Time to Plan

December 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As an artist you spend most of your waking hours, and many of your dreaming ones, either painting, looking for ideas to paint or looking at paintings you’ve done and trying to sell them.

When you are a self-employed artist, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea that making more art will create a better art business for you. I’m afraid there’s a little more to it than that. Having magnificent artworks adorning your walls, or stacked in a store room won’t make you any money unless you find the right market to sell them.

If you are in the business of selling art, you need to take time out every year to look at your marketing plan and with New Year just a few days away, why not make it your resolution to sit down in the first week of January and look at you ‘art business’.

Here’s 6 magic things you can do right now to help your business grow…
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Filed Under: Artists, Business, Photography

Successful Selling – it’s all in the timing

December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

An artist just posed the following question… “How do I tell potential clients about my reproductions when I’m part of a group exhibition showing only original works?”

Imagine sitting in the doctor’s surgery and the guy next to you offers to ease your pain with some ‘special’ medicinal herbs he grew in his back shed and it won’t cost anywhere near as much as the Doctor’s fee. Apart from being illegal it’s pretty poor timing right? He should have waited until you were outside… no, sorry that’s wrong forget I said that… No Officer, I’ve never seen this man before in my life!

Selling anything is all about timing. How often have you said to yourself “I’d really like that ‘thing’ but it’s not the right time, I’ll get it later. Good salesmanship is all about matching the right product to the right client at the right time for the right price. Things rarely sell themselves – at some point someone with product knowledge has to share that information with a prospective client and help them find reasons to buy.

If you are part of an exhibition to sell original works, and that’s what every other participant is doing then don’t rock the boat because you won’t get invited back. Be committed to selling their work as much as you are to selling your work, that’s why you are there.
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Filed Under: Business, Promotion

Keeping Track of Sales

December 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

One of the issues I see artists having with reproductions is keeping track of the reproductions that they sell.

It’s not hard folks, it can be as simple as having a lined schoolbook with a list down one side of the editions numbers, 1-whatever, and the word “SOLD” beside each number print that is sold. Or, we can get a little more advanced and create something that is a proper business tool.

What about an Excel spreadsheet that includes the following…

  • Edition number
  • Date sold
  • Print Size
  • Print media
  • Purchaser’s name
  • Purchaser’s address
  • Purchaser’s contact details – email, phone etc
  • Other notes about the sale – this could be anything that you hear the client talk about as they view your work. This can help you promote to them in the future.
  • Make columns for anything else you think is appropriate to your business.

MOST IMPORTANT – Guard this file with your life!
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Filed Under: Artists, Business

Have a Mini Expo!

December 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment

So, times are tough are they? Galleries don’t want to display your work? Don’t know how to get your work seen by more people?

Why not contact your local doctor, dentist, hairdresser or small/medium business with lots of passing traffic or regular flow of customers and see if they will do a mini expo of your work for a week or two. If you regularly spending money with them, then they may feel obliged, or simply be happy to say yes. It may be the perfect opportunity for them to have a social gathering for their clients and your art is the backdrop.

You will need to make it very easy for them because they are busy running their own business and you must not take away from that. Do your homework first, case the joint and determine where you could display your work without disrupting their normal workflow. When you present the idea to the boss you need to have all the answers. Be sure to make an appointment to present your proposal.

Think about the display from their perspective – what are the advantages to them of having a display of your work in their space, what are the challenges it might cause them and what can you do about it to ease the pain and get them to say yes? Prepare your proposal well and chances of success are high.
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Filed Under: Artists, Photography, Promotion

Are your business cards working?

December 2, 2011 by 1 Comment

Are your business cards building your business or costing you money?

Here’s a few ideas on how to use your card to not only get the word out about what you do but build your contact list and business at the same time.

1. Ask for their card first. When you meet someone at a networking function, business meeting, social gathering, art gallery or on the street; after you say hello and engage in little conversation, always ask them for their business card. They will be delighted that you asked and proud to give it to you. After this, it will be very natural for them to ask you for yours. Ask permission to contact them, even though that’s the point of a card, it’s a simply courtesy. If they don’t ask for your card in return, don’t worry, you can always contact them later with a thank-you note including your card. If they don’t have a card, ask them to write their details on the back of yours and give them a fresh one. Getting their details means you have another name to add to your contact database for promoting your work.

2. Don’t leave home without them! Always have some in your car in case you forget to put them in your pocket or purse. Store your cards in a container that keeps them fresh and clean, they are the second impression people get about your business – you are the first. Handing out dirty, scratched cards is not a good look. Be sure to treat with respect the cards you receive. Spend a few moments reading it to make sure all the contact information you need is on there so you can get in touch with them later. If there’s space on the back, make some notes about your conversation after you leave.

3. When the timing’s right, deliver the line. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, General