Life as an artist

Michael Fournier · 07-28-2002, 11:27 AM

It's 20, but since that post I have finished 3 more, and have 5 started. So I have 12 left to start.

This is not how I always work, but as an illustrator, I always have a deadline; that is, in some ways, easier, since an art director comes up with the idea most of the time and I just need to visualize it.

I have only just started as a portrait painter, so I have taken it upon myself to do some self- promotion. I do not have a rep or an exclusive gallery contract, so have to do what ever it takes to get sales and commissions.

Why 20? Well, you see I wanted a show to get portrait commissions, but most of the portrait paintings I have done are already sold. The gallery wanted paintings that they could get a sales commission on, and I need money to print a brochure.

So, I agreed to do these 20 paintings for the show and they would allow me to hang three portraits (which are already sold). In addition (and the part I was not thrilled with), I have to give them a commission of 40% on any portrait sales I make from contacts at the show. I only get about $600-$1000 for my paintings, so to get the money I need, after splitting the sales with the gallery, 20 was the magic number of paintings that would cover my costs, and give me some money to put in my pocket. (Well, 10 would cover costs, but I don't expect all 20 to sell at the show.)

So it will be the commissions and contacts that I can make after the show that will make me the money (I hope). The thing is, promotion is like that: it costs money, but if you don't do it you can't make money.

And it does not stop there. I still need to plan the next show and then, if I am lucky and this show goes well, I can get the gallery to cover the cost of promoting the show since I am making them money now. See that's how it works: if your stuff is selling, then galleries want to hang it. But if you need sales, then they don't want you. Kind of like the bank - if you have money they will gladly loan you some, but if you need it... well, you know.

That's how this started anyway. But would I trade this for a 9-5 job? Well, some days, but this is what I wanted, and most of the time I enjoy my life so I think I'll stick it out just the same.