Do you know who your competition is? Many artists don’t like to think of themselves as competing against someone and, frankly, I don’t either. But we all have competition. We know that if someone is looking for art and they don’t buy your work, they’re going to buy it from someone else. If someone doesn’t commission you, they’re going to commission another artist. If someone doesn’t enroll in your art classes, they’re going to enroll in someone else’s.

Jeffrey Stoner, Watchful. Photograph.  © The Artist http://www.jwsphotoarts.com

Competition doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Competition can get you up in the morning and motivated. Competition can drive you to do better work and become more focused on your career and where you want it to go. ( Be sure to check out the archives if you missed the last two issues on this topic.)

Which brings me to this: Just because you see someone as your competition, doesn’t mean that they view you in the same way. Their actions can motivate you without them even knowing it.

Your competition is probably someone who:

• Works in similar media, genre, sizes, and/or subject matter

• Has comparable pricing

• Has a similar education

• Is at an equivalent stage in his or her career

• Exhibits in similar venues (with a similar audience looking on)

• Offers classes or workshops close to those you offer

Who might that be? Are you keeping an eye on them?

I’ve given you some tips for ways to size up your competition on the Art Biz Blog.
http://www.artbizblog.com . I’m adding these extra tips to this week’s podcast for a more in-depth look at sizing up your competition. (The podcast appears on the blog on Wednesdays.)
 

Know This . . . A little competition isn't a bad thing. Think About This . . . Who is your competition? Do This . . . Size up the competition. Know how you fit in and what makes you stand out in the crowded art market. Again, check out the Art Biz Blog and this Wednesday’s podcast for more on this topic. http://www.artbizblog.com