The Devil's in the Details

As an artist, I'm sure you are very particular when it comes to each piece of art you produce.  You are not satisfied until your "artist's eye" tells you the work is complete. The most successful artists are serious about the high quality of their work however seeing art through a buyer's eyes is something that does not come naturally to everyone.  Art buyers and collectors are extremely particular.  They demand attention to every detail and only choose artwork that will fit seamlessly into their homes or offices.  Sometimes what they think of as complete is not the same thing as an artist's idea of finished. 

 

No matter the medium - photography, sculpture, paintings, jewelry or fiber art - the presentation must be perfect.   Think of each work you create as the best piece you've ever done and treat it as such.

If you're a painter, for instance, look closely not only at the painting, but the framing.  Sometimes a beautiful painting is ruined by a shabby or cheap frame job.  In addition, a frame might be beautiful and expensive looking but overwhelming for the artwork it is paired beside.  I find when in doubt, simplicity is usually the right answer.

If you work on a stretched canvas, the edges must be finished in some way.  It doesn't necessarily have to be framed, but the paint should either continue along the edges or the sides should be painted a complimentary color.  One trick is to cover the sides with black duct tape.  This creates a finished look without getting paint in the wrong places.  

Attention to detail holds true with other art forms as well.  Step back and look at your work as if you were going to buy it.  If this seems difficult, another option is to ask someone you trust and admire to give you their opinion about what you could do to make your work more professional.  Pick out a few pieces and ask them to critique each one. 

It's not as difficult to hear constructive criticism as you might think.  A little is good for all of us from time to time.