Now I know I REALLY shouldn't, but what about this for a response to a fairly innocuous question (on another Forum, I hasten to add).
Re: Becoming real wildlife artist?
Quote:
Originally Posted by aalha
What do you think? What things will make wildlife artist look like serious artist in eyes of possible clients?
"Being represented by a big publisher, sitting at the Hyatt Regency signing prints...remarking, shaking hands and having work on hand that is jaw dropping excellent!
Being honored at Ruffed Grouse banquets, Ducks Unlimited banquets, Whitetails Unlimited, Trout Unlimited...with a serious work on auction, and then going for big bucks during the live auction.
Having press on being part of a major fundraising effort to save habitat or wildlife itself.
Leading the pack and not caring to imitate what others are doing with your work, setting the bar rather than chasing after it...
Letting clients know of your passion for painting, and integrity...preferring to go hungry and without than compromise on excellence. Never underselling your galleries, and having the galleries thus speaking very highly of you.
Not lowering your prices because everyone else is selling at about 1/4th the price your work is set at...and you're work isn't moving. Not lowering prices because you know what your work and name is worth, and thus collectors with money and the better eye can trust your work will maintain value.
Knowing your subject intimately. Talking with clients about YOUR work in the field, and acquired understanding. People in the community aware of your knowledge, and when a question comes up perhaps even to a taxidermist their suggestion may well be to....get hold of that wildlife artist __________, s/he'll know! You should be well known by area wardens and natural resources people. Serious wildlife artists should have the rapport. Often, I have had wardens stop by and show me a spring plumage rare predator bird roadkilled, illegal for most people to have in their possession.
In other words...live it. Let there be NO pretense. No bowling pins with wings attached and calling them ducks.
Enter competitions, work hard to improve and establish yourself with finalist pieces, runner-ups, and wins. Galleries, reps, agents and various exhibitions will rely upon such to attest to your proven status.
Clients/collectors are admiring an idealized idea of an individual with character, set apart and different than most people they know. Your job is to be that person of substance and character which means not settling for the easier way to slide thru life. Clients with money and loving the outdoors, conservation, wildlife and so forth are investing, and can spot a fake...
These are just a few ideas...
Then, after 20 years...come to realize that reputation and about .75 cents will buy you a cup of coffee...meaning, don't let it get to your head.
good luck to you in your endeavors...."