Smiley says he draws inspiration from Kusama’s cosmic dreams and repetition, Schnabel’s bold and textured surfaces, Picasso’s boundless creativity, Jasper John’s perceptions and layers, Basquiat’s raw energy, and Warhol’s pop-culture flair.
The artist’s ascent into the art world began with his first solo exhibition in 2017, Dreams Fizzle into Space. The show featured a 32-piece Warholian hand-painted Soup Can collection, establishing Smiley as an artist with bold conceptual prowess.
Among his notable works is the mural Blocs of Love, an Instagram sensation when it first hit downtown Los Angeles. Building on the success of that project, Smiley unveiled Dear Diary in Hollywood in 2018, captivating audiences with his seamless blend of narrative and visual art.
“I want viewers to feel the grit of life, taste the Hollywood glow, and lose themselves in the different facets of my imagination,” Smiley says. “Neo-expressionism, with its fearless embrace of the subjective, reminds us of the beauty and power of human connection. It’s a reminder that art, at its best, reflects the human soul.”
Smiley’s art has been exhibited alongside esteemed artists such as Ed Ruscha, James Turrell, and Shepard Fairey (Obey), solidifying his place in the contemporary art world. His dynamic and evocative pieces continue to draw attention and admiration from art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
“When someone stands before my work, I want their heart to skip a beat,” Smiley says. “Maybe they’ll see their struggles—their dreams—reflected in the pieces. We’re all connected, after all. Relationships and communication are the warp and weft of existence. In my art, I explore those threads—the frayed edges, the knots, the fragile beauty of vulnerability.”
Featured Artist Daniel Pailes-Friedman | Artsy Shark
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On May 15, 2024, the art industry lost a highly-collected artist, Dragan Sekaric Shex after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
“Dragan gave us so much of himself in his art” Says Dragan’s wife, Gordana Yovanovich.
His contact with viewers guided him and he saw art as communication, shared experience, and desire for balance, in his original and elevated style.
An award-winning artist, he began his career as an architect in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he worked in that profession for eleven years. His artistic leanings meant he often presented his clients with paintings he did of city motifs to celebrate their new homes. In 1992, civil war broke out in Bosnia and Shex, who was born to seek balance and harmony and to construct, left for Italy.
In Italy his life took a dramatic turn, and he began to fully engage in an artistic career as well as studying the discipline. In Rome at a mass for artists in Santa Maria di Montesanto church on Piazza del Popolo, he met a community of artists who introduced him to art studies and the sfumato technique which later became his signature style.
After an architect from Pennsylvania, John Franklin, recognized Shex’s uniqueness and organized an art show for him in the United States, Shex became a full-time artist.
Shex moved to Toronto in 2000 and redesigned a small bungalow into a 3500 square-foot house and studio. This stunning conversion gives him a vast and spacious area to both create his evocative oil paintingsand display his large works. Many mornings he is up before dawn painting in his singular style.
In 2015, Dragan Sekaric Shex won the Best Artist award at the Art Expo New York. He has shown his art at major art events such as The Artist Project in Toronto, Art Expo New York, Spectrum Miami, and The World of Art in Las Vegas. He has also had solo exhibitions in Toronto, Havana, Belgrade, and Rome.
He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends, and collectors.
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Today, I’m diving into a crucial topic: the necessity to create demand for your art if you aspire to reach a certain level of success.
Equally important is the need for realism—understanding what to expect and recognizing your position within the art market, whether it’s local, regional, national, or even international. This combination of ambition and practicality is key to navigating the vibrant, yet competitive, landscape of the art world.
Last week’s conversation with William Deresiewicz highlighted the challenges of a crowded marketplace. If you haven’t listened to that episode, do yourself a favor and check out Episode 205. It’s become a very popular interview and offers valuable insights into the current art landscape.
Understanding the lay of the land is vital. I’ve witnessed many artists employing marketing strategies that don’t align with their current situation.
For example, I’m thinking of artists who attempt half-hearted collection releases without having established the necessary demand for their work. Or artists who offer reproductions without first successfully selling the same images as originals.
In both cases, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment—and that just leaves you feeling discouraged. It’s critical to align your strategies with the reality of your market to avoid these pitfalls.
In case “demand” isn’t self-explanatory, let’s clarify. Demand isn’t merely the number of followers or email subscribers you have; it’s about the desire to purchase your art, live with it, promote it, and share it with others.
