The Importance of Being . . . Listed
by Ron Kop – rkop.1@juno.com
© Copyright 2009
‘expression is the need of my soul’
_____ archy’s first words: the acerbic little cockroach poet. From the life and times of archy and mehitabel: by Don Marquis - The Evening Sun, New York, 1916
Are you listed?
It's a question all serious artists must ask themselves as they enter the professional world. Do you know what it means, or how important it is, or how to go about getting listed? The following essay will answer those questions, and others, and hopefully open some new and exciting paths on which the professional artist can plot their creative careers.
The making and displaying a work of art is a form of self-expression shared from one person to another – the revelation, if you will, of one man’s creative soul to that of an interested observer. For the professional artist, the phenomena of this shared expression occurs over and over again as more people view their work. Being “listed” can also be an important step towards an even wider exposure, and thus lead to a much-improved marketing status for his or her work as well.
A listed artist, or documented artist, indicates to potential buyers how seriously the artist has been involved in their chosen endeavor, and that they’re here for the long haul. This provides the buyer with something tangible about you – particularly information and knowledge – on which to base their preferences in evaluating your creations. This sense of confidence also applies to gallery owners and directors of museums in determining whether or not your artwork has reached a level of significance for them to assume the risks in displaying and hanging your artwork. The key word here is "risk," because that's what the potential buyer hopes to either dampen or eliminate before laying out a big chunk of cash for a purchase.
Being listed, then, means that your biography as a professional has been entered in one of the premier art-listing services such as: Who’s Who of North American Artists, AskArt or ArtPrice, just to name a few. This gives credibility to your work and can frequently assist in justifying the selling price of your art. It can't be stressed enough, that the value of art is determined in part when certain information about an artist has been written and published in some form, and is thus accessible from a library, the Internet, or other reference materials.
A successful artist, then, is one who clearly understands this concept. Easily accessible information about the artist is necessary in making a comparative evaluation as well as an intelligent decision for a buyer in proceeding with a purchase. Book references, citations or notations, published auction results, museum holdings, and newspaper and magazine articles written about you and your artwork, all play a roll in the recognition game. As price follows fame, so fame follows price. The more citations you accumulate in association with your artwork, the more the value of your work increases. However crass it may seem to you now, this is a fact of life in the world of art as it's sold in galleries as well as auction houses.
It follows that the more an artist is cited in one publication or another, the more his or her popularity increases, thus stimulating demand for that artist’s work. If there were no citations or references to be found, it virtually indicates that this artist does not exist. This further adds to the fact that no premium price could be justified for this particular artist’s creations. The bottom line for the artist is this: a listing will ultimately lead to increased value, increased demand, and increased sales.
Getting listed today is not that difficult, and can be accomplished over the Internet. Some research is required, along with some patience. It won’t happen overnight, but most professional artists can improve their stature with a single listing in one of the major artists’ registries.
Getting listed – generally – is not about marketing your artwork per se. Yes, it can help to that degree in a lot of ways, of course. To me, however, comparing art marketing to inclusion in an artists’ registry is similar to comparing apples to bananas. But there are other ways to examine the benefits of a listing that should help explain why it’s so important.
So Who Wants to Know?
If you’ve ever given much thought as to “whom” your biography might be most beneficial to (besides yourself), keep in mind that our collective culture as a whole needs to know as much about you as possible as an artist, as well as a knowledge and understanding of the work you create. Some of these people are:
1. The art student. This person would need to know how, why, and when you created your paintings, and what may have influenced you early in your career, for example. This student may like what you do, and may want to take a similar path, or at least give it a try. By studying what other artists have done in the past, then they are able to avoid some of the same pitfalls, or perhaps learn some new tricks as well, etc. Knowledge of the history of art makes for a solid education for any art student.
