Piazza is a fantastic example of a hard-working, selling artist. During the writing of this article, Piazza has had seven art showings in just a three-month span. How does he do it? That’s what Painting/Drawing at Suite 101 wanted to know. Here are his answers on how artists can promote their work.
Painting/ Drawing: What were the steps you took to get your first client?
Gregory Piazza: A friend of mine who is part owner of a lounge in uptown (Dallas) agreed to let me hold my art shows there. It was the perfect setting, casual and accessible, for people that don't consider themselves "art people" and are intimidated by the high-end galleries. With the right invitation list and pricing, the art tends to sell itself. These small shows gave my work exposure and led to more opportunities.
Painting/ Drawing: How do you manage to line up so many showings in such a small amount of time?
Gregory Piazza: Networking, asking for help (without begging), and offering help to others. I try to find a way to make my shows a win-win for the venue and myself. Charities are also important- giving to worthwhile causes because I believe in them and offer another opportunity to network. The few times I have not participated in charity shows is usually because of time constraints.
Painting/ Drawing: What kind of networking do you use to build your business?
Gregory Piazza: I am a very face-to-face person. I think e-mail is a necessary evil to get business done these days, but I don't care much for talking on the phone. I make time to regularly stop by the places displaying my work and the galleries whose directors have advised me along the way just to chat. This personal touch shows that you appreciate their willingness to help you.
Painting/ Drawing: Have you had any national sales? If so, how did you get that sale?
Gregory Piazza: I have made national sales through maintaining networks created while traveling and through friends who do not live in the DFW area. I also have a national rep responsible for finding opportunities for placement of my art.
Painting/ Drawing: Do you have a “favorite sale” story you can share with the readers?
Gregory Piazza: One of the driving forces for me to continue creating art is being able to witness people's reactions to it. In my most recent sale, the buyer was referred to my art through another recent client. He stopped by one of the retail outlets displaying my art and loved the piece. During my last showing that he attended, I displayed the piece again and the buyer again stated how much he loved it. Once I explained that all of my pieces, even the digital ones, are only produced one time, he bought it as well as a second one. This sincere enthusiasm and respect for my art keeps me creating new pieces.
Painting/ Drawing: You have started using your marketing skills to help other artists. Can you tell us a little about that?
Gregory Piazza: I have started to consult with and represent upcoming artists. I really enjoy helping them put shows together, understand their market, and find commission work for them. I am also working with a few galleries on identifying new artist for them. If artist are interested in working with me please contact me.
Alina Bradford - Alina Bradford is an artist with around 20 years of experience and 12 years experience as a professional writer.
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