I tend to just lurk on these forums or comment on posts and haven’t really made a blog post yet but have been inspired to finally.
Artists, I wish there would be less judging and publicly expressed prejudice about buyers at art shows. Should we stick to the facts and tell it like it is when a show doesn’t go well? Sure we should….but we can explain when sales are down without tearing buyers apart and making derogatory comments about them. These are PUBLIC forums, and it’s been said before, BUYERS can get on them. In fact folks, some of your fellow artists are even your buying public.
We recently went to a local art show and I came back on here to talk to an artist about potentially getting a piece of his once I got through my next art show. We couldn’t look too seriously when we were at the art show since we have a little one on the way and the budget is tight until I get through my next major art show myself (about a week away!) I come on to find out he didn’t do so hot at the show (huge bummer!) but I took a slight offense at the customers being called “wal-mart shoppers”…..and based on their SHOES! (Considering we were some of the customers!)
Now for the record, this event is held at the bottom of a ski resort, in a national park, on a hot summer day, and the paths through the event are all dusty and covered with small pebbles. It’s basically like walking on a hiking trail. I’m not sure what the artist expected, but it’s not the kind of place where you wear fancy shoes, or dress up. It does however happen to be a show that people pay $ 8 to get in per person, and in an area where honestly, a lot of the people are a little more affluent and in the middle-class to upper-middle class range.
Whatever reason they weren’t buying, it certainly wasn’t because they couldn’t afford it. I made some comment about it not being a good idea to publicly bash customers, and got blown off. Did the artist just lose a potential sale. Yep….he just judged me, and all my neighbors based on clothing. Kinda killed any impulse I had to inquire about getting a piece. Absolutely silly.
Let’s not degradate people because we don’t do well at a show. There are lots of varying factors for why we might not do well. Indeed, people may not be in the mood to spend money. That doesn’t mean they are poor or stingy. It may in fact mean that our art isn’t tugging at their wallets. Any number of factors from cold weather, hot weather, rainy weather, grumpy artists, distracting commercial vendors, poor marketing, the wrong type of art for the wrong type of crowd (e.g. traditional art at a more industrial/modern show), or the art just simply isn’t what they are looking for no matter how good it is may influence our sales for a weekend.
It breaks my heart to see artists who don’t do well automatically tearing down buyers to pieces and publicly at that. How does that encourage anyone to support artists if attitudes like that are made known widespread? It makes us ALL look bad and sours buyers perspectives of a show.
It would be nice to think that prejudice doesn’t exist at the same percentages in the art world as it does in society but unfortunately I’ve seen buyers at art shows judged all too frequently on what they are wearing, the color of their skin, the questions they ask.
I’ve been able to witness this from a buyers perspective and I know what it feels like to be judged based on our “cover”. Being younger my husband and I sadly, frequently have had to walk away frustrated from potential purchases because we couldn’t get the artists attention. We’ve stood by as artists took care of older clients and didn’t even bother to acknowledge our presence in the booth. I kid you not, not even a “hello” let alone, “I’ll be with you a second.” Somehow, being younger and probably dressed more casually makes us appear to be less likely to be seriously interested in buying.
I never understand how they fail to hear us actually discussing budget, and where the piece would go and saying things like “so this is the piece you want? Yes.” The funny thing is, though I’m an artist too and don’t have this whopping income, both my husband and I are VERY committed to buying only original art. My husband’s father was an artist, I am an artist, and we’re young with an entire house to decorate. Is it a struggle sometimes? Absolutely, but we cut things out in other areas so we can support independent artists like we believe in and have pride in the objects we own. Most people would never peg us for art buyers, but with one exception, every single piece of artwork in our house was handmade by an artist or done by an independent photographer.
At the supposed “wal-mart” show I was also seriously eyeing a delectable handbag. I actually had even managed to capture my husband’s attention at the quality of it. (Who for the record, does not get my obsession with handbags, and does not understand why anyone would pay more than $40 for one. So to have him actually acknowledge a handbag as a stunning work of art is quite a coup.) The husband of artist working the booth literally picked it up right from under my nose to show it to a gaggle of older women. Who went “oh, that’s nice” and then walked out of the booth. Sigh. Why, when you have a bunch of items in a booth would you take one right out from under a person who is looking at it?!!!
I can tell you of at least four separate occasions in the last few years in which an artist probably missed out on selling an original because we simply could not get their attention away from someone else they deemed “more worthy”. Of course, you could say stick it out, come back to the booth later, but when someone acts like you aren’t worth their time it takes the fun out of the buying experience. We truly are the type of people where half the fun is making connections with an artist and knowing we are supporting someone.
Some artists get it totally right. I still remember one Boston Mills Artsfest where we fell in love with Andy Chen’s photography. Seriously, madly in love with it. We went in and looked around and were greeted warmly, despite the fact that the poor guy had to be baking (it was something like 95 degrees and he was in the outside sunny section with absolutely NO airflow) We ended up taking a card and walking out because we knew we really shouldn’t get the size piece we wanted. Of course we walked around and spent the rest of the show figuring out how to juggle the budget. Came back to the booth later and spent probably a half hour still debating, comparing photos and deciding on the perfect piece. I still remember when it dawned on me that poor Andy was standing there holding up a 3 foot framed photograph with sweat pouring down his face while we debated. I felt so bad….we had turned into crazy customers.
