Being in the business of selling art requires you to make many decisions. Where should you sell your work, how to print it, who can you trust, how much should you charge? Even after a ton of research and a few years of being a working artist, still, you will always be faced with new… Continue reading
Browsing Category Deal Making
How much should you charge a band for CD and album cover art
A recurring question I get from artists is: “Should I give my art to a band for Album Cover Art in exchange for exposure, or should I charge them? And if so, how much?” This is a two part question. First, should you give it away for free? And second, how much should you charge?… Continue reading →
Is $100,000 a year a lot for an Artist to Earn? Insights from a professional surf art Agent – Maria Brophy’s Interview
Is $100,000 a year a lot for an artist to earn? Is there a way to convince a client that they can afford something they say they can’t? These are two of many great questions answered in my interview with Bill Jordan. It’s worth a listen, as Bill asked me to share the strategies… Continue reading →
It’s not WHAT you Know it’s WHO you Know – How to get to Know Them
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT’S WHO YOU KNOW Remember the old saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” when it comes to getting big opportunities. This applies to every business, especially acting, writing, art and music. The person who gets the gig is not always the best or most talented; it’s… Continue reading →
Art Business Answers – Should You Send a Sketch to a Client Before Payment
An artist recently asked: “Should I email a client a sketch for their mural, before I’m paid anything? I worry they will take it to another artist and use it. Should I send it with a contract?” This is a great question, and there are two answers, depending on your situation. But first, my thoughts… Continue reading →
Five Steps to Closing a Deal – Artist’s Trade Show Follow Up
(Artwork by the wonderful, fun and talented Sara Jane Franklin. Check out her blog here!) When Drew and I started showing his art at trade shows, the mission was to generate interest from publishers so that we could license Drew’s art to them. The first year we exhibited at License Expo in New York, we had no… Continue reading →
What to Charge for Art Licensing – Royalties Advances and Flat Fees
(Artwork provided by the wonderful, fun and talented Sara Jane Franklin.) When you need to have your sink unclogged, there’s little difference in price from plumber to plumber. I think that at one time in the past, the wise plumbers got together and said “let’s all charge the same high price so we all get… Continue reading →
How to make Deals with Big Companies – Catch that Whale
“The challenge with whales is that you have to swim out to them; otherwise they don’t know you exist” Years ago an advertising company contacted us to use Drew’s art for a promotion for Togo’s Eatery. The company wanted to connect with Southern California Surfers. What better guy than Drew, a surfing artist, to help… Continue reading →