Art Career Experts » selling your art

First Complaint from a client-Customer Service

ace — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:34:28 +0000

Recently on another message board devoted entirely to artists who paint one particular subject (all styles, etc) someone had dealt with a first complaint from the client and was asking how to handle it.
I am blogging my reply here because it is relevant to any artist who works on commission…no matter what you paint. Also realize that there is no ONE answer to handling a client’s complaints…..it is all a package-you, what you do and how you present yourself and your art to the world (so to speak) References to ACE are because it was originally posted on another site
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Oh my, this is actually a complicated question with lots of replies based on so many factors, but OVERALL, The whole complaint issue can be resolved ahead of time by YOU being (or learning to be) the one in control

Working on commission means you are an artist for hire. Plain and simple.

The other determining factor in your “complaint meter” is PRICE. Price determines everything.

With over twenty years and thousands of portraits behind me, I find that the more money people invest in my portraits, the more cooperative they are. Seriously. The $300.00 person will, without exception, ask for more changes than the client who just invested $5,000.!

But there’s much more…..although staying in control means you are the expert and the professional, you need to be skilled enough to be able to do what you have been hired to do! You are, after all, working for them

I have found many artists who never practice their craft until they get a commission and then wonder why the client is unhappy.
Your client should not be your guinea pig
Many artists I know, give painting workshops and the next thing they know their happy students are getting a commission (good) but the instructor is getting phone calls and emails from that student wanting to know why their new client is not happy with the results (bad) …the photo is not clear, the eyes are in shadow, etc., etc………..If you are skilled enough and have painted enough, and know what your subject really looks like, then you know how to work around bad photography.

You are confident of your abilities because you have practiced! And along with that comes your PEOPLE skills.

Browse the articles on my other site, www.artcareerexperts.com and find the one about how to stop clients from coming back for changes AFTER the sale. It took me investing a lot of money into non-art marketing information to discover THAT sales technique (I had to learn it too)
In summary and fact, (and I stress this in my ebook- ) clients do respect your professional opinion and expertise more if you “charge” enough money for your work! They put more value in your opinion as the expert. “price determines everything.”

Theresa
The Portraits: www.MTheresaBrown.com
The Artist’s Day: www.mtheresabrown.blogspot.com
Art Classes: www.ArtStudentAcademy.com
Career Artists: www.ArtCareerExperts.com

Microlending for small businesses

ace — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:37:36 +0000

Do the following two paragraphs grab your interest? Well it did mine! Resourcefulness for this small business owner paid off! The link to the entire story is at the end! Enjoy and learn!

How did you hatch the idea to do microlending?

Am I going to get one person to give me $5,000? Probably not. I had already known about microlending as a concept from Kiva. Microlending is so interesting because it’s an actual investment. The levels that people could participate at were $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. To borrow $50 from 100 people would have been a nightmare in terms of paying interest and keeping track of it. That’s where the idea for gift cards came into effect. The gift card is worth more than they bought it for. At $50, it’s worth $55. At $100, they get 15 percent interest, so it’s worth $115. The trade off is that they can’t use it until December. For the larger amounts, it’s a traditional loan and repayment at 10 percent interest starting in December with payback over six months.

What was the response?

I did it through PayPal so people could just click a button. Within five minutes of sending the newsletter out, someone had given me $1,000. Two days later, I had already met our goal. It was incredibly positive. It was everyone coming together, understanding the situation and offering their support. A lot of customers who weren’t in a position to do this came in and bought tea, which helped.

http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/09/12/new-mexico-tea-company-how-loyal-customers-saved-a-business/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-w%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%7C170865

Thank you to our seminar participants!!

theresa — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:43:27 +0000

A collection of workshop images and our studio!

A great big THANK YOU to the participants in our September 11 seminar!

If you missed it, see us in November at the Art of the Carolinas!

http://www.jerrysartevents.com/th128.html

When Art Grants end

theresa — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:24:31 +0000

The art world is all up in arms. Every place you turn to there is some article about the government or the states reducing or eliminating public money for artist grants. Frantic emails are sent out, art groups gather to protest the fund reductions and open Facebook polls. But there is not an organization out there in today’s economic climate who has NOT had to tighten their belts.

So why the fuss? Let’s examine the world of art grants a little less passionately and you may find that reducing or even ending art grants could, in the long run benefit more artists than grants!

How many artists do you know who have benefited from an art grant?

How many artist’s do you know whose careers were launched with an art grant?

How happy is the public with the art that is awarded most of the grants?

How happy are you, as an artist, with the art that seems to universally get the art grants?

