40 Questions Blog Series: Question 11 – How can I add value to my art/craft?
I am having so much fun doing this blog series. The past question has yielded some great discussion and has lead to more questions. Since
pricing is such a talked about topic, and some people are not able to
lower the price of their work, I thought this would be a great
question to answer.
Question 11: How can I add value to my art/craft?
I have compiled my top 16 list of ways to add value to your work with the help of fellow artists, suggestions I have seen on other websites as
well advice from Wendy Rosen's book Crafting as a Business.
Educate. Sharing important information about your work such as how to properly clean jewelry or that you donate a portion of your sales
to a local charity is something that customers eat up.
Use better quality materials. Better quality materials equals better quality art. Example, a fiber artist who switched from using fabric
from Jo Annes to material from a local quilt shop. The upgrade
allowed her work to last longer, thus adding value to her work.
Sign your pieces. Often over looked. Seeing initials or a signature makes your work officially yours and all the more special. Also
adding a business card or simple sticker with your contact info on
the back of 2D art also helps the buyer find you again.
Extra benefits. Using things like signage or hang tags to inform customers of the benefits of buying your art/craft is excellent.
Let customers know that your work brings tranquility to all those
who buy it or how it is functional as well as beautiful are some
just ideas.
Creative statements. I have seen nice artist statements at in their booths highlighting the artists talents, how they started in their medium,
and how the art makes them feel. A great attention getter and helps
authenticate your work too.
Awards. Show off your awards. Granted bragging isn't something people want to hear, but informing how a piece is inspired by another piece that
won an award or featured in a magazine is very appealing.
Promote hometown/geographical locations. Statistics show that patrons love to support and by locally made work. This is evident at shows from
the Florida Keys to Kutztown, PA.
Offer warranties. A warranty that states if your the work is ever broken for any reason, that you will fix it for free will also opens
people's wallets especially if your work is considered high end.
Showing that you stand behind your work will make for satisfied
customers.
Demonstrate/Inform. Showing customers painting techniques, how your throw pottery, or even video (using a portable dvd player) are powerful tools. This
is yet another way to show authenticity especially when so many
items now at show are often considered re-sale.Proudly Made in America. Patrons are more prone now to buy Made in the USA. People want to know their money is staying within the USA
and backed with good quality craftmanship.
Discuss the history of the art form. Whether your work is a new art form, like raku pottery or old such as traditional wooden furniture,
people are always interested in the history behind art.
Be the Best. Testimonials are one way to do this or letting folks know you have been dubbed the Best “___”, also appeals to buyers.
Inform your customers why others love your work. Showing off your
best seller adding once you buy one, you'll be back for more.
Uniqueness. There is something to be said to knowing what makes your work better than the “cookie cutter” artists like that in your
medium. Talk about or show off the unique features of your work and
this will make people gravitate towards your work over your
competition. The photo is of the incense I make stating the how mine may be different from others on the market.
Draw a better circle. I read this on a website, I can't remember where, but it makes perfect sense. While others in your medium are all
painting/drawing circles sometimes you have to draw a better circle
to attract customers and most importantly buyers. This means, keep
your work fresh and new, it works.
Limited edition work. Customers love knowing they have a one of a kind piece and knowing there is just a few out there causes a sense of
urgency to buy now, because it might not be around later.Presentation. Presenting your work well and in nice packaging is also key. Quality framing, nice gift bags, and so on are great
examples of this. I will go more into this in a future question.
Are you doing any of these things? Have they worked? Do you disagree? Please share your ideas and stories – use the comment button! Have
friends ho could benefit from this blog? Tell them, they will thank
you! Question 12 will be cover how to determine if a product/artwork
will sell or should be phased out. Then we'll get into a more
entertaining topic, customer service – what is it all about, how to
do it right, why it is important, and so much more. Stay tuned!
Michelle, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot,com
