This is a very timely video as I contemplate my art goals. I feel like I have a long way to go before I figure out my style but I'm not too worried about that. I think it will emerge more on its own the more I paint. But I also don't want my expectations about my art to stamp out interest or appreciation others have for it. Their experience of my art is different and a completely separate experience from my own. I had an art giveaway in high school were I invited my family members to take any painting they wanted. I brought a stack of acrylic paintings I had done over a few years that were taking up space and placed them around my grandmothers dining room table. Most of them were patterns and simple designs. A few were self portraits. I didn't really think that through and for a few years I was embarrassed seeing my simple, not really very good paintings in their houses, the few that made it onto walls or against books on shelves. But now that I am older I am so happy that they have them and that I gave my paintings away. It was good to let go. Creativity isn't something that everyone has. Not every person can take a blank paper or canvas and imagine anything into existence on it. It truly is a gift. I think because that gift comes to some of us easily, we over look its value.
Jesse, what a thoughtful comment! You are right, creativity is a gift and we as artists should not overlook its value. What a wonderful thing you did with your early work ❤❤❤ Thank you so much for writing- I can see your style development through each video you are doing! Beautiful work! Take care Jesse ❤
So thankful to find a Christian artist in RUclips! Hello sister! I found your channel about a week ago and you have helped me tremendously. I am blessed by your channel and your gorgeous art. I will be binge watching your other videos. Blessings dear one ❤🙏
Thank you so much, Andy! Yes, we are oftentimes our own worst critic! I guess that is part of the internal challenge/motivation within that is also a positive. Big hugs to you my friend!
What a blessed way, so easy to understand what has held me back from regularly selling my artwork. After years of listening to a gozillian podcast, I finally get this. I have never understood the connection between buyer and seller until now. Wow! I have given away so much of my work because they loved it. I have sold a few commissions and on Etsy but I now "Get it." I love that you are so genuine and explain your knowledge with your heart and experience. Many thanks and gratitude! ❤😊
These are really helpful tips! Even galleries would say that making a series would have a bigger chance for sales, especially when introducing a new artists. But one thing they mentioned is that the artwork should have commercial value, so I'm a bit hampered to apply my works in galleries. But when you mentioned about people being interesred in your art because it speaks to them, I guess that's what commercial value should be. I'm comforted at that fact. ❤
Hi Rhema! Thank you so much. Yes, the commercial value is key- building up your prices slowly over time as your work sells as galleries want to see a history of sales. And yes, people connecting with your art because it speaks to them is everything. I encourage you to keep at it and it will come to fruition for you! Take care
Your video has resonated with me more than any other art video. You have somehow answered so many of my questions…questions that have kept me paralyzed and unable to take the next steps. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and wisdom. God bless you!
Nice topic Dena, first step is to just take the plunge and put your art there as you've said. I find the hardest part is turning interest into actual sales tbh. Great advices btw ❤️ thanks for imparting your wisdom to us
Very nice and helpful video Dena. I've been selling my works for years but lately my confidence has dropped since I seem to sell less and less of my work for years now.
Thank you Dena, for your lovely wise words, I often felt like this, now that I am ready to sell my art, I am experiencing the challenge to find the right buyers for my art! I am sure I will get there. Thank you.
What a great podcast Dena! Probably the best I heard on this subject.... this is one of those podcasts I want to listen to more than once. You touch on so many important things. Great advice and talk! ❤
I started doing Acrylic paintings and I love doing it. I have around 50 amazing paintings that I think are amazing and I am trying to figure out how and where to sell them. Thank you for your tips.
Thank you. I am learning so much, so quickly from your channel today. I must have listened to several videos today. You are so informative and easy to hear. I am just a self employed carpenter. I’ve been experimenting with making wall art that is giant, three dimensional mandalas made out of wood, based on sacred geometry and the Fibonacci sequence. They take hundreds of hours to build. I’m enjoying the process very much. I get some good feedback back, no buyers. But I get some real viceral hatred from artists. I’m not the thought police, so everyone will think and feel how they will. I have realized by listening to you that I have already learned quite a bit of the business end of art through the contracting world. There is quite a few things more I could learn here and I’m greatful that you have put in the work for us to find it. Thank you for all your doing and I wish great things for you.
