Hey kids,
The last show I did was an inaugural show. Duh. Kick myself. I stood in freezing weather, and rain - in a location that was frequented by no one, sold not a thing... like most of the people around me. Booth fee, hotel, meals, gas...had to be $1K for zip.
I could bitch and moan about this business, but I signed up for it.
I have always wanted to control my career, and as we all know, we can't count on festivals to make a living...although many of you do, and I applaud you and admire you a LOT for figuring out how.
I am going to take the money I have left and open a bricks and mortar gallery/workshop/open studio space in a small town down the road. I'd rather be mad at myself if things don't go well than blame a promoter, blame the weather, blame the customers, or get mad at the next dog to pee on my work.
I'd rather control what I show, who sees it and how I market it. It's possible I've lost my mind, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
One thing I am good at is marketing and PR... I know how to talk on TV... I can manage my own web site, and for once, I feel like I can control my destiny... creating a space that [I hope] people will want to visit - and potentially buy some art. I am going to CURATE my own shows, and my own life.
I'm also over 60, and want to use the energy I have to create something I've always wanted...
For now, I'm going to keep the pro-panels, and find a place in the garage for the tent...just in case.
Good luck, everyone -- you are the real road warriors, these days!
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Our little gallery -- Call for artists!
DEADLINE: 10/01/2015 LOCATION: Petersburg, VA
An Unkindness of Ravens
Celebrating the work of Edgar Allan Poe, who honeymooned in Petersburg. Virginia Artists and Crafters are invited to submit work that features symbols and imagery used by Poe, but not literal “illustrations” of his work. Think ravens, hearts, black velvet, sheet metal, nails, masks, etc., portraits of the author, or imagery from his writing. All artwork must be original and ready to display. Artwork must be delivered in person between Sept 19th and Oct 2nd.
Contact: TheArtRoomPVA@gmail.com
Web: www.TheArtRoomPetersburg.com
Dear friends and fellow artists. Our online entry system was kinda-a-disaster, so we're opening up our call. No entry fee, no commission [for this show]. Send us a note and we'll send you details. Feel free to share!
That is a really helpful link, Reid. Thanks.
I'd guess that people like Barrie and Richard are constantly watching their sales, honing their markets and willing to change their offerings to meet that. Richard has a unique product. He stays near the marketplace he has learned is best for him and sells from low (key fobs) to very high (custom saddles) bringing him volume on the small stuff and big hits on the specialty items. Barrie likewise.
I have been seeing a sales pattern similar to Barrie Lynn Bryant and Richard Sherer. Regarding the causes for the ups and downs in the art market, have a look at the "Real Median Houshold Income" chart at the following link:
http://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/Median-Household-...
It's matches the pattern I observed in my own sales during those years. It is clear that 2011 was when the economic recession had the biggest effect on our customer's income, and we have been in a slow recovery since then.
Debbie we don't disagree. I know what you mean about them being able to afford technology but then can't put gas in the car or food on the table. Totally ridiculous.
I think that is partially true Cindy but I don't think it's the full story. These same people who are living pay check to pay check buy some unusual stuff for folks worrying about the next paycheck. I think it comes down to priorities, their experiences and what they value. Art education is pretty much dead in this area plus people can pull up nearly anything with technology. Their ideas about what enrich their life are different than they used to be and I think they are into anything that is instantly self gratifying. If a new iphone or tablet is about to be announced it is amazing how fast they can come up with the dough.
Debbie, I live in south Louisiana and it takes longer to get the hot and trendy things down here. I sometimes see stuff that is advertised in a national ad and wonder how long it'll take for it to become the "have to have" item down here.
I think there are a lot more people with a couple of $100 to throw around at a show than those with several $100 to $1,000 who go to shows. By the time these low $ buyers buy a couple of $50 items, they are already thinking, man 1/2 my money is gone already. I took a class a few years ago on personal money management and the person leading it said the average American make about $40,000 per year. Also he said most people are living pay check to pay check and are one check away from losing it all. It's called debt. When many people are living this way I don't believe we can expect most of the buyers at art OR craft shows to be letting loose with a lot of money. That is part of the reason I believe the functional crafts sell better in many cases than those things that are purely art. It has a reason for being and can possibly help make their life a little easier. Am I wrong? Maybe I am but I don't think so.
So true Sandhi but probably no crazier than the times we are living in. By the way congratulations on your new venture. It looks very nice.
Congratulations Sandhi! What a beautiful space you found / created...wishing you much success.
We picked a C R A Z Y vocation!
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