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Buying art from Self Representing Artists is a sound investment.
(ACEO, Small Format Art, and more)
When you buy art through a bricks and mortar gallery, you often pay 50-75% more than the artist nets! Why? Depending on it's status and location, the gallery will take a 30-60% commission . Most often, the artist pays for the framing, and of course, there is the cost of materials.
When an artist sells work through eBay as a Self Representing Artist, SRA, s/he doesn't need to worry about inflating the price. In establishing lower pricing, the artist provides the opportunity for buyers to become collectors! You may be able to buy two or more pieces for the same price as a comparable work found in a gallery setting .That is Sound Investing.
The price of an artist's work is set by market demand and the artist's sales history. Usually, the prices artist set are raised according to these factors. When a collector buys the work of an emerging artist (an IPO, if I may use that comparisom) the buyer and the artist hope that the value of the work goes up. If it does, everyone benefits.
An emerging artist may be an individual who is just entering the art world. However, there are other interpretations. A mid or late career artist may be emerging by being recognized by museums and critical reviewers. An established artist may be emerging within a particular field of art which is new to them; or in a specific area like the ever popular and diverse ACEO (Art Cards and Originals which are miniature works of art, 2.5"X3.5", see below),thus, their prices are still very affordable.
~~~ALSO, many Self Representing Artists produce their own POSTERS and limited edition printed (prints) reproductions of their original work...and sell it AND GREAT PRICES perfect for home decor. This is a great way for home owners and interiour designers to find wonderful images at low, reproduction print and poster prices.
The following acronyms may be used when searching for Self Representing Artists.
- ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals; The term most people are familiar with is ATC or Artist Trading Cards. Originally, ATCs were not sold, they were traded among artists. The ACEO movement makes these wonderful cards available to collectors. ACEOs are 2.5"X3.5". The mediums used and subjects explored are as varied as are the literally thousands of artists who are involved in this exciting movement. Usually the prices are very reasonable, often, in my opinion, too reasonable. I have seen very fine work go for as little as $3.99; or as much as $50...still a bargain for the quality available. There are a number of wonderful ACEO GUIDES on eBay, artist jillian's is highly recommended. She is the LEADER of the highly successful ACEO and ATC Enthusiasts group. Another format group is ART SQUARED (art2) artists create small square-formatted art, up to 14"X14". The mediums are also varied and many ACEO artists are involved with this movement. Because of the small scale, the prices are quite reasonable. The leader, blueyeduck is an award winning mixed media artist.
SIMPLE SEARCH TIPS FOR FINDING SELF REPRESENTING ARTISTS:
- ACRONYMS, "ISMS" AND ARTIST
- Other acronyms include, but are not limited to, ZNE-an interesting group of mixed media artists; OOAK-one of a kind; and a myriad of other groups and meanings. ZNE and OOAK may be searched under the category "Art" or Self representing Artists. ACEO, ATC are for Art Cards Editions and Originals and Artist Trading Cards; CaaT is an exciting acronysm for a group that sells art in a variety of mediums; SDHA, of Society of Diversified Halloween Artists offeres wonderful Halloween arts and hand crafts. Art2 offers small format SQUARE work; SFA=small format art. You might search under certain stylistic "isms" such as "impressionism" or "outsider art". When you find an artist you like, keep them linked in your favorites or SEARCH them by name which some post in their titles.
- ALTERED ART; ALTERED BOOKS are very interesting self representing categories. In brief, the "altered" folks begin with one object, often something found, and turn it into a wonderful work of art. There are no rules to size, subject, or mediums. It's a fabulously creative way to think about art! Another way to search is to look for artists who list some form of artist identification. For instance, I type VIM into every subject line so a VIM search will produce my work. When the results appear, look to the left side for ART category.
- There are many artists who create FOLK ART in all forms. Facinating folk art images are found under ACEO searches. Look for folk art dolls, halloween art, quilts, decorative art, and more. Try SDHA for halloween art and folk art.
- ARTIST DOLLS are one of eBay's hottest CREATIVE collectibles. Many artists create hand made one of a kind (OOAK) dolls that are unique and AWARD WINNING. There are a variety of styles from the highly realistic RE-BORNS to primitive folk dollies!
- STAINED GLASS, Raku potter AND MOSAICS are WONDERFUL high end crafts available on ebay. AND let's not forget the FIBER ARTS including ART QUILTS, one of a kind fiber hangings, the ever so popular quilted postcards, and a myriad of traditional and contemporary fiber arts.
- OIL PAINTINGS, WATERCOLORS, DRAWINGS, SCULPTURE....all available through self-representing artists.
- SUBJECTS- Search under Self Representing Artists-Artists may list a title in the subject area OR they might place some key words to suggest to subject or meaning of their work. I suggest that you do a subject and contents search using the key words --if you are interested in Peru, search Peru; if you want to buy nudes; search nude, naked; if you want to look for animals, search for the particular animal--cat is the most popular search. You might narrow it down by searching "black cat", or by using other adjectives. Artists may also list the style within the subject but not categorize it elsewhere. If you are interested in folk art, search folk art in Self Representing Artists as well as reviewing the folk art category. There are many ANIMAL artists on ebay. Dogs are one of the most popular areas so search SELF REPRESENTING ARTISTS for DOGS by the BREEDS. Horses, kangaroos...you name it...RABBITS. Landscapes, portraits, fantasy. Serious and silly images can be found, all made by self representing artists.
- WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY-I suggest watching several pieces of art by several artists. This is a good research technique. You will see the final prices and the list of bidders. Knowing who is interested in the same art work that caught your eyes can lead you to other artists. Go the the bidders' feedbacks and review items they have previously purchased. You might find another artist for your FAVORITES.
- FAVORITES-ARTIST NEWSLETTERS-Once you have found an artist whose work you enjoy, save the username under FAVORITES. If the artist has a store and offers a newsletter, sign up. The artist will send you interesting updates about their work-stylistic changes, expanded subjects, special offers, etc.
- CROSS PROMOTIONS-Some artists utilize eBay's powerful Cross Promotions system. If your artist is enrolled, the works of other artists will appear along with links to their work!! The images and links appear at the bottom of the auction.
- JOIN PUBLIC ART GROUPS and identify yourself as a potential buyer or collector. Let other members know what you like or what you want to buy, ie-rabbit images; images of war; portraits, etc. The members of the groups also post their images within the Photo Album and in discussions that focus on of the listings for the week. I recommend joining the FASTEST GROWING group for miniature art cards~~~ ACEO and ATC Enthusiasts.. Members post ACEOs and other work weekly and this group is very active with group projects including their now famous DARES. $$$VIM Vitality Imagination and Marketing is a friendly group filled with chat about making and selling art on ebay and potential buyers are alway welcomed. There are a number of ART DOLL members in VIM as well as fiber artists, painters, potters, and others.
In many groups, artists post their auctions with pictures so it's a good chance to SHOP.
LINKS TO ARTISTS ON EBAY. This selection was made by me to provide readers with access to artists working in many mediums and selling at a broad range of prices. Please let me know if any links are not current.
If you find this guide helpful, please let me know, below!
I hope this guide has been useful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me through eBay's messaging system. I will be happy to add additional information and credit you with the update.
Adrienne La Vallee collector and maker of ACEOs!
I ALSO BLOG ON EBAY!!!
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