Wow what a wonderful comment! Thank you so much. Yes, success in the art world really does come down to common sense, good business practices and a lot of dedication and commitment. I love it that you’re combining your love of mathematics/carpentry/large scale and symmetry to create your own art expression!
This question is so obvious to all artists who loves to create more n more art work .... I have done just few oil paintings for wall till now. If I make more I may think about selling. Thanks for the detailed discussion. Have a wonderful day :)
What a great insight views of the 3 questions for artists, Dena😍 Thanks for sharing and many artists are eagerly looking for answers to these practical questions.
Wonderful video Dena! I know ive asked myself so many times... Is my art "good enough" to sell. Confidence is NOT my strong suit. But a few years ago i just decided to go for it and try selling at art festivals and farmers markets. I was so surprised by the positive response i had, and sold far more than expected. It was a big confidence boost. Sadly, i couldn't keep up with it physically or mentally... And i havent done one since. But i really enjoyed it very much, and I feel much more confident about my art! Now, i just make art for my walls in my house... Eventually I'll run out of space and have to figure out what to do with it all! 😂 Thanks for another great video!! 👍🥰👍💜🖌️💐
Artemystik my friend thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I love it that you took the art sales plunge -and had excellent results. The wonderful thing is that you can restart your sales whenever you want to and are ready. Hugs to you ❤❤❤
I love watching your videos like this one, and similar..like where to sale or how to price your art. You always give me so much confidence and helping me keep up. Thank you so very much, Dena 🤩🤩🎨🎨🎨🎨
AWESOME VIDEO for any artist! I actually sold a couple of pieces of work - 1 original and 1 print... at my art show in South Carolina. Yes, people just to have get out there and express themselves to the potential buyers that come along.
Another amazing valuable informative video. I haven't started yet selling my works. But hope to take little baby steps in near future.🤞Your tips definitely matters and helpful. Thanks for creating such videos and motivating/encouraging artists. 🥰❤
thanks very much Dena for your tips. Is it bad to say no to buyers, e.g. if someone liked your art and asked you to post your work in a certain online template for art collections, can you reject if you don't feel it is right for you.
Hi- thank you for writing! It is absolutely okay for you to reject or not participate in anything art related (or even not art-related) that you feel is not a good fit for you. What is great is that as an artist, you get to make the rules on what you do and what you don't do. Take care 🥰
Hello Dena❣️ I hope you’re having a great weekend. I wanted to thank you for uploading this video. I think this is great encouragement and how you get a bit of courage to take a chance! 😊
Hi Manuel! I think we as artists always struggle with our art. This is part of the allure- can we make it better, can we achieve this goal, can we create what is in our head? Almost like doing a puzzle- if it was always easy, there would be no motivation to try. This struggle is what I think keeps bringing us back to the artwork. I think you have a great talent, Manuel!!
Hi Jonny! Yes, you are in a specific niche with your work, which can make it tricky to find those clients. The good news though is if you can find those clients, they likely will be very loyal and good customers for your artwork. I am thinking conventions and memorial military events would be excellent areas to meet your target audience
It’s kind of unfortunate that I did a children’s book for one of my family members. It was kind of bad because I was like 13 years old. She published the book. Now, no matter how many paintings I post or books I help make, that terrible storybook is the first result when my name is searched. It’s ugly and embarrassing. I would say it doesn’t matter on social media, but be careful about what you let other people publish on Amazon.
