork is a fraction of the time you spent creating it.
Managing unsold paintings can be a common challenge for artists. Here are some suggestions on how to handle and potentially monetize your unsold artwork:
Painting on canvases may start as a hobby, but for most painters, selling their artwork is a primary source of income. Some left their full-time jobs to become full-time artists. They enjoy spending time doing what they love in creating and expressing their thoughts and feeling through paint and a blank canvas. For some artists, painting is a stress reliever after a hard day’s work.
Choosing the right canvas size can be a factor in selling your artwork. Aside from collectors having different tastes in art, having the perfect painting size can determine whether or not you’ll be able to close the deal.
While there’s a debate whether a small size painting sells better than larger ones and vice-versa, a medium-sized canvas is a safe place to start.
Canvas sizes such as 16″ x 20″ and 18″ x 24″ tend to sell well in the market. Paintings using these canvas sizes can fit the walls in most homes. This also gives you enough space to paint intricate details in your art without compromising the overall composition.
Explore painting on several medium-sized canvases. It’s a handy size that you can bring outdoors for plein air painting. It’s also a good size for portraits.
Target buyers
Think about your potential buyers. Are you targeting locals or tourists into purchasing your painting? Tailor your canvas sizes according to your collectors’ preferences.
Tourists like smaller artworks for easier packing and shipping. Small paintings can be quickly stored inside a suitcase or can even fit carry-on bags.
Small paintings are also more affordable. First-time buyers and those are in a tight budget will usually lean on buying a low-cost artwork.
Meanwhile, local collectors especially those who frequent high-end galleries, show areas, exhibits, etc. prefer buying large paintings. These paintings give greater visual impact and hang beautifully in wide and high walls. Large artworks usually grace the walls of hotels, restaurants, universities, and hospitals.
Market trends
Study market trends. Art trends determine which sizes are in demand. What’s high-selling last season may not be so hot right now.
For example, art buyers may prefer miniature paintings during Christmas time since these small artworks are great gifts to family and friends. These miniatures can be used to hang on a Christmas tree, too.
Selling venues
If you’re selling art online or in local art shows, smaller paintings are preferable in these venues. On the other hand, art galleries prefer larger-sized paintings.
Learn more about custom-sized canvases from CanvasLot.