I promote myself as a "salvage artist", I repurpose metal objects (junk) by welding them into benches, chairs, plant holders, garden sculptures, etc ( www.salvageartist.com ). I have done fairly well selling my art locally over the past three years, so this year I decided to branch out into surrounding states. I spent a lot of time researching shows that I thought would be a good fit for me, reading on-line about tips to doing art shows and attended many to do further research. I applied for 8 juried shows and was accepted into 6, I thought that was pretty good. I was just at my 4th show of the year - Arts in the Gardens in Canandaigua New York. Beautiful weekend, wonderful show, people were spending money! I did less than $300, my worst show yet (which is not to say that my others were good, I haven't hit $1000 yet). I put a lot of thought into how I layout my booth. I have a nice sign with my artist statement and picture on it and I engage the people in conversation. I get wonderful comments - "your work is amazing", "so different than anything I have seen before", "your art is what I will remember about this show", "Your art is priced so reasonably" but they are not buying it! I love sharing what I do with people, but these are not art exhibits they are shows and everything is for sale. My prices are reasonable because after my first two failed shows, I lowered my prices. If people walked past my booth and didn't even look at my art I would think my stuff was crap and stop trying to sell it. But they stop, they look, the love it. They pump up my ego and then they trample on my heart as they leave. I love doing the shows and meeting other artist who constantly inspire me with their creativity. A more helpful group of people you will never find, giving me tips on shows to try, web sites that are helpful and any other info they think will help me. But what I really love to do is create, which I can't afford to do if I can't sell what I have already made. SOOOO - what am I doing wrong????
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Repurposing Metal Engineer - I like that!
last night I was thinking of a name change for you and came up with a good one and it went by the way in my dreams... but what about "Repurposed Treasures" by Diane Levenson...or call yourself ...tongueincheek... a Repurposing Engineer...just a humorous thought on what you do in engineering you work.
Your work is great...black and white is attractive but perhaps if you hung some colored shears behind your work people could get an idea of what it might look like in their own home or patio...
I agree with the idea of making a few items at an under $100 price point. Maybe small planters or fence decor. Really great ideas you already have!
To add to my last comment, perhaps the term 'savage' is throwing them. Why not utilize the new words in our society today "Green" and "Recycled"? That may do it for you. By the way, your work is great!
Hey Diane – I, too, have the same comments from people: ‘how wonderful your designs are’; ‘you make things with such detail’; ’I love the colors you've chosen’ -- they Oooo and Awwwe and then walk out of my booth. My designs are handbags and it’s different than your art, but the time we take to put our best into our work, we want a reward for that – I understand. The other’s comments are truly correct - one must find the right market. My last show in St Simon's Island, GA I sold a handbag I'd created in 2005. Truly I didn't think it would ever sell. Just goes to show you that everyone's taste is different. One must hang in there because Art is Art and never dies, but Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It took 7 years of my showing that piece to find the person who loved it. Patience is, indeed, a virtue.
Due to the economy in my own life, I ask myself when about to purchase something “Is it a frivolity or a necessity?” If I’m applying this to what I purchase, I’m certain other individuals are doing it as well, for we are all experiencing our $$$ not going very far now. I think your prices are great. That’s not the problem.
Tweaking: It may be the shipping issue or bundling the item into one’s car. As you create, keep that thought in mind and perhaps weld your pieces so they have a part that can be hooked together or screwed together as to dissemble and place in one’s vehicle. I’m not certain if the latter is a possibility for you, but as you do your art it will evolve as you take into account your customer’s comments. That’s what I’ve done. One year I created all these large handbags and totes – people said they were too big. The next show I’d created all these smaller bags – people commented they were not big enough. Finding the right niche in marketing can be a pain but in the long run – we are selling to our customers – not to ourselves. For at least 3 years, I would not make a quilted tote because I did not care for them. But I was not selling them to me, I was selling to my customer. If my customer likes it, then I make it as they like it. For me that was a hard lesson to learn. I didn’t want to make a “Vera Bradley” type-like tote! I wanted to create a “Designs By Suzanne tote” according to what I liked. Since that didn’t fly, I had to re-assess my designs and create for my market. I hope these thoughts help. Blessings to you on your work and selling in the future.
Other metal sculptors I see at shows do have many pieces priced below $100. Below $75 is even better if you can do it. Your price range is the hardest to sell. Please consider some ground covering as well, like a good indoor-outdoor carpet that can take torture. Best of luck.
I would definitely try to make more small items. I've found you really have to have several "impulse buy" items that people don't feel guilty buying.
Diane, I hope everyone has helped to make you feel better. I'd love to see what you come up with in the $45 price point range.
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