Hey community, I'm a self taught Artist and I'm wondering if there's any advice on how I can get my work out there, beyond my website
/instagram... I'd be greatful if anyone knows any contacts to agencies or spaces who utilise creatives, who may be looking for something a little different...
www.adamleak.com
www.instagram.com/adamleak
Replies6
- @Brian Grant Legend, thank YOU !I've always made a point of PM'ing people who interact with me ! :) but I totally hear you and in no way prepared to quit. I've got too many bodies of work to sort !!Means alot you taking the time to respond in such detail.
- @Adam LeakI think that you will need to plough through a lot of agencies until you find a breakthrough. Google search art / illustration agents and pick a location, then start from there, page 1 and keep going…Another good place to start would be to find agencies that represent artists that have a similar type of style to your work.Until you can get to the point where commissions, agents, and jobs are coming to you then you have to go to them.It is tough and to be honest many are not cut out to hustle and grind until they get a breakthrough, but that is what it takes.There are no shortcuts unless you have a very unique style that is in demand.So I’d create a presentation with a few samples of your very best work and contact agencies from all over the country, then the world. Also you have to create a story around your work and brand.I’d also say look at the process of how the artists go to where they are and not just their work. I can see that you have people who commented on your Instagram posts and you haven’t responded or said thank you. Those could have been buyers or potential great contacts… No one is too small to care about.Ross Tran, Loish, etc responded to all of their comments when they were first started out. They gave advice, did tutorials, and grew with their fanbase.That helps to build a following, and the following creates momentum and the momentum attracts agents, magazines, brand partnerships, etc.It is a lot of work marketing art and it is a job in itself to build your reputation and sales as an artist. I believe that is the most important skill that an artists can have.I can show you at 1,000 genius artists who will die penniless because nobody knows that they exist.So get out there, have fun, enjoy the journey, be committed to succeeding and flexible in your approaches and you will get results.Good luck!
- @Brian Grant Thank you for your extensive response.You wouldn't happen to know any names you could point me in the direction of re: smaller agencies could you ?I've been on the socials for over a decade as I've been building my portfolio and solidifying my style, I don't know if you looked at my work but the illustrative stuff is hyper dense and makes it difficult to keep on top of regular posts.I went live the other night as I drew and I've been told it was highly meditative for a lot of people so probably worth looking into. I'm aware of all the artists you've cited ! But nice one.Cheers !
- @Natascha Ng Natascha, you little star ! Thank you :)
- Hi,Gatekeeper Magazine has just done a series with Sadgrads about how to get your work out there as an emerging artist - it may be of help!There insta is @gatekeepermagazineAll the best,Natascha
- Hello Adam,Getting your work out there can be very tough at the beginning.The highest paid artists typically have representation from a gallery or agency, so you could try smaller agents as you build up your reputation.The most popular artists on social media such as Loish, Ross Tran, Ilya Kuvshinov, Wlop, Beeple, have literally spent over a decade posting consistently on social media to build a following, as the social media platforms grew then they grew.They put in 10,000 hours of work before they started to get really popular.Also having a niche is very helpful, Ross Tran is very entertaining as well as being a very good artist, so his followers love his content as well.They all have a very distinctive style that is instantly recognisable, so that will also help you.If you go the route without representation that you will need to be in touch with your audience directly, so you will need to have an email system or webinar system to speak directly to your market.The real answer is that you have to keep grinding and keep going until you build traction.You could pay for ads and things of that nature, however that could be risky until you have developed a unique style and following.I’ll leave you with a few tips
- Be consistent
- Post a lot of high quality content
- Become known a unique style or theme
- Speak to your followers
- Build relationships,
- Be flexible on your pricing until you get to a certain level,
- Joint venture with other creatives
- Approach art publications, blogs, etc
- Study successful artists and learn from their journey
- Join platforms such as Deviant Art, Saatchi Art, YouTube, etc.
- Optimise your website for success
- Try approaching small art and illustration agencies
- Make videos of your process and try new social media platforms that are growing
I hope that helps and good luck!!B.
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