marketing - Forum - Art Fair Insiders2024-03-29T04:47:44Zhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/marketingSeeking Marketing / Selling Advice for a Senior Potterhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/seeking-marketing-selling-advice-for-a-senior-potter2020-08-03T23:59:51.000Z2020-08-03T23:59:51.000ZBrent Leftwichhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BrentLeftwich<div><p>I am hoping I can solicit some sage advice from the Art Fair world on behalf of my father. My father, Rodney Leftwich, is a very accomplished potter based out of the Asheville area in North Carolina. He has been producing traditional folk pottery as well as some art pieces for over 50 years. He is nearly 74 years old now, and while mostly retired, he is luckily still in good health and turning out pots. I grew up on the craft show circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, in which we did a dozen or so a year. He has been a full-time artist since 1993. He has gradually retired from the craft show scene over the last 10-15 years. The costs of booth fees, hotels, and travel expenses, combining with slow show sales, led to him finally conclude they just weren't worth the effort. By the end, he was simply breaking even at best. He has also done the wholesale thing at various galleries, and still does to a limited degree, but again, it's mostly been a break-even arrangement. He is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, and he has been profiled in several publication primarily on the local level. He does maintain a studio / shop. However, the shop is in a fairly rural area with virtually no nearby traffic. It is only open during advertised open house events and by request or appointment. </p>
<p>My father is by an artistic definition very accomplished. Besides being a master at his craft, he is the leading scholar on the history of southern Appalachian pottery, authoring several books and articles as well as curating museum exhibitions on the subject. However, like a lot of traditional artists, he has struggled from the business and marketing side, particularly in the internet age. He is not very tech savvy. He has a basic understanding of computers, and he does maintain a Facebook presence. He is pretty adept at eBay (perhaps too adept at times), but has not found it a good place to sell. Most of his marketing is a bit old fashioned, with newspaper ads, direct mailing, or email lists. He has also been targeted for scams, which makes him distrustful of the internet in general. I have tried to help him out as much as I can from a technical standpoint. Unfortunately, I live on the opposite coast in California. He hired a company to create a website for him, which charged him a fortune for a site that would have been terrible in 1997. I created a new, modern website for him a couple of years ago, which I maintain and try to keep updated. It's more of a portfolio and a platform to announce events, like open house sales. It is not a direct sales platform but a showcase. The website is <a href="http://www.leftwichpottery.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.leftwichpottery.com</a>. </p>
<p>I realize I'm asking for the moon here, but I hoping I'm can solicit advice. I realize the coronavirus world makes things all the more complicated. My father does not have the skill, energy, or patience for sitting for hours and hours in front of a computer. I help out when I can, but I'm very far away. I also own and run an archaeology consulting business and my own fine art photography business, so my available time is also limited. My father does not produce expedient pieces. Most of his pieces are very time intensive, often dozens of hours for really intricate ones. As he enters the twilight of his career, he is more interested in producing prestige and legacy pieces than simplifying. His style and brand are already pretty defined and established. He has also attended a few workshops on marketing crafts, but to be honest, the advice has been terrible. He is also in a saturated local art market. I have been trying to get him to join Art Fair Insiders, which he will hopefully do soon. Thank you!</p>
<p></p></div>Caution: Dave Emmons Artist marketinghttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/caution-dave-emmons-artist-marketing2019-12-02T01:49:47.000Z2019-12-02T01:49:47.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>Be wary of this guy and his sales pitch.</p>
<p>Dave Emmons and his "artist marketing formula</p>
<p>He has a practice of continually contacting potential customers, even after they have expressed no interest.</p>
<p>When "constant contact" or other email systems are used to keep hammering people it does not generate happy customers. It creates angry, alienated people who will never do business with you.</p>
<p></p>
<p>For someone trying to market a program telling others how to make sales, he obviously does not understand how to win customers over.</p>
<p>It also causes issues with whomever gave him our contact information, in the first place.</p>
<p>So he not only alienates us from his company but causes us to become unhappy with the company that gave him our contact info.</p>
