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  #1  
Old 7th October 2009, 10:36 PM
kazer kazer is offline
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Default Selling prints as an independent artist

I’m just starting on this journey, but can’t help wondering…How feasible is it to make a living out of selling prints as an independent artist, that is, through art fairs, websites, galleries, etc?

Last edited by kazer; 7th October 2009 at 10:41 PM.
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Old 8th October 2009, 05:53 AM
Dave miller Dave miller is offline
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I think you have to die before you can make a good living.
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Old 8th October 2009, 06:00 AM
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What is the demand for prints in this country today? I'd say it's very very low. I'm not representative by any means but I have never bought a print from any one of the sources you list.

Then ask yourself how much you need to "make a living". For many, that number would start at 20,000 pa as income.

The lines don't converge! Though if you work 80 hours per week for ten years, they might start to run parallel.
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Old 8th October 2009, 08:02 AM
Richard Gould Richard Gould is offline
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Prints do sell, at least in Jersey, I know as I do sell them, but I also supplement my income from other forms of photography, you would need to get into the international markets to make a full time job of it, and that needs as much luck as skill, I would not recommend it purely within the U.K., you have an awfull lot of competion, Richard
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Old 9th October 2009, 11:20 AM
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It's a heck of a lot of work. And money (for the stalls at fairs etc). I've been trying it for a few months online but it's incredibly difficult to shout above the noise level, if you get my drift.

Having said that, I see that the East London Photomonth photography fair stalls are £25 and it's on Saturday so I'm going to check it out for next year. If research looks promising, finding out what people charge, how many people are there, etc. then I will consider it if I can ever remember it far enough in advance to book.
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Old 10th October 2009, 06:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
I think you have to die before you can make a good living.
I think someone said something along those lines to Turner; that they wouldn't pay those prices to a living artist
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Old 14th October 2009, 12:09 PM
kazer kazer is offline
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Thank you all for your replies. It doesn't look easy, but it doesn't look impossible as well. Perseverence and luck seem to be the recipee...Out of these two there's only one about which one can do something about, let's hope we have enough stamina...
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Old 14th October 2009, 12:20 PM
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B&W Neil B&W Neil is offline
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Selling images is just like selling anything else - studying the market well before putting your toe in helps. Best of luck and I hope you make it.

Neil.
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Old 14th October 2009, 12:42 PM
kazer kazer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mono-inthedark View Post
Selling images is just like selling anything else - studying the market well before putting your toe in helps. Best of luck and I hope you make it.

Neil.

Thank you Neil. All the best to you too.
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Old 14th October 2009, 03:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kazer View Post
Thank you Neil. All the best to you too.
There has been quite a few books written about this including one I remember reading years ago entitled; "How I made a million from my Mamiya," or something like that. It certainly wouldn't hurt doing a bit of general reading on the subject first

Neil.
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