Bummed about my Art Show.....pics too...

[PASOFAN]

So my friends owns a Dunn Bros Coffee Shop. I display my art work on her walls, since I am unemployeed figued I'd set up shop and have a little show here before Christmas.

I am actually here now..

Anway, I have TONS of inventory, beautiful cards, framed works, coaster sets, key chains, magnets and all sizes of prints... I have had this stuff all yr.. I spent $25 printing christmassy stuff...

Well so far I just broke even. $25. All day yesterday and only $25. So I came today hoping to make something to help cash flow..

Now my prices are cheap:
-$2 beautiful photo cards w/incert and envelopes
-$1 Magnets
-$3 key chains
-$15 black glass coaster sets w/prints
-$10 8x10in prints
-$22 Driftwood windchimes
ect...

So I dont think prices are a problem.. My display is nice and catchy, right at the doors...

I guess people just arent interested in unique art...

My web gallery hasnt sold a pic in 6months.. Bummer...

I just needed to vent a bit.. Most of you have seen my art... Most here think it is great!

See some below..

Anway, wish me luck guys, I need it..

But enjoy some of the pics anyway..

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-31984b.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-23780a.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-18204b.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-25086b.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-31622a.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-18555b.jpg

http://img.yessy.com/1262422808-19922b.jpg

[Linda Y]

Your work is beautiful. It probably wasn't the right crowd. And funny as it may sound, this is a sometimes difficult time to sell artwork.
Your prices are good. Just keep plugging away at it. As you know, art is a feast and famine business.

[Jane Hurl]

I could easily be wrong, but in this day and age, it seems to me that the majority of artists who "catch on" have some kind of "hook". Once you develop that, the money seems to flow. Robert Bateman's hook is that his stuff is so lifelike that it could be a photo. (Personally, that leaves me cold. The only work he did that REALLY appeals to me is "Midnight Black Wolf" because of its mystical quality.) John Seerey-Lester didn't catch on 'til he did his polar bear trilogy (though I had works of his before that -- love his work). Bev Doolittle, who became famous first for her camouflaged pinto ponies, has gone on to paint all sorts of camouflage works and make scads of money.

Find your hook -- here comes the money.

[CarolU]

Your work really is incredible. Very nice.

I do think Jane has a point. You need to find the right crowd and target them. Either through art shows or horse shows. I know at horse shows I'm a sucker for anything horsey.

My sister is an artist too, but fine arts. I watch what she goes through to do a show and it is a LOT OF WORK!!!! So, I feel for you.

Good luck. You might try some galleries if there are any close. When people go there they are looking for art. Also gift shops.

[Carol D.]

Your work is lovely, hang in there and don't be discouraged. Your prices are maybe even *too* cheap, but you have to find the right market. Have you put together a portfolio and approached some gift shops and galleries? Since they take commissions, you'd have to increase your prices for sure.

Have you joined a local arts group? That is, if you have one around? Banding together for seasonal shows can help sometimes to reach a market and build a resume.

I've found this book helpful "Taking the Leap:The insider's guide to exhibiting and selling your art" by Cay Lang. There's also something called "Smartist" http://www.smartist-telesummit.com/2008/ with some free marketing tips to download and a whole marketing conference you can buy. It looks good to me, though I may have to wait for the CD to come out later in the year.

I have a show in Jan. and am hoping I can sell enough to pay for framing.
But I think it's been slow around here for fine art, too.

Wishing us both good luck and good sales,
Carol D.

[Carol Nelson]

Your work is beautiful, Jenn....hey, when the economy is slow...so is the horse market, and so is the market for art. Don't give up...sigh...we're all hoping for it to improve in 2008.
It's lovely...believe me! :)

[CarolU]

I have a show in Jan. and am hoping I can sell enough to pay for framing.
But I think it's been slow around here for fine art, too.

Wishing us both good luck and good sales,
Carol D.

Carol...not to hijack Jen's thread, but how about some pictures of your artwork?

[Carol D.]

Carol...not to hijack Jen's thread, but how about some pictures of your artwork?
I'll see if I can manage to post a couple of images on the new artist's thread you started. There do seem to be a number of us. :)

[pasorider]

I agree about the "hook" , an artist friend of mine who is really talented has struggled for years , she strarted painting Tiger Eyes for LSU fans, and can't paint them fast enough, she has done fantastic this year. (even though she is sick of painting Tiger Eyes)

[PASOFAN]

Thanks guys for the encouragement and advice... When I move there is a little artistic town near by, I do plan on bringing my portfolio to the shops to see if they will display my stuff..

I gave up on shows for now, too expensive to get in and I dont make my entry fee $$ back..

My friend doesnt charge me to set up so that helps...

I will look into horse shows too...

THanks again guys!

:v:

[Jane Hurl]

Wait! Wait! Did I miss something? "When I move there is a little artistic town near by ...". Does this mean you got the gorgeous log house on the winding road outside of that little town that I can't remember the name of?

[PASOFAN]

Well Carol, mostly YES!

THe owners accepted my offer of the log home in the Ozarks, only thing missing is the job. Once i get the job down there I move in w/them and we set a closing date... They are letting me move in the extra room until closing! I have 2 interviews after the 1st so hopefully I will be gone very soon!!!!!

[lisa l aka marci]

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!