Long story short, because his work was phenomenal and he was so patient and so friendly we walked out with a large original and I joked with him that I just basically traded an entire art shows worth of inventory for me for one piece of his since we liked it so much.
Can we always afford it? No. Have we walked through plenty of shows and not bought? You better believe it. Do we collect business cards? Yep. We have totally been “lookers” However, we don’t forget the nice artists whose work we really love. We have indeed returned when the budget was right and bought sizable pieces. Had we got gruff or attitude for being lookers, or ignored or insulted in some way by those artists it wouldn’t have happened.
As an artist myself, I’d have lost a lot of money over the years if I wasn’t respectful to EVERYONE. (At least I sure try to be….I know I’ve had some days where I need to work at it more) Literally about 50% of my MAJOR sales have surprised the living daylights out of me, and I’m super glad I didn’t have any sort of attitude with the customers. At a major art show last year, my most expensive piece probably went to the most casually dressed buyer I saw all day. She wasn’t wearing a lick of jewelry, but picked out my showcase piece and off to her it went.
At one of my holiday shows the tiniest little grandma came up to my booth and just started pointing. I think she bought something for every single daughter or granddaughter that day (and the pieces weren’t on my lower end either!) I was a little fearful of the credit card being declined to tell you the truth as the sale was too easy, too quick, and she seemed like such an unlikely customer. I am a little shamed I ever thought that.
Quick disclaimer: I know, I KNOW that there are shows where crowd makeup means we definitely won’t do well. We’ve all picked a few shows to do in which we came back and went “whoa…def. not my crowd.” When we find shows that aren’t for us, let’s keep it at that though. How hard is it to say “Not my crowd. They weren’t buying what I was selling.” We do not need to make derogatory comments about people’s clothing, wealth, character, etc., when we do not do well. I'm not saying not to vent about someone who was particularly rude or degrading to you--that's a whole different story. Just be careful not to make judgements about an entire populace simply because they're not buying what you're selling or to pre-judge customers based on pre-conceived notions, as they just might surprise you.
Comments
This is one of the best thought provoking posts I have seen recently. It has engendered many good responses in the reply posts. I agree with most everything in here and have had the experience with the guy with a straw in his teeth and bib overalls buy a piece for a museum collection. One of the biggest issues for me : other artists, not necessarily in the show, spending a lot of time asking about your techniques, etc., not even admitting they are artists until it has become very obvious, then interfering or being miffed when you excuse yourself to go greet a potential customer who has just entered the booth. I love other artists and have an open mind to "teach" and share, but be mindful of getting in the way of sales and others. Yes, my house is filled with the art of others, ceramics, paintings, wood, glass, and jewelry all from artists I consider friends.
Just saw this post after it was mentioned as one of July's best, and had to say Thank You to Valerie for such a thought-provoking message.
I think it's important to remember that the efforts we make can bear fruit long after the few days of an art fair. My husband and I attended fairs as lookers/buyers for years, and in our younger days could seldom afford to buy. But we remembered the artwork, and the artists, who impressed us; and once we were in a better financial situation we went back to them to buy.
Another thing I have to mention is that if you REALLY tick off a customer, they might not be content simply to walk away. At an art fair long ago, my husband was admiring a display of handmade wood items and I was contemplating buying one for him for Christmas when a woman in the booth began scolding him for handling one of the pieces. He put it down and we walked away; and behind us we heard the woman loudly remark that we "didn't have enough money to afford one of their pieces anyway."
I was so appalled and angry that I sent their business card with a letter of complaint to the show organizers, and politely requested that they not invite that artist back. Don't know if my letter actually had any effect, but we went back to that show for years and never saw those people again.
I agree! This weekend I was at Madison Art on the square. There were so many wonderful artists there! I didn't have much time to walk around because it such a big, busy show. I am hoping to move next year and don't want to buy much until then but I am looking forward to decorating my house with wonderful art. I find it very annoying when artists don't put cards out or don't display prices. I may not have time to ask you all the info but that doesn't mean I might not come back later when I have a minute, or call and order next month.
Also I make sure I say hello or at least smile at every person who comes into my booth, whether they are 5 or 50, poor or rich looking. Because I know looks can be deceiving.
Excellent post!
I cannot imagine that there are many people that enjoy meeting someone with a bad, unfriendly, ignoring or condescending attitude...so why would they act as such? You can most certainly add me to the ever-growing list of people who would not do business with them.
A long time ago when I was a young kid I remember my Dad saying "If you can't say anything nice to some or about someone...then it is better to say nothing at all.
I agree that we should be friendly, approachable and welcoming when selling at shows. That is good salesmanship, plain and simple. A smile, a good morning/afternoon, will do wonders to break the ice, and you will be guaranteed of better sales by show's end.