<p>Don't walk...instead RUN from this guy.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p></div>Call for Featured Artistshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/call-for-featured-artists2018-06-25T21:33:57.000Z2018-06-25T21:33:57.000ZCarolyn G Edlundhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CarolynGEdlund<div><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062822570?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062822570?profile=original" width="330" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<h4>Artsy Shark is now <a href="https://www.artsyshark.com/become-a-featured-artist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accepting submissions</a> from artists who would like to be featured and promoted in the coming months. Deadline for submissions is July 5, 2018.</h4>
<p>We invite visual artists in any medium to submit an application for consideration during our current Call for Artists. Mediums include painting, drawing, sculpture, clay, fiber, glass, wood, printmaking, jewelry and others.</p>
<p>Featured articles give the artist an opportunity to tell their story and share their inspiration, technique, and portfolio. All artist features are promoted through social media and email to our wide audience.</p>
<p>This Call for Artists involves a competitive juried process with a fee of $20 to apply. Not all artists will be offered a feature.</p>
<p>A link to the featured artist's website appears prominently in each feature. This provides opportunities to make sales, capture email addresses of interested visitors, and gain social media followers.</p>
<p>Artsy Shark receives no fees or commissions whatsoever for any sales or contracts that result from being featured.</p>
<p>Learn more and apply to become a featured artist here <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FMyArtistFeature&h=AT3GSDEx91inK8-vNnNwauE4srasmqypQFPN_YvPOytWqEB8rvFT4Uw2D_3W-emk3-cDUHlC9xI9YeT6Nh3PZbAKVp6i4I5a-qCha2YpLGBFvFTwlSfWXTL2on9TujztnbTXZJRWyJZb0mGlSUgRZrvEvPPpfvTmHJU" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">http://bit.ly/MyArtistFeature</a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>Area dependent types of arthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/area-dependent-types-of-art2017-03-28T16:12:55.000Z2017-03-28T16:12:55.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>This discussion is most appropriate for Photographers, painters etc. </p>
<p>Not that others are not welcome, however I think it is most applicable to these mediums</p>
<p></p>
<p>In aforementioned categories, some shows sales are limited to area specific art.</p>
<p>Example: "Beachy scenes", "Certain architecture... items that are relative to that geographic location. </p>
<p>To try and educate the potential customer on the difference between "Art" and "Decorations" is problematic and not desired at the shows.</p>
<p>Someone living in south Florida may not want to hang a photo of ice breaking off a glacier. No matter how fine a piece of art it might be.</p>
<p>Just because a show is in Philadelphia, not all the images need to be of Rittenhouse Square.</p>
<p>It is difficult to determine in advance which shows are geographic specific. Just because a show is in a certain area may not mean the customer base is centric to the "area specific" purchasing practice.</p>
<p>How do fellow artists determine this in advance?</p>
<p>Few reviews seem to address this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p></div>Photography VS Jewelry etc.https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/photography-vs-jewelry-etc2016-10-26T16:44:50.000Z2016-10-26T16:44:50.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p><strong>*** Disclaimer ***</strong></p>
<p><em>Let me start by stating I have nothing against Jewelry nor any other form of art. I have admiration and respect for artists of myriad mediums.</em></p>
<p><em>I do not claim or insinuate any medium is superior to any other.</em></p>
<p><strong>*** End of Disclaimer ***</strong></p>
<p>Now on to the issue:</p>
<p>I am still trying to understand why people will spend the same money or much more at a show, for Jewelry (just one example) than photographic art.</p>
<p>The Jewelry will often sit in a drawer and only be seen / used once in a while. Unless it is one of very few pieces the person owns.</p>
<p>The photography will hang on a wall and be viewed constantly for many years, regardless of the occasion.</p>
<p>Appreciation / depreciation in value can be comparable. Both have as much usefulness. Longevity can be similar. Price points similar. Photos need wall space, if no room then a piece must be removed from the wall to allow a new piece. Jewelry needs body space, if need one must choose which piece(s) to wear that day.</p>
<p>This is not just a "salesmanship" issue. It is evident from how many Jewelry vendors are present at shows compared to photogs etc. jewelry does the numbers. Why?</p>
<p>is there a great method of using the jewelry allure to aid in photog sales?</p></div>Offering "Free" Tax & Shippinghttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/offering-free-tax-shipping2016-02-05T21:37:27.000Z2016-02-05T21:37:27.000ZJosh Bakerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JoshBaker<div>I'm brand new to the world of art shows and curious if anyone has offered a deal involving free shipping and tax on orders placed at art shows. Around my area (metro Chicago) some retailers have begun offering "we pay the tax" sales.