@@fangfirebird100 Hi! Did your family member have your permission to publish the book? Technically, you own the copyright to all artwork you create. You could make lemonade from lemons if you can get revenue from the book! It is funny- I have some early work I am not happy with but found out over time one never knows what is going to be popular with the public
@@DenaTollefson HI Dena, thanks for the reply. I do own the copyright, but I never expect royalties from this book. That would have had to be discussed ahead of time. It's not a good book and won't ever be popular. Unfortunately, this particular family member may pass from cancer so I feel uncomfortable approaching her about it. It is what it is. This is just a warning to other artists: be careful when you let be published online by other people.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Thumbs up 37 Drna. Ur information is valuable. Thank you so much for sharing
17:44
Aishu thank you so much my friend!!! Big hugs to you
This is a very timely video as I contemplate my art goals. I feel like I have a long way to go before I figure out my style but I'm not too worried about that. I think it will emerge more on its own the more I paint. But I also don't want my expectations about my art to stamp out interest or appreciation others have for it. Their experience of my art is different and a completely separate experience from my own.
I had an art giveaway in high school were I invited my family members to take any painting they wanted. I brought a stack of acrylic paintings I had done over a few years that were taking up space and placed them around my grandmothers dining room table. Most of them were patterns and simple designs. A few were self portraits. I didn't really think that through and for a few years I was embarrassed seeing my simple, not really very good paintings in their houses, the few that made it onto walls or against books on shelves. But now that I am older I am so happy that they have them and that I gave my paintings away. It was good to let go.
Creativity isn't something that everyone has. Not every person can take a blank paper or canvas and imagine anything into existence on it. It truly is a gift. I think because that gift comes to some of us easily, we over look its value.
Jesse, what a thoughtful comment! You are right, creativity is a gift and we as artists should not overlook its value. What a wonderful thing you did with your early work ❤❤❤
Thank you so much for writing- I can see your style development through each video you are doing!
Beautiful work! Take care Jesse ❤
So thankful to find a Christian artist in RUclips! Hello sister! I found your channel about a week ago and you have helped me tremendously. I am blessed by your channel and your gorgeous art. I will be binge watching your other videos. Blessings dear one ❤🙏
Thank you so much! God's blessings to you!
The branding/consistency part is tough! Also, it's hard not to torpedo anyone giving a compliment about your work, haha. Great video Dena!
Thank you so much, Andy! Yes, we are oftentimes our own worst critic! I guess that is part of the internal challenge/motivation within that is also a positive. Big hugs to you my friend!
What a blessed way, so easy to understand what has held me back from regularly selling my artwork. After years of listening to a gozillian podcast, I finally get this. I have never understood the connection between buyer and seller until now. Wow! I have given away so much of my work because they loved it. I have sold a few commissions and on Etsy but I now "Get it." I love that you are so genuine and explain your knowledge with your heart and experience. Many thanks and gratitude! ❤😊
🥰🥰🥰
Thanks.. I need to push myself something to do for my art😊
These are really helpful tips! Even galleries would say that making a series would have a bigger chance for sales, especially when introducing a new artists. But one thing they mentioned is that the artwork should have commercial value, so I'm a bit hampered to apply my works in galleries. But when you mentioned about people being interesred in your art because it speaks to them, I guess that's what commercial value should be. I'm comforted at that fact. ❤
Hi Rhema! Thank you so much. Yes, the commercial value is key- building up your prices slowly over time as your work sells as galleries want to see a history of sales. And yes, people connecting with your art because it speaks to them is everything. I encourage you to keep at it and it will come to fruition for you! Take care
Your video has resonated with me more than any other art video. You have somehow answered so many of my questions…questions that have kept me paralyzed and unable to take the next steps. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and wisdom. God bless you!
Wonderful insights! I guess I am ready to sell my work! Thanks for the encouragement... 😊
Nice topic Dena, first step is to just take the plunge and put your art there as you've said. I find the hardest part is turning interest into actual sales tbh. Great advices btw ❤️ thanks for imparting your wisdom to us
Thank you Lina! Big hugs to you my friend
Very nice and helpful video Dena. I've been selling my works for years but lately my confidence has dropped since I seem to sell less and less of my work for years now.
