does anyone sell their own artwork and if so where?

helzbelz_57

I have no clue where to start really. I do mostly pencil or charcoal portraits but also some painting. all were done over the years as boredom killers, probably when I should have been studying but I've decided to try and sell some of it to raise some much needed funds (i'm selling lots of stuff from my home/wardrobe on ebay/fb selling pages already). however I have no idea where to sell or how to price. I've been looking on etsy but having never used the site I have no idea how to tell what sells and for how much or even why things are priced at what they are. i'm very much a deer in the headlights.

does anyone here sell their own work and would be able to shed some light on this for me please?

SailorSam

I have a friend who paints, one of the things she did was go around local offices and factories asking them would they like any of her work, she has a few offices where it's in the foyer and a factory canteen. Each piece is priced if anyone wants to buy it, the offices seem pleased to have origional work decorating what would be plain walls.

helzbelz_57

that's an idea I never would have thought of and come to think of it I know off the top of my head 3 local business who do this. fantastic idea. thank you very much for that. do you know if she sells her work anywhere else and does her method of displaying in businesses get her any/much of an income?

SailorSam

It's only a hobby but i know she has had some sales but how many ???? don't know.
I've seen paintings in our GP surgery and hospital (not marked for sale) but i suppose anywhere with an empty wall may be glad of something to brighten them up.
Our local library has a small 'gallery' where artists show work,i don't know if they get charged or it's just a community thing.

Tiggy10

My friend sells her artwork and advertises on facebook and facebook selling groups. She seems to be doing very well!

Keith1985

Why not try approaching a local pub/restaurant? The idea is they hang your work on the walls with for sale tickets and sell them to punters on your behalf.

Benefits to you:
more people see your work which hopefully equals more sales.
Possibility of picking up commissions (leave some business cards there to be handed out so they can contact you)

Benefits to the pub/restaurant:
They have lovely artwork on the walls.
The artwork on the walls is constantly changing (assuming the work sells fairly regularly).

I am an independent art dealer and this method has proved very successful for me.

CreditCrunchie

Etsy
Ebay
Fayres, festivals and events that relate to your themes/ ethos
Selling to friends and family
Local stores and restaurants

helzbelz_57

thank you all for these responses. they're a great help.