About a month ago, I was invited to an artist networking and wine tasting party by Lisa Call whom I met through my blog. The event was held last night and I had the opportunity to meet several other local artists working in different mediums. Also, in attendance was Alyson Stanfield, who is a business consultant and coach for artists. Alyson also happens to run Art Biz Blog which is chock full of resources. I had an interesting evening and the discussions that ensued have me thinking about the the art that I make and the direction I would like to move towards, my marketing strategies, online sales, eBay and blogging.
I was nervous about attending because I had never met any of these people before. I remarked to someone there that I felt like I was going on a blind date. But, one of Alyson’s most recent pieces of advice is that it is good to make oneself uncomfortable and to reach just a little bit to grow professionally and to make new connections. I felt more than a little uncomfortable because most of the artists at the party are much more established than myself. I feel like I’m just starting out and it doesn’t help that I dabble in several different mediums. However, I am glad that I went because I learned a lot last night and am ready to make the next step. Part of that next step involves evaluating my work and how I want to represent myself.
The topic of eBay came up and the site’s yard sale like qualities were discussed. Is it a good venue to sell art? Some artists are doing quite well on eBay, others are giving their work away. Is the quality there or is it better for formulaic decorator type work? I was going to stay quiet, but finally admitted that I am selling on eBay. I felt slightly embarrassed and this morning even thought about removing the link from my blog. I didn’t, because I do consider the small works that I sell on eBay as a sampling of my work. My hope is that people who buy my small works online will also be interested in larger pieces one day.
So what do I need to do?
- Narrow down my work to 2 mediums that I enjoy
- Ceramic Wall Sculpture
- Fiber Collage
- Either separate these 2 mediums into different websites, or somehow have the work relate to each other
- Update my website
- Reach out to more artists with my blog
- Develop a stronger body of work
- Focus less on sales
- I need new business cards!
- Write an artist statement
- Revisit pricing
- Enter more shows
- Develop a strong portfolio to present to galleries
- Get more uncomfortable!
- Enroll in one of Alyson’s Seminars
I could keep adding to my to-do list, but for now I will stop here, print this out and hang it up in my studio. One of the valuable things I find about blogging is that once I put something out here in cyberspace, I feel more accountable to follow through with what I write.
The wine for the party was donated by Storm Hoek which is a South African Winery. They are currently on a quest to donate wine to 100 parties in the US right now if you have a group that might be interested in participating. Check out their website and blog to find out more!
On another note, it’s snowing again here in Colorado! I took this photo looking down the middle of the street where I live in Denver. It was a bit like navigating a natural disaster when I drove my daughter to school this morning. Many of the trees are still leafed out and we found many broken limbs in the middle of the streets and dangling precariously from trees. I kept expecting one to come crashing throught the roof of the car.
Tags: 100 geek dinners, art marketing, artists, blogging, eBay, networking, stormhoeck
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I think ebay is fine as long as you use it right. I’ve had some great opportunities come my way because of selling on ebay. I think people who knock it haven’t tried it. Sure, lots of artists get next to nothing for their art on ebay, but there are also many artists making hundreds even thousands of dollars for small paintings! Ebay is just another facet in a multifaceted new world of online marketing. People need to realize that this IS the future we are IN. We have to utilize all the tools available to us!
I really get annoyed with people who knock selling on ebay! My goal for my art is to make a living making art…..I’m going to do it in whatever way works!
more snow! yuck!
I have been to Alyson’s blog and it is really good so it is very cool that you got to meet her. Sounds like a really thought provoking evening. You have a good list going there. While I have had no interest in ebay myself, if it is helping establish a customer base then one shouldn’t really need to apologize or make excuses. I agree with paula.
Cyn I love your snow photo. Some of the big flakes are lined up and almost look like they’re forming a spiral. I saw on the news tonight that Denver got 20 inches of snow, that’s unbelievable! The party sounds like a wonderful learning epxerience and great op for some good networking. I really like Alyson’s blog and joined it too.
