Fellow Artists, I need your help!!!

[Niall]

Hi
I have been drawing portraits for quite a while, now practicing every day and I'd like to think I have reached a reasonable standard, things have been going really well. I am working in an ok-ish job but the money is'nt fantastic. Sometimes I get so frustrated because I would prefer to be drawing portraits full time, as I believe that here in Ireland there is great potential for something like that. I have done a lot of portraits for family and friends and the reaction has been brilliant.
Has anyone any tips/advice on how to make a living out of drawing portraits? I have a some ideas myself that I would be happy to share, and any advice would be greatly appreciated,
All the best
Niall
PS There is some outstanding talent on this forum

[Nina du Preez]

Hi Niall..

Living off ones art is quite a struggle...I do portraits of animals and people by order, and I dont make enough to make a living at the moment. It is a nice bit of money on the side though..

[Peewee]

Hey there, well im 16 so i dont think i can help u bcoz im kinda thick but, my mams friend draws all sorts and sells them on the internet sites like Ebay and now she has made her own site, why dont u sell your drawings and see how much you make and if ya doin well maybe you can make your own buisness her husband owns a store in the market and sells the drawings, maybe you should have a go...your could even put them in the mail (if ya have a mail in ur town). Um i dunno but thats the only advice i can give sorry. :oops:

[debs1428s]

I agree with Nina, I make some money from my drawings although not enough to live on, u can make an order on your site, or try selling a few on ebay for a while to see how they take off.. also wrap a few in presentations and take them to your local shop and ask them to sell them at a set price and give them a percentage :) I do :)