For the 2D artists who sell only originals (for sake of this question, can we exclude photography for now so we don't go down that path), do you sell framed pieces only, or do you sell some unframed? And if you sell unframed, how do you avoid the impression that your unframed pieces are reproductions. I think many customers assume anything in a bin is a reproduction.
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I sell only originals. The unframed originals I sell are smaller that (almost) anything I frame, and are matted and bagged in a basket sitting on my desk. The basket has a sign on the front saying "Miniature Original Pastels" and the desk is standing height so the sign is fairly obvious. Since it is on the desk, though, I am usually nearby if anyone is looking at the miniatures. I say something like, "you probably already noticed, but those are all originals."
I make the minis so I can have something at a lower price point, and I keep them smaller than the framed pieces to avoid complaints about how much framing adds to the price (I've gotten this with same-size unframed work in the past).
I have one size of miniature work that I do frame, but it is a different orientation from the other minis (square vs. rectangular), and I frame them in much wider, fancier frames than the rest of my work. It looks like a completely different product, so again, no pricing questions.
Michael Reimer > Sheila EvansSeptember 29, 2010 at 3:29pm
Hi Doug, - you don't have the issue I have because you do sell reproductions, so people aren't wrong in assuming you have reproductions in the bins and originals on the walls. I have only originals in both places.
I'm trying to counter the assumption that it must be a reproduction because it is in a bin, because it is that way for so many other artists.
I have this issue despite the fact that a rather large sign in the back of my booth says...
Michael Reimer
Original Fish Rubbings
Collegeville, PA
Just recently, I started putting an 'Original' sticker on each of my unframed pieces in my bins.
I sell only original works, both framed and unframed. However, my unframed are done on gallery wrapped canvas and I hang them along with the framed works. If I were doing work on paper I would make sure there was a sign stating original work only. Depending on your display, I might put a few unframed pieces (nicely matted and protected) on the wall or table easel. It's also a good conversation starter to mention that you have only original works. Most people do notice words, so a simple well made sign might be the best option.
Replies
I make the minis so I can have something at a lower price point, and I keep them smaller than the framed pieces to avoid complaints about how much framing adds to the price (I've gotten this with same-size unframed work in the past).
I have one size of miniature work that I do frame, but it is a different orientation from the other minis (square vs. rectangular), and I frame them in much wider, fancier frames than the rest of my work. It looks like a completely different product, so again, no pricing questions.
I'm trying to counter the assumption that it must be a reproduction because it is in a bin, because it is that way for so many other artists.
I have this issue despite the fact that a rather large sign in the back of my booth says...
Michael Reimer
Original Fish Rubbings
Collegeville, PA
Just recently, I started putting an 'Original' sticker on each of my unframed pieces in my bins.