2. The art scholar, art professor/teacher, and researcher/historian. These people are no longer students, and have moved on into their professional lives as it concerns the world of art. You can find these people most anywhere; they teach, write about the arts, and do research to compile data and information as it pertains to certain art styles, mediums used, the influences of other art periods and so on. They do this for every aspect of the art world; they’re either teaching, writing about, or researching art (please refer to number 1). They relish information – it is their stock and trade, and enables them to prepare and better do what they do. It also helps them to understand how and why art is created, its given value (both culturally and monetarily), and how it may have changed other art movements or creative patterns of other artists, and so on.
3. The gallery owner. This person is obviously in need of all the information he or she can gather about the paintings and the artists they represent in their place of commerce. This not only helps to sell the artwork, but also allows them to justify the prices they are asking for any particular work of art. An unknown artist to them generally means a cheaper brand – best kept in the back room or off the walls altogether. You don’t need to be economist to understand that premium wall space needs to be left available for more valuable and profitable works.
4. The museum director. Generally, a painting by an unknown artist would never be purchased by a museum in the first place. Those “unknowns” in their holdings are given away, sold off, traded, or more or less kept out of sight. Yes, there are exceptions:
American folk art collections are important, just as the works created by primitive peoples (commonly referred to as artifacts), but they seldom hang paintings by unknowns. Unsigned works such as woodcarvings, pottery, works in stone and metal, are more or less curiosities and often collected by museums, but they are always included with others like them within the realm of a specific theme within their collections. Like the researcher and scholar, museum directors rely heavily on information, but also like the gallery owner, they must justify why a certain piece of work belongs on their walls and taking up valuable space.
5. The art buyer, patron, and connoisseur. This person has an infinity for the finer things in life – and art is one of them. They sometimes collect common things such as butterflies and postage stamps, or sometimes-odd things like Campbell Soup labels. Some people love paintings or drawings for instance, and will spend small fortunes to have the work (or works) of a certain artist hanging on their walls. Once a talented artist is listed, however, their stock suddenly goes up. Likewise, their work is much better protected financially. The value of those paintings may in fact increase two or three times; and know this, the artwork becomes easier to protect through an insurance agency, thus allowing your favorite patrons to feel more confidant they’ve made the right choice in selecting your works of art.
6. Anyone, and everyone who currently owns one of your pieces of art. These are the people who bought directly from you or through a gallery – perhaps many years ago – and who no longer know where you live (or if you’re even still alive). Truth be known, these folks may actually want to purchase another one of your paintings. These folks are different than your regular patrons, because they’re completely out of the loop altogether because of their total lack of information. They either didn’t know you very well before; don’t know you now; don’t know where you live; and have had no contact with you whatsoever except that they made a purchase of your work long ago. They would greatly benefit to suddenly find a comprehensive listing and biography about you with AskArt or some other internationally recognized listing agency.
7. Your family. You won’t be around forever, and when you’re gone, someone’s going to inherit a large share of your artwork – and it will probably be someone related to you. If you are not listed by that time, then your paintings will still lack the value they truly deserve. Not only will your family be stuck with a lot of “undervalued” artwork, but they may also lack any knowledge of their true worth, or how to go about including you and your art in some type of artist’s registry. This is why we find so many quality art works in the thrift stores and the Salvation Army and the like. Old dad kicks the bucket, and his entire collection of art is taken to the nearest donation center just to get it out of the way to avoid paying storage fees. But it could be worse yet: I’ve found quality art thrown away and stuffed in the back-ally dumpster.
8. Guys like me. I'm just a small-time collector and picker, but should I be so fortunate to find one of your paintings in said thrift store, I would immediately hit the library or my computer to look up the signature to see if that particular artist is listed. If he or she is listed, then I’ll know I’ve found a real treasure.
9. And finally, the artist. So what’s your art worth? What about the time you spent in creating it? What about your self-confidence as an artist? Would that improve any once you were listed? Do you intend to create more paintings in the future, and would you like to get a better price for your creations? Would a gallery owner be more apt to display one or more of your paintings if he or she knew you were listed, or do you think it would make any difference? Would a museum director be more inclined to include one of your paintings in their collections? What about a potential buyer; how would they feel if they were unable to find out anything about you before deciding to make a purchase?
