How can artists attract art collectors and build a sustainable career?

By Sergio Gomez

Let me share a personal story that might just change the way you think about finding art collectors. Like many of you, I used to constantly ask myself, "How do I find art collectors?" It was a question that seemed both daunting and frustrating, as if I were a hunter desperately seeking elusive prey. But let me tell you, my friends, that question led me down a path of disappointment and uncertainty.

Asking the Wrong Question

As an emerging artist, I thought my job was to go out and find collectors wherever they might be hiding. I believed they were playing a game of hide-and-seek, and it was up to me to uncover their secret locations. But the more I searched, the more discouraged I became. It was a never-ending cycle of frustration.

Shifting the Perspective

It took me years, as I grew and matured as an artist, to realize that I had been asking the wrong question all along. The real question wasn...

By Sergio Gomez

Today, I want to talk to you about something that has truly transformed my artistic career: embracing the unexpected. Believe it or not, some of the most incredible opportunities have come knocking on my door when I least expected them. So, gather around as I share with you my personal journey and the valuable lessons I've learned along the way.

Opening Doors Through Serendipity

Life has a funny way of presenting us with opportunities we never knew we needed. Think about it – how many times have you stumbled upon an event, an opening, or a gathering by pure chance? Well, let me tell you, my friends, those moments can be life-changing.

Seize the Moment

One thing I've learned is that being present is key. It's not enough to physically show up; you have to be open to the possibilities that await you. So, throw away your expectations and approach each experience with a sense of curiosity and willingness. Trust me, the universe has an uncanny way of aligning the stars w...

By Sergio Gomez

I've noticed that many of you in our artistic community often wonder about the best type of content to create for your online marketing. It's a question that lingers in the back of our minds, as we strive to connect with our audience in meaningful ways. Well, let's dive into this topic together and uncover some insights that may help you find your path.

Riding the Wave of Trends: Platform-Specific Content

The first aspect to consider is the platform you're using. In this ever-evolving landscape of social media, trends come and go like the ebb and flow of a painter's brush. So, pay attention to what's hot and trending, because that's where you'll find the most organic reach.

As of now, short Instagram Reels are stealing the spotlight, captivating viewers with their bite-sized, visually enticing content. So, if you haven't explored Reels yet, it might be worth giving it a try and seeing how it resonates with your artistic style.

Unleashing Your Artistic Superpower...

By Sergio Gomez

You've probably heard me say, "You have to show up to be remembered," and I still stand by that statement. But today, let's delve deeper into what it means to show up as an artist. It's not just about making videos or creating content for the masses. Sometimes, showing up can take a quieter, more personal approach.

Embrace the Art of Gratitude

One way to show up is by expressing gratitude. Have you ever considered the impact of a simple thank-you note? Taking the time to write a heartfelt message to a collector or curator can make all the difference in your art career. It shows that you appreciate their support and value their contribution to your artistic journey. So why not pick up a pen and let them know how much their presence means to you?

Reconnect and Rekindle

Another powerful way to show up is by reaching out to people you haven't connected with in a while. Life gets busy, and it's easy to lose touch, but sometimes a small gesture can reignite a meaningful ...

By Drew Harris

If there is one piece of advice I can offer, is to remove the word “should” from our  vocabulary as artists, particularly when it comes to valuating our work, past, present and future.

The Challenge of Finding the Right Balance

Far too often, I hear artists lamenting on the fact their work is under-valuated, or in some cases, over-valuated and not selling. Finding a perfect balance is never easy as it is often dependent on market indicators such as regional, national or international economics, and often, dare I suggest, it’s based on trends in the market, so if you are not trending, it doesn’t mean you “should or shouldn’t” charge more or less, but remain consistent as trends tend to be cyclical and less stable. Your pricing however, must remain stable, growing as you grow as an artist.

Maintaining Stability in a Fluctuating Market

As the art buying market fluctuates, our work, even when correctly valuated may seem as though no one is interested, or perhaps everyon...

By Sergio Gomez

Listen to Sergio in the Podcast

Read Sergio's Blog Post

Today we're diving deep into the psychological challenges we face when pricing our art. I can tell you, from my own experience, that pricing artwork can be a challenging and often uncomfortable task for many artists.

Emotional Attachment to Our Work

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that our artworks are not just products; they're deeply personal expressions of ourselves. Each piece is a part of us, infused with our ideas, emotions, and hours of hard work. This emotional connection makes it challenging to assign a monetary value to our creations.
Take one of my abstract figurative paintings, for instance. It's not just paint on canvas to me. It's an exploration of life cycles and personal experiences. How do you put a price on something so intimate? This is a struggle many artists face.

Fear of Rejection or Devaluation

Another factor at play is our fear of rejection or devaluation. We fear t...

By Sergio Gomez

As artists, we all know the struggle of putting a price tag on our creations. It's one of the most challenging aspects of our journey. How do we determine the value of the art we've poured our heart and soul into? At first glance, the idea seems ridiculous. But let me assure you, my fellow artists, we've all experienced this dilemma at the start of our art careers.

The Constant Questions

As we grow and mature in our artistic endeavors, the same questions continue to haunt us. When should we raise our prices? How should we charge now compared to a year or two ago? These questions are valid, and they reflect our desire to navigate the art market with confidence and fairness.

Starting with Self-Worth

Today, I want to discuss a vital starting point in this pricing conundrum: self-worth. Step one is to believe wholeheartedly that what we offer as artists holds tremendous value. It's time to silence those nagging voices of doubt and truly embrace the fact that our creati...

In this captivating episode of "The Artist Next Level Podcast," host Sergio Gomez sits down with acclaimed hyperrealist artist Nadine Robbins to delve into the mesmerizing world of hyperrealistic portraiture. Prepare to be awestruck as Nadine shares the secrets behind her four-hour video session, where she meticulously captures the essence of a human eye in her breathtaking portraits.

Join Sergio and Nadine as they embark on a fascinating exploration of the creative process, revealing the intricate steps involved in achieving hyperrealism. Discover the story behind Nadine's remarkable video class, designed to guide aspiring artists through the intricate journey of painting a hyperrealistic eye. Uncover the thought process that led her to choose the specific model for this masterpiece and gain insights into her decision to offer this transformative experience as an online class.

In this inspiring conversation, Nadine opens up about the challenges and joys of hyperrealism, sharing p...

By Sergio Gomez

Embracing the Beauty of Collaboration

Creating art is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with artists immersing themselves in the solitude of their studios, seeking inspiration from within. However, there is a vibrant and transformative dimension of the artistic journey that lies beyond the studio walls—a realm where connections with fellow artists and art enthusiasts can ignite a spark of collaborative creativity. Today, we delve into the art of connection and explore how embracing collaboration can elevate your artistic endeavors to new heights.

The Wisdom of Ruth: "It's All About People"

Imagine this: a wise friend and seasoned art connoisseur named Ruth once told me this piece of advice that resonated deeply with me. Ruth, having traversed the art world as a museum director and consultant, once said, "Hey Sergio, it's all about people. Learn to work with them, and success will find you." Her words, seemingly simple, carry profound meaning. They remind us that whi...