Now obviously we all know that the tax and shipping would have to be calculated into the price. Our sales tax around here is about 11% roughly and I estimate most of my shipping charges would be between $7.50 - $50.
My questions is if anyone has done this and if so what luck they had with possibly boosting sales. Is this likely to push possible shoppers over the edge into making that purchase? Are buyers going to get confused and just take a pass based on sticker shock?
Let me know what you think and thanks in advance for any all input you guys can provide.</div>Website review requesthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/website-review-request2015-07-06T20:51:49.000Z2015-07-06T20:51:49.000ZJanet McGregor Dunnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JanetMcGregorDunn<div><p>I would very much appreciate any suggestions on the website I'm building. Right now it's still on the "free" program but once I'm all done I'll pay the dollars and go live.</p>
<p>There is a store on the site but I haven't added any pics yet, haven't decided whether I want a store or want to go another route when selling. Ignore that page if you do wander the site.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance. Be gentle, I know I have a long way to go before it's ready to go!</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://hhpottery.wix.com/janetmcgregordunnllc">http://hhpottery.wix.com/janetmcgregordunnllc</a></p></div>What's the best route to take for building a website?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-s-the-best-route-to-take-for-building-a-website2015-07-02T11:39:32.000Z2015-07-02T11:39:32.000ZJanet McGregor Dunnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JanetMcGregorDunn<div><p>I've been trying Wix out as a site-builder. Easy, nice layouts, lots to like. However, they can't wrap text around a picture. I can't decide if that is a deal-breaker or not but if they can't do something that basic what else will I find as I go along? I have trial accounts with a few other site-builders so will be checking them out.<br/><br/>Wondering what my other art friends are using for their sites? <br/><br/>Did you have someone do it?<br/><br/>Did you use one of the site builders? And, if yes, which one did you use?<br/><br/>Do you sell anything via your websites? I know a website is a must-have these days, do you wish you'd gone another route than paying for design or using a site-builder? <br/><br/>Anything problems, suggestions, general comments?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here's my current website (hasn't been updates in eons): <a href="http://www.janetmcgregordunn.com/">http://www.janetmcgregordunn.com/</a></p>
<p>Here's the one I'm building on Wix: <a href="http://hhpottery.wix.com/janetmcgregordunnllc">http://hhpottery.wix.com/janetmcgregordunnllc</a> (hope that works...if I stick with Wix will be using my regular url)</p></div>Craft Marketing Bookhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/craft-marketing-book2014-07-16T13:34:53.000Z2014-07-16T13:34:53.000ZNick Jager Bottle Art Projectshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/NickJagerBottleArtProjects<div><p>My wife and I are in the process of writing a craft marketing book. Some of the chapter include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pricing your crafts for profit</li>
<li>Setting up your home business</li>
<li>Collecting money & getting paid</li>
<li>Social Media how to's</li>
<li>Creating press releases</li>
</ul>
<p>These are just 5 of the 14 or more chapters this book will have. At this point we have the first 8 chapters written and plan to publish by the end of August.</p>
<p>Are you interested in learning more about this marketing book for crafters? Do you have a suggestion, question or chapter idea for the book?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Learn more on Silke's marketing website at: <a href="http://www.jagerwebdesign.com/marketing-book/">http://www.jagerwebdesign.com/marketing-book/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870955069?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CraftMarketingPromo.gif</a></p></div>Fine Art "garage sales"https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/fine-art-garage-sales2013-11-09T17:21:28.000Z2013-11-09T17:21:28.000ZVictoria L. Herringhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/VictoriaLHerring<div><p>I do a very limited set of art shows - I stopped traveling out of town and doing outdoor shows. So, I have a limited ability to sell works [other than web and such]. Thus I have loads of inventory which I'd like to move out of here to allow me to make new art = I do photography, architectural and travel topics mainly. I have lots of 11x14 matted images [I no longer sell anything smaller than 16x20]. And I'd actually like to sell/get rid of all my larger pieces as well so I can repopulate the inventory. They're already expensed out!</p>
<p></p>