From a commercial perspective, demand means that people want to buy your art and feature it in their spaces.
On the broader Art World side, demand indicates that your work is part of a larger discussion about art. Curators and gallerists are engaged in conversations about your pieces, providing context and sharing them with other professionals.
Artists in high demand in the capital-A, capital-W Art World often have impressive credentials, like graduate degrees from prestigious art schools, which grant them immediate connections for furthering their careers. These artists have galleries with waiting lists for their work, and those galleries are selective about to whom they sell. They are frequently written about in publications, offered solo museum shows, and included in exhibitions that provide context for their work.
While it may seem appealing to play in this level of the Art World, it has its own challenges. The reality is that 99% of artists shouldn’t focus on creating that kind of demand. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t create work that is in demand on your terms. We’ll explore that further in a moment.
First, let’s look at the positives and negatives of making work that is in demand.
Before diving into the benefits of creating a feeding frenzy around your art, here’s a gentle warning: Be careful what you wish for.
High demand comes with certain responsibilities to your audience. You may feel pressured to produce work at a rapid pace, maintaining a consistent output to meet market expectations.
Additionally, the need to feed social media algorithms can weigh heavily on artists. I’ve seen artists feel compelled to outdo themselves with each show or promotion, striving to make every new opportunity bigger and better than the last.
This is unsustainable.
Pressure can lead to a troubling scenario where you create work for the market rather than from a place of genuine expression. This approach is a recipe for burnout.
Listen to episode 119 with Sara Schroeder. Back in 2018, Sara was just getting into the groove of working in the studio again. She decided to start posting the work to Instagram, and followers began responding to it instantly. Within a year she had 10,000 followers. A few months later, there were 20,000.
Now she has more than 94,000 followers. It was quick success that was a little unexpected. In that interview, Sara shares what wishes she had done differently while in the throes of that success.
The Benefits of Demand
On the flip side, having in-demand work often leads to a loyal following eagerly anticipating your next piece.
This demand creates a sense of urgency to acquire your work before it sells out, fostering an exclusive club feeling among your collectors.
More demand = Increased sales!
Artists with high demand can better estimate their income. They know how much work they can produce and have a clearer idea of what will sell. Check out episode 162 with Kelly Pelfrey for an example of an artist who can successfully estimate her monthly income.
Additionally, artists in high demand can increase their prices more readily than those who lack demand. I may not remember much from my economics classes, but one thing sticks: the law of supply and demand tells us that the fewer items available, the higher their value.
If you can’t keep up with demand, it’s time to raise your prices.
Moreover, increased demand opens the door to better opportunities. As more people see your work, it sparks conversations, generating buzz that can lead to invitations to show and sell your art.
Two key steps you can take to create more demand for your work are (1) focus on quality and originality and (2) nurture relationships.
We’ve already established that the marketplace is crowded. In today’s world, anyone can claim the title of artist without needing formal training or a degree to show their work. While this democratization of art presents opportunity, it also means there’s an abundance of mediocre art to navigate.
The upside is that quality work tends to rise to the top. On one hand, we must sift through countless images to discover the best work. On the other hand, there’s an incredible wealth of talent—more than one person could experience in a lifetime.
To truly stand out, you must dedicate yourself to making exceptional work that remains close to your vision. This involves refining your materials and techniques while continually challenging yourself to learn and grow.
Maintaining curiosity about the world and your place within the art ecosystem—whether it’s expansive or niche—is vital for developing your artistic voice.
Hear this: Your unique perspective is the highest priority for intensifying the demand for your art.
Nurturing Relationships
The other key step for creating demand resides in your list, which I’ll bet you knew was coming. Remember that I have a broad definition of list that expands beyond your email list to include social media followers, collectors, general contacts (like neighbors), and VIPs that you may know already or want to know.
In this day and age, meeting more people and building strong relationships is crucial. You don’t have to be an extrovert. You simply need to be human and recognize that we thrive and find fulfillment when we foster meaningful connections.
There are countless ways to connect today, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Should you send an email, a direct message, a text, or meet in person at an event?
Yes! Yes! Yes! The answer is yes to all of these approaches. We must meet people where they are. Nurturing relationships isn’t about checking a box, but about doing the harder work of connecting authentically and over time.
See what I mean in action and pick up tips for meaningful connections when you listen to episode 187 with Skip Hill: How to Guarantee People Remember You.
By combining genuine connections with strategic insights, you can elevate your presence in your art world. Here are some practical tips to help you assess and cultivate that demand effectively.