How politically entwined are the monies for the art grants?

Do you know an artist who makes a living from an art grant?

I ask these questions from the knowledge and life of an artist whose living comes from the sales of her artwork. It has not been easy. But nothing worth doing comes easy and therein lies the lure of the grant-easy money. In reality most grants are almost akin to winning the lottery. Many apply, only one wins. But most lottery players do not make winning the lottery their life work-they still continue to work, raise families and produce in their jobs. How many artists could be so much further along in their careers if they took the bull by the horn and did not spend their life searching for art grants?

Before NC instigated the Lottery, the people I talked to from states where the Lottery was established always prefaced goals with “when I win the lottery”. I remember thinking that everything they wanted to do seemed to be on hold until they won the lottery…but what if they never did?

Waiting for help? Look what has happened to the southern coastal states right now, in the throes of the BP oil gusher, facing the biggest disaster those states have ever faced? Where is the help? The government money? The “helping hand?” Small towns all along the Gulf coast have done what Americans have always done before free promises of free money……. getting the job done themselves! It has been all over the news and I could cheer for their efforts. Actions do indeed speak louder than words! You get things done by rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Solve the problem yourself or with a dedicated group behind you.

And for me, that is the answer to many of the problems in the arts…instead of waiting for free money, make it happen.

What would happen if a core group in each state decided to “take matters into their own hands” and create an art community free of the federal and state restrictions that come with all grant monies? What if public art opportunities were judged by the public instead of a state or federally funded jury looking for political correctness? What if artists learned how to present themselves and their art to corporations, companies, towns and businesses looking for art. What if artists individually took matters into their own hands?

Why not see the reduction or ending of grant money as an opportunity rather than a disaster. OK, so there is less of what was there before. Everyone is tightening the belt-at home, at work, at play…. is that so bad? With some positive re-thinking of the art grant situation, more doors could open up to more artists. More diverse Opportunities could be available to far more artists who have chosen art as their field of interest if the dream of free money is not there. We all know someone wins the lottery and we all know some artist gets an available grant..but what of the many, many who tried but did not?

Sometimes life becomes less complicated when you decide that your success will come when you begin to work at it…maybe there is something to that saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” after all!

Wed, March 10 workshop-Talking to your clients!

theresa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:45:21 +0000

You can’t afford to miss this month’s Seminar!

If you are an artist who becomes tongue tied, shy, or you simply don’t know how to respond to questions asked of you in public, then you need to join us on March 10 for this powerful seminar! The key to representing yourself is knowing what to say and how to say it to your prospects both on the phone, an email and in person. Did you know that there are specific words, phrases and sentences that you can use to turn that “just looking” person into a client? We will share them with you! Not only will we have worksheets for you to take home to practice, but we will engage in some actual role playing so you can hear the results. We will cover all the aspects of physically representing yourself in the selling of your art! We will also cover specifics about outdoor and indoor venues and how to succeed at them.
Our ACE Road to Success continues! We are breaking new ground in our quest to make 2010 the year you finally succeed in your desire to learn to sell your art! We don’t leave you hanging with a single comprehensive seminar on our art marketing methods but stay with you month after month! Our monthly seminars are designed to map your progress and help you see results! ACE participants have their own forum, access to the archives, up to date information on art and craft shows, a positive support group and of course, access to us personally!

Come on out Wed, March 10 from 5-7. Space is limited in these hands on workshops so sign up today on the Jerry’s site at

http://www.jerrysartevents.com/wema1020.html

Questions? Ask us!

The Circle Game

Steve — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:06:24 +0000

When talking with artists about marketing and selling their art, the most often asked questions is, “How do I start?”

One of the answers to that question is, “Decide to whom you will be selling your art and focus on them.”

“How do I do that?” Well, if your art can be categorized you are a giant step closer to connecting with your future collectors. It allows you to focus on a specific group of people rather then “everyone.” (Does the word “categorized” sent shivers down your artistic spine? Don’t worry, all your art is going to be categorized by someone at sometime. I just think that it helps if you are the one doing it. ) Lets take painting for an example. Who is the market for paintings? Who is the market for oil paintings? Who is the market for oil paintings of animals? Who is the market for oil paintings of pets? Who is the….dog? Who is…..hunting dogs? Who is….german shorthaired pointers?

Now the collector of oil paintings of german shorthaired pointers would be part of the group collectors of paintings. But don’t you think that it would be easier to interest them with paintings of German shorthairs rather than with “paintings in general?” Don’t you think that they will share you and your art with other German shorhaired owners if your paintings are German short haired pointers?

