online art sales

Curated Online Art Gallery Reports Growing Worldwide Sales

ARTISTS. As acceptance of online art sales expands, online galleries are adopting different business models. For example, some galleries make a big selection of a art available to the mass market; others offer small, curated selections to more discerning collectors.

One gallery succeeding with the curated approach is 5piecesgallery.com in Bern, Switzerland. They are taking a global approach to selling original works and small editions by contemporary artists.

The gallery currently offers more than 500 original artworks and 400 small print editions by 100 painters and 34 photographers from 38 countries.  Prices range from $50 to $20,000. All pieces come with a certificate of authenticity.

Most artists featured on 5piecesgallery.com are under 40, and have already had exhibitions at important museums and galleries such as the MoMA, PS1, ICP, MOCA, CO2, and the Saatchi Gallery.

Access to New and Veteran Collectors

Shadi Ghadirian, #16 (Like EveryDay Series), C-Print, Edition: 10. Photo courtesy of 5piecesgallery.com

The goal is to reach out to the many people who are interested in contemporary art, but have little access to it, says Dennis Amman, the entrepreneur and art collector who founded 5piecesgallery.com in February 2011. The gallery treads the fine line between offering access to newcomers and exclusivity to veteran collectors.

As Ammann explains, “The gallery’s website is not only a place for art collectors and investors looking to find the ‘next big thing,’ but also affordable enough to encourage a new generation of collectors.”

One of Ammann’s goals is to connect contemporary artists from overlooked regions of the world with the growing number of new buyers from Asia, Russia, and the Middle East. At 5piecesgallery.com, art collectors from all over the world can see many different perspectives on life and society.

Unlike online art galleries that offer editions of 200 or even 500 prints per work, 5piecesgallery.com provides small print editions. Ammann also offers art consulting services to individual and corporate collectors.

“Besides the undeniable beauty of a handmade, originally created artwork, any art collector knows that the artworks with a real possibility of increasing in value are the unique, original ones and the small editions,” says Ammann.

 Artists and Collectors Benefit 

Ammann founded 5piecesgallery.com because he believes the time is ripe for digital innovation in the art world. The growth of social media and e-commerce combined with improved technology for viewing images on-screen have made collectors more comfortable about purchasing original art online.

He confirms that collectors are increasingly willing to spend large sums on art online, noting that works by artists such as Anthony Lister, Brett Amory, and Daniel Lumbini sell out within minutes.

According to Ammann, 5piecesgallery.com is establishing itself as an international meeting place for art collectors, art enthusiasts, and artists. Over the past year, traffic to the site has tripled and the website has become the second-most visited curated online art gallery in the world.

He attributes this success to using social media to build personal relationships between collectors, artists, and gallery employees and providing daily art news to art collectors and enthusiasts. The site’s round-the-clock customer service provides members with the details they need to make informed and confident purchasing decisions.

The lower fixed costs of running an online gallery benefit everyone, says Amman. Not only is it possible to offer buyers art works well below traditional market prices, but the artists also reap greater direct benefits from every purchase. According to the website, “It is our goal to deliver to our clients the artist’s message and work at transparent and fair prices, connecting and empowering collectors and artists alike.”

According to Ammann, monthly sales figures have quadrupled in 2012, compared to last year’s monthly averages. He says, “It’s a great feeling to support the best talented artists from around the globe and see the demand for their work growing.”

LINK

5piecesgallery.com

Website’s Time-Lapse Video Lets You See Artist at Work

ARTISTS. If you want to see how effective an artist’s website can be in communicating with art lovers, visit the recently launched website of Alexander Gramm Studio, Inc. The website was designed to offer a high-quality online experience to art collectors, buyers, and fans of mixed-medium artwork.

The new site features a behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s process with “Never Give In,” a motion time-lapse video shot by photographer Bryan Fletchall over a seven-day period. The video, which runs under three minutes, shows Alexander Gramm using a multi-layer technique to create his large canvas mixed-medium work of the same title. You watch Gramm sealing in vintage pages, then applying the paint and various other elements that make up his tactile pieces.

Screen grab of video on Alexander Gramm Studio
Visit the Alexander Gramm Studio website (www.alexandergrammstudio.com) to see the time-lapse video.

“The idea of having a camera in the studio was a little unsettling at first,” Gramm acknowledges. “But in the end I wanted something that would let people connect to my artistic process.”

The site also features a gallery of Gramm’s work, with a built-in store through which you can purchase high-resolution prints or get quotes on artist-embellished fine art prints and original pieces. High definition video will accompany featured works. The website also includes full social media integration and a news and blog section.

