Hey all. Just had a question about sizes of works. I've noticed this year that I am moving my smaller works. I don't know if that is just my prices or because of lack of $ by the customer or both. I've gone to making more 10x10 Oils and find I can do one in about 2-3 days depending on the colors and detail. Anyway, when getting ready for a show do you make a great deal of all your sizes or do you generally go with one or two specific sizes that seem to be "moving?" I have a show coming up in September and then one in October and am wondering if I should focus on more smaller works even though, I know, they aren't seen as well from a distance.
Here's some examples of what I mean:
It is difficult. Last year my biggest piece was 24x36 so my smaller pieces still moved very well. Now that I have five large pieces (28x68") my smaller pieces are not moving as often or as quickly. My idea is that the smaller work now looks SO much smaller and less appealing in that small size. But since the big work is selling fairly well, I am not too worried about it.
What I have seen artists do is make one or two walls in their booths be just the small work. That way the small does not compete with the large. If they are on the same wall, then it makes the small stuff look so much more obviously small.
Another idea is to paint small but paint so that three or five pieces can be hung together and sold as a set. I usually will price one for $300 or three for $800. Being able to mix and match can be very appealing to people.
Hi
I have both smaller and larger works. At first, I worried that I would cannibalize my larger work sales with the smaller works. But I have found that the buyers are different. The ones that want the larger works will continue to buy them (if in smaller numbers). I have found that people buying smaller works would never buy a larger work so it gives them a new option. Sometimes, I have people buying a whole handful of the smallest pieces!
Hi Dawn
I've been struggling with the same question myself.
I like to work big. Big equates to more $'s and in this economy thats not working so good. I finally came to grips with it and HAVE to do some smaller works for less bucks. It just has to be that way to survive.
Now I have to figure out how to display them without diminishing the larger works.
You would be very smart to continue making small pieces, especially under $250. The economy seems to dictate that right now. Conversely, you need one or two (damn those foggie English teachers) large pieces to attract the customers. This economy is going to be this way a lot longer. The smart artists will survive by noticing the pricepoints that are moving within their medium. This is from someone who has succeeded at shows for over 30 years. Personally, I like it when the times are tough like this. It eliminates a lot of your competition. Only the strong,and smart, will survive.Aloha, Nels.
Thanks for your input. I will have some 24x36 pieces hanging in the booth as those are what draw the crowd in usually. I just wondered if I should spend more of my time making newer little pieces than big. It seems like a toss up and perhaps it never hurts to have variety...although i've heard too much variety is distracting.
Replies
What I have seen artists do is make one or two walls in their booths be just the small work. That way the small does not compete with the large. If they are on the same wall, then it makes the small stuff look so much more obviously small.
Another idea is to paint small but paint so that three or five pieces can be hung together and sold as a set. I usually will price one for $300 or three for $800. Being able to mix and match can be very appealing to people.
I have both smaller and larger works. At first, I worried that I would cannibalize my larger work sales with the smaller works. But I have found that the buyers are different. The ones that want the larger works will continue to buy them (if in smaller numbers). I have found that people buying smaller works would never buy a larger work so it gives them a new option. Sometimes, I have people buying a whole handful of the smallest pieces!
Barbara Sistak Baur
www.sistakbaur.com
I've been struggling with the same question myself.
I like to work big. Big equates to more $'s and in this economy thats not working so good. I finally came to grips with it and HAVE to do some smaller works for less bucks. It just has to be that way to survive.
Now I have to figure out how to display them without diminishing the larger works.