How to be an Artist (What Amateurs do that Professionals don't!)
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- What do amateur artists do that professionals never would? In this video I look at 10 mistakes that hobby artists make when trying to present their work in professional exhibitions and selling situations. This video will show you how to be an artist, by improving your presentation, self belief and practices. This will lead to more sales and a better reputation as a professional artist.
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What do you think about the things I have talked about in this video; are there any things you hadn't realised before about showing artwork?
I still refer to my work as scribbles. Not as a derogatory statement though. It is just simpler in my mind to tag all of my art as scribbles rather than to "verbally detail" each. A pencil drawing which was completed in an hour is certainly different from an oil painting that took months to finish. And though the outward appearances are obviously different, it is just easier to call the entire lot, "my scribbles".
However, when I ask family (my built-in critics) for reviews, I may, after initial reviews, point out flaws asking for opinions regarding inclusion or removal/repair. The stuff I do sell, is offered with an "as-is" attitude. If one doesn't like something then do not buy it. No hard feelings or recriminations. I may try to offer other works for perusal if not satisfied with the present offering.
As for making a living? I'm not there...yet. Only through lack of concerted effort. I've other interests and demands so I haven't committed myself fully to art. Until I do, I must content myself with what I current receive. Though it is a super nice feeling when I do manage to sell something and then hear about the art from other sources. Inflates my ego immensely!
Another excellent and informative video, Ms. W.!
Thank you for sharing!!!
Yes, it was great. Especially the part about showing one kind of art, as I do alcohol ink, polymer clay, and now acrylic pouring.
Some good advice. I have evolved and see that I am developing a more mature attitude that makes me sound like a professional artist rather than an amateur. That felt good to hear.
I didn't realise how much work goes into organising a group exhibition. I felt like one organiser hadn't communicated with me perfectly, but didn't realise she had done over 50 hours of voluntary work to pull everything together.
Michele, your business acumen is amazing. I've never heard more practical advice in less than half an hour ever. Bookmarked!
Ah, thank you!
Watching your videos is quite inspirational to me. At 60, I’m a complete amateur. You give me hope. Thanks, Michele.
Best of luck!
I'm a for-fun-and-relaxation artist, but a professional writer. If I could swap out "professional artist" for "professional writer" (and obviously picture or painting for story, poem or essay) all of this advice would still apply. Brilliant stuff.
Much is the same across the arts!
What a wonderfully honest video about how to come across as a professional. If you want to be treated and regarded as a professional artist, it's important to act like one and to pay attention to the details of what your clients & your peers consider important!
Tysm for explaining, giving the positivity of artist, and how we should n shouldnt present our own art. I really needed to hear and learn some of how an artist should handle their own work!
I am so enjoying all aspects of your videos. You talk straight, no hairy fairy ra ra stuff that so many do. Especially when it comes to money and sales! I really appreciate this
You clarified so much for me in this brief video on display and pricing. Family and friend constantly make me feel like I overpriced my work, in turn making me question my worth. When I KNOW my worth and the quality of my work. I'm so glad I didn't lower my prices and that I stuck with my origional prices.
Thank you for that!! I have a dream which because of my age my son was knocking it down. I still have my dream and I believe it’s realistic so I’m forging ahead!!💕
Oh don't listen to other people. I took up kung fu aged 45, I am now a blue sash (fifth grade). Oh and I became a youtuber at 51 :-) Family can be the most critical!
In the Studio with Michele Webber: Fifty-one!!? No way!!
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Haven't you lasted well? sound advice here as always
Donna, how is your art coming along? ❤
@@jodysmaggus1862 Thank you for caring!! My art is improving and has improved greatly since that original comment!! Finding the time can be a big challenge but seeing improvement is a great motivator!! Great luck to you!!
Hiya Michelle, I love your honesty and manner of delivery which makes the viewer feel like you are talking to them individually, and that in itself is an art. I'm always pleasantly surprised at how many topics/points you cover in the videos and your professionalism always shines through. Thanks very much, from a new subscriber in Lancashire.x
Thank you so much!
