Ways to put myself out there as an artist?

[Simplicity]

I'm 19 and I've been drawing forever. It sounds like an awesome idea to use it to make money, I'm just not sure how to get started with it. Sell pieces on a website? Work for a company? I have no clue.

Just lookin for some ideas here

You have to stay focused on creating and delivering value. Everything that detracts from this focus should be viewed as an expense, obstacle, or just plain evil.

[Zwynd]

What type of art? I have a few suggestions...

If you're looking to make only a little bit of coin but get your name out there then I'd suggest Deviantart (deviantART: where ART meets application!) or Elfwood (Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, FanArt and Stories - Elfwood). DA is great because even though you don't make much profit off the prints you still get your name out there.

But don't JUST stay with DA or any other site like it or years will pass and you'll wonder why you wasted your time.

Work towards getting your own website and at least a few different portfolios for different circumstances; ie, an overall one, a target one for a specific art style or business, a semi-personal one, etc.

Get a paypal account (http://www.paypal.com) and hook up with eBay (eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices). Auction your big pieces off there.

Check out your local businesses and see if you can get your foot in the door. Show off your portfolio (catered to them) and give them a little discount if nearing a holiday or some such.

Make pieces to give away at fund-raising/auction events for non-profit organizations. They'll post your name, tell everyone how generous you are AND you get to help an organization you believe in. Nice.

Hope these help.

[Simplicity]

Appreciate it, man. I made this for a friend's birthday: http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/9...3788097gy1.jpg

Great ideas

[Zwynd]

That's awesome of you! Crafted presents are always the best to receive/give. =)

I'm looking forward to reading your future updates on getting your feet wet in the business side of the art world.^^

[kandystand]

Hi simplicity

Have you heard of elance.com or rentacoder.com

maybe you can tender yourself freelance on these sites, I have used talented people like yourself from these sites to do work for our music band (album artwork, websites etc).

I earn a little on the side doing voice overs and music production (audio books, adverts for radio) through these sites, and although its not neccesarily regular work its a great way to build a portfolio or just earn a bit of extra cash.

check them out, also I am currently looking for someone to redesign our logo for our band dont know if you do digital art also (photoshop, illustrator etc) drop me a PM if you do.

Good luck , you can make your talent work for you buddy!

DJ Alodis
Kandystand
dance music - club tracks - electro mixes - Kandystand The Hottest European Dance Music Act - Available on CD and MP3 download