Expert: DJ Murphy - 11/18/2011

Question
Hello Mr. Murphy,
I am an artist that has had to make a career change due to the present economic challenges.  I became a firefighter!  I was able to support my family for many years with my art.  Things seemed to dry up around 2007.  I had to sell most of my library and computer equipment etc. I have a BFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. (1995) - I worked in traditional animation, both film and television and eventually worked as a freelance illustrator with several children's books published.  I worked with traditional hand - mediums, acrylics, water color, pencil, ink etc.  What would you advise in terms of steps to getting work in todays market after having been "out of the loop"?  My new full time job would actually allow time to complete a gig here and there - if I could find the right one.  Thank you very much.

Answer
First thank you for being on the front lines as a fire fighter....

The economy has put more than a crimp in the market for spendable $$ for artwork.  Many galleries are struggling and/or closed because of the downturn.

However, there are still a few ways to exhibit and hopefully sell your art works.  These are not new but for some they work better than having their art stored in the basement or studio.

1.  Open a merchant account with Amazon.com for your art work
2.  Open a merchant account with eBay.
3.  Contact local restaurants to see if you can hang your works on their bare walls with prices....and tell them they get 10% of any sale.
4.  Contact a local library and see if you can have a weekend exhibition with reception to exhibit your works [ditto for a bank with a "community room"].
5.  Find empty store fronts, and ask the landlord if you can have a weekend exhibition in the space....for 10% of your sales [if refused...ask if you can use the store front windows to exhibit some of your works and put in your website INFO
6.  If you don't have a website....get one.
7.  Become part of the Saatchi on line art program [its free].

All the best to you.....keep painting.


dj murphy

www.carpediemartgallery.com

www.bunkertreasures.com