I would add to these very excellent points: if your work is good friends and family will attempt to cart off your work free of charge. Whilst it’s excellent to know that people you respect want your art of their walls it’s not sustainable if you’ve a lot of friends and numerous family. We’ve all done it I’m sure but I’ve never asked for freebies from artist friends unless I swop one of mine. Charging a fair price when you’re new might be ok but once you know people want your work, get some cash back for all those materials and your time/learning curve/wasted hours too.
Well said, Michelle. I promised myself when I retired that my art would come first and I would call myself an artist. It’s so much easier when you believe in yourself and don’t listen to the negativity. I’m at my first artist in residency and so many of my family said, oh your husband is lonely. No one says that to husbands when they go away to work. Anyhow, he’s getting used to it, and I’m loving being an artist in residency. Thank you for such down to earth advice.
Oh well done you. Husband will survive!
Michele, what a brilliant video. Thank you for sharing your experiences and observations with us. I'm looking to go full time by the end of this year (2023) and can relate (positively) to a lot of the points you've raised - and I can also see where I've been going wrong. Time to really crank it up now, and on a consistent basis! Thank you again, Neil.
Glad it was helpful!
I have always loved to color,,I love colors, My best school days were when i could draw maps, I really can not draw other things, I trace everything then color it,, i tried oil paintings on canvas and went to wood,, i love woods,,I learned to do pyrography, with wood burning and traced all kinds of wild birds and animals..but i had to have them with the true colors of their nature..I prided myself on true colors,, now i am doing watercolors and i love it, but it is much harder to get the true colors i love..one incident happened in school where the back ground of the painting got noticed and I was soooo happy, colors that no one had knowledge of at the,, since then i have tried to combine colors to get other colors that are different..I tried wood, ceramics, canvas, and now i am trying water colors,, i am enjoying the combinations of all the colors. and tracing mostly hummingbirs for their brillance of colors.. Thank you for all your knowledge and helping me with watercolors,, I am using the Dr. Martin inktense....I love them.. hope i will find someday what i am looking for in the world of art..I am now 77 this month.. and still looking for what i am good at....LOL,, but life goes on in the art world..Maybe I might be an artist one day. Love your stories..thank you for the videos.....hagd....
I especially appreciate the advice on self talk. We know better ,but the remind is well taken. Thank you!
Just listening again because my skill levels are always improving. And I believe I have something to share with people. I think I can make a living making art. Thank you all this information makes sense. But one doesn't automatically know.
Excellent!
As ever , good , solid advice from this lovely lady . I particularly like number 8 , I'm an artist , I'm entitled to be sloppy , disorganised , and drink gin all day , you could add , eat beans from a can , and don't sell any work . Number 9 , ' don't cry foul fish ' is the old saying , don't tell them , let people find any flaws for themselves .
Beans from a can! Yes I can see it :-)
That is a lot of food for thought.........I have some serious digesting to do. Excellent video you are a outstanding Teacher! When I am a famous Artist I will be sure to mention you as one of my mentors.
Thanks Michele
Ha, brilliant, looking forward to that, much success to you :-)
Wow! You just hit a chord in my heart. Voiced exactly what I was thinking. It’s important to value one’s work, take time to consider the time, knowledge and experience that has gone into your painting. As Picasso said once when asked how long he took to make a painting and he said “his whole life”. Thank you. 😎
Absolutely!
Well I’m definitely guilty of # 9 & # 10😬. As a self taught artist 👩🏻🎨 of almost 2 years I’m gaining inspiration and confidence towards moving forward to professional. Thanks for sharing this video with us.
I needed this video, exactly the details to advance to a more polished look to art.
That was really good to hear... all of your wisdom. I do a lot of those amateur behaviors... but I’m not a pro... yet 😀
Thanks Cheri, we all do those things in the start ☺️ Glad you found it useful!
You are great!!! So realistic and explicite... Thank you!
Thanks Nada!
Thank you Michelle for a very informative video, your advice could be considered life lessons.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent advise. I learned quite a bit by listening to this video. Thank you for making it.
You are very welcome Harriet ☺️
That was very informative! Thank you Michele. Also the way you dropped that joke about being pulverized... :D
Glad you liked it!
This is so encouraging, thank you! I'm at the very beginning of a career change and experimenting to see what I want to do next. Your wise words have helped me feel more optimistic about my future direction 😊
Wonderful!
What a refreshing talk. Thank you. I'm learning a lot from your videos.