Dora thank you so much. And know too that some years are better for art sales than others- key is to keep going! Hugs to you my friend
Thank you Dena, for your lovely wise words, I often felt like this, now that I am ready to sell my art, I am experiencing the challenge to find the right buyers for my art! I am sure I will get there. Thank you.
Thank you Michelle! Yes, just be patient and give it time!!
Incredibly insightful perspective.. Thank you so much.
What a great podcast Dena! Probably the best I heard on this subject.... this is one of those podcasts I want to listen to more than once. You touch on so many important things. Great advice and talk! ❤
Miguel I appreciate your wonderful comment! Thank you so much!!
I would loooove to have a booth set up at an art fair or convention one day. That would be so fun.
Meg I can totally see you doing it! You can do it!
I started doing Acrylic paintings and I love doing it. I have around 50 amazing paintings that I think are amazing and I am trying to figure out how and where to sell them. Thank you for your tips.
Thank you. I am learning so much, so quickly from your channel today. I must have listened to several videos today. You are so informative and easy to hear. I am just a self employed carpenter. I’ve been experimenting with making wall art that is giant, three dimensional mandalas made out of wood, based on sacred geometry and the Fibonacci sequence. They take hundreds of hours to build. I’m enjoying the process very much. I get some good feedback back, no buyers. But I get some real viceral hatred from artists. I’m not the thought police, so everyone will think and feel how they will. I have realized by listening to you that I have already learned quite a bit of the business end of art through the contracting world. There is quite a few things more I could learn here and I’m greatful that you have put in the work for us to find it. Thank you for all your doing and I wish great things for you.
Wow what a wonderful comment! Thank you so much. Yes, success in the art world really does come down to common sense, good business practices and a lot of dedication and commitment. I love it that you’re combining your love of mathematics/carpentry/large scale and symmetry to create your own art expression!
This question is so obvious to all artists who loves to create more n more art work .... I have done just few oil paintings for wall till now. If I make more I may think about selling. Thanks for the detailed discussion. Have a wonderful day :)
Thank you my friend!!! Hugs to you
What a great insight views of the 3 questions for artists, Dena😍 Thanks for sharing and many artists are eagerly looking for answers to these practical questions.
Thank you so much, Yen! Hugs to you my friend
Wonderful video Dena! I know ive asked myself so many times... Is my art "good enough" to sell. Confidence is NOT my strong suit. But a few years ago i just decided to go for it and try selling at art festivals and farmers markets. I was so surprised by the positive response i had, and sold far more than expected. It was a big confidence boost. Sadly, i couldn't keep up with it physically or mentally... And i havent done one since. But i really enjoyed it very much, and I feel much more confident about my art! Now, i just make art for my walls in my house... Eventually I'll run out of space and have to figure out what to do with it all! 😂 Thanks for another great video!! 👍🥰👍💜🖌️💐
Artemystik my friend thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I love it that you took the art sales plunge -and had excellent results. The wonderful thing is that you can restart your sales whenever you want to and are ready. Hugs to you ❤❤❤
As always Dena, most excellent information! You really hit some interesting things to consider. Blessing dear. 💕
Thank you so much Yovette!!
I love watching your videos like this one, and similar..like where to sale or how to price your art. You always give me so much confidence and helping me keep up. Thank you so very much, Dena 🤩🤩🎨🎨🎨🎨
You are so welcome! I love your work and you are very talented, Ira! Big hugs to you my friend
I really appreciate this advice and the manner in which you share. Very encouraging. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Hugs to you
You speak about art so beautifully! 😊
Thank you so much 😀
AWESOME VIDEO for any artist!
I actually sold a couple of pieces of work - 1 original and 1 print... at my art show in South Carolina. Yes, people just to have get out there and express themselves to the potential buyers that come along.
Tim awesome!!!!! Congratulations on your sales!!!!! Hugs to you my friend
❤ There are to many artists & not enough buyers.
Agreed!!!