Excellent article and ironically well timed...
Having just exhibited at Boston Mills this past weekend, the timing of this article and its message really resonates with me, in more ways than just one.
It was not a good show for me, at all, and in complete candor it was a significant loss for me to be there by the end tally of the plus and minus columns. In large measure I attribute that to the uniqueness of my photographic subjects (they are not for everyone), as well as what I consider the "finer" art aspect of the show. However, I am not about to blame that on the format, or operation, of the show…it comes down to my learning each market area that I am attempting to market to. I thought the show was well run, and the overall “vibe” was very good.
Given the above fact, it would be very easy to adopt an attitude with those visiting my booth…but that simply isn’t possible. People’s time is worth money, and even if they aren’t buying a piece of my work, they are investing their time in looking at it. It may not be the ultimate outcome I am hoping for at that moment, but I do feel it has continuing and accumulating value. These people have friends, and acquaintances that might be interested in my work. They talk to each other, and they share their experiences. While I may be frustrated with the discourse I am having with a visitor in my booth, I would never show that, and would want each person to walk away with a positive impression of me, and my work.
Now for the counter experience…I typically always look at other mediums and other artist’s work when I have time. This past weekend was no different, though I doubt I was in the “financial mood” to commit to any purchases during the weekend itself. I was particularly struck by one artist’s work, and made inquires as to the potential commission of a piece from that artist. I want to be careful here, so as not do identify anyone specifically, so I will be generic…but needless to say that experience was less than pleasant. The artist in question was extremely condescending in regards to my questions about the mechanics of my request. In fact they were downright rude about my having some parallel knowledge in their area of specialty. At the time I dismissed it as a touch of arrogance from someone who I perceived as a very veteran craftsman in their chosen medium. I closed the conversation, knowing I needed to return to my booth, by indicating that I would contact them later for more information.
The next, and last day of the show, I had occasion to interact with this artist again. This time it was during load out. The person had parked their vehicle in such a way that it was partially blocking mine. In addition the process that this person was using for loading their vehicle, had their art, supplies, and display fixtures essentially occupying the width of three parking spaces. A general inquiry as to the possibility of their moving enough items to accommodate my leaving was met with something just short of a hostile response. Essentially I was told they would be done packing in 10-15 minutes, and I could wait. Eventually as items were moved, and space opened up, I made my way carefully out, though the artist through a fit about the proximity of my vehicle as I passed by. The artist’s parting comment was extremely rude, and won’t soon be forgotten.
Now I suppose this artist might have had a poor sales weekend, much like me…I don’t really know. What I do know is this, when friends, associates, and other artists ask me about offerings in the medium that this artist specializes in, I am going to share my experiences with them, so that they don’t have to potentially suffer the same interactions I did. I will do my best to steer them away from this particular artist.
Your treatment of others inside, and outside, of your booth is remembered long after the show, and gets passed on in ways you can’t imagine.
Oh Luann, I read your article. Loved it!!! I love how you gave artists alternatives of things to say when they are uncomfortable with how someone speaks to them. Even at times when the intention isn't good, your tips still give helpful ways to respond.
Basically, it's like taking the higher ground. When it's a a tough day, we can take solace in the fact of at least carrying ourselves well.
Oh Britt, what was up with BM this year? I went back the second weekend with my Mom who was too sick to go the first weekend. She was ready and rearing to SHOP! It was about 50% nice artists and 50% who completely ignored us. It was so weird. A few booths we couldn't even locate the artist. One booth we went in all excited as we had both bought jewelry from them before (and I'm a jewelry artist, so that's on the rare-er side) We were talking about how we had both bought from the jeweler before, and I was pointing out things to my mom she could get to go with what she already had. (My mom was even WEARING the artists piece!) The jeweler wouldn't even look up from her phone. sad, so we just walked out feeling kind of weird. My mom got a similar reaction from a woodworker too to your mom (though I don't think they had furniture) when she gushed over how beautiful their work and display of it was.
Luckily she had some fun and we did get to interact with some truly NICE artists too though, and there were probably some happy artists as well as I was on a mission to spend someone else's $$ and talked my mom into two pieces, and she did pretty good on her own finding things too. She really needed a day out and some retail therapy after a yucky winter of cancer treatments and then a nasty bout of bronchitis. She'll probably ring my neck for talking her into everything she liked when she gets the credit card bill, but eh, she needed the excitement. I don't know if people were having a bad day or what, but from a shopping perspective there was a really weird vibe.
I have to say I've really enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Indeed it is awfully hard to be respectful and keep our energy up. I've definitely been on the other end where we've totally taken some abuse too (price haggling, people trying to steal your ideas, silly comments, etc..) but bottom line we only ruin our own sales (and potentially those of artists around us) when we let bad experiences sour our whole attitude.
Am I still nice to people? Yes, absolutely. I am always polite and gracious to those that enter my booth or even look in while walking by. Admittedly, though I have a very hard time with the rudeness and meanness and usually be one quiet or simply tell them to move on.
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