Smart Comebacks

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Permalink Reply by Detta Mihills on September 23, 2009 at 3:04pm

Husband to wife: "Don't buy that - I can make it."
Me to the wife: "Here's my card. Call me when he doesn't get around to it."

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Permalink Reply by William S. Eickhorst on September 23, 2009 at 4:22pm

Detta:

I love it! Lets hope we get more of the same.

Going around at the art fair this weekend: What do you call the day immediately after two consecutive days of rain?
Answer: Monday.

Bill

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Malone on September 24, 2009 at 8:52am

"Were you THERE when you took that"?

LOL.

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on September 24, 2009 at 9:54am

My favorite question to my husband, a photographer: Do you have any photos of unicorns?

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Malone on September 24, 2009 at 10:09am

LOL

Did that question arise more than once?

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Permalink Reply by Peggy Whitson on September 24, 2009 at 3:47pm

" I wish I knew how she did this, cause then I could make it ! "

"it doesn't even have to be washable, cause it's all framed ! "


I say..." I ONLY sell at shows, you can get my show schedule on-line, but, I DO NOT sell on-line."

they say......"but can I call you ?"

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Permalink Reply by William S. Eickhorst on September 24, 2009 at 4:12pm

If he has Adobe Photoshop he can.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Bernstein on September 24, 2009 at 7:41pm

"Did you make all this"?

"No, I had them made in China. But, don't tell anybody."

Or

"No, I like standing out here all day in the rain not selling someone else's work."

"Is that cracked"?

"Yes, I only sell broken pieces."

"Where can I see this"?

"Right here. You can see it right here at this show. That's why I'm here."

We used to have a gallery with work from over 200 artists and I got this many, many times:

"Did you make all of this"?

"Yes, on Monday I blew glass. On Tuesday I made the jewelry. On Wednesday I threw and fired the pots. On Thursday...."

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schulz on September 25, 2009 at 12:21am

Ok- yes these are funny, but did you not just have your first show? Are you already so jaded? Have fun with it and think more about the "wishing I had time to do that or I can't draw a straight line." Those are not insults. And as for the "fun to do" comment. Yes- I love what I do. I share that. People respond well to the joy of I have in my work. I do mention that it is a lot of hard work as well, but I am very pleasant about it. Yes- there are times I need to vent like this too, but want to make sure you are still having fun. Your art has to be the right piece for the right person when they have the right amount of money to spend. Otherwise they are just there to appreciate it for now. Hope this does not sound harsh, just trying to throw another perspective in there for you. I do hope that you hear a lot less of the more ignorant questions at your next show and that you leave there feeling good.

Amy

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Permalink Reply by Linda Anderson on September 25, 2009 at 9:11am

Amy is so very right Bill.... please don't become one of those angry artists.... This year especially (after more than 5 years) about 50% of my shows were disappointing as far as dollars are concerned, but I have enjoyed every show in various respects. I have likely learned more this year than any other year as I've had to be more creative with both booth presentation and marketing skills. Even at my biggest fiasco, Edina, I did not become "grouchy".... in fact, I learned the most from that show. Keep in mind that if a potential customer approaches you with the question; "Did you make this?" That's a good thing.... they are engaging in conversation. That may be their way of saying "Tell me more about this piece", allowing you to take it off the wall, hand it to them and describe your artwork or process. If they ask other odd questions, keep it light....with a smile always. You want to become endearing to each and every person that walks into your booth. A happy artist will always sell more. Give them an opportunity to walk away saying "I have to remember this guy" in a good light - not as a wise cracker. Business, William, Business.

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Permalink Reply by William S. Eickhorst on September 25, 2009 at 9:16am

Amy:

Thank you for your concern, but I am not really that jaded. These are not things that were said to me during my first show - they are just things that I have collected over many years in the art world. I thought they were funny because all artists can relate to them. When dealing with criticism, the important thing to remember is to consider the source. I am retired and collecting both a pension and Social Security so, unlike many others, I do not have to make a living doing art fairs. I do have a sense of humor - thats why I posted this to begin with. Regardless of what happens, I will continue to have fun.

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Permalink Reply by William S. Eickhorst on September 25, 2009 at 9:23am

Linda:

Ooops - seems like a lot of folks interpreted my posting as complaining. Wasn't intended to be. I actually have a wild sense of humor and the gift of gab - I thoroughly enjoyed talking with people who visited my booth regardless of whether or not they bought anything. I also enjoyed talking with all the other artists who were nearby. I am basically a very gregarious person. I also am a firm believer in the old adage, "It is necessary to think of everything you say, but not to say everything you think." I promise not to become one of those angry artists. :)

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