More Doors Will Open
Once you’re listed, the current asking price for your paintings will become more justifiable. In addition, an increased price of all future artwork can be realized as well. Most knowledgeable gallery owners will welcome you inside their buildings and will want to display your painting on their walls. And know this, you’ll be able to experience this miracle in the very same galleries where you were once unknown and unwelcome.
An unknown artist is an unknown entity whose work is of questionable value. However, with increased exposure comes increased demand – and following that, comes increased prices for your work. It’s possible your work may not be up to par or belong in the national registry, but then again maybe it does. Who am I to say? A hundred years from now your name and biography – as well as your portrait and pictures of your creations – will remain long after you and I are gone. I think that’s pretty amazing!
As you know, you don’t have to have a bunch of high and mighty college degrees, or even art school associations next to your name. What these people are looking for are artists with genuine talent who have dedicated their lives to creating works of art for the express purpose of enjoyment for the rest of us. And that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.
Questionnaire:
Below is an artist's questionnaire that I've put together. These are some of the things that need to be included in your biography if you'd like to be listed. Remember, this will be part of your permanent record in the national and international database and registry for noted artists.
It isn't necessary to have attended any art schools, colleges or universities to be a listed artist. What buyers are mostly looking for is a long track record and a dedication to your art, as well as having demonstrated some talent and a basic knowledge of what you're doing. This is what a potential buyer wants to know:
1: Where and when were you born, and is there anything special about this environment and place in time that may have influenced your art in some way – the land, the culture, and your family?
2. Were you particularly influenced by any style or art movement early in your career?
3. If you have traveled abroad, did this in any way affect or influence you? And what about other moves or travels throughout the country – does anything come to mind that might be of special interest?
4. Besides currently known descriptions of your style, what other styles do you believe might better represent your work?
5. What art organizations do you belong to, if any? Have you started any art organizations or art “movements” on your own?
6. Are any of your works displayed in museums – either public or private? Have you done any special commissions, and is any of your work held in private collections abroad?
7. Do you know if any of your work has been sold at auction? If so, can you provide any specifics such as sales price and the name of auction house?
8. Do you keep a “clip” file or portfolio of articles written about you by others? If so, can these be made available for viewing and the verification of sources?
9. Have you won any special awards? If so, please explain in detail. Thank you.
10. Unless you’ve already provided this information, please list all post primary schools attended, including colleges, universities and/or art schools (I need locations, dates, and any advanced degrees you have earned).
11. Please list any art workshops, seminars, or special advanced art courses you’ve taken throughout your career, including special studies with other artists or studios.
12. Please be specific in explaining the type of mediums you work in, such as watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, etc.
13. Is there a single medium and or style that you are known for, or would like to be known for? (This question is somewhat different than the one asked earlier in that it is sometimes possible that an artist is able to describe his or her style much differently (and better) than anyone else, and vice-versa. For example, if it isn’t abstract, than what do you think it is? Is your application different than conventional methods, and is it put together with varying materials and mediums?) Try as best you can to be very specific on describing your methods and your hoped-for outcome and style. And are you able to compare or contrast your style with other artists?
14. And finally, please provide an artist’s statement. This should include a description in your own words why you’ve taken up an interest in art, and the particular styles and mediums you’ve chosen to work in. (refer to above if you need to).
The Process of a Listing
Below I've provided some general information that should help answer some questions you may have concerning a listing. Although all of my listings have been with AskArt, other listing agencies are available and can be researched upon request.
As mentioned, getting listed will give you wider name recognition with national as well as international exposure. You can accomplish this yourself, or you can have it done for you by a professional. This is someone who knows his way around the Internet and the listing services, but also has a comprehensive knowledge of art and artists.
