As an artist, gaining exposure for your work is crucial for building your reputation, attracting potential buyers, and advancing your career. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by having your art featured in magazines and blogs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps and strategies to increase your chances of getting your artwork showcased in various publications.
Understanding the Landscape
Before diving into the specifics of how to get featured, it’s essential to understand the current landscape of art publications and blogs.
The art world has undergone significant changes in recent years, with digital platforms becoming increasingly important alongside traditional print media.
- Print magazines: Still hold prestige and often have a dedicated readership
- Online magazines: Offer wider reach and often more frequent publication schedules
- Art blogs: Range from personal passion projects to influential industry voices
- Social media platforms: Can serve as gateways to more traditional features
According to a 2021 survey by ArtTactic, 70% of art collectors use online platforms to discover new artists, highlighting the importance of digital presence in today’s art world.
Preparing Your Portfolio
The first step in getting your art featured is to have a strong, well-curated portfolio.
This is your calling card and the primary tool you’ll use to showcase your work to editors and bloggers.
Key Elements of a Strong Portfolio
- High-quality images: Ensure your artwork is professionally photographed
- Cohesive body of work: Demonstrate a clear artistic vision or theme
- Artist statement: Craft a compelling narrative about your art and process
- Biography: Include relevant education, exhibitions, and achievements
- Contact information: Make it easy for interested parties to reach you
Remember, your portfolio should be tailored to the specific publication or blog you’re targeting.
Research their style and content to ensure your submission aligns with their aesthetic and audience.
Identifying Target Publications
Not all art publications are created equal, and it’s crucial to target those that are most relevant to your work and career stage.
Types of Publications to Consider
- Niche art magazines focusing on your specific medium or style
- General art and culture magazines with broader appeal
- Local and regional publications that support area artists
- Online platforms and blogs dedicated to emerging artists
- Industry-specific publications (e.g., interior design magazines for decorative art)
Create a list of potential targets and prioritize them based on their reach, relevance, and likelihood of featuring emerging artists.
A study by the College Art Association found that artists who strategically target publications are 40% more likely to be featured than those who submit randomly.
Building Relationships in the Art World
Networking plays a crucial role in getting your art noticed by the right people.
Building genuine relationships within the art community can open doors to feature opportunities.
Effective Networking Strategies
- Attend gallery openings and art events in your area
- Participate in artist residencies and workshops
- Engage with other artists and art professionals on social media
- Join professional organizations related to your medium or style
- Collaborate with other artists on projects or exhibitions
A 2020 survey by ArtFinder revealed that 65% of featured artists had some form of personal connection or recommendation that led to their feature, emphasizing the importance of networking.
Crafting a Compelling Pitch
Once you’ve identified your target publications and built some industry connections, it’s time to craft your pitch. A well-written pitch can make the difference between being featured and being overlooked.
Elements of a Successful Pitch
- A catchy subject line that grabs attention
- A brief introduction of yourself and your work
- A clear explanation of why your art is relevant to their audience
- Links to your portfolio and any previous press coverage
- High-quality images of your best work
- A call to action, such as an invitation to view more work or schedule an interview
Personalize each pitch to the specific publication and, if possible, to the individual editor or writer you’re contacting. Generic, mass-sent pitches are often ignored.
Leveraging Social Media and Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence can significantly increase your chances of being discovered by magazine editors and bloggers.
Strategies for Online Visibility
- Maintain an active and engaging Instagram account showcasing your work
- Create a professional website with an up-to-date portfolio
- Engage with art communities on platforms like DeviantArt or Behance
- Use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability
- Share behind-the-scenes content and your artistic process
A study by Artsy found that 87% of galleries discover new artists through Instagram, highlighting the platform’s importance in the art world.
Submitting to Open Calls and Contests
Many magazines and blogs hold regular open calls for submissions or run contests that can lead to features. These opportunities can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door.
Tips for Successful Submissions
- Read and follow submission guidelines carefully
- Submit your best and most relevant work
- Meet all deadlines and format requirements
- Include all requested information and documentation
- Consider the theme or focus of the call, if applicable
While the competition can be fierce, these opportunities often level the playing field for emerging artists. According to ArtNews, 30% of featured artists in major art publications in 2022 were discovered through open calls or contests.
Following Up and Persistence
Getting featured often requires persistence and follow-up. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately or if your first attempts are unsuccessful.
Best Practices for Follow-Up
- Wait at least two weeks before following up on a pitch
- Keep your follow-up email brief and polite
- Offer any new information or developments since your initial pitch
- Be prepared to pitch to multiple publications
- Learn from rejections and refine your approach
Remember, even established artists face rejection. A survey by the Professional Artist Magazine found that successful artists submit an average of 5-7 pitches before securing a feature.
Maximizing Your Feature
Once you’ve secured a feature, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity to further your career.
Strategies to Leverage Your Feature
- Share the feature across your social media platforms
- Update your website and portfolio to include the feature
- Use the feature as a credential in future pitches and applications
- Reach out to your network to share the news
- Consider creating limited edition prints or merchandise related to the featured work
A study by the Art Career Project found that artists who actively promoted their features saw a 50% increase in inquiries and sales compared to those who did not.
Conclusion
Getting your art featured in magazines and blogs requires a combination of talent, strategy, and persistence.
By preparing a strong portfolio, building relationships in the art world, crafting compelling pitches, leveraging your online presence, and persistently seeking opportunities, you can significantly increase your chances of gaining valuable exposure for your work.
Remember that the journey to being featured is often as valuable as the feature itself. Each step in the process helps you refine your artistic voice, build your professional network, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive art world. Stay true to your artistic vision, be open to feedback, and keep creating.
With dedication and the right approach, you can see your art gracing the pages of magazines and blogs, opening new doors for your artistic career.
