Getting great exposure?

Recognise that only very few Artists get paid the big dollars for their Art and for the majority of Artists it is often a constant battle for attention. I have talked often about getting attention on social media and working on different social platforms.

I was asked the question about getting the attention of people by doing stuff for free and getting great exposure.

Now I need say very clearly first of all, that if a company wants you to paint a painting or paintings for them to hang in their office for free, because it will give you great exposure, say no.

I do not believe that you should have to give away work to get exposure and dress up some office building. Business is business, if they want them, they should pay because you cannot pay your rent with great exposure.

In saying that, I do believe it is good to donate a painting to charity auctions as long as your name is clearly shown, as many collectors support these auctions and it may open some doors for you.

I think the free stuff you should do is at your openings, do quick portraits of people and give them away, do small quick sketches for people for free, this is great PR in your show and will get people talking. If you are going to do stuff for free make sure you get something out of it, meeting new people, blessing a good collector, opportunity to connect with strangers.

I also like Artists giving away a painting at an opening, like a lucky door prize, people love this sort of thing.

Doing free stuff is necessary and important but make sure that it has long term benefit for you, even if only by people remembering you gave them a small beautiful painting.

A lot of people think if you give it away for free, people will think it has no value but I disagree, I think in a world where everyone is trying to sell you something people remember and respect those who just do things out of the goodness of their hearts.

Be wise how you do it and use free to promote you and bless others.

Please feel free to share.