Has anyone evr done a home show at a patron's home? I have two patrons in the Cape Cod/ Nantucket area that I am doing two commissioned pieces for and will be delivering to them personally. What would be the best way to initiate a conversation on having them host an unveiling of their new piece/showing of my work in their home? What are the logistics? I've heard that patrons often are thrilled and flattered to host an artist showing in their home but have never done one before. Thoughts? Comments?
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I'm hoping that a patron whose splurged $5000 on an original painting will have friends who will too :) I've read that often as a "thank you", an artist ought to give an original to the hosting patron, but my work takes me so damn long to do, that I'm trying to find an alternative, like a percentage of sales. Giving a painting kind of works against the idea of them being motivated to help you sell to their friends.
You give them a commission towards one of your paintings. The other thing I have done is give a percentage of sales towards there favorite charity. If everyone knows ahead of time that part of their purchase is going to someting they care about they are happier to buy then, and usually don't feel the need to ask for a discount.
If you go the charity route, have it be a charity that they are choosing and represent. If you want it to be a charity that you choose, you will be representing that charity and need to get their approval. Getting that approval from a charity can be harder then you would think. When you think about it it makes sense though. I don't think a cancer charity would want a cigarette company raising money for them while promoting their product.
I've never done one formally... but a couple times people have asked me to bring a small display to a bbq or party. I make wearables, so I like to call it Drunk Girl Shopping time. A few drinks and the women are ready to try on and tell each other how cute they look. Each time I was able to sell a few items with very little effort. I'd definitely like to try a more formal home party situation though...
AT this point I'm working up a pitch to the client. I really don't know him that well: "Hey, would you mind throwing a party with me as the entertainment and invite all your friends with disposable income?" Yeah, I'm working on the phrasing.
My impression is that most people who invest in an original piece of artwork actually value the artist, and we are "special company". Whenever Framer Dude and I deliver a piece, it's almost always a social event and quite fun. I get the feeling people like to show off "their" artist, and a few other artists have had the same experience. So maybe it won't be as awkward as I'm imagining it to be.
Feel the client out, and drop some hints and get them to make it their idea. If they are excited about your art, and have an incentive then it should go well. Showing off the artist is fine, but if there aren't buyers there then it is just another party you are at.
Caroline Kwas > Melanie RolfesMay 3, 2011 at 12:14pm
So true. I'm thinking that word of mouth referrals, ie, my patron, are the best way to a new market. I was also thinking of teaming up with a sculpture buddy of mine in a completely different geographical region and doing home shows with him, since our work goes well together. Food for thought.
I have done these for many years. I have another abstract artist that I work with. Our work goes well together and we can tag team with eachother. You need to make sure that the person hosting the event is inviting people who are interested in buying, not just socializing. Like Jennifer said, you could just be the entertainment or decoration for a party if you don't screen properly. I have found that an all women party does better then a husband and wife party. Especially if the women are shopping buddies. They help push eachother into buying things. When someone is interested in a piece, one of us runs the piece, and a few others, over to their home to see how it "fits" into their space. Once you get into their home you can usually close. You basically set it up like a tupperware party. The host gets a certain amount of the sales towards your art. This motivates the host to invite the right kind of guests.
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AT this point I'm working up a pitch to the client. I really don't know him that well: "Hey, would you mind throwing a party with me as the entertainment and invite all your friends with disposable income?" Yeah, I'm working on the phrasing.
My impression is that most people who invest in an original piece of artwork actually value the artist, and we are "special company". Whenever Framer Dude and I deliver a piece, it's almost always a social event and quite fun. I get the feeling people like to show off "their" artist, and a few other artists have had the same experience. So maybe it won't be as awkward as I'm imagining it to be.
Feel the client out, and drop some hints and get them to make it their idea. If they are excited about your art, and have an incentive then it should go well. Showing off the artist is fine, but if there aren't buyers there then it is just another party you are at.
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