Before you get started, let's talk about mindset.
It's wonderful to make a sale of your art. Getting paid to do something you love is amazing, but it's so, so much more than that. It's confidence and validation all rolled into a big warm hug.
However, the idea of the action it takes to create a sale is a different matter, especially for creatives.
Sale as a noun = good
Sell as a verb = giant ball of slime
How can you break through that ball of slime?
Let's look at it differently.
From now on it's your goal to build relationships with people. People buy from people they know, like and trust (you've heard it a zillion times, but it's true).
All of the activities in these lessons are here to help you build wonderful relationships and supercharge your know like and trust factor.
I'm going to say it again.
All of the activities in these lessons are here to help you build wonderful relationships and supercharge your know like and trust factor.
I'm going to say it again.
It's not about selling, it's about relationship building. In these lessons are the tools that will help you do exactly that.
Super big hugs,
Maggie
Lesson One - The set up
In this lesson you will:
Set up a studio log | painting data base
Create your ABC list
Set up your stay-in-touch contact system
Create a photo library of your artwork
But first, answer this question.
Why do you want to sell your art? What will it do for you? How will it make you feel?
Maybe it will help pay for art supplies.
Maybe you need to get rid of inventory.
Maybe it's a second income.
Maybe it will get family and or friends to take your commitment to your art seriously.
There are no right or wrong answers. But knowing the answer, might help with some of the decisions you will be making in this class.
Example;
1. If you need to get rid of inventory, that might influence your pricing.
2. If you want to establish yourself as a painter of a certain style or subject matter, what you write in your social media posts should be directed towards that.
Now, let's get started!
Section 1 - Your studio log | artwork data base
Your studio log is where you record data about your art pieces as you create them. It can be on your computer or in a notebook. There's no right or wrong as long as you are keeping track. Do which ever is easiest for you. Or have both, notebook in your studio to record info while you are working and then transfer that info to file on your computer.
What data should you be recording?
For each piece of artwork, record the dates you worked on the painting, the materials used, size and the title.
Here's the info you'll need;
· dates worked on
· materials
· size
· Is it framed? if so, with what? Cost of frame
· Is it varnished?
· Is it ready to display or hang?
· the photo? has it been taken? on your phone, camera.
· Notes, such as where the inspiration came from. Did you use a certain color palette, or was it from a photo you took, did another artist inspire it, or did you watch a YouTube video etc. Did you do it in a class or a workshop? These notes become the talking points you can use when someone asks about your artwork or when you want to post it on line.
And the title.
And anything you want to make note of that is specific to your artwork.
Do you need help with titles? Find a bonus lesson here on how to find the perfect title.
Pro tips for section 1
·
painting
size (and 2-D work) is always listed "height by width". A landscape format
would be listed 16" x 20", a portrait format of the same size would
be listed 20"x 16"
·
paintings
should be photographed before the varnish is applied
The copyright symbol is made by holding down the alt key while pressing 0-1-6-9 in sequence on the number key pad on the key board. It will not work using the numbers over the letters.
Section 2 - Your ABC list
Write down names of everyone you can think of. Colleagues, friends, relatives, hair dresser, other artists, gallery owners – all the people you know. Continue this activity until you have 100 names, 200 is better.You don't have to do this all at once. You can do it in sprints, 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Don't worry if they'd buy something. All you are doing is writing down names.
Go through the list and put an A next to the people you would invite to an art show of your work. These are people you would send a written, in the mail invitation to. Make sure there are at least 25 people with an A.
The names with an A are your friends and relatives and the people who will always support you and celebrate your success.
If you've had art sales in the past, they are on your A list.
You invite your friends and relatives to your art functions not to sell to them, but for them to be your support team, your posse. I invite my artists friends to my shows knowing they are not going to buy my work. They support and encourage me and I do the same for them. It takes a little bit off the nervousness of wondering if anyone will show up.
You will need a mailing address for your A's. If possible, get email addresses for them. How do you do this? You ask them, either in person or on the phone.
Here are some examples. The first one is very general and the least "sales-y"
"I'm updating my address book. I'd love to have your mailing and email addresses.
If you have an event coming up and you want to send invitations, here are some ways you can ask.
"Some of my paintings are going to be in an art show soon. I'd love to send you an invitation. Can I get your address and email? I'd love for you to see the show.
Or, "One of my paintings has been selected to be in (such and such) art show the opening is (date and time). It's going to be fun, I'd love to send you an invitation."
Then make sure you send that invitation! Follow up is important. If at all possible send it via the post office. Postcards with pretty images hang on the frig. Emails just slide down the inbox.
Next, go through your list and put B's next to the names of people you don't know as well, but you'd really like them to know about your art and connect with them. If you can get email addresses for them great.
The other names on your list are C's. They are cold, you might want their contact info in the future, but not now.
Why are you doing this? At the beginning of this lesson we talked about know-like-and-trust. The A's and B's on your list are people who fall into that category. They already have a relationship with you.
Most artists will tell you that their first sales where made to people who are their friends, relatives, or colleagues. They are the people who most want to support you and see you succeed. It makes them feel good to make you feel good.
You Never Stop Adding to Your ABC List! It is your number one relationship building tool. #noreally!
Section 3 - Your contact data base.
Go out and get a pack of index cards. When I started I got the small cards. That was a mistake. Splurge on the 5" x 7" cards.
Each of your A contacts gets their name and address and any other contact information you have on them put on one side of an index card. At the top of the card put the date you created this card.The back of the card is for notes. Which shows you have invited them to. What pieces of yours they own and when they bought them. Any announcements you have sent them. Any personal info such as birthdays, children and pet's names.
This information can also be on a computer if pen and paper aren't your style.
Section 4 - Photography
You should be taking photos of all your artwork. The images you use on social media and invitations are important.Images for printed materials should be properly cropped and nice clear photos.
Images on social media can be;
- of the work by itself
- on the easel
- your supplies or set up
- you in a class, with other artists, etc.
- you with your artwork in your studio, at a show
- customers with their purchase
- your art in a customers home
You can find resources for taking photos of your artwork on the web. Below are just a couple.
https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/4-steps-to-photographing-your-art-like-a-professional
https://www.creativityexplored.org/blog/blog/10-expert-tips-to-photographing-artwork-with-your-smartphone
Pro tip for Section 4
It's better for SEO (search engine optimization) if the photos you post on line have been titled with your name. That means you have to save your photo to your computer and post from there rather than your phone. You might not always be able to do that with your social media, but you should do it for your website or blog.
Here's how I title mine
Maggie Ruley-title-medium-size-copyright date
* the copyright symbol is made by holding down the alt key and entering 1690 on the number key pad of your computer. It won't work on the numbers above the letters.
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