Conduct informal market research. Study your market, however you define it, and the artists whose work is similar to yours who are at a comparable point in their careers. Understand where you fit and identify opportunities to stand out.
Seek feedback. Engage with your artist community or coaching program. Solicit honest assessments from trusted peers or mentors regarding your business approach. Participate in critique sessions to refine your work.
Decide how to use feedback. Assess what feedback is valuable for your goals and what you can set aside.
Outside of the Art World, a consistent look and style seems to be more important for generating buzz.
Commit to consistent messaging and engagement. Prioritize your relationship with your audience because it gives meaning to your work and keeps you top of mind.
All of this, of course, takes time. You must remain committed to a studio practice focused on elevating your art.
I created How to Ask for More Money for Your Art because I noticed so many artists were sabotaging their work.
They were saying through their actions: I don’t value my work. So why should you? Why should it be worth any more than this low price that I’m asking for it?
People have watched this short webinar and realized, Oh, I can’t believe I was doing some of these things that lowered the value of my work.
If you need to increase the perceived value of your art, check it out.
How to Develop Confidence as an Artist | Artsy Shark
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We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I agreePrivacy policy
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I agreePrivacy policy
Relocating can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As you navigate this transition, one of your main goals is to reestablish your art gallery’s presence in the new location. That means reconnecting with your existing audience and attracting new visitors who might be unfamiliar with your gallery. By strategically addressing these aspects, you can ensure that your gallery continues to thrive and make a significant impact in its new home. Let’s explore how you can effectively achieve this.
Understanding the Relocation Impact
Relocating your art gallery involves more than just moving to a new address; it’s a significant transition that can affect your gallery’s operations and visibility. You might face the challenge of losing some of your regular visitors accustomed to your previous location, requiring extra effort to reconnect with them and encourage them to visit the new space. Additionally, your gallery’s visibility might temporarily decrease as you settle in.
However, this move also presents an opportunity to attract a new audience and tap into a different demographic. Understanding these potential impacts helps you develop strategies to manage the loss of familiar patrons. At the same time, you can seize the chance to attract new visitors, turning the relocation into a growth opportunity for your gallery.
Reconnecting with Your Existing Audience
Reconnecting with your existing audience is crucial after relocating your art gallery. Firstly, use email newsletters to inform your loyal patrons about the new location and any upcoming events. You can also employ email marketing to offer exclusive updates or promotions, keeping your audience engaged. Hosting a special reopening event can help reignite interest and bring former visitors back.
Use social media to share updates and engage with your audience, offering sneak peeks of the new space and highlighting any exciting changes. Keeping your communication personal and enthusiastic will help maintain your gallery’s connection with its established followers and encourage them to visit your new location.
Attracting New Visitors
Attracting new visitors is crucial for the success of your relocated gallery. Start by investing in local advertising to spread the word about your new location. That could include print ads in local newspapers, targeted online ads, and eye-catching flyers or posters around the neighborhood.
Collaborating with nearby businesses can also be highly effective; consider setting up cross-promotions or joint events to introduce your gallery to their customer base. Additionally, offering special promotions or hosting unique events, such as gallery tours, artist talks, or exclusive previews, can create buzz and draw in new visitors.
Photo courtesy of Cottonbro Studio for Pexels
Building Community Relationships
Building strong community relationships is vital for your gallery’s success in its new location. Start by engaging with local artists and art communities. Hosting collaborative events, such as exhibitions or workshops, can help establish your gallery as a central hub for local art. Participating in local events and festivals will increase your visibility and show you’re invested in the community. Partnering with community organizations can also boost your presence and create mutual benefits. By actively fostering these relationships, you’ll integrate your gallery into the local cultural fabric and attract more visitors who value community involvement.
Enhancing Your Art Gallery’s Presence Online
Create a strong online presence to connect with your audience and attract new visitors. Begin by updating your website with accurate information about your new location, including a detailed map and any gallery hours or service changes. Implementing effective SEO strategies can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential visitors to find you online.
Regularly posting engaging content on social media platforms like Instagram, such as behind-the-scenes looks, upcoming events, and featured artwork, helps keep your audience informed and interested. Maintaining a dynamic and informative online presence will attract more visitors and strengthen your gallery’s connection with the art community.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay for Pexels
Leveraging Media and Press
Utilize media and press to spread the word about your gallery’s new location. Start by sending press releases to local newspapers, magazines, and online publications detailing your move and any special events or exhibitions planned for the reopening. Invite local journalists, bloggers, and influencers to visit your gallery, offering exclusive previews or interviews. Sharing compelling stories and news about your gallery’s relocation can capture the interest of media outlets and increase your visibility. By effectively leveraging media and press, you can generate buzz and attract a wider audience to your new location.
