My creative medium is Linocut Printmaking. When I started to dabble in this medium my pieces were fairly small (maybe the largest being 8x10). As time went on my work has grown much larger, and I'd like to continue to work with larger pieces. Right now I have a good mix of sizes ranging from 5x7 to 18x24. I think the larger sizes show much better and seem to draw more people into the booth to look. Surprisingly, I have also been selling more of the larger pieces.
I'd like to know if any other artists have an opinion about size and if it even matters that much.
Comments
Yes, unfortunately it does seem like people equate size with value. This has always been a sticking point with me. I am a functional potter so a lot of what I make is smaller (cups, mugs, bowls, etc). If I have a larger piece (platter, serving bowl) on display though, people are drawn to it more and seem ready to pay more money for it, even if it has less deco and took half as long as a smaller piece.
The biggest problem is that most people just do not realize the amount of effort that goes into a handmade object, even the small ones. Combine that with the western philosophy that bigger is better and you get a somewhat skewed sense of value.
There is also something to be said about the eye-catching factor. Bigger pieces are usually more eye-catching, if for no other reason than their size. People want to bring that home with them.
Judy,
Thanks for your comment. I took a look at your website and love your artwork!
Lori, I am also a printmaker. I always try to have a few 18x24(24x30 framed) images. Sometimes I even have one that is larger. My smallest works are 8x10 matted/framed. I like to have a wide range of sizes in between. I've had customers a group of 8 or 9 small ones instead of one big one, depends on the customer. Good luck & kewp printing!
Congratulations! I'd love to know how you do.
I love this site.I just joined and have already been included in a Festival "arfest in Scottsdale, AZ" I had started working on small pieces two days ago, as I work large and didn't know if I needed a large or small percentage of pieces. Thanks so much. I will report back with my findings.
For whatever reason, size seems to equate to value. The bigger the size, the better the value. Even though this may not be the case in terms of the amount of creativity, labor and effort that goes into the making of a smaller piece (sometimes smaller is harder to do), people think the bigger it is, the more it's worth.
It's easier to make money at shows if you have a good mix of price points. If having bigger work helps you sell more and boost your average transaction number, then go big.
Thanks for your comments. This forum has been a great source to ask other artists about things like this.
Larger more expensive work has always sold. And as Geoff pointed out, it's a good draw in your booth. When I eliminated my smallest size my gross increased.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
I'm a photographer, and for what it's worth, my larger sizes are selling better, too. But I don't think my opinion matters much compared with what your customers seem to be telling you. :-)
And larger sizes will ALWAYS draw more people into your booth.