Clint- That has actually happened to me. A person liked a particular work but wanted to ponder over it. He downloaded an image of from my site and placed it on his desk. He looked at it sitting there for three weeks before he decided he'd rather have the original on the wall. I do the same with art I like and might be interested in purchasing.

P.S. You can download images of my paintings all you want. LOL

Layaway is great. In fact, that's pretty much the way I buy. The same holds true for commissioned works once they're completed. I always send an image of the completed painting to the buyer so they can print it while they are waiting for the work to dry. You would be surprised how much they show it around and thus bring business back to you...

I've run into the problem of wanting to feature an artist on my Artist of the Month page of my blog, and when I try to gather images of their work, I can't. Then I move onto the next artist on my list. I understand that you don't want people to steal your work, but I seriously just want to help other people gain exposure. I think that the pros far outweigh the cons in this area. It's the best and easiest way to promote yourself.

It's funny this article came up. Just this morning a patron sent an email asking about a piece from my FASO site. Attached was the jpeg of the painting in question. The sale wasn't made today because the one she wanted was sold, but it's good to know she was serious enough to copy it to the computer for reference.

Share it.

Clint,
I always thought blocking images was kind of lame. Thank you for more confirmation on that.
We can use all the blog publicity.

On another note..were those artists blocking images afraid their images would be copied and used for prints etc. by some illicit marketer?
A lot of those artists don't realize the jpg size limits that from being possible. (they would get a lousy print).

I write a blog for artists, and often I will write a post about a question that an artist sent me. I like to use their art images on my blog post, along with a link to their website. It's very frustrating when I can't "grab" an image from the artist's site because it's protected. So like you said, I move on and use something else.

I'm so glad you wrote this article. It's important, particularly for the older generation, to realize that sharing is vital to marketing.

Of course, I draw the line at someone taking an image and selling it - but that's a different topic.

Well said Clint! I also have shaken my head in wonder when hearing artists complaining about somebody having posted their art, while respecting the artist's credit for the art. I'd be honored if people would start posting and writing about my art.

People need to realize that without sharing, nothing is gained. Sharing will bring one more in the long run than complaining. If by sharing something, someone was made happier that day, then great. I say, honor the golden rule.

Oh dear -- you have taken me to task.

I have not posted my art work on FaceBook, not because I don't want people to have it, but because I'm having a hard time trusting FB. Oops... hope that's all right to say. The security isn't very good there. I was hacked last Fall, and just last week it put a nasty wormy thing in my computer's start-up memory.

But my paintings are in a PBase gallery, and I know they've been downloaded and printed. (I've been told so.) I'm not really concerned... for the reasons you gave.

But you do have me thinking -- how many people SEE my work in PBase? I have some blog traffic, which points to my galleries, but I could do a lot more.

Hmmm... Yes indeedy -- you have smacked my hand, and I thank you for it.

Barb

I've always said - there are a million more ideas where that came from just waiting to come out of my head?

Clint - just so you know the link to post a comment wasn't working for me either. It said there were too many "redirects".

I finally started reading this newsletter and I am amazed at the information. Now I need to set up my website, figure out pricing for my first open studio experience and not be nervous about posting my images online..Thanks Clint I am reading and learning . Kay Hale

Ooops...I meant "Clint," not Keith!

Georgeann - FASO sites are not blocked.

Diane, I can certainly relate to your frustration. For most artists, it's a slow process and I'm learning that those who keep throwing mud on the walls will eventually have some of it stick. But it won't stick unless you get out there. I started by selling to family, then a little on Ebay. I didn't like Ebay so I quit selling there. From then, for me, it's been entering competitions, and selling there to collectors. That becomes exciting!

I'm far from being where I want to be in regards to selling my art, but I'm working on it. I try to never miss an opportunity when it presents itself. I've even donated art. I support a local horse club, and have donated a very large piece to a charity's annual art auction. I didn't make any money, but my piece was one of the highest priced items, and it sold. Now somebody has this huge piece in their house to talk about when company comes over. I'm also thinking of starting home shows later, and joining a local co-op gallery. I've just joined a local art club which has a couple of yearly shows. These attract a lot of people. There are many venues, the deal is to get out there and do it.

Good luck to you Diane. But most importantly, have fun doing it! :-D

I'm inspired! Going to go and post one right now!