A single listing will include a detailed biography: this usually includes a list of awards, art shows, auction prices (if available), samples of the artist’s work (up to four or five examples), and a photo or portrait of the artist.
Once an artist has been successfully listed, the listing remains permanently within the database at no extra cost (more on this below). Your entry could lead to additional listings with other registries or publications on the arts – sometimes without your knowledge. Thus, this single listing may have a snowball affect, all to the benefit of the artist and owners of your work.
►In order to view the complete biographies of artists listed with AskArt for example, you must first become a paid member. However, non-members will be allowed to view a brief bio along with a photo(s) of the artist’s work.
►Only paid subscribers to AskArt are allowed to submit artists’ biographies for consideration and inclusion in their directory.
►It does not cost anything to submit an artist’s biography—only a membership is required (see above).
►Once AskArt accepts an artist’s biography that biography will remain “permanently” in the database. That means it will “never be removed.” The entry will also be maintained by AskArt and updated when necessary. There is no charge to anyone for this service, including the artist and the person who submitted the biography. (Again, only paid members of AskArt are allowed to submit artist’s biographies. This does not cost anything, and there are NO monthly fees to keep an artist’s name posted in the registry.)
►Artists who write their own biographies can list themselves with AskArt as long as they are paid members. They have to follow the same guidelines as other members when
submitting information. These guidelines are very clear but strict, and must be followed to the letter. Anyone can be turned down, meaning that not all biographies will be accepted. Overly hyped biographies will be thrown out, as will those who fail to properly follow the rules of submissions.
►An artist can maintain an online “gallery” with AskArt, which displays the work they have for sale. This is a separate category and service offered by AskArt, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the artist getting his or her name and biography listed. The artist will be required, however, to pay a monthly fee to maintain their gallery with AskArt. Again, no such monthly fees are required once you’ve been listed.
So the obvious becomes the obvious: an artist’s reputation and the value of their work are contingent upon name recognition. Getting listed is a giant step in that direction, and therefore a must for all professional artists.
by Ron Kop – rkop.1@juno.com
© Copyright 2009
‘expression is the need of my soul’
_____ archy’s first words: the acerbic little cockroach poet. From the life and times of archy and mehitabel: by Don Marquis - The Evening Sun, New York, 1916
Are you listed?
It's a question all serious artists must ask themselves as they enter the professional world. Do you know what it means, or how important it is, or how to go about getting listed? The following essay will answer those questions, and others, and hopefully open some new and exciting paths on which the professional artist can plot their creative careers.
The making and displaying a work of art is a form of self-expression shared from one person to another – the revelation, if you will, of one man’s creative soul to that of an interested observer. For the professional artist, the phenomena of this shared expression occurs over and over again as more people view their work. Being “listed” can also be an important step towards an even wider exposure, and thus lead to a much-improved marketing status for his or her work as well.
A listed artist, or documented artist, indicates to potential buyers how seriously the artist has been involved in their chosen endeavor, and that they’re here for the long haul. This provides the buyer with something tangible about you – particularly information and knowledge – on which to base their preferences in evaluating your creations. This sense of confidence also applies to gallery owners and directors of museums in determining whether or not your artwork has reached a level of significance for them to assume the risks in displaying and hanging your artwork. The key word here is "risk," because that's what the potential buyer hopes to either dampen or eliminate before laying out a big chunk of cash for a purchase.
Being listed, then, means that your biography as a professional has been entered in one of the premier art-listing services such as: Who’s Who of North American Artists, AskArt or ArtPrice, just to name a few. This gives credibility to your work and can frequently assist in justifying the selling price of your art. It can't be stressed enough, that the value of art is determined in part when certain information about an artist has been written and published in some form, and is thus accessible from a library, the Internet, or other reference materials.
