Home Site UpdatesGift GivingFeatured ItemEbay Auctions

When I first started in this business, in 1999 with a modest little web site, I had almost no knowledge of how to market my artwork.  The only thing I knew is that I loved to paint fantasy and myth...but I certainly never thought a few years later, I'd be doing it for a living and even employing several people to help me.

In looking back, some key people really helped me in my journey.  Sometimes, all an artist needs is a glimmer of hope...a bit of praise, support or encouragement.  I remember taking my work into my local new age store...scared to death of what they may say to me.  Much to my surprise and delight, the store owner raved about my pieces, saying that she thought there would be a place in her store for them...and prompted me to paint more of the goddesses from mythology.  That little seed was enough to propel me further.  I posted a small gallery on-line...and remember how that opened up my world to the wonderful people in this business. 

Amy Brown soon became a great source of advice.  Even though some artists would have viewed me as competition in a negative way, Amy never did.  She always took the time to share tips on how she was doing her prints, marketing, etc.  She was, and is, a great source of inspiration for me. 

Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly is a gem, and also one of my closest fairy friends.  Without her to rant to and laugh with, I'd not stay sane.

There were also countless others along the way whose support meant so much.  David Riche, whom we happily call our Fairy Godfather, reached out to form a net of friends in the fairy art community.  His efforts have kept the momentum going in this industry. 

I also was lucky enough to make friends with the ultra talented Nene Thomas...she has helped me improve my art itself so much with her helpful advice, tips and more.  Though I will probably never be as good as this modern-day master...she has helped me improve my technique with her open, caring and encouraging advice.

There are so many other wonderful artists in this business that I've had the pleasure to get to know...Selina Fenech, Brigid Ashwood, Jane Starr Weils, Lisa Steinke, Linda Biggs, Wendy Kathleen, Renee Biertempfel, the list just goes on and on.

When I first started in this business, there were but a few faery artists, and it was a relatively obscure genre.  Now, a search on fairy artists will result in hundreds, if not thousands of emerging artists.  It has been really exciting to be one of the first to propel this incredible trend.  What was once just a handful of us, is now an entire society of artists working in a similar vein.

Of course with the huge amount of artists springing up, there is bound to be a bit of negativity as well.  I've heard that those of us who did it first have often become targets of hateful bashing on forums.  I've also seen many artists taken advantage of by those who are fueled by greed. While this is sad, we must remember that this is just like any other industry.  And, some people react to other's successes by trying to tear them down, maybe with the hopes that if they do, there will be more room for them. I have chosen to take the high road with this...keep my close friends closer, and respond to the negavity with my own dose of positivity.  With that said, these are my bits of advice to other artists...

First and foremost, believe in YOU
When you happily declare that you want to be an artist for a living, and better yet...a fantasy or fairy artist, you'll probably be met with a bit of discouragement.  Let it roll off of you...let it drive you even harder to succeed.

Find your wings
With so many artists working in this genre now...I'd say to find a niche within it.  Something that gives you an edge - a theme, a distinctive style or the like.

Treat others with kindness
If I would have taken the stance when I first started, that I was going to attempt to tear down the artists above me, I would have never succeeded as I have.  This is one of those industries where word travels fast, and it's better to have friends than enemies.  So, befriend those artists you admire...don't attempt to belittle them in forums, etc.  It will only bite you in the bum so to speak.  You will gain so much more for supportive relationships than you will from spreading hatred.  Not only that, at the end of the day, you'll feel better knowing that you are a kind person, and that will reflect in your reputation in the industry as well.  My friendships with other fairy artists have literally blown doors wide open for me that probably never would have opened otherwise.

Form a library
Art books, art books and more art books.  Get them anytime you can.  Instructional books, how to books, books by artists you admire, artist reference books.  You can't have too many.  From the beginning of time, artists have been inspired by other artists.  It is one of the beautiful things about life as an artist.  Don't let anyone else tell you differently.

Practice your craft - over and over!
You can never practice too much.  Practice your art often.  Don't be afraid to try new mediums to keep it interesting.  Right now I'm trying my hand at oils, the complete opposite of my watercolor comfort zone :)

When you're ready - get out there!
Sometimes the hardest thing for artists to do...get out there and knock on doors!  The best way to showcase your art is with a web gallery.  It's inexpensive and will open many doors for you.  I use Julie Fain of www.creativitydesigns.com for all of my web work - she rocks.  Make your web gallery as professional as you can...it will be the first impression customers, licensors, etc. have of you and your art.  I can't stress enough, market yourself!  This doesn't mean to annoy companies with floods of e-mails.  But sending a professional portfolio and a nice letter, or an introductory e-mail works wonders.

Do It Yourself!
In my ever so humble opinion, you and YOU alone as the artist, can represent yourself in the best way possible.  Of course there are some fabulous companies out there who can do a great job representing you...so using an agent can be great for those artists who prefer to just paint and not think about the business aspect of things.  Just make sure whoever represents you has only your best interest at heart.

Merchandise!
Part of what helps me sell the amount of volume that I do is the sheer number of different products I offer with my art on it.  Keep this in mind....many people run out of wall space for prints and paintings, but they can always use a coffee mug, figurine or candle.

Do what's in your heart
If your heart is in a painting, etc., it will show.  My most successful paintings have been the ones that I felt the strongest about while painting.  

Now, don't give up
It won't be easy (unless you are extremely lucky)...but it is possible.  Visualize yourself as a professional artist.  Do what it takes to make it happen, and be patient - these things take time.  Just don't give up on your dreams! 

Keep your passion alive!
This part is more for the seasoned artist who has been at it a while.  It is easy to fall into the routine of feeling pressured to do what others expect of you and letting your art get stagnant.  I have been guilty of this for sure.  You must find a balance between painting what you want to paint and what the market wants from you.  Don't be afraid to try new mediums, new themes, etc. to keep you fresh and excited about your art.