Thanks I am so pleased you are enjoying the videos ☺️
Another EXCELLENT video! This old dog is learning some new tricks! Thanks for sharing your expertise and enthusiasm!
Aw thanks Tim 🙂
Framing is a really big deal in terms of cost of time and money. I can complete another piece in the time it takes me to frame one, and the cost of the frame is enough in art supplies for another several paintings. So, when given the choice between framing and creating, framing is usually an afterthought. I know it's not very "professional", but I can either make art, or a product.
Thankyou Michelle ! I'm guilty of listening to the naysayers when I was young and giving up on art! love your advice thanks xx
You are so welcome!
I am getting back into art after a hiatus of around 12 years, and I really enjoy your videos.thsnk you
You're welcome 🙂
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I took lessons for several years , in a few art shows won some awards , then I injured my back. Fell into a funk that I'm just now trying to crawl out of .lol picked up my pencils and watercolors because it's the cheapest, honestly, and I used to be pretty good at it .. acrylics were my thing..but I enjoyed all of the mediums...and had some success in varied ones.. but what you said about picking one to show makes really good sense to me..I will continue to watch you and see what happens.oh and I'm 58 so not a beginner but always a student .thank you ❤️
@@saberhorton1495 good luck with everything 👍🙂
I’m very interested in how to make prints of original work. Looking forward to your video.
Thank you that was all great advice. Iam guilty of pricing my work low because I don’t consider my self a professional 👩🎨
Buyers don't care if you are a professional or not, they just assess if they like the work :-)
Nice pep talk Michelle, and I agree with everything you said. A real breath of fresh air.
Thank you ☺️
Fantastic!!! Invaluable truths.
Thank you for sharing this information. I have to admit that I was not aware of some of the requirements regarding presentation & even some of the attitude advice & pricing was invaluable. I have subscribed & I look forward to more of your professional advice. ❤
Glad it was helpful!
As usual, great information. I love your videos.
These are spot on! My mom was a professional portrait artist for year's. Although the sales market has expanded much of this is the same. She traveled across the country. You definitely can make a living at it!
Glad you liked the video!
This is 100% brilliant. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
What I like about this presentation is that I brought up thing that I should know so that I can be a professional armature. Like you mentioned that professionals use materials that will not fade. That means I should check the paint I buy for fade resistance. I should get water color paints that are transparent etc. My goal as a professional engineer is to have customers that will be happy with the product they purchase be it mine or someone else. Repeat customers are those that trust you to provide value and value include intangibles like confidence that you will only offer products with value.
This is my first comment on RUclips! I just wanted to thank you for the amazing information. I really needed to hear the second-to-last tip about not de-valuing your work. I tend to do this with my artwork quite a bit (although, I think I do it less now). Also, I totally agree with the last tip! I recently listened to an audiobook called "Real Artists Don't Starve" by Jeff Goins, which talks about the myth that artists cannot make a living off of their art. Personally, as a teenager, I have been told by people that I cannot make a living as an artist, and I refuse to believe them! :) Thanks again! Have a wonderful day/night!
I needed this video soo much. THANK YOU !
No problem!
Very good advice for Luxury Art Professions. However, I firmly believe that ALL deserve to own original art as well.
Thank you !
I found your info awesome and i love your way of thinking your explanations or scenarios were perfect. New follower here im looking forward to watching your other videos
Thanks so much :-)
Well spoken Michelle. Can’t wait to explore pricing with you.
Thanks Kathy, I have other videos on pricing, but most of my business stuff now goes on Patreon, as it does badly on RUclips, and harms my channel growth :-/
Thank you for saying the bitter truth!
Thanks so much for all this info! So valuable! I'm was a hobby artist, but have realized I want it to be my living, so I'm learning as much as I can!
You can do it!
Very useful advices! Thanks!
My pleasure!
Great video! Wish I had advice like this when I started my life as a professional artist! Agree with all you say! And,as with everything in life, stay positive!! ☺
Thanks so much Rosemary, yes I listened to people who who told me I couldn't do things for far too many years before I realised they were just projecting their own insecurities! X
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber it's funny I also had a few of those people around me when I was younger, but now I have no one like that in my life. And I don't tell myself I can't do something. And I paint.
Some really good information here, particularly with regard to framing. Thank you. You mentioned a lesson on framing but I don't see a link to it. I would be interested in seeing that.
