Hello,
My name is Marcus Collins and I am a mixed Media artist living in Royal Oak Michigan. I specialize in hand painted, original, mixed media urban artwork and promotional imagery. I am self taught and have been busy since my wife found my painting stashed under our steps about a year ago and convinced me they were good enough to sell. I work from home now and love it. I would like to humbly add, that during my first full year as an artist, I sold 36 original pieces. Plus three overseas (England, Germany, and Austria). I am heavily inspired by graffiti and my work ranges from the edgy Gothic such as Dia De Los Muertos and steampunk, to classy boudiour, and I have also created politically themed work supporting the indigenous tribes represented by "Idle No More". I am a straight man and avid supporter of the Gay Rights movements, as can be seen in my painting Viva La Gay Rights! I hope to create a network with all of you. Head over to Facebook and search factual imagery and maybe give me a "LIKE"? I will gladly support you the same way, just let me know if you have a fan page etc. Thanks you so much for sticking around for my ramble! Woo hoo! Good luck this year!
Replies
Hi Marcus, Selling 36 original pieces in your first years is quite an accomplishment. Were these all sold off your Facebook page? Sounds like you are on your way! Woo hoo!
Actually no, I was at a Kinko's printing out a portfolio over the summer and the owner of a gallery was there and inquired. Talk about being in the right place at the right time huh? I was feeling lazy that day and almost decided to print the portfolio another day. Good thing I didn't. I was invited to show my work at his restaurant. During my 6 weeks, he had people from all over visit his restaurant/gallery. After that, the rest is history!
Marcus, The restaurant/gallery worked well for you. Did you sell all 36 there? How has your Facebook page worked? Glad you made the right decision when you were feeling lazy.
No, I sold 8 on my opening night. The great part was that Arts, Beats and Eats fell within my 6 week contract with them so, not only was I allowed to show my work during the biggest Art festival in Michigan (for free) but, it was also all displayed indoors safe and sound! The restaurant (Lily's in Royal Oak Michigan) gets a lot of business because the food is amazing and, so is the owner. He is known for supporting local artists. During this festival the place is jam packed. Standing room only. I got a ton of exposure. A guy was in from England visiting friends and that is how I made that sale. The rest I humbly add is becasue I am pretty tenacious when marketing myself. One of my policies is that delivery is always free. If the client lives close Detroit/Chicago area, I will deliver it in person. It's great to meet new people and thank them first hand. Plus I have a bunch of friends in Chicago so its an excuse to visit! I notice that my fan page gets a lot of likes from people in Europe. I belong to a few blogs that are run over there. Street art is huge there because of the artist Banksy. I try to target that audience. I also spend at least an hour a day on twitter, Facebook, blogs, LinkedIn etc..
Hello Marcus and welcome to our group. We are glad that you have joined us here. Good thing your wife looked under the stairs. You have certainly have talent. We look forward to seeing your participation in our forums.
Wow! This is way cool, Marcus, and very exciting work.
Welcome to our site. Many members live in Michigan and do a bunch of the Michigan shows. I used to run the "arts" at Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak, which I know you've been exposed to, so there is a great chance you'll meet members even face to face.
How did you sell your work? What kind of marketing did you do?
Instead of showing your work as an attachment why don't you click on the "image" icon and put the images into your post. People are lazy -- show us your stuff.
I'm heading to your FB page right now.
Cool work Marcus! I'm glad your wife found your work and encouraged you :)
Feel free to put your facebook link here so we can like you easily. Mine is
https://www.facebook.com/annettepiperjewellery
Off to find you on facebook :)