So what you create determines to whom and how you sell your work and can make the job either easier or harder.

Restricting yourself (geez, that word is worse than “categorizing” ) to a specific category or niche ( I know, that word is getting a bit overused now days) will focus your work and allow you to improve and reach greater depth in your work.

So everything is connected, your decision of what to create determines who you market to and how easy that will be. Your decision to focus determine how much your work improves. Which gives you positive feedback, which makes you willing to do the work needed to create and market your art.

So what I am saying is that when it comes to marketing and selling your work you can’t just categorize…….

Sticking with it!

theresa — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:45:37 +0000

We all know the meaning of the terms…stick to it, nose to the grindstone, perseverance, stamina, dedication……and if you are honest with yourself, it’s hard!

How often have you started on a particular marketing venue for your art and in just a matter of days, or a couple of weeks, especially if the results were disappointing, or you could not see the value of it, you just dropped it? Does that mean that you cannot do it? Does it mean that you don’t want to reach your goals badly enough?

No, we are all human and we all get discouraged, disappointed, tired or too busy and let our initial efforts fade away. But there is a way to channel your energy and enthusiasm and keep the level up there long enough to see positive results! And positive results, as we all know, breed continued enthusiasm. The key here is to concentrate in ONE marketing area. Just one. Give yourself a time limit of say one month. But in that one month, give it ALL you’ve got.

Let’s look at an example. You have decided to sell your art on Ebay. You have listened to us tell you to research, research and research your particular art product and see who and what is selling. So you have done that. You have found several artists who are earning anywhere from 800-1500 a week selling their art and you are excited! You feel that what you could do will sell as well. Piece of cake!

Now if you have been creating all along, you will have anywhere from 8-12 items ready to list on Ebay. Assuming that you already have a sellers account set up, as well as Paypal, the initial part is done. If you have never sold on Ebay however, you need to delve a bit further. This link to Ebay will start you in the process! http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/index.html

But this post isn’t so much about getting started on ebay as to what you need to do to stick with it. We, and I mean as in “I” have been guilty more than once of selling moderately well on Ebay and then I fizzle out…yes, even me! I have tried new art forms just for fun but obviously wasn’t inspired enough to stick with it…so this post is a reminder to me AND you, that nothing works if you don’t stick with it!It’s easy to be satisfied with moderate sales and far harder to make that extra effort to produce great sales!

So if you have your 8-12 items posted on Ebay and nothing sells, does that mean you have it all wrong? No. There is a learning curve to everything…that time where you worry and agonize over it and spend too much time on it and then suddenly, one day, you realize that you just breezed through posting those items or writing that description and it only took you minutes! So see how many times your auction was seen. Is it in the right category? What about your starting price? Your description? This is where your research will have paid off. And remember this-it seems that virtually any art can sell on Ebay. The key is to get it out to the public and STICK with it!

This perseverance and persistence will pay off. Whether you are selling on Ebay, your blog, on the street …anywhere. Success is measured not in one big swoop but in increments! The ones who succeed will do so, not because they are the most talented artist or craftsmen but because they stuck with it through the good and the bad. That’s what success is all about!

Explaining artspeak to artists

Steve — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:10:40 +0000

We are always telling artists,”Don’t use artspeak”, most people don’t have any idea what you are talking about. The problem is that when wetry to illustrate this using an example of artspeak, artists already know the meaning, so they can’t imagine the befuddlement of those who don’t know. Nor the fact that you can be percieved as talking down to them. Not a good way to make connections.

So how can we illustrate how artspeak sounds to the non-artist.

Here is an example from another field, not connected with the art world. I came across the following descripiton of a sailboat available for charter. Of course, if you are a sailor, it reads just fine. You will understand everything and it is very specific. But if you are not and you are just looking for a boat to charter for a couple of weeks what does this tell you?

Measuring 63′ 5″ x 47′ 3″ x 15′ 1″ x 9′, plus bowsprit and boomkin, …. displaces 43 tons and carries about 1700 square feet of sail area.

….is Coast Guard licensed and inspected to carry 6 guests and 3 crew on near shore routes during day light hours, from XXXX N to Calais, Maine. Coast Guard permission can be obtained to sail to the Canadian Maritimes, and further south as well.
Accommodation: Chain locker forward, foc’s'le with crew accommodations (single and double bunk plus lockers), aft to port is a bosun’s locker, aft to port again is a head with basin and toilet, to starboard is a double cabin with large hanging locker and book shelves plus drawers, aft and full width is the main salon with two pilot berths, table and seating for 6 to 8, aft to port is the galley with propane 3 burner stove with oven, and sink, to starboard is the icebox and dish locker (ample storage in lockers and bins) to aft to port is a large head with basin, toilet and shower plus linen lockers.

