Wow! This Art Is Great! How Much?

The life of an artist is an emotional rollercoaster.

When people ask me how to thrive as an artist, I always reply: "prepare your heart to suffer." The biggest challenge for me is not making great art but selling it.

The internet has made things incredibly easy for creatives out there, but also very complicated. Buyers are unpredictable, galleries are cold, greedy and snobbish. We are soldiers in the trenches. State your pricing upfront -if you are lucky to know it- "Oops," your price is too high, they will ghost you. Your price is too low? No value -are you serious?-, they will ghost you! Try to build rapport and, at least, know the buyers' needs before they invest. You'll. See. Ghosts!!!

Then you feel the remorse. You were that close. The art is good though. Why? What's going on in this world?

Here are, according to me, the elements that will help you get a better grasp of this question that torments us, creatives, at nights.

Art does sell by itself. This is total BS. Before making art, I was a salesman. Computers, services, over the phone or in-person sales, you name it. I got a collection of Jeffrey Gitomer, Tom Hopkins, Zig Ziglar books. I used to email Seth Godin regularly, just to get every nugget of inspiration from the man. There's an old saying that says "People do business from people they know, like and trust. They like your art but do they know you? Do they trust you? Please understand that art and music are not necessities, like water or food. They are Fugazzi 's. Even water brands need great advertising, however, it's the same water you and I drink, isn't it? Without conversations and great questions, nothing moves.

Don't chase the money. Ridiculous statement right? Everybody wants the Benjamins. After all, money buy painting materials -God knows they are expensive.- but money can make or break you. I'm in this game to bring massive and ongoing joy to the people. I'd rather build strong relationships. You can accept any amount of money, that doesn't make a great artist. Crafting great art means that you have to bring your A-level game and deliver, no matter how much time it takes. There's no other way around. When we, artists, sit down and paint, we are not thinking: "Oh Lord have mercy! I will sell this for 3.150.000$, Banksy or Koons got nothing on me!" I'd like to illustrate my point with this sketch from famous french comedians "Les Inconnus", here's a translation: "As he says, Juan Romano Schukalesku is not only a painter or a sculptor, he is above all a space animator, a vacuum modeler." // Juan: "When I create it is not me who goes to the canvas, it is the canvas that comes to me. In a kind of irresistible call to color, a kind of osmosis between the tube, the hairs the canvas and the body alchemy."

He proceeds and put a "3" in front of the original price he was first thinking about.

The velvet rope policy. One thing about me: I'm a huge dog lover. Growing up surrounded by all kind of animals gave me a deep sense of care and responsibility. In a sense, buying a piece of art is an act motivated by love, it's like buying a puppy: it's beautiful, it will give you an incredible amount of joy and surely will be a great companion in your life. When I sell my art, I'm happy to know that it will be taken care of and not just accumulating dust somewhere. I'm happy to know that it will trigger great conversations among my patrons' guests during lunch/dinner. I'm happy to know that every time I post new art on my social media, my customers will ALWAYS like them. It keeps me going. Artists have the responsibility to protect their art -and sanity- from non-serious requests. Trust me, the internet is full of them.

Sensitivity. I have to share the general perception most people gets from artists. As a creative, you look like this remote aunt with a petulant black cat which makes visitors guessing where to sit in the living room at every once-a-year visit. People are afraid of hurting your 'feelings' sometimes they are even afraid to reply to your messages! I think they shouldn't. The artist is not in the pockets of the customers. If they are really interested, they will tell you their budget from the get-go. I really like that, because at least they show they are game and we know what we are talking about. The patron always calls the shot, the artist is here to guide and take everybody home.

Finding an agent. Oh, tell me about it! I've been there. Remember the movie "Jerry McGuire"? Lots of agents in the sea, but good luck finding one who really cares and is invested by the same drive, energy, and passion than you. Nobody can stand the pressure, the daily urgency, and sell art better than the artist him/herself. Until that glorious day happens, you are on your own.

So Lio, will you finally tell us how much it is? Damn it! I don't know my friend... It depends on so many factors -I'm not a diva!- Unless you are Warren Buffet or Bill Gates, I don't think you woke up this morning and said to yourself "I wanna buy art today, I can feel it!", even the richest people invest wisely. Is your wall big enough for the piece? Do you know the best framer in your town? What do you like about that piece? Is your wife/husband aware of your investment? -You know that the 'wife' is always right, right?- Have you made some researches about me? Read my reviews on my facebook page or Linkedin from my patrons? If you don't have a clue about all those questions, I can't help.

In conclusion, buying an artwork is an important move, some people put art in the bank. It's a serious business. For the art to move and go up on a wall, the artist and the patron must come to an agreement. If the latter is exhausted by the questioning, the relationship-building process, and only want to know "How much?" then it's time to close the store and let it go, this art is NOT for that person. No regrets, but always be thankful for the interest.

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Lionel Thomas is an artist painter of music, musician, and storyteller. France-born and international artist, he brings a colorful perspective and injects new life into the art world with his myriad of vibrant works.

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I'd like to give a special shout-out to my patrons who have been on this boat with me, during this crazy journey, and have helped to push this art forward: Stephen Lange, Julia Thomsen, Brady Hill, Travis Merchant, Donna Brewster, Caroline Burney, Stephan Dagan, Kristin Sherry, Victor Haskins, Alonzo Wright, Ben Rhodes, Tinisha Gold, Ghalem Ouadjed, Paul Mc Farlane, Raymond McGlamery, Greg Coates, Josh Mills, Chris Heintz, Frank Grennie the list goes...