INTERNSHIP OPENING
I am currently accepting applications for an intern:
* Internship for college or high school credit
Location: Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Qualifications: A sincere desire to learn more about art marketing. No age limit, just a sincere desire to learn. This internship might prove helpful to someone who may want to publish his/her own book or learn about running a gallery.
The internship could be designed to teach you what you are wanting to learn and experience. Duties may include binding books, writing press releases, installing an exhibition, designing invitations, writing a eNewsletter. Lota of free perks: art marketing classes, opportunity to show work in an art gallery or an exhibition. Opportunities are unlimited.
The internship could be designed to teach you what you are wanting to learn and experience. If you are interested and want to talk further, email me at cundiff222@aol.com.
Monday, November 30, 2009
LET YOUR CUSTOMERS DO THE BRAGGING
It's hard to "toot your own horn". Most everyone has been taught not to brag about themselves. It feels so unnatural but somehow they need to know. So, don't you do the bragging, let your customers do the bragging for you.
For example, after I finishing teaching a course, I have students fill out an evaluation on my class and I also ask them if they would also like to make a comment for any advertising purposes I may have. Many take the time and I like to include them in my brochures, flyers, website, and signage. Below are some comments I am proud to share with you.
"Paula's new book, definitely fulfills a need in the new mellennium, containing information from art fairs to the internet and is a must have for anyone wanting to get started in their professional art career."
- Melvin Rowe, Potter and Owner of Pottery Rowe Gallery, Louisville, Kentucky
"Paula Cundiff was the first Gallery Manager to accept my work and encourage me ten years ago. Since then I have won 19 art awards, exhibited in 15 one-person shows, 135 group shows in 26 states, and gallery representation in over 100 galleries. Currently, I have my own gallery in Louisville's downtown art district and I am proud to say I am well into my 80's! Paula has inspired me to go for it! I call her my 'art angel'."
- Mary Craik, Fiber Artist and Owner of the Mary Craik Gallery, Louisville, KY.
"I attended one of Paula's workshops at the Louisville Visual Art Association. She has an excellent program with 'real life' examples that are practical for any artist wanting to increase their sales."
- Frank Weisberg, Realism Painter, and former President of the Board of Louisville Visual Art Association
"Paula has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to artists and selling their work. She is always eager and willing to offer her ideas to any artist. whether seasoned or just beginning. She offers very helpful, practical and creative ideas to expand your art marketing process. She is a genuine person whose gift for marketing comes from the heart."
- Kelly Riska, Fiber Artist and Yoga Instructor
"This class has changed my life. It has given me the tools I have been searching for to make my dreams come true to sell my art." -Nora Christensen, Puppet Designer
There is no way I could say these things about myself. It would not be believable. However, when others can refer you, it makes a much better impression. Most people love to be asked their opinion. The customer comments are a great way to become credible without having to brag about yourself!
For example, after I finishing teaching a course, I have students fill out an evaluation on my class and I also ask them if they would also like to make a comment for any advertising purposes I may have. Many take the time and I like to include them in my brochures, flyers, website, and signage. Below are some comments I am proud to share with you.
"Paula's new book, definitely fulfills a need in the new mellennium, containing information from art fairs to the internet and is a must have for anyone wanting to get started in their professional art career."
- Melvin Rowe, Potter and Owner of Pottery Rowe Gallery, Louisville, Kentucky
"Paula Cundiff was the first Gallery Manager to accept my work and encourage me ten years ago. Since then I have won 19 art awards, exhibited in 15 one-person shows, 135 group shows in 26 states, and gallery representation in over 100 galleries. Currently, I have my own gallery in Louisville's downtown art district and I am proud to say I am well into my 80's! Paula has inspired me to go for it! I call her my 'art angel'."
- Mary Craik, Fiber Artist and Owner of the Mary Craik Gallery, Louisville, KY.
"I attended one of Paula's workshops at the Louisville Visual Art Association. She has an excellent program with 'real life' examples that are practical for any artist wanting to increase their sales."
- Frank Weisberg, Realism Painter, and former President of the Board of Louisville Visual Art Association
"Paula has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to artists and selling their work. She is always eager and willing to offer her ideas to any artist. whether seasoned or just beginning. She offers very helpful, practical and creative ideas to expand your art marketing process. She is a genuine person whose gift for marketing comes from the heart."
