Selling Original Art vs. Reproductions

One of the most common questions I have received from emerging 2D artists is whether to sell their original works or reproductions. Another popular question from emerging artists is “How do I make reproductions?”

Before getting into these two topics, let me share a piece of advice I received early in my career. I once had inquired of a mentor: “What should I draw? I don’t know what people will buy.” His reply echoes in my mind to this very day. Very directly he stated, “Forget what people will buy - you draw what you love.”

When one creates from a place of love or passion, the creative power that comes forth is quite strong. When one creates with the intent of manipulating circumstance (i.e. getting people to buy something), the creative process is distorted. Start with what you love or are passionate about in some way, then let the ideas flow from there.

Now, should you sell original works or reproductions? The answer for me from the start was a hearty “both!” Some artists do not like to part with their originals, and that is indeed a personal choice. My own feeling is that too many works accumulated in my storage area creates congestion, both physically and metaphysically. I like to keep the work moving out, so the consequential vacuum allows new ideas to flow in. Nature abhors a vacuum it is said, and you will find that the moving-out process invites the flowing-in process to continue its natural cycle.

Having said that, I always create a hi-resolution (hi-res) image of an original before it is posted for sale. This hi-res image gives you the freedom to reproduce the work later, and can be archived until such a decision is made. In past years a hi-res image meant a 4"x5" transparency shot by a professional photographer. These days it usually means a digital file that is created either with a scanner or a professional digital camera. If you do not have studio photography experience, then pay for professional quality image recording of your work. I repeat, this image needs to be the highest quality possible. It can be used later to make reproductions, advertise your work, apply to a juried exhibit, etc. This is not the place to pinch pennies.

Stay tuned to upcoming posts as I will be discussing some of the options and “how-to’s” for reproducing two dimensional artwork.