Hi, this is Cynthia Daniel, owner and creator of Stroke of Genius. The pricing thread had veered off into the subject of reaching the affluent. Therefore, I am reposting my response under as a new topic so it doesn't get lost in a string about pricing. I've also added some new information over and above that post.
Regarding reaching the affluent market, there are a couple of networking to the affluent books in my Art Bookstore in the Marketing-Sales section. I've not read them and couldn't vouch for them, but I do notice that some have ordered these books. If anyone has read these books and would like to comment on them, perhaps this would shed some light. They are not specific to art, but I thought they sounded relevant for artists. If I had known about them when I managed Robert Schoeller, I certainly would have bought them.
Traditionally, two magazines have been the top for successfully advertising portraiture: Southern Accents and Veranda. Though Veranda's readership has increased dramatically (and their rates correspondingly), as best I can tell, Southern Accents still has a better close ratio. However, few can afford their exorbitant rates.
Beyond that, there's no magic formula for reaching the affluent and part of it has to do with the area of the country where you are. Some areas are easier than others because there is a greater tradition of portraiture. Typically, portraiture is very popular in the South for anyone who doesn't already know.
But, before you even start to pursue an affluent market, one thing would be to look at your materials and samples. Do the people in your portraits look like they are affluent? If not, you might not be chosen even if an affluent person sees your work. I've known artists who went out and hired an attractive model or got an attractive friend and had them pose in a gown...something elegant. All this just so they could have the type of portrait in their portfolio that would appeal to the affluent. Also, if you have only head and shoulders or bust portraits, this decreases the possibility of appealing to the affluent. Props that convey affluence could also add to the appeal...a column, an urn, an antique gilt chair. Also, outdoor portraits are very popular in the South. But, bear in mind that a simple portrait that oozes class can be a big hit too.
This is very elementary preparation, but often overlooked. Also, study some of the higher priced artists on my site and see what they are painting.
Also, in building your portfolio for success, bear in mind that generally portraits sell most in the following order:
1. little girls (borrow your neighbors cute child if you have to)
2. little boys
3. mother and child
4. woman
5. man (sorry guys)
The above doesn't mean that an artist who only does h&s and busts can never be successful. And, it doesn't mean that only portraits of affluent people sell. This is only one formula for success. I just think you increase your chances of appealing to the affluent if you are able to show the types of things that would appeal to them.
If you want to expand out beyond a local market, representation by one of the broker companies is highly recommended. They all have web sites and are listed in my artist resources section. But, the tips above for developing your portfolio also would apply to getting the attention of the brokers. Another way is to enter portrait competitions with
American Society of Portrait Artists and
Portrait Society of America. Usually the brokers have some representation at these events and winning a competition could at least get you some notice. It's no guarantee, but it's a first step.
Linear Mode