“From the very beginning it was important to us to create an immersive user experience that connects the audience to the artwork and studio,” said Donna Baldwin, co-founder of Alexander Gramm Studio. “Our new website provides insightful content about the studio, Alexander’s unique process, and our ever-expanding collection of works.”

LINK

Alexander Gramm Studio

Yonder Creates DNA Portraits in Neon

Each person’s DNA is entirely unique and holds the basic code about who we are as individuals. Yonder biology is a San Diego-based art/science collaborative that can convert your DNA into a distinctive portrait for wall display. Using DNA gathered from a simple cheek swab, Yonder’s scientists interpret the DNA code in the Yonder biology lab. Then, the group’s artists use the interpretation to create wall art that people can point to and say, “That’s me!”

“We understand the beauty in this genetic code and want to provide an artistic window for people to share their individuality with others,” says a Yonder spokesperson.

You can choose t have your DNA displayed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic, or aluminum. Or, with Yonder’s new Niteo collection, you can create art that glows, with the use of neon, LED, or EL wire.

Yonder provides a dedicated consultant for each project. And you will receive a ‘DNA Art Guide’ that describes the scientific meaning behind your artwork.

This story represents yet another exmaple of how creative entrepreneurs are building businesses to meet the growing demand for custom wall art with personal meaning.

LINKS

Yonder Biology: The DNA Art Company

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IBISWorld Predicts Growth in Online Art Sales

A recent report from IBISWorld estimates that the Online Art Sales industry in the U.S. was worth about $287.5 million in 2011. This figure includes the sale of original or limited-edition artwork through online galleries, online auctions, online art fairs, and online art dealing and trading. The sales figures included data from 716 businesses and covered the sale of paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, and other media.  The sale of reproductions is not included in the report.

According to IBISWorld analysts, the market for online art sales has been growing in line with strong demand from overseas markets and increasing access to internet-based retail outlets. Even as brick-and-mortar art dealers experienced declines during the past five years, online-based art sales have stayed strong.

The growth in art sales through e-commerce and online auctions is expected to continue through 2016, fueled by global growth in consumer spending and increased access through more broadband connections. Mobile apps are anticipated to provide further room for innovation in online art sales.

One reason for the strength of the online art market stems from the nature of its customer base. The goods sold though the largest auction houses are targeted toward high-end consumers. As such, the demand tends to remain constant even during times of greater economic turmoil. Also, the trade-weighted index, which measures the value of the US dollar relative to foreign currencies, has driven export sales to newly industrialized countries. Consumers in those regions have recently found themselves with greater levels of disposable income that can be invested in “soft commodities” such as original works of art.

In addition, online art dealers operate within the larger realm of e-commerce which has shown double-digit growth over the past five years. IBIS analysts believe that art dealers who have an e-tailing or online auction presence are well-positioned to take advantage of consumers’ preference for online shopping.

The full report on Online Art Sales includes Industry trends, statistics, analysis, and market share information. The report can be purchased from IBISWorld for $825.

LINKS

IBIS World: Online Art Sales in the U.S.: Market Research Report

About IBISWorld

Thumbtack Press Helps Artists Reach New Collectors

ARTISTS. DESIGNERS. If you haven’t yet found the right online gallery—either to buy or sell art online—check out Thumbtack Press. The company offers a hand-picked collection of open-edition prints by over 100 top low-brow, illustrator, and character artists from around the world.

Humming Bird Girl by Rick Beerhorst, The Blessing by Craig LaRotonda, and Big Head by Bob Dob.

Thumbtack Press Logo

“Why open-edition prints? By selling prints without limiting their availability, we reach collectors who have elite tastes, but perhaps lack the dollars to match,” explains curator/owner Barry Friedland. “This way, if you don’t currently have the means to own an original Paul Blow, say, or a Matthew Woodson, you can still get your hands on their work in the form of a high-quality print. We help artists reach new fans; and we help fans become collectors.”

The Thumbtack Press site includes up-to-date features such as a Virtual Room to help customers visualize how a print might look on their own walls. Buyers can search for art by genre, artist, color, size, and subject and choose from hundreds of frame and mat options.

Marketing with Attitude

Personally, I am impressed not only by the freshness of the art, but also by the whimsy of Thumbtack’s marketing.

For example, according to the “research department” at Thumbtack Press, the giving and receiving of art results in a 56% improvement of personal relationships, a 28% increase in creativity, and a 41% more charming personal space—all of which lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Giving and receiving art can improve your life. Source: Thumbtack Press "Research Department"

While it’s unclear how the marketing braniacs at Thumbtack arrived at those exact figures, you have to admit it’s a fun way to promote the sale of gift cards for art prints.

You can order a gift card for whatever occasion you choose, include your own message, and have it sent instantly to whoever you think might enjoy the distinctive selection of featured on the Thumbtack Press site.