A successful artist, then, is one who clearly understands this concept. Easily accessible information about the artist is necessary in making a comparative evaluation as well as an intelligent decision for a buyer in proceeding with a purchase. Book references, citations or notations, published auction results, museum holdings, and newspaper and magazine articles written about you and your artwork, all play a roll in the recognition game. As price follows fame, so fame follows price. The more citations you accumulate in association with your artwork, the more the value of your work increases. However crass it may seem to you now, this is a fact of life in the world of art as it's sold in galleries as well as auction houses.
It follows that the more an artist is cited in one publication or another, the more his or her popularity increases, thus stimulating demand for that artist’s work. If there were no citations or references to be found, it virtually indicates that this artist does not exist. This further adds to the fact that no premium price could be justified for this particular artist’s creations. The bottom line for the artist is this: a listing will ultimately lead to increased value, increased demand, and increased sales.
Getting listed today is not that difficult, and can be accomplished over the Internet. Some research is required, along with some patience. It won’t happen overnight, but most professional artists can improve their stature with a single listing in one of the major artists’ registries.
Getting listed – generally – is not about marketing your artwork per se. Yes, it can help to that degree in a lot of ways, of course. To me, however, comparing art marketing to inclusion in an artists’ registry is similar to comparing apples to bananas. But there are other ways to examine the benefits of a listing that should help explain why it’s so important.
So Who Wants to Know?
If you’ve ever given much thought as to “whom” your biography might be most beneficial to (besides yourself), keep in mind that our collective culture as a whole needs to know as much about you as possible as an artist, as well as a knowledge and understanding of the work you create. Some of these people are:
1. The art student. This person would need to know how, why, and when you created your paintings, and what may have influenced you early in your career, for example. This student may like what you do, and may want to take a similar path, or at least give it a try. By studying what other artists have done in the past, then they are able to avoid some of the same pitfalls, or perhaps learn some new tricks as well, etc. Knowledge of the history of art makes for a solid education for any art student.
2. The art scholar, art professor/teacher, and researcher/historian. These people are no longer students, and have moved on into their professional lives as it concerns the world of art. You can find these people most anywhere; they teach, write about the arts, and do research to compile data and information as it pertains to certain art styles, mediums used, the influences of other art periods and so on. They do this for every aspect of the art world; they’re either teaching, writing about, or researching art (please refer to number 1). They relish information – it is their stock and trade, and enables them to prepare and better do what they do. It also helps them to understand how and why art is created, its given value (both culturally and monetarily), and how it may have changed other art movements or creative patterns of other artists, and so on.
3. The gallery owner. This person is obviously in need of all the information he or she can gather about the paintings and the artists they represent in their place of commerce. This not only helps to sell the artwork, but also allows them to justify the prices they are asking for any particular work of art. An unknown artist to them generally means a cheaper brand – best kept in the back room or off the walls altogether. You don’t need to be economist to understand that premium wall space needs to be left available for more valuable and profitable works.
4. The museum director. Generally, a painting by an unknown artist would never be purchased by a museum in the first place. Those “unknowns” in their holdings are given away, sold off, traded, or more or less kept out of sight. Yes, there are exceptions:
American folk art collections are important, just as the works created by primitive peoples (commonly referred to as artifacts), but they seldom hang paintings by unknowns. Unsigned works such as woodcarvings, pottery, works in stone and metal, are more or less curiosities and often collected by museums, but they are always included with others like them within the realm of a specific theme within their collections. Like the researcher and scholar, museum directors rely heavily on information, but also like the gallery owner, they must justify why a certain piece of work belongs on their walls and taking up valuable space.
5. The art buyer, patron, and connoisseur. This person has an infinity for the finer things in life – and art is one of them. They sometimes collect common things such as butterflies and postage stamps, or sometimes-odd things like Campbell Soup labels. Some people love paintings or drawings for instance, and will spend small fortunes to have the work (or works) of a certain artist hanging on their walls. Once a talented artist is listed, however, their stock suddenly goes up. Likewise, their work is much better protected financially. The value of those paintings may in fact increase two or three times; and know this, the artwork becomes easier to protect through an insurance agency, thus allowing your favorite patrons to feel more confidant they’ve made the right choice in selecting your works of art.
