Surfing the web in search of some unusual business ideas I came across a web-page of Anthony Wide – ex-stockbroker who became a very successful painter. You think his works became popular because he is a talented painter? Not at all, he’s just good at marketing!
Anthony White doesn’t paint portraits or landscapes, he paints money and sell them on the internet! Seems that modern people are so obsessed with money making, that they even want to see them hanging on the walls in their living rooms…
Here’s what Mr. White says about his works: „My artwork has developed to where I am exploring the relationship between money and art or maybe I am just painting a subject that I know well. Many artists paint what is around them. I would say that my work is financial conceptual art if I had to brand it. I also describe it as affordable investment grade artwork. I have spent a lot of time studying the share market but I have also studied the art market as well. I am willing to do what is required to make my artwork a good investment. An example of this is that I actively promote a secondary market for my artwork. ”.
I was also surprised by Anthony’s selling tactic – he sells his painting only in numeric order. So, if the last sold painting was for „$120”, then the next one will be „$121”. If you want to buy a painting with an exact number ($300, for example), then you can reserve it in advance and still you’ll have to wait till Anthony comes to this number to buy it.
Since Anthony White started his Money Series in April 2004 over 500 paintings from the series has been sold to people in over 20 different countries. It’s definitely a great success, especially taking into account that such images could be created by anyone who has at least a basic knowledge of painting.
So, what conclusions should we make from this story? If you are thinking of starting your business on making and selling art works, then:
1. Make them as bizarre and weird as you can. People are bored with classical paintings and are eager to have something really exclusive in their collection
2. Don’t pay to much attention to the artistic value of your works, stress your attention on unusual techniques which will make your works unique and attractive for buyers.
3. You can’t paint at all? Use all kind of computer programs to create unusual paintings!
4. Always remember Anthony’s motto: It’s not art unless somebody buys it.
Success is guaranteed!
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