<p>I have a well located home and garage and can set up a one day 'garage sale' in my garage using my ProPanels and doing everything I might need to have the artwork out and available to look at. This is Des Moines, Iowa, so not a huge crowd expected but the ability to move anything would be good, and this is much less expensive than a PopUp shop or such.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Anyone do something like this and if so, how'd it go and what did you do to get ready and promote it. I'm trying to hit the holiday season and actually am thinking of rushing it a bit [this coming Sat. in fact] due to my schedule etc. But I think I can get everything sent and printed etc. by Monday if I go forward. But would love to hear from others their thoughts on this. </p></div>Good post on what not to say to when closing a salehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/good-post-on-what-not-to-say-to-when-closing-a-sale2013-12-05T01:12:02.000Z2013-12-05T01:12:02.000ZJim Parkerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JimParker<div><p>For those of you who aren't familiar with Jason Horejs, owner of Xandau Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ, he's a wonderful writer as well. His blog has some of the most insightful information (outside of AFI of course) you may run across. His latest post is all about what NOT to say when closing a sale. I think you might find it helpful. I know I did.</p>
<p>You can find it on the <a href="http://www.reddotblog.com/wordpress/index.php/chasing-away-art-buyers/#comment-39245" target="_blank">reddot blog, here.</a></p></div>Celebrities and Our Arthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/celebrities-and-our-art2013-02-16T02:35:37.000Z2013-02-16T02:35:37.000ZElle Heiligensteinhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ElleHeiligenstein<div><p>Hi All</p>
<p>A client of mine posed a unique questionto me today: Have I ever sold a piece to a celebrity and if not had I ever sent a piece to someone famous? I have not done either. It got me thinking whether it would be a good marketing idea to send a select few a piece to generate interest in the work and gain good exposure. Have any of you ever done this?? I think it could go one of two ways, you send them work and they don't give you the time of day (most likely) or they like it and buy in the future or spread the word for you among their affulent circles. What do you all think? I'm thinking about sending a piece or two out, but I'm not going to do this until I hear what you all think. Thanks!! </p></div>The perfect gift certificate and promotional flierhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/the-perfect-gift-certificate-and-promotional-flier2013-04-10T00:58:03.000Z2013-04-10T00:58:03.000ZBill Coleman Entertainmenthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BillColemanEntertainment<div><p>Thanking you in advance, hoping you are up for some brainstorming.</p>
<p>Recently one of my clients, an elementary school PTA in a pretty well off neighborhood, has asked for a donation of a gift certificate for their silent auction. I'm thinking since printing is so cheap, I use GotPrint, that I should have a bunch printed, "authenticate" or "authorize" one as a <strong>certificate</strong> for the auction, and have the school distribute the rest as <strong>fliers</strong> to the parents.</p>
<p>The auction winner get a certificate and gets to choose either a one hour Stilt Party/ instructional clinic or a one hour mini Bubble Tower performance.</p>
<p>In addition to the website url, it will also include a QR code on the cert/flier pointing to this blog post:</p>
<p><a href="http://stiltwalker.com/bubbles/mini-bubble-tower/mini-bubble-tower-and-stilt-party/" target="_blank">http://stiltwalker.com/bubbles/mini-bubble-tower/mini-bubble-tower-and-stilt-party/</a></p>
<p>to explain better what they are bidding on . . . and hopefully bid up the price. </p>
<p>In theory, while at the auction, they will scan the QR code to learn more about our services, and once informed, bid up the price.</p>
<p>And entice the rest of the parents to hire our services for their family events, company picnics and the like.</p>
<p>I thought I might also mail out the <strong>flier</strong> to other school Parent Teacher Associations in an attempt to peek their interest in our services for their annual school carnival or After Prom party.</p>
<p>The certificate includes:</p>
<blockquote><p>Offer valid in the Denver Metro Area only. Certificate valid only if signed. Contact Bill Coleman Entertainment to arrange the date<br/>for your Mini Bubble Tower or Stilt Party. Reservations subject to availability; not all dates available. Not valid for July 4th.</p>
</blockquote>
<p></p>
<p>and will include place to write in an expiration date, and a place for my signature, but what else am I missing?</p>
<p>I think I'm about 90% there with this, but wondered how best to "authenticate" or "authorize" the singular certificate, and discourage the dishonest from trying to redeem one or more of the sample fliers.</p>
<p>??I'm leaning towards adding the word "sample" on the signature line for the 5,000, and just print up the real certificate on my home computer, and sign and date it??</p>
<p>What else if anything should be added to help the bidders go crazy?</p>
<p>I also wondered if it would be worth while offering to sell, for $25 each, two additional certificates to the school for their auction?</p>
