Finding Business in Unexpect
Places
Sometimes serendipity clears an artist's path when it's least expected.
Other times, benefits arrive by creating noticeable opportunities.
As an artist or photographer, you must look at every situation as
an opportunity to promote your work. Don't underestimate the business
value of situations that aren't traditionally considered selling
opportunities.
Need some ideas? Here's how two artists created business in unlikely
places.
TRIBUTE GAINS COMMISSIONS
Gatherings with family and friends present a great time to catch
up on family news, reconnect with distant relatives and generate
commissions. Generate commissions? Yep, you read that right!
Painter Sheryl Jared wasn't trying to drum up business at a party
she hosted for her dad's 75th birthday. She just wanted to show
special tribute to her guest of honor. So she painted a lovely watercolor
portrait, then matted and framed it, placing it next to the guest
book.
After the party, Sheryl had another reason to continue the celebration--her
tribute portrait not only delighted her dad, but also generated
several commissions from partygoers.
The upcoming holiday season will provide ample opportunities to
gather with friends, associates and family. Make sure you have plenty
of marketing materials, including postcards and business cards;
and consider giving originals or prints as holiday gifts.
A CUP OF JOE
Is there a trendy java house or juice bar in your community? Chances
are, it's a popular gathering place for artists and arts patrons.
Are the kinds of customers who are willing to pay $5 for espresso
also the kind who'd be willing to pay $50 or more for your signed,
numbered print? As an artist, what can you offer an independent
proprietor that captures new customers while collecting commissions
or audiences for yourself?
Artist Ellen Wallace is a java junkie who loves the cozy interior
and friendly baristas at her local coffee café, Port Town Java.
Because they're independently owned and community-minded, Ellen
decided to approach them with a proposal hosting an exhibition that
benefited the coffee shop, the community and Ellen herself.
The show went on, and the show was a success! Ellen sold several
pieces of artwork and was covered by the local newspaper and television
stations; Port Town Java had an influx of coffee drinking visitors
who came to see the exhibition, as well as being perceived by the
community as a community-minded business; and the door is now open
for future partnerships between the coffee shop and emerging artists.
ELLEN'S TIPS FOR HOSTING/PROPOSING A COFFEE SHOP EVENT
Whether you're working with a local coffee shop or a gourmet deli,
the tips below are a good promotional foundation.
- Hold a community arts event with an exclusive after-hours by-invitation-only
exhibition. Join with other artists and the coffee shop; share
mailing lists.
- Invite arts patrons, journalists, café patrons and selected
guests.
- Charge admission - designating funds to a nonprofit arts group
might garner support and promotions from the arts community and
the press - support you want and need.
- Plan ways with partners to extend benefits beyond the event.
Collect contact information with a guest book. Provide guests
with 'favors' that include coffee coupons, an exhibition memento
and invitations to upcoming exhibits. Your can even designate
some prints or art for a nonprofit's silent auction.
- Ask the café to continue promoting and selling the work; consider
the incentive of sharing proceeds with your host.
- Offer your shop sponsor artwork that commemorates the event
as a way to extend your artistic stay.
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