6. Anyone, and everyone who currently owns one of your pieces of art. These are the people who bought directly from you or through a gallery – perhaps many years ago – and who no longer know where you live (or if you’re even still alive). Truth be known, these folks may actually want to purchase another one of your paintings. These folks are different than your regular patrons, because they’re completely out of the loop altogether because of their total lack of information. They either didn’t know you very well before; don’t know you now; don’t know where you live; and have had no contact with you whatsoever except that they made a purchase of your work long ago. They would greatly benefit to suddenly find a comprehensive listing and biography about you with AskArt or some other internationally recognized listing agency.
7. Your family. You won’t be around forever, and when you’re gone, someone’s going to inherit a large share of your artwork – and it will probably be someone related to you. If you are not listed by that time, then your paintings will still lack the value they truly deserve. Not only will your family be stuck with a lot of “undervalued” artwork, but they may also lack any knowledge of their true worth, or how to go about including you and your art in some type of artist’s registry. This is why we find so many quality art works in the thrift stores and the Salvation Army and the like. Old dad kicks the bucket, and his entire collection of art is taken to the nearest donation center just to get it out of the way to avoid paying storage fees. But it could be worse yet: I’ve found quality art thrown away and stuffed in the back-ally dumpster.
8. Guys like me. I'm just a small-time collector and picker, but should I be so fortunate to find one of your paintings in said thrift store, I would immediately hit the library or my computer to look up the signature to see if that particular artist is listed. If he or she is listed, then I’ll know I’ve found a real treasure.
9. And finally, the artist. So what’s your art worth? What about the time you spent in creating it? What about your self-confidence as an artist? Would that improve any once you were listed? Do you intend to create more paintings in the future, and would you like to get a better price for your creations? Would a gallery owner be more apt to display one or more of your paintings if he or she knew you were listed, or do you think it would make any difference? Would a museum director be more inclined to include one of your paintings in their collections? What about a potential buyer; how would they feel if they were unable to find out anything about you before deciding to make a purchase?
More Doors Will Open
Once you’re listed, the current asking price for your paintings will become more justifiable. In addition, an increased price of all future artwork can be realized as well. Most knowledgeable gallery owners will welcome you inside their buildings and will want to display your painting on their walls. And know this, you’ll be able to experience this miracle in the very same galleries where you were once unknown and unwelcome.
An unknown artist is an unknown entity whose work is of questionable value. However, with increased exposure comes increased demand – and following that, comes increased prices for your work. It’s possible your work may not be up to par or belong in the national registry, but then again maybe it does. Who am I to say? A hundred years from now your name and biography – as well as your portrait and pictures of your creations – will remain long after you and I are gone. I think that’s pretty amazing!
As you know, you don’t have to have a bunch of high and mighty college degrees, or even art school associations next to your name. What these people are looking for are artists with genuine talent who have dedicated their lives to creating works of art for the express purpose of enjoyment for the rest of us. And that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.
Questionnaire:
Below is an artist's questionnaire that I've put together. These are some of the things that need to be included in your biography if you'd like to be listed. Remember, this will be part of your permanent record in the national and international database and registry for noted artists.
It isn't necessary to have attended any art schools, colleges or universities to be a listed artist. What buyers are mostly looking for is a long track record and a dedication to your art, as well as having demonstrated some talent and a basic knowledge of what you're doing. This is what a potential buyer wants to know:
1: Where and when were you born, and is there anything special about this environment and place in time that may have influenced your art in some way – the land, the culture, and your family?
2. Were you particularly influenced by any style or art movement early in your career?
3. If you have traveled abroad, did this in any way affect or influence you? And what about other moves or travels throughout the country – does anything come to mind that might be of special interest?
4. Besides currently known descriptions of your style, what other styles do you believe might better represent your work?