- Kelly Riska, Fiber Artist and Yoga Instructor
"This class has changed my life. It has given me the tools I have been searching for to make my dreams come true to sell my art." -Nora Christensen, Puppet Designer
There is no way I could say these things about myself. It would not be believable. However, when others can refer you, it makes a much better impression. Most people love to be asked their opinion. The customer comments are a great way to become credible without having to brag about yourself!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CRAFT FAIR TIPS
At a craft fair, I set out a guest book for customers to sign. This way I collect email addresses to promote future events, sales, openings, etc. I like to use a spiral notebook to capture email addresses, it keeps all the addresses in one place just in case I need to refer to later.
In order to keep your customers coming back regularly, you need to create new work to make your work look fresh and exciting.
Always acknowledge your customer when they enter your booth space. That could be a smile, a nod, or a simple greeting. Do not jump out of your seat immediately, that's too intimidating. Their response to your greeting will let you know if they want to further engage in conversation or not. Give them room to breathe and browse. Later, if they are not too standoffish, ask them if they are enjoying the show, or if they bought something special. I have found that casual conversation works better than a strong sales pitch.
Try not to eat or read in your booth. Customers tend to shy away if you are eating, they feel like they are interrupting your dinner. And if you continue to read your book when they enter your booth, why that's plain rude!
When an art show becomes painfully slow. network with other artists. If they are out of town, ask them about good shows in their area and be willing to do the same in return. I have started friendships and when I travel out of town, the invite me to stay with them. This is a smart way to use time when things get slow.
Always price your work where it can be seen. Some people are too shy to ask, and if you want to sell the work, take the time to price it. Pricing is one of the biggest problems an artist/craftsman can have. However, with lots of research and professinal advice you can overcome your fears of pricing.
You need professional signage with your name, city and state insight. This information helps them to start conversations that may lead to sales.
Have your business cards, brochures, flyers, available to those who are interested in your work. When they ask, be sure to ask them to fill out your email list too.
Contact any media who may be interested in you and your work: college alumni, work newsletters, small town newspapers, art magazines, local newspaper, spouse's workplace newsletter, church group, etc. etc. They may even want to do a pre event story on you. Send high-resolution slides or photos to their PR departments for use in ads and media kits.
Dress appropriately for someone who sells your kind of fine art or fine craft. You would not expect to see a potter in a suit and tie. He/she would be much more casually dressed. If you are doing wearable art, wear it.
Keep your booth accessible, clean, and interesting. Design your booth display according to the traffic flow of the art fair in advance. There are "hot spots" in your booth where you will sell the most volume. Place your high end items there for better sales.
When someone shows interest in your work, offer some sort of a positive comment, "Oh that's my favorite piece," or "I just made that last week." These comments are an invitation from the customer to engage in more conversation with you. This could be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with your customer. And remember, it's all about relationship, relationship, relationship!!!!!
There are many many variable to a successful show. Bad weather can kill the show in minutes. Customers run to their car immediately for protection. Depending on when the show is over, they may not come back when the weather breaks. With this being said, you cannot depend 100% on the same sales you had last year.
You need to bring enough money to make change for cash purchases. Anywhere from $75 to $100 has always worked out well for me. However, 25-ones and the rest in 5's plus some coins.
You need to create a check list of the items your need at the show, Keep some copies and refer to a few weeks before the show. This give you ample time to replenish any items for the show. (There is a check list in my new book "The Art of Marketing
Fine Art and Fine Craft.")
Do not second guess who will buy your work. Yes, you may have a general idea, but you can never be absolutely sure. I have been surprised many times myself.
If customers are blocking the entrance to your boot, you need to take action. Many people run into their long time friends at a show and have a reunion right in your booth allowing no access to others. If this situation continues too long, politely ask them to step over "there" and point to another spot that will not interfere with sales. They usually are glad to be out of the way.
These days people will avoid you like the plague if you are not discreet about your smoking, drinking, and cussing habits. Always be professional
Keep a positive attitude especially when the sales are slow. This is when you need to be your best to recoup any losses.
If someone is in your booth, trying to copy your work, approach them quickly and firmly and say "May I help you" and plant yourself right beside them. If this does not work, you can always ask them to leave.
Be suspicious of those who want to take photos of your work. You can always say "No photos, please." Chances are they are innocent but you never know until it's too late. I do, however, always let the press take photos.