The company’s promotional strategy also includes public relations, advertising, search-engine optimization, social media, and personalized outreach to bloggers (like me!).

“We encourage our artists to work in concert with us — to use our social media integrations with Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and others to provide a sales synergy to get your art seen by the greatest number of people around the world,” says Friedland. Over 25% of Thumbtack’s sales are international.

Benefits for Artists and Designers

In addition to exposing art enthusiasts to unique, affordable art, Thumbtack Press wants to help advance the well-being of artists.

“We love art and treat artists with the respect they deserve,” says Friedland. Along with producing high-quality prints on a range of substrates, Thumbtack Press handles every element of the day-to-day complexities of running an online gallery business so you don’t have to.

Thumbtack deals with the website programming, hosting, credit card transactions, fulfillment, framing and matting, packaging, quality control, advertising, marketing, accounting, and everything else that goes into running a world-class e-commerce site.

Because Thumbtack Press is a curated site with a particular look and feel, not all work that is submitted to the site is accepted.

“The best way to get a feel for what we are looking for is to take a look around,” says Friedland.

To be considered for inclusion, submit at least three works for review. (See the submission guidelines on the Thumbtack Press website.)

If your work is accepted, you will get access to a private Artist Control Panel where you can upload and control the art you want to sell and provide information that will enable customers to know more about you and your art. The Artist Control panel also lets you track your sales and payment history.

You will receive a royalty for each print the Thumbtack Press sells, as well as portion of the frame sale.

LINKS

Thumbtack Press

Sell Your Art on Thumbtack Press

Frequently Asked Questions by Artists

Website Enables Designers to Inspire Others While Raising Funds for Charities

DESIGNERS. Here’s a way to flex your creative muscles on a project you can feel good about.

Good Deed by Jon Contino

Help Ink is a new platform through which designers and artists can use their skills to help raise funds for charitable organizations. Talented artists and illustrators are invited to submit an exclusive piece of art specifically designed to inspire others to do good in the world.

Each week, Help Ink will release a new piece of art, which can be purchased either as a T-shirt (wearable art) or a 12 x 18 or 18 x 24-inch poster.

No less than 40% of the profits from each sale will donated to a designated charity. The money that doesn’t go to charity is used for printing costs, artist compensation, and operating expenses.

So far, Help Ink has partnered with charitable organizations such as Heifer, Plants with Purpose, Smile Train, and Malaria No More. Creators and buyers of the art can recommend where they would like to see their purchasing dollars go by emailing Help Ink at charities@helpink.

Some artists who have submitted works include: Kyle Webster, Von Glitschka, Richard Perez, Jon Contino, Dan Matutina, Jon Ashcroft, and Blake Suarez.

“Few things are more satisfying for a designer than being given free rein to creatively express themselves or to produce work for an organization they really admire,” says contributing artist Jon Ashcroft.

“The best part of this project has been finding out that the artists whose work I’ve followed and admired are all great people who want to use their talents to better the world.” says Help Ink co-founder Drew Carson.

LINK

Help Ink

 

Collect Limited-Edition Art in Digital Form

ARTISTS. Here’s an example of how technology is transforming how art will be collected, sold, and displayed in the future.  Although this particular site (www.seditionart.com) is still in the “private-beta” stage, it’s good to be aware of new business models that are being proposed and tried.

S[edition] is a digital platform for collecting contemporary art. With prices starting under $10, S[edition] enables you to view and display limited-edition art by contemporary artists on all of your devices, including your mobile phone, iPad, computer display, and television screens.

The platform was developed to help stimulate the growth of a new generation of collectors. The goal is to make art collecting more affordable, instantly gratifying, more social, and less intimidating.

Featured artists include: Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, Isaac Julien, Mat Collinshaw, Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Bill Viola, and Wim Wenders.

Every edition is numbered and sold with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist. Certificates are automatically generated upon the completed purchase of an artwork. Then, the certificate and purchased art are stored securely in each collector’s digital “vault.”

As a collector, you can view your purchased art in high resolution or send it to any of your connected devices. You may not print copies of either the certificate of authenticity or the artwork itself. Digital watermarking technology is used to track every purchased edition.

With the free iPad app, you can view or show your entire collection on the iPad anytime, anywhere—even without an Internet connection. The recently announced App for Facebook Timeline lets you show your personal s[edition] art collection to friends, and highlight your favorite artists.

One benefit of buying art through s[edition] is that you can receive regular information directly from the artists, get priority access to new collections, and connect with other collectors.

The creators of s[edition] have announced plans to launch a marketplace through which a collector can sell works to other collectors after editions are sold out .

Gallery owners and artists who are interested in creating a limited digital edition should send an email to: info (at) seditionart.com

LINK

About s[edition] art

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