Expert: julia sherman - 6/22/2006

Question
Hello, my name is Jessica and I just turned 16.  I have been drawing since I was 3 and now I am a profesional pencil and pastel artist.  My family is in a tight spot financialy and I want to help.  All those who have seen my art have wanted a picture so I think my skills can help.  I want to try and get my art noticed by other people other than the ones I know so I now have a gallery on DeviantArt but nobody knows who I am or where I live there.  I want to try and get a real gallery but I think I'm too young plus I don't know how or where to get one, can you help me.  Thank you for reading this.

Answer
No artist is ever too young for being noticed. Just look at Mozart who started at 4.....

there are many ways to get started an AGE DOENT MATTER  talent and drive does.

because you ar at deviant art you do know you can sell your artwork through them.
If they charge a fee then you have the option of ebay.if fees are a problem you can arrange a showing at your local bank.
Banks often have artwork showing for customers and it livens up  the space. You can ask if you can put framed matted pieces up. If they say yes then price your pieces reasonable.

Depending on the type or genre of art you create you can get into some smaller galleries. Just go to google.com and type in outsider art galleries, pencil art galleries and so on.
Many of them just require a little nerve to  make that first phone call. And remember they are just like you on the other side. They are interested in art, and are interested in making money.

You can become a freelance artist. Easier than you think. there are databases that have " callouts", " outcalls", needs for art pieces for magazines, books, texts books and so on.


To get into a gallery of the bigger types you need an agent or become a self agent. If any agent asks you to pay anything upfront run, do not walk away. Legitimate agents will work on commission. That is a percentage  of what your piece sells for is their pay.

What you can do is plenty. Just need a few hours at the computer and a phone.
You probably wil have to create a slide show or portfolio of images for some galleries and agents.



Never ever  think that because you are 16 you are too young.. you can do anything you set your mind to do and others respect that and are amazed when people so young pursue and go after what they want and can do. I know My daughter did the same thing with her art.. but she decided to go to college early after graduating highschool 2 years early. She is p goimg after a game designer degree for her art.

I can look on the net for some of my old contacts for art work galleries that don't charge and accept everything. But for instant start try selling through deviantart, ebay, and some of the art showcases just for a start.

if you wnat more help email me off of here and I can see what I can do to go further.