5. What art organizations do you belong to, if any? Have you started any art organizations or art “movements” on your own?
6. Are any of your works displayed in museums – either public or private? Have you done any special commissions, and is any of your work held in private collections abroad?
7. Do you know if any of your work has been sold at auction? If so, can you provide any specifics such as sales price and the name of auction house?
8. Do you keep a “clip” file or portfolio of articles written about you by others? If so, can these be made available for viewing and the verification of sources?
9. Have you won any special awards? If so, please explain in detail. Thank you.
10. Unless you’ve already provided this information, please list all post primary schools attended, including colleges, universities and/or art schools (I need locations, dates, and any advanced degrees you have earned).
11. Please list any art workshops, seminars, or special advanced art courses you’ve taken throughout your career, including special studies with other artists or studios.
12. Please be specific in explaining the type of mediums you work in, such as watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, etc.
13. Is there a single medium and or style that you are known for, or would like to be known for? (This question is somewhat different than the one asked earlier in that it is sometimes possible that an artist is able to describe his or her style much differently (and better) than anyone else, and vice-versa. For example, if it isn’t abstract, than what do you think it is? Is your application different than conventional methods, and is it put together with varying materials and mediums?) Try as best you can to be very specific on describing your methods and your hoped-for outcome and style. And are you able to compare or contrast your style with other artists?
14. And finally, please provide an artist’s statement. This should include a description in your own words why you’ve taken up an interest in art, and the particular styles and mediums you’ve chosen to work in. (refer to above if you need to).
The Process of a Listing
Below I've provided some general information that should help answer some questions you may have concerning a listing. Although all of my listings have been with AskArt, other listing agencies are available and can be researched upon request.
As mentioned, getting listed will give you wider name recognition with national as well as international exposure. You can accomplish this yourself, or you can have it done for you by a professional. This is someone who knows his way around the Internet and the listing services, but also has a comprehensive knowledge of art and artists.
A single listing will include a detailed biography: this usually includes a list of awards, art shows, auction prices (if available), samples of the artist’s work (up to four or five examples), and a photo or portrait of the artist.
Once an artist has been successfully listed, the listing remains permanently within the database at no extra cost (more on this below). Your entry could lead to additional listings with other registries or publications on the arts – sometimes without your knowledge. Thus, this single listing may have a snowball affect, all to the benefit of the artist and owners of your work.
►In order to view the complete biographies of artists listed with AskArt for example, you must first become a paid member. However, non-members will be allowed to view a brief bio along with a photo(s) of the artist’s work.
►Only paid subscribers to AskArt are allowed to submit artists’ biographies for consideration and inclusion in their directory.
►It does not cost anything to submit an artist’s biography—only a membership is required (see above).
►Once AskArt accepts an artist’s biography that biography will remain “permanently” in the database. That means it will “never be removed.” The entry will also be maintained by AskArt and updated when necessary. There is no charge to anyone for this service, including the artist and the person who submitted the biography. (Again, only paid members of AskArt are allowed to submit artist’s biographies. This does not cost anything, and there are NO monthly fees to keep an artist’s name posted in the registry.)
►Artists who write their own biographies can list themselves with AskArt as long as they are paid members. They have to follow the same guidelines as other members when
submitting information. These guidelines are very clear but strict, and must be followed to the letter. Anyone can be turned down, meaning that not all biographies will be accepted. Overly hyped biographies will be thrown out, as will those who fail to properly follow the rules of submissions.
►An artist can maintain an online “gallery” with AskArt, which displays the work they have for sale. This is a separate category and service offered by AskArt, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the artist getting his or her name and biography listed. The artist will be required, however, to pay a monthly fee to maintain their gallery with AskArt. Again, no such monthly fees are required once you’ve been listed.
So the obvious becomes the obvious: an artist’s reputation and the value of their work are contingent upon name recognition. Getting listed is a giant step in that direction, and therefore a must for all professional artists.