Another amazing valuable informative video. I haven't started yet selling my works. But hope to take little baby steps in near future.🤞Your tips definitely matters and helpful. Thanks for creating such videos and motivating/encouraging artists. 🥰❤
Thank you Heema! I wish you all the best my friend
Thank you so much for your always insightful and professional advice 🖼️😊👍🏼 I love your points on the consistency style of artworks. 💜
Dear Leila thank you so much!!!
thanks very much Dena for your tips. Is it bad to say no to buyers, e.g. if someone liked your art and asked you to post your work in a certain online template for art collections, can you reject if you don't feel it is right for you.
Hi- thank you for writing! It is absolutely okay for you to reject or not participate in anything art related (or even not art-related) that you feel is not a good fit for you. What is great is that as an artist, you get to make the rules on what you do and what you don't do. Take care 🥰
@@DenaTollefson thanks Dena🌹
You have a very soothing voice to listen to☺️
Thank you Mattie!!!
Great talk Dena with good tips and i liked the cookie story😊🙏
Elf thank you so much! The thought of selling those cookies to my father was so important
Hello Dena❣️ I hope you’re having a great weekend. I wanted to thank you for uploading this video. I think this is great encouragement and how you get a bit of courage to take a chance! 😊
Hi Robyn! Thank you so much!! Big hugs to you
@@DenaTollefson 🤗
This has been so helpful! Thank you!
Thank you very much!! Take care!
Thank you so much for watching! Want to learn more? You can watch all the episodes of my podcast here ruclips.net/p/PLPyeuYhzjH1fJPNpbc7euoN0BD5914ALX
Hello Dena, watched the video, very informative and interesting. Thanks for sharing!! 🎨❤️
Thank you Sarah!! Hugs to you my friend
I so happy to visit your channel, thanks for your sharing
Thank you so much for your kind words
I struggle to let go of my art, too, but I at least take a picture of it & keep it in a little art photo album.
Love the messages in this video. ♥️
Miranda thank you!!!
Great video and advice 👍😊
Hi Rebecca! Thank you so much my friend
I struggle every time with the art stuff I am doing. I don't think I am good at it. But I try.
Hi Manuel! I think we as artists always struggle with our art. This is part of the allure- can we make it better, can we achieve this goal, can we create what is in our head? Almost like doing a puzzle- if it was always easy, there would be no motivation to try. This struggle is what I think keeps bringing us back to the artwork. I think you have a great talent, Manuel!!
Ma'am which mic are you using?
Hi! I am using a Rode mic 🎤
having some kind of business sense can help with selling artwork too🙂
Absolutely, Jen!! Business sense + Artwork = winning combination. Thank you for your comment, and take care!!
I love selling my Art it's just finding customers to buy it is hard being a military Remembrance Artist 🎨
Hi Jonny! Yes, you are in a specific niche with your work, which can make it tricky to find those clients. The good news though is if you can find those clients, they likely will be very loyal and good customers for your artwork. I am thinking conventions and memorial military events would be excellent areas to meet your target audience
@Dena Tollefson yes brilliant idea my friend 😁👍
❤❤❤❤❤❤😊
Thank you Zariya!!
It’s kind of unfortunate that I did a children’s book for one of my family members. It was kind of bad because I was like 13 years old. She published the book.
Now, no matter how many paintings I post or books I help make, that terrible storybook is the first result when my name is searched. It’s ugly and embarrassing.
I would say it doesn’t matter on social media, but be careful about what you let other people publish on Amazon.
@@fangfirebird100 Hi! Did your family member have your permission to publish the book? Technically, you own the copyright to all artwork you create. You could make lemonade from lemons if you can get revenue from the book!
It is funny- I have some early work I am not happy with but found out over time one never knows what is going to be popular with the public
@@DenaTollefson HI Dena, thanks for the reply. I do own the copyright, but I never expect royalties from this book. That would have had to be discussed ahead of time. It's not a good book and won't ever be popular.
Unfortunately, this particular family member may pass from cancer so I feel uncomfortable approaching her about it. It is what it is. This is just a warning to other artists: be careful when you let be published online by other people.