Artists are some of the best marketers around.
Kings of self-branding, masters of the publicity stunt, experts in beauty. They often do marketing better than the professionals themselves.
And no artist has done it better than Andy Warhol.
From pioneering self-branding to leading a whole new art-form (Pop Art!), his influence is seen across the globe. And like all great brands, when you see a Warhol, you know it´s a Warhol. The distinctiveness of his brand carved out his own, untouched niche in the market.
So, what made Warhol so good at the job it takes years for so many to learn?
The odd one out?
Nobody looked, talked or made art like him.
Cameras and onlookers couldn't help but be drawn to the distinct persona that his wig, voice and suit created. It can be seen in his interviews like this. And it's what made him so popular with advertising executives across the globe.
Even his studio was unlike anything seen before. Self-labelled as “The Factory”, it became an open playground for artists, musicians and celebrities, with figures like Bob Dylan and Sylvador Dalí regularly popping in and out.
His work reflected and changed pop culture
Legendary designer and adman, George Lois, said “truly great graphic and verbal communication reflects, adapts and helps to change the culture.”
Warhol did that.
From his globally recognised screen-prints of Marylin Monroe, Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger to his paintings of Coca Cola bottles, Warhol capitalised on the power of brands and celebrity more successfully than almost any brand before or after. His influence is everywhere; Instagram filters, screen printed t-shirt designs and even the term “superstar” can all trace their origins back to Warhol.
The spreadsheet talks
In the world of marketing and advertising where success hinges on great ideas, it can become the case that what may engage and entertain might not do what it´s really supposed to – persuade the audience to purchase your product.
It's clear Warhol understood this. In fact, he famously claimed “good business is the best art.”
And it's reflected in his sales. Aside from a brief dip in the 1990s, his artwork value has only experienced an upward trajectory. Between 1987 and 2010 his average auction price shot up 3,400%. And in just 2014, Warhol's works sold for $569 million – more than a sixth of the global art market!
But what is the key to his success?
Through the relevance, freshness and accessibility of his work, Warhol captured the essence of the commercial age in which he lived unlike anyone before him. This made his work, as well as himself, become a cultural and historical artefact – something priceless.
toby.carpenter@dma-partners.com dma-partners.com