Special
Series — How To Sell Your Art!
Editor's Preface:
We're pleased to bring you the first in a new series of articles on How To Sell Your Art.
It comes courtesy of Steve Popkin, accomplished glass artist, and author of the Art & Craft Industry's definitive Art Sales & Marketing course, "How To Sell Your Art Without Selling Out".
We only load highly beneficial and informative articles in the A&CNet e-Zine — It's been our pleasure to share the expertise and unique experiences of fellow artists and crafters who'd love to help you in your own career or business. The best and most practical advice always comes from those who've "been there and done that before us", those who've walked the walk, paid their dues, and are now pleased to pass on what they've learnt, to others…
Steve Popkin has a heart for those just beginning their art or craft career. He understands how challenging it can be to take one's hobby and creative talents and turn them into a profitable business. His common-sense down-to-earth advice is borne out of his own experiences as a successful glass artist that some 15 years ago had his own very humble small beginnings, too. Like anyone else starting out, he had his share of doubts and fears, the lack of resources and marketing know-how, you name it… He's since learned the "tricks of the trade" and is passing on some of his secrets on "how to make one's art profitable". What you read in our newsletter won't be excerpts from the excellent course Steve has written — we endorse and highly recommend that you click on the left-side graphic link or in his Bio for more info on that. However, we will be bringing you many of the writings and research from which it was forged.
Many of his articles for our newsletter series are for those beginning their artistic journey. Some will be for the more experienced or already established Artists and Craftspeople. Whatever your situation, I encourage you to stay tuned for some fascinating upcoming topics, and solid advice. This will be a practical series that can surely help you not only start a successful art or craft business, but ensure it grows and becomes everything you ever wanted it to be. Enjoy!
This Month's Topic: How To Earn A Great Living as a Craft Fair Artist 
Ever walk through a craft fair and say, "I could do that." Ever hear someone say "you should sell your stuff?" Admit it — you wish that you could make a living doing the thing that you love doing the most… your craft. I understand exactly how you feel because I used to feel exactly the same way.
I longed to make a living as an artist but I held myself back. Fearful and intimated of putting myself out there, I ignored my dreams. Fortunately, someone pushed me right into my business. I participated in a charity event as a favor to my wife and her friends. During that event a woman came up and invited me to participate in a craft show which was going to take place just before the holidays. Anxious to begin a business, I agreed. Not long thereafter my dream of earning a living as an artist came true. Let me share with you some secrets that will make your next craft show a success!
First, do your research. I recommend purchasing any publications that may list where all the art or craft shows are. Some of these may actually list artists that attended the craft show in previous years, and share their insights and reviews of the previous year shows. These artists discuss the types of items that sold well, what price point did well, and rate if they would attend the show again.
Alternately, an ever-growing source is the Net. There are many Art and Craft Directories, some providing you with every bit of info you'd need to answer all of your questions. Bookmark the better ones and refer to them as often as you need.This website, for example, A&CNet, has one of Canada's largest and most detailed Art & Craft Show & Event Directories.
Also, check your provincial and municipal government websites for any online or offline resources they may offer listing the local art or craft shows or fairs taking place at community centers and other locations within your area. Shows may be listed via Tourism or Recreation Departments' activities and events. Simply find the show that matches your work!Next, determine the demographics of the show. Who attends? Look at the location of the show. The majority of people attending will come from that area.
Is the show located in a middle class community? I recommend displaying work under the $500.00 level.
Is the show located in a very high end or "ritzy" neighborhood? Make sure that your display and price craft work that matches this buyer.
Avoid diminishing the worth of your craft by selling it too cheap!
Use the demographics to understand the perception of the buyer.
I always recommend producing items at all different price points. Don't ignore the power of the lower priced items. A lower priced item allows people to easily purchase from you and increases the amount of multiple piece sales.
Educate your customer! Share with them the other potential uses of your craft. Be creative, expand the possibilities and expand the amount of people that will buy from you. Give suggestions on other uses for your work. For instance, I've sold a glass platter to one customer that another purchased as a glass wall sculpture whereas someone else became the proud owner of a glass centerpiece. It's all the same piece of art, but every buyer made a purchase unique to their needs.
Another secret strategy to a successful craft show — network with other artists. Before the show begins, usually during the time when everyone is setting up, introduce yourself to non-competing artists and let them know that you will be happy to refer people to their booths for their line of work, and in exchange you would like them to do the same for you. Consider working out a commission for any buyer that comes to your booth referred by another artist. This little known strategy will surely put many more dollars into your pocket.
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Steve Popkin has been a successful glass artist for over 15 years. He uses glass as his media in the form of flat stained glass, fused glass and carved glass objects. He has studied advanced glass manipulation techniques around the world from some of today's most well respected artists. His art work has found its way into numerous art galleries and collections. More recently, he has authored numerous articles and his newest art course, "How To Sell Your Art Without Selling Out". He makes it easy for developing artists and crafters to become successful and maximize their profits. He doesn't believe there's any need for the term, "starving artists" — His goal is to help you bring your passion to a greater audience and create "a great living" while doing it. Learn the secrets most artists and craftspeople will never know about selling their art or craft work. Visit www.thethrivingartist.com. Make your dream of earning your living as an artist come true today! |