Fool, Genius or Both

I've often been complimented for my drawings which isn't unusual. Even mediocre artists are often praised for there drawings. How typical it is, whether as a profession or as a hobby, artwork is verbally appreciated but when it comes down to actually supporting the artist financially by hiring him/her or buying the art itself, people generally loose their  enthusiasm. I can't count the number of times people would want me to either draw them or draw at an event only to suddenly clam up when I mention compensation.

There are also the countless times I've presented some art as a gift only to discover it was discarded or left in the junk drawer which is why, now, I rarely make a gift of my drawings. 

The challenge and the real goal, if the desire is to be a professional artist, is to sell the art, in considerable quantities or at a fair price. However, as summarized above, even though we, as proud artists, think our work is valuable, most people don't see it that way as they prefer to decorate there homes with the bland, mass produced prints sold at big box stores.

The key, whether the product is art or shoes, or furniture, or life insurance, is that we have to find qualified buyers. That's the rub, as they say. It takes the business side of our minds; not just the artistic part.