Art buyer's catalog ad a good idea?
 

Hi fellow portraitists. I have recently been approached by a publisher in Wyoming (which is where I live) to reserve a full page ad in a "buyer's guide of Wyoming artists" for only $1995.00. He tells me it will be distributed nationwide and internationally too. I haven't seen a sample of his publications, but a few of my fellow artists have and are convinced that it is a great deal. I do sell prints of other kinds of artwork as well as the portraits I do, but do you think this would be a wise investment for my portrait business? His prices go down to 850.00 for a quarter page ad. Any ideas on this? My money doesn't grow on trees. Karen

Hi Karen,

I would know less than anyone about the effectiveness of this marketing, but I personally wouldn't believe a word of it. I bet the most anyone will hear of this buyer's guide is through your post above mine! How often have you seen me so prominently featured in "A Buyer's Guide to Pennsylvania Artist's"? I don't think there is much chance of any buyer taking an interest outside of the Wyoming state line. What kind of distribution numbers and marketing plan has this probable scheister provided everyone? I would not touch it. A simple web page would be much more effective, as would good participation in this and other forums.

Just my 1.995 cents worth!

Garth

About 12 years ago I participated in similar regional guide, though the price was perhaps a quarter of what this guide wants to charge you. I got a full, double sided page (color on one side, black and white on the other, so it would work well as a tear sheet).

I did get one corporate commission from it, but that was it. I wouldn't do it again, and I didn't pay anywhere near what this guide is charging.

If do you want to consider it, ask to see a copy of prior editions and also ask specifically where it is being distributed. If it goes to local galleries, for example, call a few of them up and ask if they've ever heard of this publication and what they think of it.

good advice
 

Thanks Garth and Michele. Your advice is much appreciated. I am surprised my other artist friends have been talked into this deal. I could sure think of better ways to invest $1995.00 in my portrait career. :)

Hi Karen,

They mentioned it is distributed internationally, but here in Brazil we receive a few ones from the U.S. and there

Claudemir, this is exactly right! This is the whole secret of the art world, isn't it!