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Check Your Art Tackle Box

Posted: July 1, 2013

After a recent fishing trip I noticed the similarities between preparing for fishing and the business end of selling Art. I was in a boat with 3 other fishermen 2 of which had little experience, so they took guidance from our resident host and used his advice and fishing tackle. We had determined we were fishing for pickerel, so the appropriate lures and bait were given to everyone, except to myself as I had my own and off we went to the fishing area on the edge of the lake. After 2 hours we limited out or should I say the other 3 did – I had only caught a few small Pike and threw them back ¬– no Pickerel. Obviously, I didn’t have the kind of lure everyone else was using, it was similar, but not the same. The time on the lake was still enjoyable, but somewhat mystifying. My observation went as follows:

Fishing is the perfect analogy for artists wanting to reach their intended markets and art buyers wanting to acquire art. Ask yourself these questions as if you were going fishing. You will notice it also works for Art Patrons looking for specific art to purchase. Ideally, if the artist and the art buyer follow these guidelines each would get a perfect catch. The right art would get into the intended buyers hands.

1. What kind of fish do you want to catch?
Decide on the type of fish you want before starting out – Trout, Pickerel, Pike etc. For examples of Art Patrons consider online buyers, fine craft collectors, corporate works or the home design market etc. This will help determine who best suits your Art.

2. Where are you going to go fishing?
Choosing the proper lake with the type of fish you want is no different than selecting the proper Art Venue, Art Gallery, etc. if a successful outing is to be had. Art buyers wanting fine craft may be best looking for quality Craft Shows and Craft Galleries rather than an Art Gallery specializing in large paintings. So, artists need to choose where their work best fits. Also, remember, it is rare that you as an artist have something for everyone, so don’t try and go into everything that comes your way or create too many disciplines. Desperation fishing results in frustration and is costly for you in the long run.

3. What kind of hook/s are you going to use?
Each species of fish have different tastes, as do artists and art buyers. Fish will nibble on one hook, yet bite hard on another. Sometimes this is seasonal or weather related and remains part of the mystery. Take a variety of similar lures for the intended fish and their size adjustments. The wrong hook will disappoint all concerned.

If it is a big fish you want, you may need a bigger and tastier hook? Remember, to catch a big fish, go to where the big fish are and most likely you will need some help to land them. This is where an Art Gallery or an Art Sales Representative provides valuable assistance on behalf of the artist. Art patrons looking for larger more expensive works by established artists need to go to the places these artists show their work, like bricks a mortar art galleries and high-end art exhibitions.

Enjoy the experience.

Paul Constable
Director