Ask a Gallery Owner | Should Artists Brag About Their Sales?

I acquired the next query from a reader in Calgary:

I have a burning concern for you. I have talked about it with other artist buddies, but I would like to listen to your impression on this if you have the time.

Is it prudent for an artist to boast about a bought painting on social media?

It makes me unquestionably mad to see artists publish, in upper scenario, bold letters, flourished with many exclamation marks, Offered!!

…Face Palm! ARGH!

Is this remotely useful for one’s upcoming revenue?
Is this blatant bragging?
Is this amateurish?

I almost never write-up Offered on my social media, permit by itself a little point out of the sale.

My thought is, making and product sales are what we are supposed to do, and it screams newbie to me. Am I off foundation below?

Do realtors ‘brag’ about the previous house they bought? Do utilized car salesmen? How about a plastic surgeon…SOLD!! an additional pair of triple D’s!!

Michelle

My Reaction:

Hi Michelle – it is wonderful to hear from you, and I’m glad you achieved out with this dilemma. I do have an understanding of what you are stating – that it feels braggadocious to share sales on-line or via social media. I would essentially argue that it definitely is a superior plan to publish gross sales in this way. Submitting offered operate can build buzz all over your perform with your followers – they will generally congratulate you on the sale and feel truly thrilled for you. Which is all very good energy and vibes going your route. Far more importantly, however, when your previous consumers see that many others are acquiring your function, it assists them truly feel validated in their conclusion to have ordered your do the job. For people who haven’t nonetheless purchased from you, it assists transfer them nearer to a buy choice when they see that other discerning buyers are paying for your perform.

I primarily enjoy observing posts the place we get to see the artwork in its new home, and possibly a image of the artist and potential buyers.

Gross sales should really be celebrated!

I know it feels like you are tooting your personal horn to article revenue, but if you really don’t toot that horn, no a single will!

Definitely you would want to be careful not to overdo it, or to expose individual information and facts about the purchasers, but as long as you are mindful with that, I would inspire you to go for it! I assume you’ll locate that your followers will really like to see what is likely on with your profits.

P.S. just for fun I’m which include a page from a local newspaper with a realtor’s advertisement the place we see an illustration of specifically what you talked about – the realtors listing 10 recent attributes that they’ve sold.

Michelle replied:

Thanks so substantially for this comments. You emphasize superior points. I will try out it…it just will not be double Daring or UNDERLINE!!! “in your face” kind of post. A matter of actuality, not fluffy, not bragging , just informational.

What do you assume – is it a excellent notion for an artist to publicize not too long ago sold artwork? How do you let your followers know about these product sales? Have you viewed other artists go too much in bragging about their profits? Share your feelings in the reviews under.