In order to keep your customers coming back regularly, you need to create new work to make your work look fresh and exciting.
Always acknowledge your customer when they enter your booth space. That could be a smile, a nod, or a simple greeting. Do not jump out of your seat immediately, that's too intimidating. Their response to your greeting will let you know if they want to further engage in conversation or not. Give them room to breathe and browse. Later, if they are not too standoffish, ask them if they are enjoying the show, or if they bought something special. I have found that casual conversation works better than a strong sales pitch.
Try not to eat or read in your booth. Customers tend to shy away if you are eating, they feel like they are interrupting your dinner. And if you continue to read your book when they enter your booth, why that's plain rude!
When an art show becomes painfully slow. network with other artists. If they are out of town, ask them about good shows in their area and be willing to do the same in return. I have started friendships and when I travel out of town, the invite me to stay with them. This is a smart way to use time when things get slow.
Always price your work where it can be seen. Some people are too shy to ask, and if you want to sell the work, take the time to price it. Pricing is one of the biggest problems an artist/craftsman can have. However, with lots of research and professinal advice you can overcome your fears of pricing.
You need professional signage with your name, city and state insight. This information helps them to start conversations that may lead to sales.
Have your business cards, brochures, flyers, available to those who are interested in your work. When they ask, be sure to ask them to fill out your email list too.
Contact any media who may be interested in you and your work: college alumni, work newsletters, small town newspapers, art magazines, local newspaper, spouse's workplace newsletter, church group, etc. etc. They may even want to do a pre event story on you. Send high-resolution slides or photos to their PR departments for use in ads and media kits.
Dress appropriately for someone who sells your kind of fine art or fine craft. You would not expect to see a potter in a suit and tie. He/she would be much more casually dressed. If you are doing wearable art, wear it.
Keep your booth accessible, clean, and interesting. Design your booth display according to the traffic flow of the art fair in advance. There are "hot spots" in your booth where you will sell the most volume. Place your high end items there for better sales.
When someone shows interest in your work, offer some sort of a positive comment, "Oh that's my favorite piece," or "I just made that last week." These comments are an invitation from the customer to engage in more conversation with you. This could be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with your customer. And remember, it's all about relationship, relationship, relationship!!!!!
There are many many variable to a successful show. Bad weather can kill the show in minutes. Customers run to their car immediately for protection. Depending on when the show is over, they may not come back when the weather breaks. With this being said, you cannot depend 100% on the same sales you had last year.
You need to bring enough money to make change for cash purchases. Anywhere from $75 to $100 has always worked out well for me. However, 25-ones and the rest in 5's plus some coins.
You need to create a check list of the items your need at the show, Keep some copies and refer to a few weeks before the show. This give you ample time to replenish any items for the show. (There is a check list in my new book "The Art of Marketing
Fine Art and Fine Craft.")
Do not second guess who will buy your work. Yes, you may have a general idea, but you can never be absolutely sure. I have been surprised many times myself.
If customers are blocking the entrance to your boot, you need to take action. Many people run into their long time friends at a show and have a reunion right in your booth allowing no access to others. If this situation continues too long, politely ask them to step over "there" and point to another spot that will not interfere with sales. They usually are glad to be out of the way.
These days people will avoid you like the plague if you are not discreet about your smoking, drinking, and cussing habits. Always be professional
Keep a positive attitude especially when the sales are slow. This is when you need to be your best to recoup any losses.
If someone is in your booth, trying to copy your work, approach them quickly and firmly and say "May I help you" and plant yourself right beside them. If this does not work, you can always ask them to leave.
Be suspicious of those who want to take photos of your work. You can always say "No photos, please." Chances are they are innocent but you never know until it's too late. I do, however, always let the press take photos.
Friday, November 20, 2009
DONATING ART WORK
I've heard artists complaining about being bombarded with so many requests for a donation. They feel like they are being taken for grant it, so it seems. So, let's look at this a little differently. In order to make good decisions about donating your work, I suggest that you have a Charity Giving Plan in advance. This way you are in control and upi can plan for which event your want to promote.
You want new customers, right? Sure,you do. Donating your work to the right charity could prove very beneficial. In addition, if you read the donation requests closely, there may be some "cool" perks in it for you too. For example, I used to donate to the Channel 15 Auction which was aired on television, great visibility! Fortunately for me, the Director of the Auction was the highest bidder for my piece. She turned out to be one of my customer! She would search me out at all the art fairs. This one donation proved very profitable!