<p></p>
<p>I post this here thinking that this idea could be adapted for those artists who are inundated with charity donation requests. Using the QR code to point to your virtual gallery might drive traffic, and perhaps even sales of your art work . . . ?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Cheers! </p></div>QR Codes: Better than Business Cards?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/qr-codes-better-than-business-cards2012-04-17T00:11:21.000Z2012-04-17T00:11:21.000ZGeoff Coehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/GeoffCoe<div><p>I did the Santa Fe College show in Gainesville FL this past weekend, and although sales at the show were nothing special, the show was well-run and provided a tech milestone of sorts: The first show I've done where the organizers put a QR code on each artist booth placard.</p>
<p>For anyone who doesn't know, a QR code is a scanning code that can be read by any smart phone with a QR Reader. (You can download one for free at <a href="http://qrcode.kaywa.com/" target="_blank">http://qrcode.kaywa.com</a> , or just Google "QR Reader" and you'll come up with lots of options.)</p>
<p>Why might this be even better than business cards? Well, many debates have raged on these forums (fora?) about whether business cards are worth the trouble and expense, since many visitors take them in order to avoid actually having a conversation with an artist, or to put off a buying decision, etc., etc. </p>
<p>But once I remembered to direct customers to my QR code instead of my business card holder, I found that a surprising number:<br/> a) Knew what a QR Code was;</p>
<p>b) Had a smart phone equipped with a reader;</p>
<p>c) Knew that all they had to do was launch the app, point their phone at the code, and be taken to my website.</p>
<p>Websites visited on the cell phone persist longer than business cards, I'll bet: They can't be misplaced, used for unrelated emergency note-taking, tossed in a trash can, or <shudder> inadvertently tossed into the laundry. </p>
<p>It resulted in one after-the-show sale, already. It will be interesting to see if there are others! </p>
<p>So get yourself a QR code for your website, print it out with an E-Z instruction for your visitors, and see wha' happens. </p>
<p>PS: Next time I order my biz cards, I'm going to dip into the coffers for the double-sided variety and put the QR Code on the back. </p>
<p></p></div>displaying sweaters or coatshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/displaying-sweaters-or-coats2012-01-09T23:23:02.000Z2012-01-09T23:23:02.000ZJaynie Hay Ramseyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JaynieHayRamsey<div><p>I need some help in displaying sweaters and coats. I make articles , purses, backpacks, mittens, armand leg warmers and wine totes fro ; recycled sweaters, sport coats, ties....you get the idea. (It's dangerous to change your cloths at my house!). Last year I sold my metal grids, I'm to old to ''carry those things." I made wall panels from pvp pipe and lattice. They work great and Im very proud of them, my own idea, and I made them all by myself. These work great to hang the bags on but, I need a wterall rack jobby and they won't hook onto my lattice. With the purses, and sweater things, My booth keeps looking cluttered. But everything is one of a kind, and I have a real hard time not putting everything out. I would like to make some kind od foldable coat rack.Would 2 poles with a cross arm brace, a pole that sits in the fork at the top, and then the same thing onthe other end. Kind of like 2 laders and a pole. I cant figure how to attach waterfalls to the piping in the booth walls. I know the lattice won't hold the weight.. I tried to put a picture of my booth in, not sure I got it. I know it is too full, but any ideas? I have a banner made from felt in the shape of chicks, with my shop name spelled out on them. Help, I'm stumped, it can't take up any room. Car is full. Thank you</p></div>Donating to Charity Auctions: Career-killer?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/donating-to-charity-auctions-career-killer2011-09-23T12:38:14.000Z2011-09-23T12:38:14.000ZGeoff Coehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/GeoffCoe<div><p>A provocative post in the Huffington Post today is worthy reading: Making the case that caving in to those ceaseless entreaties to donate your art for charity does damage to your bottom line and your marketability:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mat-gleason/charity-art-auctions-_b_872953.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mat-gleason/charity-art-auctions-_b_872953.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So: Whaddya think?</p></div>Looking to broaden my horizons......In Iowahttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/looking-to-broaden-my-horizons-in-iowa2011-10-22T13:13:59.000Z2011-10-22T13:13:59.000ZValarie Allenhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ValarieAllen<div><p>I am taking the plunge and stepping outside my comfort zone into juried shows. I just did my first and it seems that is a better market for my wearable art fused glass jewelry.</p>
