The Portrait Market

Debra Jones · 02-22-2009, 07:13 PM

I gave up the day job in June. Didn't make a penny in 4 months. In October, I geared up my animal portraits hard and constantly. I caught up with my bills and am paying things ahead. I got tired of waiting for the "Right people" to find me and listened to who was asking and what they were asking for. My sphere of influence is a much better place to start than trying to homestead in unknown territory.

I said yes to every opportunity, set out to make a lot of my own, and this is where they led.

I paint small and constantly and find I do a lot more promoting than producing, but the production is way up. Painting on spec is better for my soul, and it turns out, not hurting my pocketbook. BASICALLY I priced down by making my art smaller. The RATE is the same but the minis are selling much better.

Tammy Nielsen · 02-24-2009, 12:33 PM

Hi Debra,
Do you have some samples of your minis? I do minis too. Pets and portraits. Would love to see some of what you're doing. Thanks Tammy

Debra Jones · 02-24-2009, 12:47 PM

I started a blog and have a very good run at it. 95% are 5x7" watercolors.
http://dog-a-dayartblog.blogspot.com/

Carol Norton · 02-24-2009, 01:33 PM

Debra, your dogs from the park are fabulous.

Do you shoot the photos at the park and give the owners your card to contact you? (Don't worry, I don't plan to go to Scottsdale to do this, but not a bad idea for down my way!)

Debra Jones · 02-24-2009, 01:48 PM

I just have my camera with me. I shoot anywhere and anything. I tell people what I do and they can give me their info.

I don't start a commission unless they order it. I have my blog on my card and let them contact me. IF they see a dog on the blog they want to buy, it is the same price. I try to NOT paint a dog I know who the owner is, in case they do want to commission something. Often they will want a larger piece, so why undersell myself! If they are interested I don't give them the possibility of lifting the piece from the site.

I try to practice on as many different breeds as possible so if they ask, I can show them one. I don't really sell. They would kick me out of the park if I did. I make myself available and if they ask, I tell them.

Carol Norton · 02-24-2009, 02:41 PM

Thanks, Debra. Great ideas!

Debra Jones · 02-24-2009, 02:45 PM

I went to the Gilbert dog park a while back. It is a great place for big wet dogs. They have a lake and lots of room for splashing.

You may try after work. The kids like to run home in their high heels, grab the dog and go frolic, before they dress up to go out. Or so it seems here in Scottsdale!