Best Self-Marketing Practices as an Artists

You keep hearing about you need to put yourself out there... but how do you do it and what works best?  I've compiled a small list of things that have worked for me and artists that I know along with what I've read in comic artist books and marketing books.  I'll try to keep it simple and straight to the point:

Social Media:  Facebook remains the largest most influential social media monster out there.  Besides having your personal page for family and friends, create an artist page for yourself with a good amount of art samples for your gallery which will serve as your portfolio.  Connect this profile to your Instagram account...you should have an Instagram account if your an artist.  Communicate daily or at a minimum every few days with either art or updates on your latest project.

Business cards:  You have to have them.  You can get them for a good price off of Vista prints.  They are a must.  Everyone you meet that is somewhat interested in what you do or would like to work with you will appreciate a business card.  At the end of the day you are a salesman selling your service or product.

Networking:  Oh yes...here's the part so many dread.  You need to go out and socialize.  Many artist are very introverted so this can play a particular challenge.  Go to comic book stores and comic conventions.  How to engage in a conversation: Start off with a nice complement (comic art related works well) and smile.  Then follow up with an introduction... "Hi, my name is Andres.  I draw comics."  Have your portfolio with you. Try to avoid showing them your online portfolio on your phone and try to get them to use theirs in order for them to like or follow you.

Small Jobs:  Take on small projects to get your name out.  You can look into magazines for quick 3-10 page projects.  There are also small indie publishers that you can work with but don't expect much money out of it.  You can also go for the Mid-Level publishers.  This will help build up your reputation.  Its good practice on meeting deadlines and meeting editors.

Remember to place your art out there one way or another on a daily routine so that it becomes a habit.  

Building Yourself up as an Artist

The reason many artist fail is because they don't get their name out.  The industry is very saturated, but even within that pool of artists some have very recognizable talent.  Sadly enough several of those waste their efforts in frivolous actions that lead nowhere and quickly become disappointed about the market.  Others have the mistaken notion that if they draw well enough opportunities will simply walk up to their door step and knock.  All of these artists wonder why they aren't making any money or getting more work.  "Exposure", that little word that has gotten so much negative feed back is actually the key.

Many upcoming comic creators have this idea that talent alone justifies them.   The almost cliche' argument of "Working for Exposure..." is the high light of almost every new artistic presenter...and yet these are the same artists that can't find new work.  As an artist myself I will say and stand behind saying that working for exposure is one of the greatest ways to acquire new and well paying clients and jobs.

The single most important thing to know when you work for exposure is the marketability vs work.  In simple terms, do your due diligence and evaluate the opportunity.  There is a big difference between working on a full 34 page comic for a first time writer and/or studio versus working a cover or 3 comic pages for a national recognized magazine.  Use a little common sense.  The opportunities are out there.

To get the best marketing out of it you will want to target national to global publishers and what you would consider small or simple jobs that you could showcase your best art.  You can even get some benefit from helping small publishers with small projects as long as they're well known in their local comic book scene.  Take on a few mini projects.

When you put your art out there with recognized publishers many clients can view your marketability for themselves.  In other words they'll be able to see for themselves that your work sells and is out in the market place.  When you help local small publishers the word spreads and others will want to hire you.  If you can be a bit flexible with your financing many publishers and writers will want to hire you.

The key thing here is to get your art out there in the market place through recognized publishers and local indies so that you're recommended to others.