Artists: 5 Reasons To Be Your Own Agent

Back when Manet, Monet, Renoir, and the like were meeting at the Café Guerbois in France to discuss art, inspiration, and life, being an artist was something one aspired to be. You needed showings and representation in order to sell your work. That was over 150 years ago, and fortunately, times have changed.

Today's artists don't need acceptance, and they don't need to be told they are officially artists. In fact, today, nobody is quite sure at what point you actually become an artist. It is for that specific reason that artists no longer need agents. 

If you're an aspiring artist, you are an artist, and here are 5 reasons you can sell your work on your own without the middle man cutting into your profits.

1. The Studio

Not so long ago, if you wanted to see an artist's work, you visited a gallery or their studio via an appointment with their agent. Today's artists have discovered the hybrid workplace. Artists don't need a studio to paint. They can paint in their bedroom if they like, or the kitchen, or the backyard, or their neighbor's living room. Whatever gave artists the idea they had to have this large space called a studio? Of course, a studio is nice to store your canvas and paints, but with or without a studio, creativity lives on. 

But what about the agent who makes the appointments? Easy. Today artists also have cell phones and are fully capable of making their own appointments; but, that rarely happens because of number two. 

2. Online Sales

The gallery and the studio have been replaced by the worldwide web. Through sites like Etsy and Artsy artists can display their own work. The gallery wall has been replaced with a virtual wall of HTML and CSS made prettier with images of original art showcasing vivid colors in scenes of spplendor.

The savvy artist will also show their latest works on a blog like Instagram or Facebook. The benefit, of course, is the artist gets 100% of the revenue. A blog takes a bit more effort to develop a following, but once you break through it was totally worth the effort. 

3. Competitions

One of the best ways to get your art recognized is by entering it in local and national competitions. There's usually an entry fee and the organizer will take a cut of sales, but it seems a fair price to pay since they have expenses as well. 

Look for competitions that are part of a larger festival. Maybe you live near a city that has a large annual art festival that features a competition for locals. Local and state fairs also have competitions, and people are always eager to look even if they don't buy. 

4. Self Promotion Through In-Kind Generosity

A proven tactic employed by many artists is to donate their art. Charity auctions are a great place to put your name out there and get your style recognized. 

Many cities are also looking for artists to help beautify their aging downtowns with murals. It's a for-sure way to get yourself featured in the community news. 

5. Be Outrageous

Lastly, be outrageous. Dress to be noticed. Go to all the right places to be seen. Tell them you're an artist. It's amazing how connected people love to be seen with someone who's a little different than the rest. Not only will you develop new connections, but you'll also find a few patrons. 

The lifestyle of the artist has changed in the last century. Artists are no longer young men with big ideas. They are also mothers appreciating motherhood, mechanics appreciating sculpture, mathematicians who appreciate patterns. Art is everywhere and it is open for anyone to join and take part. 

If you have an image in your mind, and you want to put it on canvas, you don't need another person's permission to create it. You just need to decide, are you going to paint in oil, acrylic, or something else? Be an artist.