Evaluating and Adapting Your Strategy
Regularly evaluating and adapting your strategy is key to ensuring your gallery’s successful transition to a new location. Start by tracking visitor numbers and analyzing foot traffic patterns to see if there’s an increase or decline. Collect feedback from patrons through surveys or informal conversations to understand their experiences and perceptions of the new space. Use this data to pinpoint effective strategies and identify areas needing improvement.
For example, if social media promotions attract more visitors, you might want to increase their frequency. Conversely, adjust your approach if certain events or advertising methods aren’t performing well. Being flexible and responsive to this information allows you to refine your strategies continually.
Photo courtesy of Lucas for Pexels
Looking Forward: Sustaining Your Gallery’s Growth
Focus on setting clear, long-term growth goals to sustain and build on your gallery’s success after relocation. Develop strategies to maintain and enhance your art gallery’s presence by fostering ongoing relationships with customers and artists. Stay attuned to market trends and audience preferences to adapt to changes in the art scene.
Introduce new exhibitions, events, or programs regularly to keep your offerings fresh and engaging. Building a loyal customer base and staying actively involved in the community will ensure your gallery remains a vibrant and influential cultural hub in its new location.
Boosting Your Art Gallery’s Presence After Relocation
Successfully reestablishing your art gallery’s presence after relocation requires a blend of strategic planning and community engagement. By reconnecting with your existing audience, attracting new visitors, and enhancing your online presence, you set the stage for a strong start in your new location. Building community relationships and leveraging media and press further amplifies your reach. Regularly evaluating and adapting your strategies ensures that you stay relevant and responsive to your audience’s needs. Looking forward, sustaining growth involves continuous innovation and maintaining a strong connection with both your patrons and the local art scene. Embrace these strategies, and your gallery will thrive in its new home.
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Author Bio: Alex Romano is a seasoned writer at Verified Movers Reviews, a platform dedicated to simplifying the moving process by providing in-depth reviews and ratings of moving companies nationwide. Alex helps readers navigate the complexities of relocating homes or businesses through comprehensive guides and industry insights.
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Determining the value of your artwork can be as elusive as it is crucial. For artists, pricing is more than just a matter of financial exchange; it’s a reflection of their creative journey, their skill, and the unique perspective they bring to their work. However, establishing the right price for your art can be complex and fraught with uncertainties. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the intricacies of art pricing, ensuring that you set a value that respects both your artistic integrity and your financial needs.
Understand the Market
Before setting a price, it’s essential to understand the current art market. This involves researching:
Similar Artists: Look at artists with a similar style, medium, and experience level. Compare their pricing and note how their works are presented and sold.
Gallery Standards: Investigate pricing trends in galleries and art fairs. Galleries often have pricing structures based on size, medium, and artist reputation, which can serve as a useful benchmark.
Online Marketplaces: Browse online art marketplaces to gauge how artworks similar to yours are priced. Platforms like Saatchi Art, Artfinder, and Etsy can provide insights into the range of prices for comparable pieces.
Factor in Your Costs
Every piece of art involves various costs, including materials, studio space, and time. Calculating these costs helps ensure that your pricing covers your expenses and contributes to your profitability. Break down your costs into:
Material Costs: Include paints, canvases, brushes, and other supplies. Don’t forget to account for framing, if applicable.
Time Investment: Estimate how long it took to create the artwork and assign an hourly wage to your time. This wage should reflect your experience and the complexity of the work.
Overhead: Consider studio rent, utilities, and other operational expenses.
By adding these costs to your pricing formula, you’ll ensure that you’re not just covering your expenses but also making a profit.
Evaluate Your Experience and Reputation
Your level of experience and your reputation in the art world are crucial factors in determining the price of your work. Artists with established careers and strong portfolios can command higher prices. Consider:
Artistic Achievement: If you have a history of exhibitions, awards, or publications, this enhances your credibility and can justify a higher price.
Sales History: Past sales and commissions are strong indicators of the value of your work. If you have a track record of successfully selling pieces at certain price points, use this as a guideline for future pricing.