I may have put one on Patreon at some point. Unfortunately practical videos like that don't do well on RUclips for me, but I may still do one in the future :-)
Thanks for the video, it is an eye opener for me.
You are very welcome, glad you found some value in it!
Thank you, that was great information.
Glad it was helpful!
really admire artists that are making it their profession. Just sounds so stressful! Take my hat off to them.
Thanks Margaret, it can be very stressful, but I am the sort of person that thrives on it :-) (most of the time!)
Thanks for sharing. it seems like a lot of success is getting out of your own way. Hmmm..
It really is!
Thank you for so much helpful information. I'm in the UK and have transitioned from sketching to watercolour painting this year and now I am looking to sell some of it. In your video you mention about the importance of framing and signing. Also that you have a video explaining how to do this. Can you please point me to the video as I have not been able to find it. Thanks.
Hi Jeanette, I've got a horrible feeling that any video like that would have been on Patreon, and I am no longer on there. Unfortunately I don't do much business/practical stuff on youtube because it gets terrible views. Also business advice needs to be up to date, and I no longer exhibit in galleries, I only sell and work online. Feel free to join my facebook group where you can ask questions and hopefully get the help you need, same name as the RUclips channel :-)
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you for your quick reply . No worries at all. I did join your Facebook group and will search and ask questions there. Thanks again 👍
Thank you for the great advise.
You are very welcome Christina 🙂
I think my art journey to pro was pretty unconventional, starting out in the 80s as an illegal graffiti artist, so it wasn't about the money. (The environment was my gallery) I was pretty specialised in lettering and I later became a traditional signwriter for a few years. Long story short, I'm now a senior UI artist working in the computer games industry, and only now after being digital for 20+ years I'm looking at the canvas again... Old habits eh!
Your advice is worth gold! Really looking forward to more framing videos.
...and good looks 😆
Thank you for this information. :)
No worries!
Excerllent makes me think. I am a hobby artist but to sell that would be great thanks. New Zealand Anne
I came across one of your videos last night and have now binge watched quite a few. Thank you for the info and inspiration!! I'm a recent
empty nester ready for my next adventure. My art has been on the back burner for many years and it’s time for me to figure out where I want this to go.
Awesome!
I'll never be close to being a person who could sell anything, I might have to pay my relatives to hang them in their houses...lol but I'm doing this for my own enjoyment, I loved plants growing up so I went to college for horticultural classes and I ended up being very good at it started my own business and became successful, so I say if you enjoy your hobby it shows in your work... I can tell you find joy in your teaching...and your very good at doing videos....mikelle newyork strong ✍🎨👍
Thank you! I am better at painting than growing things :-)
Fantastic video! You are so generous with your knowledge! Thank you very much
My pleasure!
Michele enjoyed this video and the points you've got outlined, I'm thinking don't run before you can walk or life has a pecking order so take the rough with the smooth. Thanks greatly stay safe
You too Phillip!
Thanks Michele, really interesting and useful perspective.
Glad you enjoyed it, Frances!
Love this video, I’m soaking up all your advice - thanks for sharing. I’ve subscribed to your channel & I’m going to work my way through some of your other videos, really constructive advice & tips x
Awesome! Thank you!
Solid advice! Thank you!
Could you recommend how to determine if a place is good to make prints of your artwork? Or places that do artist quality prints for artwork and maybe a range of what they should cost? Can you make a video on how to prepare work for shipping? You mention amateur ways of framing, do you have a video on what to use for matting, taping and sealing? Thanks for all the info.
Talk to other local artists would be my quick 2 cents, they will tell you everything about where to go near where you live.
Those videos don't do well on my channel unfortunately. I have made one about how to mat for my patreon channel. I recommend finding a local printers that you can work with personally, it makes all the difference!
Flaws are irrelevant... Great video!!!!
Thanks, so pleased you enjoyed it ☺️
Thank you - learned a lot! You look so beautiful in that cute top and adorable earrings. 😊
Oh thank you!
A great video, now I know how to price, its a pity I'm not a good enough srtist to sell anything :-)
So glad you liked it. My martial arts instructor always makes me add the work 'yet' when I say I can't do something ☺️
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber OK from now o then "Yet" it is.