Here's some questions to ask yourself when making your Charity Giving Plan:
"Which cause will be appropriate for my work?" If you are crafting toys or childrens clothing, I would think an organization like the Home of the Innocents, Kosair, or the Boys and Girls Club would be the most likely to reach your market. Keep in mind that you may want to co-partner an event with them later on to advance your career. so be wise in choosing your charity.
"Which cause will give my work the most PR or perks?" If you are doing fine art, I would think the Louisville Visual Art Association Art Auction or other art leagues etc. would be a good fit. Many offer the artists 50% of the auction price, along with an artists party and a free ticket to the event. Be sure to read the fine print.
"What causes do I really believe in?" Do you have a friend or family member with autism, cancer, or some kind of life threatening disease that you may have a personal passion?" I prefer to team up with places like Creative Diversity or Bridgehaven who are encouraging artist who have mental or emotional issues.
"What time of year is better for me to make a donation?" You don't want to make a comittment when you are on vacation, planning your daughter's wedding or an exhibition or craft fair.
"How many different organizations should I donate every year?"
That is strictly up to you. Maybe one to three or perhaps you can donate to one organization every other year. Why not donate a gift certificate, if appropriate? This way the customer will come visit you or your gallery or studio. If you choose to give a gift certificates, it would be wise to give several smaller amounts instead of one larger amount because you will get more customers and more visibility.
"Can you barter with the organization?" If it's a media fundraiser, perhaps they will give you some air time. This seems ideal if you ask me.
Once you have determined your Charitable Giving Plan for the year, be sure to follow up by finding out who received your work and add them to your mailing list. If it doesn't sell, see if you can pick up your work. Make notes if you got any business as a direct result of the event. This way you can track which fundraisers are your particular market.
One artist friend of mine says, "You haven't made IT, until you get over 15 donation requests a year!" I see donation requests as an opportunity to market my business and a means to support a worthy cause!
You want new customers, right? Sure,you do. Donating your work to the right charity could prove very beneficial. In addition, if you read the donation requests closely, there may be some "cool" perks in it for you too. For example, I used to donate to the Channel 15 Auction which was aired on television, great visibility! Fortunately for me, the Director of the Auction was the highest bidder for my piece. She turned out to be one of my customer! She would search me out at all the art fairs. This one donation proved very profitable!
Here's some questions to ask yourself when making your Charity Giving Plan:
"Which cause will be appropriate for my work?" If you are crafting toys or childrens clothing, I would think an organization like the Home of the Innocents, Kosair, or the Boys and Girls Club would be the most likely to reach your market. Keep in mind that you may want to co-partner an event with them later on to advance your career. so be wise in choosing your charity.
"Which cause will give my work the most PR or perks?" If you are doing fine art, I would think the Louisville Visual Art Association Art Auction or other art leagues etc. would be a good fit. Many offer the artists 50% of the auction price, along with an artists party and a free ticket to the event. Be sure to read the fine print.
"What causes do I really believe in?" Do you have a friend or family member with autism, cancer, or some kind of life threatening disease that you may have a personal passion?" I prefer to team up with places like Creative Diversity or Bridgehaven who are encouraging artist who have mental or emotional issues.
"What time of year is better for me to make a donation?" You don't want to make a comittment when you are on vacation, planning your daughter's wedding or an exhibition or craft fair.
"How many different organizations should I donate every year?"
That is strictly up to you. Maybe one to three or perhaps you can donate to one organization every other year. Why not donate a gift certificate, if appropriate? This way the customer will come visit you or your gallery or studio. If you choose to give a gift certificates, it would be wise to give several smaller amounts instead of one larger amount because you will get more customers and more visibility.
"Can you barter with the organization?" If it's a media fundraiser, perhaps they will give you some air time. This seems ideal if you ask me.
Once you have determined your Charitable Giving Plan for the year, be sure to follow up by finding out who received your work and add them to your mailing list. If it doesn't sell, see if you can pick up your work. Make notes if you got any business as a direct result of the event. This way you can track which fundraisers are your particular market.
One artist friend of mine says, "You haven't made IT, until you get over 15 donation requests a year!" I see donation requests as an opportunity to market my business and a means to support a worthy cause!
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