<p>I am looking to apply to a few more juried shows in Iowa. Has anyone done Artfest in Des Moines?</p>
<p>I guess I won't know until I try if this is a better venue for me. I know that local craft shows aren't working. People are shopping for those $5 items and I don't have many of those, except for earrings.</p>
<p> </p></div>New to Shows and a Couple of Questions!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/new-to-shows-and-a-couple-of2011-08-02T23:42:45.000Z2011-08-02T23:42:45.000ZCrystal Johnson-Overhuelhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CrystalJohnsonOverhuel<div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">Hello all!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">My name is Crystal and I am new here, and new to the world of shows! I had a little store front studio, but have moved it to a spare room in my house. My questions are marketing / promoting myself. I am not comfortable (yet) when it comes to compliments on my work, etc... I'd like to hear from all of you... how can I market myself, or promote myself without sounding "full of myself, or cocky?"</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">I took the plunge this summer and have been doing quite a few shows and have had excellent feedback. I have also been rejected by a few as well! I LOVE this site and I am so glad I stumbled upon it!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">I am trying to jazz up my website, which is also fairly new to me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">Thank you all in advance and I look forward to any help!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">~Crystal</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-4">undergroundartinplainwell.com<br/></span></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870886680?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ARTWORK ON BRICK WALL AND IDEAS 014.JPG</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870888452?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLOSE UP ANGEL HEAD TILTED.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870889055?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WATCHING OVER MINI SHRINE.jpg</a></p></div>Home Showings at a Patron's Homehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/home-showings-at-a-patrons2011-04-22T12:47:40.000Z2011-04-22T12:47:40.000ZCaroline Kwashttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CarolineKwas<div>Has anyone evr done a home show at a patron's home? I have two patrons in the Cape Cod/ Nantucket area that I am doing two commissioned pieces for and will be delivering to them personally. What would be the best way to initiate a conversation on having them host an unveiling of their new piece/showing of my work in their home? What are the logistics? I've heard that patrons often are thrilled and flattered to host an artist showing in their home but have never done one before. Thoughts? Comments?</div>Anyone heard of the Ipad app Puzzle Falls?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/anyone-heard-of-the-ipad-app2011-01-26T05:55:38.000Z2011-01-26T05:55:38.000ZCaroline Kwashttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CarolineKwas<div><p>I was approached by a recruiter at Dunedin this year who was interested in having my work featured in an Iphone/Ipad app. When we finally talked $$$, he told me the cost was about $350 to have 3 images in the app, but artists get a certain percentage of the apps purchased( I forgot now what it was). Needless to say I'm not about to give away money to someone claiming the latest "I'll show your artwork" routine. I questioned him as to why he wasn't searching a more viable funding source, a venture capital firm or something, and his response was it's a startup company interested in retaining as much creative control as they could. I told him no thanks. A couple of weeks later, he pops up in my email again to inform me that they found alternate funding, and participating artists will not have to lay out any money and he'd still love to have a few of my pieces.</p>
<p>I've googled the app and all I can really find on it is the FB page, Twitter, and a few small references. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/PuzzleFalls?v=wall">http://www.facebook.com/PuzzleFalls?v=wall</a>)</p>
<p>Guy is based out of Clearwater, FL, so it seemed legit, his search for artists at the Dunedin show. But my gut is saying my artwork is gonna show up in China on a coffeemug. What is my next approach to determine whether it's a legit app being developed and to make him vanish if he's not? </p>
