If you need to make money as an artist, you might want to consider making some commodity art. It may seem degrading, cheapening, making art for the express purpose of sale, but it truly isn't. Being an artist, whether you realize it or not, is an important and underestimated part of society. Without art, in all of it's forms, our culture would be dull and lifeless, and even if it's done to make money, commodity art is still art. Commodity art still adds culture to our society, and shows a different face of the world around us that we all need to see. In a way, it's almost a necessity; being true to your art is important, but so is having something to eat at the end of the day.



So what kind of art can you make into commodity art? The correct answer, I believe, is any kind. Any kind of art can become a commodity to be sold. The trick is how to market it. The first step to marketing your art is to be confident without being a snob. Acting like a snob will weaken your ability to network and thus weakens your ability to sell. People prefer to buy from an imaginative artist with humility who is down to earth, but confident and knows that their art truly is art. Create an air of approachability but confidence; take pride in what you make, but don't as if you're the next Picasso, even if by some miraculous chance you actually are.



To get into the business of commodity art, you should try to find an art consultant or an art dealer and pay them for an hour of their time. While the thought of paying someone simply for their time can bristle the hair on the back of some peoples' necks, it gives them incentive to see you. The world is full of artists who are trying to make it, and if you aren't willing to give a little sacrifice of some blood, sweat, tears, and a few dollars, then you aren't likely to make it. Find an art agent that you like and call them or E-mail them, address them directly by name and tell them that you've looked up on their work and would like them to look on your work and give you advice on how to get your art into an art show. When the worlds of art and business collide, be an artist in the studio a professional in the office, and an amalgamation of both during art shows.