Surely it’s about the standard of your piece of art. Professional is your profession. You don’t suddenly become a doctor or accountant by just being positive or trying hard. Art is the same. What about training
Thanks. Very helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Fab video Michele
Thanks Trudy!
I believed those people too! I’m restarting in my 40’s... you’re video was a welcome addition to my practice. I have a question I am procrastinating over. I love love love my fine art work and I love my craft work. My craft has just starting to sell but I don’t want my art to be devalued or discounted. Sales there are slower because they are my premium cost items. In your professional opinion, Is it okay to separate the two online or does it give you a stronger presence showing both?
I have tried both approaches, and although it's cleaner to seperate the two, I find that certainly with online shops such as Etsy, the more sales you get, the more traffic they send you. Therefore having your craft sales can boost your fine art sales. It is important to curate them into different sections, and if you have a shop front page make sure it doesn't look jumbled. But the majority of people will find your items by searching, either on the shop or google and come to your item individually, therefore I don't think it matters if you have them in the same place online and may indeed be a big advantage in SEO terms. Just keep it neat and organised :-)
Thanks Michelle im hoping to sell my art someday unfortunately im unemployed so presently im painting on wood glass steel and cheap watercolour paper have u any suggestions where i should start . U r amazing an inspirational. I would be greatful for ur feed back .
It's a good idea to see what local shops and galleries and selling, then apply your own style to.
I am not sure if I want to be a pro artists but I love listening to videos like this. And is that the Artbin with the three tiered shelves in the background? I have the same one and have been using it for over 24 years.
Yes! I have had mine for a similar length of time. Doubles as a foot stool when painting outdoors :-)
Your videos are full of useful info but some examples of frames, mount and backing would be great to break up the talking.
Thanks Melanie, currently I am fitting video around my busy work schedule and it's faster to film and edit the ones of me talking. I am going to do some dedicated videos about how to mount and present work, how to seal the back of frames etc. I have just purchased a Gimbal too which will allow me to walk around exhibitions and such whilst stabilising the camera 🙂
Great tips! Can you please share why you choose not to sell on Facebook? Thanks very much!
Many reasons, and of course I have had the odd 'accidental' sale via Facebook, I don't turn them down :-) But mainly I find that people on Facebook are looking for commissions (I don't tend to take these as they are generally subjects that I am not interested in, dogs, portraits and such) and there are so many artists offering cheap stuff that people buying via Facebook usually don't want to pay a proper price.
@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber - Thank you so much for your quick reply! Thank makes sense. I may end up doing it at least a bit since I love painting portraits. ;)
@@cre8509 No problem, it can work really well for portraits!
The people that put together events are not without fault. My church starting participating in an event the first or second year and continued for a decade. The location of church vendors were fixed for 8 yrs. then moved to a side location with a paid music venue in front of the church vendors. Hard to get to and with rain a muddy field. Our spot for 8 years were given to non-religious organizations. They got the results wanted Many of the lower income vendor lost money or came close. Didn't participate the third year. Wokism a decade before it became popular.
Miigwetch..
👍🤳🎉🤪✨🌈💌
Ai generated art has the most flaws in it 😨🤭
Morning Michelle, thank you this made so much sense. I am looking at different forums, and media as I too find FB, Instagram, etc. are not working for me. Getting lots of likes but no sales
I would add to these very excellent points: if your work is good friends and family will attempt to cart off your work free of charge. Whilst it’s excellent to know that people you respect want your art of their walls it’s not sustainable if you’ve a lot of friends and numerous family. We’ve all done it I’m sure but I’ve never asked for freebies from artist friends unless I swop one of mine. Charging a fair price when you’re new might be ok but once you know people want your work, get some cash back for all those materials and your time/learning curve/wasted hours too.
I did cheat and get a print of a very large and complex canvas, and gave it as a birthday present, cost £25 from a German company including shipping and she was thrilled. I think it cost her £75 to frame it, and it’s in pride of place in her sitting room. No harm no foul.
I did cheat and get a print of a very large and complex canvas, and gave it as a birthday present, cost £25 from a German company including shipping and she was thrilled. I think it cost her £75 to frame it, and it’s in pride of place in her sitting room. No harm no foul.
Thank you very much for all your advice.
My pleasure!