<p>Sorry for the long-winded story, but it's a bit convoluted to me too.</p></div>Web site debatehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/web-site-debate2010-09-12T00:55:30.000Z2010-09-12T00:55:30.000ZDebra M Scotthttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/DebraMScott<div>I have a blog site that I have used to put information on me and my schedule of updated shows. I really need to choose a web site but I have at looked at so many, talked to people and still can't make a decision. I do have a Mac now, so I could at least do a simple web site with the Mac and have a Mobile Me account. Anyone have some suggestions? My blog is:<div>debsthreads.blogspot.com. I am a textile artist. Thanks. DebsThreads</div></div>Art fair organizer looking for your marketing ideashttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/art-fair-organizer-looking-for2010-01-20T17:30:43.000Z2010-01-20T17:30:43.000ZConnie Mettlerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ConnieMettler<div>I am employed by the Great Lakes Art Fair as a consultant for their art fair. They are very intent about making this event a serious art destination. Blair Bowman, the event organizer and owner of the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI, told me he is very interested in artist's input for marketing, so much so that he is planning on devoting 1/3 of his total marketing budget to implementing artist suggestions. <br/><br/>So here we go--all of you who have good ideas to share with the promoters, here is your chance. It's time to stop talking to one another. Tell him here. What do you think would help bring customers to an indoor art fair? What are the best things you have seen implemented at other events? Let's hear from you. <br/></div>the perfect marketing materials for a show!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/the-perfect-marketing2010-01-29T03:10:10.000Z2010-01-29T03:10:10.000Zjennahttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/jenna<div>hi guys! being an artist myself, i know how valuable marketing materials are to promoting you art, as well as how expensive they can be! i am a jewelry artist with my own company, but am a graphic design artist as well.<br/><br/>i specialize in design for other artists and small businesses, because that is what i love to work with most! (although i have other clients) please contact me if you are in need of marketing materials, and i can help you along your way. i do everything from logos, brochures, business cards, flyers to websites that are set up for selling your art with purchasing capabilities.<br/><br/>my prices are very reasonable, and i will help you determine what materials are best to suit your needs and help sell your art. i provide free quotes, and can send examples of past work if you are interested.<br/></div>How do you find the right PR person to promote your art?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/how-do-you-find-the-right-pr2009-09-25T22:31:59.000Z2009-09-25T22:31:59.000ZClaudia Winterhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ClaudiaWinter<div>Does anyone have any experience in this area? I have a couple art mediums, one of which I have a real passion for (jewelry) and one of which is extremely marketable (scarves and accessories made from recycled materials). As "green" is especially hot right now I'd like to capitalize on the demand for the scarves and really get the product out there. But I don't know how to do it!<p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870866658?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gdg fave 1.JPG</a></p></div>Facebook pages - Have one?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/facebook-pages-have-one2009-10-30T15:18:37.000Z2009-10-30T15:18:37.000ZMichelle Sholundhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/MichelleSholund<div>I have a Facebook page for my craft business. It can be found under my business name, By the Bay Botanicals. I must say it is really fun to have a Facebook page to promote my business, as well as our website, with updating info and most of the time response is immediate. I also like seeing photos of customers/fans as it gives me the ability to write specifically to them and build even more solid customer relationships. In a day and age where customer service is more important than ever - something big box places just can't compete with small business as the little guys will remember your name, your likes and dislikes, as well as genuinely want to know more about their customers. I am wondering if anyone else uses Facebook as a networking/advertising tool and if they have any info they would like to share regarding gaining fans, discussion topics that keeps people wanting to come back, or things people should avoid when doing a facebook page.</div>Anyone have any experience with ARTFULHOME.com? (Online Gallery that sells your artwork)https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/anyone-have-any-experience2009-07-24T05:17:20.000Z2009-07-24T05:17:20.000ZHugo Cruzhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/HugoCruz<div>I am interested in "applying" to ARTFUL HOME's online gallery to market some of my work. Does anyone have any experience with them? Opinions? Thoughts?
FYI, their site is <a href="https://www.artfulhome.com/servlet/Guild/MarketYourArtwork.html">https://www.artfulhome.com/servlet/Guild/MarketYourArtwork.html</a>
Their fee structure seems reasonable at $25 monthly fee with no limit on submissions. However, they do take a hefty 50% commission and it takes 30 days to get paid (should you be lucky enough to sell). The commission does not bother me too much because I could always increase my asking prices. of course, as long as Artful Home can reach a more affluent market than my own efforts.
OK, comment away! ;-)</div>