To starboard is a foul weather gear locker. Aft is the “general’s cabin” with a single and double bunk, settees, bureau and hanging lockers. The engine room is under the dog house which has the chart table and a bunk plus a settee.

Lighting is a combination of electrical and kerosene lamps. She has portholes and a skylight plus two hatches, for ventilation and light plus several dorade boxes with cowl vents.
Sails, rig and rigging: Main, foresail, staysail, jib (yankee, genoa), fisherman. All standing rigging renewed 2006.

Safety Equipment: All Coast Guard approved: Life Raft, EPIRB, Man Overboard Pole and light, MOM equipment, Fire extinguishers, flares, etc.

Electronics: VHF, GPS, RADAR, Depth sounder, and FM radio/CD player.

Comprehensive refit during the winter of 2005/2006 includes installation of generator, new standing and running rigging, engine overhaul, complete cosmetic refinishing on deck and below.

Do you know where is XXXX N?

Can you visualize the interior of this boat? Do you want to spend time aboard her?

Commissioned Art and deadlines in December!

theresa — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:03:51 +0000

Commissioned art. It can be a financial lifesaver. It can also make you grit your teeth and feel like quitting!
Knowing yourself and how you operate is the key to being a successful commission artist.

You already know that the next few days will be hectic. I set my alarm to 5:30 for this morning, allowed myself (so far) 1 hour to get the computer work done, drink my coffee, putting the dogs out (who protest as it is raining again) then will complete laying out the commissions and spend the next several days working non stop.
Frankly that old saying, “Make hay while the sun shines” is what commission deadlines is all about. And Christmas is a huge motivator for those people who have thought about your work all year long!
I work well with deadlines. I know that. So although I still may procrastinate starting the layout, once it is accomplished I go right on from there. I also mentally calculate those pieces that need to ship, those that can be picked up and those where I would like to toss the payment back at the client! And it IS a fact that price determines value so IF you have a difficult client, I will bet you dollars to doughnuts that it is a client who is paying the least amount of money for your work! Or one for whom you have made a few exceptions for……

I am not sure that procrastination is the right word for delaying…or it may seem like delaying….starting on a commission piece. I pretty well seem to have an internal calculator that does seem to kick in and pre-determine the time it will take to complete a commission without sitting down with a chart or graph or timeline so it is important to know yourself and what you can accomplish! If you need longer to complete work,and get easily stressed, don’t take on so much work. Even if you need the money, unless you can bring in someone to help you organize and streamline what you are doing, it won’t be worth it! All of that comes with commission work!

It is mid month on the last month of the year so within the next few weeks we will all start the thinking process of making up your individual business plans for 2010! A big part of what we do at Art Career Experts and at the ArtistPaycheck (where I also posted this) is to motivate you to make a plan because having it in writing is what makes your goals happen! So while we are all finishing up our commissions, holiday and travel plans, by New Years Eve we’ll want to be reflecting on what we accomplished in 2009 with our goals and what we want to do in 2010! It’s just around the corner!
Theresa

The value of Testimonials

theresa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:37:15 +0000

The first time that I saw the word “testimonials” on a website, I was not exactly sure what it meant. Websites were new and people and companies were trying out different formats. I knew all about “endorsements” or “recommendations” and “comments” but someone “testifying” in a format other than a courtroom was new to me!

So to clarify, a testimonial is a written or spoken expression of regard for a person’s service or accomplishments. And a testimonial is one of the most overlooked areas on an artist’s website! If your client has commissioned or bought your art product, you need to take the time to discover how they FEEL about your piece and then ask permission to quote them. You can brag all you want on your site about how great you are, and how lucky your client is to have found you, but in reality, that sounds pretty dumb coming from you, doesn’t it? Ah, but coming from your CLIENT. Now that’s a different matter!

We like to add the clients’ testimonials, on our website, right under the art product that they bought. A separate testimonial page is also a good idea but viewers like to see what the testimonial is referring to.

One of the newest and very efficient ways of adding testimonials is with a very short video clip.Having a few on your website is good. Too many gets a bit repetitive. Sometimes the comments become repetitive with too many “I love it’s!” but guide your client into the areas they may forget to mention such as how easy you were to work with. Or how quickly and professionally you completed the job. Or how wonderful it is to have something they’ve dreamed of, etc. etc.

Testimonials are a key ingredient to your success! They validate your art product and you. And they make you a more believable and real artist, not just someone on a web page!

Theresa