I paint pet portraits on commission. At an art fair I wouldn't have anything to sell that day. Does anyone have any advice for me? I just participated in my first fair, an Art Walk in Austin, Texas. I brought framed copies of my portraits, talked to all the people, handed out flyers and business cards and collected email addresses, and even had a water bowl and dog treats. What else can I do to encourage business when everything I paint is individually commissioned and requires action from prospective buyers? Thanks for any help!
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Deena, I just read your post here. Are you still doing dog portrait commissions and did you find success? I have been doing pet portraits among other subjects for years but I'd love to hear what may have worked for you. I am looking to do a few local shows to cross promote my work. I have done a few shows in the past but timing was not good - did my first one borrowing panels and tent when not only gas prices were at a record high, but no one could even get gas, so wasn't a good barometer of how I might do in a show. Did manage to get one commission...not enough to cover the time and cost. I am wanting to try a show or two again. Also looking for a national sponsor. Will fill you in more should you get this message. Thanks. - Karen
Thanks, Jacki, good advice - I still don't know if art fairs are for me, but I'm learning more and doing more and we shall see.
Yes, since most breeds look all the same, a collie looks like all other collies pretty much, you can have stock paintings for sale. People will walk into your booth and say that looks like our Poodle, or our Yorkie. There will be people who have lost their pets and were never able to have their pet's portaraits painted that will be interested in buying one. For example, that little corgie you have for your profile looks just like the corgie I used to take care of. People will see your paintings and will automatically plug their pet into the portrait. A sign saying "special orders are welcome" will bring in your commisioned work.
Great idea, Kathleen - thanks!
I have seen artists working on a painting at an art show with a photo of the subject clipped to the easel. It seemed to generate a lot of interest since people love to see how things are done. Even if you can't actually paint while there, if the material looks like you have just stopped to chat with people, it shows what you are able to do.
Great advice, Carol, thank you so much! I am selling my original work, they are commissioned and paid for by the dog's owner. That said, I can do note cards, magnets, buttons, prints, etc. I appreciate the support of this group!
I would recommend having items available of the most common breeds already done up. Many people wish to purchase note cards, small pictures, letterhead, etc showing off their breed of choice in its most typical stance/pose. Hunting dogs look great running, pointing, etc. Some dogs look great sitting with their heads cocked, etc. Find out the breed standard and use that as a basis for such work. Consider it your bread and butter work. Do a search on the top 20 breeds and use that as your basis and then you can branch out from there if you wish. Have a suggestion box of other breeds, and then once you get requests for the same one over and over - you can determine if you wish to add more to the line. Are you giving up your individual work? Yes and no...you are guaranteeing income. I would also recommend have a "progressive" array from the "dog" to the sketch" to the .... - showing each step including the purchaser's delight when they get the end product done up on a banner so people can "see" your specialty easily. One pays the bills, the other rewards your soul.
Thank you, Larry and Mark...great advice that I will follow!
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