Reputation: Your reputation among collectors, critics, and peers influences how your work is perceived and valued. Building a strong network and positive relationships can enhance your market position.
Determine the Pricing Formula
Creating a pricing formula can help standardize how you price your artwork. Here’s a simple method to start with:
Base Price: Calculate a base price per square inch or square foot of your artwork. This can vary depending on your experience level, the complexity of the work, and market demand.
Additions: Include additional costs for framing, special techniques, or unique materials.
Markups: Apply a markup to cover your time, expertise, and profit margin. This could be a percentage of the base price or a fixed amount.
For example, if your base price for a painting is $5 per square inch, and the painting is 24×36 inches, the base price would be $5 x (24×36) = $4,320. If framing costs $300, and you want to add a 20% markup for profit, your final price would be $4,320 + $300 + (0.20 x $4,320) = $5,442.
Consider the Emotional and Aesthetic Value
Art is not just about materials and time; it’s also about the emotional and aesthetic impact it has on viewers. This subjective value can influence how you price your work. Reflect on:
Emotional Impact: If your artwork evokes strong emotions or tells a compelling story, it may justify a higher price.
Aesthetic Appeal: The overall beauty and craftsmanship of your work can affect its market value. Art that stands out in terms of composition, color, and technique often commands higher prices.
Adjust for Market Conditions
Art pricing is not static; it should evolve with market conditions. Regularly review and adjust your prices based on:
Demand: If your work is in high demand or you are receiving more inquiries, it may be time to raise your prices.
Economic Factors: Economic fluctuations can impact buying power. Adjust your pricing strategy to align with current economic conditions while considering your own financial needs.
Art Trends: Stay informed about art trends and shifts in consumer preferences. If certain styles or mediums gain popularity, this can affect how you price your work.
Seek Feedback
Getting feedback from peers, mentors, and collectors can provide valuable insights into your pricing strategy. Reach out to:
Art Communities: Engage with local or online art communities to get opinions from other artists and art professionals.
Collectors: If you have an established client base, ask for their feedback on your pricing and whether they feel it reflects the value of your work.
Mentors: Consult with mentors or advisors who can offer guidance based on their experience in the art world.
Communicate Value Clearly
When presenting your work for sale, ensure that you effectively communicate its value. This includes:
Detailed Descriptions: Provide comprehensive descriptions of your artwork, including materials, techniques, and the inspiration behind it.
Professional Presentation: Invest in high-quality photographs and professional presentation materials to showcase your work effectively.
Storytelling: Share the story behind each piece. Art buyers often connect with the narrative behind the work, which can justify a higher price.
Determining the value of your artwork is a nuanced process that involves understanding the market, calculating costs, and reflecting on your artistic achievements. By employing a structured approach to pricing and regularly reviewing your strategy, you can ensure that your prices reflect both the quality of your work and your financial needs. Remember, pricing is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that evolves with your career and the art market. With careful consideration and strategic adjustments, you can find a pricing strategy that honors your creative contributions and supports your artistic journey.
In this conversation, Bill and I explore how the digital landscape has transformed the livelihoods of individual creators, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Bill shares his insights on the evolution of the artist’s role over the centuries—moving from artisan to bohemian, then to professional, and now to what he calls a ‘producer’ in our modern gig economy.
We delve into the realities artists face today, including discoverability, financial instability, and the ever-growing need to balance creative work with self-promotion and business savvy.
A key theme in our dialogue is the importance of community support among artists. Despite the fierce competition and market pressures that come with this new digital era, Bill emphasizes the necessity of adapting and embracing the opportunities the internet provides.
Being part of a supportive community of like-minded artists, like our Art Biz Connection, can truly help you navigate this landscape.
When: Saturday, October 5 through Sunday, October 13 Where: Balloon Fiesta Park (see map) Admission: General admission tickets are $15 per person, per session (morning or evening sessions available); kids 12 and under are free.
Parking: $20 per vehicle, per session.
For information about additional ticketing packages, event transportation services, and what to know before you go, check out the event’s official page.
Pro tip: Download the Official Balloon Fiesta Mobile App for easy access to maps, important updates, and more.
In Italy his life took a dramatic turn, and he began to fully engage in an artistic career as well as studying the discipline. In Rome at a mass for artists in Santa Maria di Montesanto church on Piazza del Popolo, he met a community of artists who introduced him to art studies and the 
In 2015, Dragan Sekaric Shex won the 
