How to Write About Your Artwork
The Written Description of your Artwork is Critical
If you’re a self-taught artist who wants to sell your art online, coming up with 200 or 300 words may seem like a daunting task; after all, you’re an artist, not a writer! That said, when you want to promote your creative works on the Internet, using words – the RIGHT words – is essential. In fact, the written description of your art can be just as critical as the visual in the virtual world. You have to “sell” the virtues and features of your work, offering vivid descriptions for potential buyers.
How to See Your Artwork From Your Buyer’s Point of View
You’re not a writer, and maybe your marketing skills aren’t so great, either. Online, you have to look at your paintings, sketches, and drawings from the potential buyer’s point of view, describing the benefits and features in a way that engages the potential buyer. Art work can be challenging to sell (for a good price), however by connecting the emotional and story value to the work you will increase the value. Details in your descriptions and artist statement will elevate your work. Learn how to write an artist statement here.
Achieve success selling your art online with these tips.
Paint a vivid picture with words.
Describe your creation as if the interested party could not see the painting or drawing. Think of it this way: Pretend the words you use to describe your work is the only experience the reader will ever have of it.
Include details of the colors, being very descriptive about their effect. For instance, dark blue may be included with the word “dusky.” Other descriptive words describing the intensity of color can include diffused, radiant, luminous.
Consider the feeling you can evoke through words.
If a potential client is looking for a painting to use as the focal point over a sofa in the living room, he/she isn’t looking for a sunset with lots of purple and orange. The client is thinking more in terms of a distinctive, eye-catching piece that will evoke a relaxed, soothing feeling. Your words should make potential buyers FEEL the mood or tone of the painting.
Owning Art as a Status Symbol
I’ve found it strange that people who can spend thousands of dollars on furniture in an upscale home will resort to off the shelf cheap art prints mass produced in China. My thoughts are… they don’t think about the wall. Or they don’t know there is a better option. Market your work as a status symbol. An investment. Buying original art can have a financial basis and the potential future value of the painting or sculpture may have been the deciding factor.
Owning original art can lend an air of success to the recipient of the art. It can also be a status symbol of culture, value and meaning.
Scarcity
Don’t be in a rush to sell your work. Human nature is that we all want what we can’t have. Take the approach of scarcity marketing and limit the availability of your work. When producing prints sign and number each one. Be sure and use terms such as limited editions. Words such as; one-of-a-kind collectable, a legacy for future generations, an heirloom piece, timeless. These words convey weight and value.
Social Proof
Use other peoples words about your work. What others say increases visibility. As challenging as it might be, ask for the endorsements of your work. More than just “we like the artwork”.
This is an extraordinary painting of a magnificent horse! I have him framed and up on the wall and is one of the first things you see when you come into my home. Everybody comments on how beautiful this horse and this painting is.
The colors are so vibrant and the expression of the brushstrokes makes it come alive. I bought this for my daughter and she is thrilled.
Sell the experience.
Sure, art is charcoal, pencil, or paint on canvas or other medium – but it isn’t passive!
You aren’t just selling a physical object, you’re selling an experience, a feeling, a moment in time. Explain in your content what your art accomplishes, whether it nurtures and soothes, charms, motivates, or creates an atmosphere.
Even after reading these tips, coming up with the right words may still be tough – but with practice and a little assistance from family and friends who can describe your artwork from their own unique perspectives, you’ll find it becomes much easier!