Hi Paula, I understand your position on eBay very well…because I have been selling there as well. I don’t think anyone was knocking it last night, but were rather questioning whether it was right for their art. Once I told them that I was selling, they were curious about my experience. For me, I think it helped to articulate what I want out of eBay for myself. I’m trying to ask myself some very hard questions right now.
Hi Jafabrit, after I wrote my list, I had at least 15 more to add to it! Today’s post was a good exercise for me.
Thanks Lyn, I took 2 photos of the snow, one with flash and one without. The one with the flash showed the snow flakes, which were big and juicy this morning. When I uploaded the photo to my computer, I added a Photoshop filter. Denver only got about 4 inches today, I’m not sure about the surrounding communities though. The foothills tend to get more than here in the city.
I guess we didn’t let you talk enough because I had no idea you were in the early stages of your career. You held yourself quite well. Thanks for coming to our soiree! Your work is fabulous and I just can’t wait to see what you do next.
I loved reading this entry because I can relate to so much of what you wrote about… So happy to have discovered your blog!
Love the photo too. I saw the national weather report the other day with a big white blob over the whole state of Colorado and thought about you.
Thanks for the report on the network meeting. Sounds like it was a good decision on your part. I am looking forward to going to the workshop in a few weeks.
Well…at least it doesn’t sound like the wine was Boones Farm and if e-bay works for you I’d stick with it myself.
I’m rarely uncomfortable! Anytime two strangers cross paths, there’s a good chance that they’ll both learn from each other and teach each other. For me, that’s an exciting probability! I’m the person my friends take along to break the ice when *they* have to be in those uncomfortable “I don’t know anyone” situations. My own professional network is sorely lacking, but that’s more the result of health and financial issues than any unwillingness to put myself out there. I am *SO* out there!
Don’t be ashamed of your eBay link! I can’t begin to tell you how much flack I’ve taken for exhibiting in a coffeeshop and I’ve been told the same thing about blogging. Part of being a “working artist” is knowing my art is my business — literally and figuratively. I won’t give it away for pennies on the dollar, and believe that ‘bargain basement’ pricing does damage to us all, but there’s no shame in offering your product for a price that you can live with to a worldwide clientele like eBay’s.
I’m excited to see how you’ll proceed with this new fire burning under you!
Now, I’ve got to finish my mat cutting. My favorite coffeehouse is expecting new and exciting digital art on their walls tomorrow morning.
Stay warm!
Seems like you’re heading towards somewhere exciting. I’m sure with your talents and hardwork, you can identify the path most suitable to you at this stage! All the best!
Thank you Alyson! I realize I need to concentrate my efforts wisely. I really believe that people come into my life when I’m ready to hear what they have to say. So, I’m thankful that I was made aware of your site!
Thanks for stopping by Jessica! I added a link to your blog…funny thing is that I had noticed your work on eBay a long time ago and had marked you as a favorite!
Hi Janet! I think parts of Colorado got a lot of snow, but Denver was spared. Today it’s gorgeous azure blue skies, and will get up to 56 today. Much of the white stuff will be gone soon. I can’t wait to hear about your experience at the workshop you’ll be attending!
Mike, no it wasn’t Boone’s Farm, but FREE is always good! So, if it had been, I probably would have tried it anyway.
Hi W.J.! Well, strangely, my former career with the airlines has come in handy. I do have the ability to talk with anyone about almost anything. It doesn’t stop me from being nervous though. I think your exhibition venue is wonderful! I would welcome a show in a coffee shop or restaurant! One of the things Alyson did stress is the benefits of blogging for artists. Who better to promote your work than yourself? I love your comment Part of being a “working artist” is knowing my art is my business — literally and figuratively.
Thanks Fennymun! I appreciate your comments. So, when can we see more of your work?
Cynthia, bravo on publishing your to-do list! I’ll keep my eye on your blog to watch your inevitable progress