Minding my Own Business
Art.
That's my Business
Well, that's the idea anyway..but how on earth do you make it work?
To be honest, selling Art is tough and there isn't an easy way.
Printing is my passion and creating multiple images is what I love to do. Having said that I want to sell my work, right?
So, right off the bat, I am so grateful to the folk who follow me on social media, come along to Exhibitions and markets to support me.
So how where does start ?
Outside!
A new print begins with the inspiration nature gifts me.
Just out and about, being curious or in the local park, or in the countryside with my binoculars. Birds are a love of mine, but I also get ideas everyday things in the garden, plants, teracotta pots, anything really!
During Lockdown, I was bombarded with gardening tips and advice, on the radio, tv and social media. So I thought I'd try my hand at it.
The result was not so much for the dining table as for my print space!
I've fond memories of shelling peas on Sunday mornings. I'd sit on the back door step, and run my thumb down the inside of the pods releasing the clattering peas into a metal collander, and this print is a real reminder of a simple pleasure.
My signature style.
I love the way the tendrils run riot clinging to the bamboo poles, as they twist together protecting the sweet smelling flowers .
Birds
A subject that features time and time again in my work. It begins with observation or research, then the drawing.
I Love to draw and this is a glimpse at a page in my sketchbook. My sketchbook is an untidy collection of unfinished drawings, sketches, colour tryouts and notes to self, all of which are so helpful when coming up with a new print.
After this, comes the transfer of the image to the linoplate, the carving, inking and finally the burnishing. Then comes editioning, signing and numbering. And that's just the start!
Then comes the 'marketing', and that is very time consuming.
A great deal of time goes into networking, connecting.
Social media is a game changer..but..Content is Everything and the competition is fierce..videos, reels, recipes, cooking, tips, competitions, give-aways, dancing, all kinds of shinnangins all trying to grab attention. It's hard to keep up. Instagram is a great tool, though getting your stuff seen can be difficult..You might need a little help..
Luckily, My Feline, and ubiquitious Printer's Cat always happy to Strike A Pose!
But if online is not your thing, then there are 'Live' events. All put on hold these last 18 months or so, but they're creeping back, thank goodness.. Creative Markets, Art Exhibitions and soon, very soon Christmas events,where I can meet folk, get to know them, chat about my prints. ( These, of course have their own challanges...but hey, lets not go there!)
I t's always such a special feeling when someone wants to own a piece of my work, and I never take it for granted.
So a big 'Thank you' if you are a follower, and if not, well, the links below will take you to my 'space'!
Head over FaceBook or Instagram and say Hi!
Stay well, and happy printing!
www.instagram.com/meabatemanprints
www.facebook.com/meabateman.prints
www.etsy.com/shop/meabatemanprints
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