A lot of students are also creators, and on a college budget, making money off the art we create certainly has an appeal. More than that, knowing that someone out there might be experiencing and loving your art is a wonderful feeling. Still, when it comes to publishing poetry or selling paintings, it can be difficult to get started. Here are a few ways you can try to show the world your talent.
Submit to publications
If you write poetry or short stories, there are plenty of magazines out there that accept submissions. However, it can be tough to find ones that pay you or don’t charge you to submit in the first place. On top of that, before deciding to submit, take the time to get an overview of the content typically published in that magazine or journal. No matter how good your love poem is, a journal or magazine that follows a creepy or somber theme won’t want it. No worries though, there are plenty of options. Check requirements for Poetry Magazine, The New Yorker, The Kenyon Review and the Threepenny Review — all of which pay and don’t charge to submit. Check out trishhopkinson.com/2018/08/17/best-places-to-submit-poetry-a-ranking-of-literary-magazines-by-john-fox-updated-with-payment-submission-fees/ for full ranking of different magazines that accept poetry.
Become your own social media manager
Marketing is a huge part of selling anything, and art is no exception. If you’d like to start selling paintings, drawings, prints or graphic designs, you’ll need to create a consistent public image as well as gradually gain a following. Don’t worry if you only start off with a few followers — everyone does. Instead, focus on producing quality content and the rest will come to you. Try following other local artists. They’ll likely inspire you and have good advice — directly or indirectly — for setting prices and running your business. It’s a good idea to start off simply posting your art, and then negotiate pricing down the line. Still, keep in mind the cost of your materials and your time when it comes to setting prices, and don’t let anyone tell you your art isn’t worth it.
Participate in local vending events
This option is more risky than the others, but if you have a lot of quality art on hand, it’s well worth it. Art Walks are all over South Florida, and while they usually charge an entry fee, you’re encountering a mass amount of possible consumers and potentially gaining genuine fans. If you’re interested, look into the Fat Village Artwalk or the Ft. Lauderdale Artwalk.
These aren’t the only ways to get your art out there, but they’re a good place to start. If you need any more tips on where to start, it’s an excellent idea to ask local artists or visual art professors here on campus.
Photo: M. Spiske
