I am an introvert...

 

So on the art fair scene, I am still an introvert. I say "Hello" but probably nothing else unless someone ask's me a question. So my work speaks for itself? My sales this year were double of that of 2013. But how does an introvert interact with the customers coming into by booth? What advice would you give me to open up more with customers entering my booth? Are there other introverts in the art fair scene? And how have you done with being in this condition? I know I am kind of shy as well. So all my Lego minifigure photos and vintage Fisher Price Little People shots speak for themselves? I'm trying to get a grip on my introversion and how do you close a sale with this? 

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  • My reaction to the wall space issue was to create smaller pieces - 8 by 10.  I've sold more of them than any size, so it may be true that they didn't have room for my larger pieces.  I'm a 2D artist, but I got a lot out of the CD.  I wouldn't have recommended it to you if I didn't think you would also.

  • Actually, the lack of "wall space" means many things and as an artist that does work that typically hangs on walls, there are other options your potential customer is actually asking you for, they may not be giving you an excuse to not purchase but quite the opposite and you din't hear them. It could very well mean - they like the work and they would like some other ideas of how to appreciate it.

    So? Do you have any? How about a freeform like a room divider folding walls? Artist easel? Table easel? A half round table butted up against a wall with the work displayed above it...

  • I'm listening to that Bruce Baker CD right now.  It seems like it's more geared to craftspeople than artists.  For instance, he had an answer to "What do I do with it?", but he ignored the "I don't have any wall space" excuse.

  • If your work sells itself, or you can wait for people to walk up to you and hand you what they want to buy, that is great.  But then why do art shows?  Put your work in a gallery - way less hassle than an art fair.  Customers come to art fairs to interact with the artists - that's why most good shows insist that the artist be present.  My work doesn't sell itself - I do lousy in galleries but do well at shows and I think it is because my customers need me, my story, my explanation.  I don't like being 'sold' to but I also don't like being ignored.  Having a good plan is important.  Again, the Bruce Baker CD on selling helped me tremendously.  I have a plan of what to say to just about everyone that walks in my booth.  I say it and then zip it unless they give me permission to start selling.  What I say to each person gets one of two responses from about 95% of people, so I generally know how to react to what they say.  They either say 'Thank you' and I shut up, or they ask me to keep talking about my work, so I do.  Listen to the CD.

    BTW, I'd classify myself as an introvert.  My wife is amazed when she sees me interact with customers at an art show since I don't do that in general.

  • I too am an introvert, and I like C.C. Barton's reply. I spent 22 years as a research/exploration geologist working alone in the field and in my lab. I was totally focused on my work at work and my art at home. The philosophy served me well as I survived all of the frequent layoffs that occur in the mining industry. When I started doing shows I knew I had to be more open and friendly. It took practice and now it is second nature to me, but I don't overdo it. A friendly "hello" and more if they are interested in a piece of my work. The "Ph.D." on my business card opens conversations, or they will want to tell me about their grand dad's saddle. I can close a belt sale by showing them my 32 year old field belt worn when I did geologic work - stack that one up against your Wally belt LOL. 

  • Smart introverts find partners and spouses that aren't so shy!  (Or they take to drink... not what I would recommend.)  Think of yourself as a clown in a circus or an actor on stage.  My husband used to hate it when I threw parties... a psychologist told me to "give him a job"... I did He greeted, took coats, served drinks and cleaned up.  As long as he had a job... he was happy and relaxed.  You need to give yourself "permission" to dust, polish, repair work (not to read a book).  Always use a high stool so that you are always at eye contact level.  Have fun... and stop thinking about "selling as a four letter word" ... it's called making a living, honestly!  The more you TRY to push yourself the worse you will feel and that will make things worse.  I've known shy artists to wear a special tie or hat, boots or something that starts a conversation.  Find your gimmick... something in your hand... a coin, a squeeze ball... anything that works.  If that doesn't work... Xanax helped me when I had to meet legislators capitol hill and celebrities ... it didn't take but a few times before I had the necessary confidence to go it without meds.  Join the local toastmasters club or start teaching Sunday School... there are many ways. Everyone starts out with jitters. Find your path, it's right in front of you! 

  • There are quite a number of books on the INTROVERT subject, so maybe all of those "I" folks would be more comfortable reading about what it means to be "I".

    HERE'S AN INTERESTING TITLE

    HERE'S A TITLE I JUST ORDERED FOR MYSELF

    Get your game on, y'all. WOOHOO!

  • I like doing art shows and talking to people, but I don't feel the need to jump up and talk to everyone who's looking at my stuff.  Actually, I kind of feel uncomfortable walking into someone's booth because I know that person sees me a potential customer and I try to get out of there before they start talking to me because don't like being "sold" to, and I find that my audience doesn't like it either.  

  • Yes!  Every day when I was still working with the public, my goal, my light at the end of the tunnel, as it were, was that when I got home I could sit and knit and watch the news or a movie and not have to talk to anyone...I still look forward to that everyday even though I'm not working outside the home anymore, it's an escape and it de-stresses me...I think of it like meditation.

  • You are so right Jacki! I had one heck of a day last Friday, while I followed my obligations, if something could get off track, it did. And the amount of people involved in it, by the time I got home at 6, I had used up all my words. One thing a family member did a study on while getting her counseling degree was our family structure growing up, and discovered that 5 children in a tiny house, were left to create our own form of play, you name it. We didn't get "coloring" books, we got blank paper and crayons. We were left to explore massive amounts of nature literally in our backyard since we backed up to a park and similar. If one of us didn't think of it, the other one did. I wonder how many others had similar? And I have to force myself now, because the show season is over to go out among humans, because I am really okay working here at home.

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