Gosh, I can't believe the cost for a stand at the art fair! 😲 I think you'd only be able to recoup costs by selling a couple of high priced large scale paintings?
Exactly - and even though I plan to work a bit larger when I get my space organised, at the price point I'm at now, that's a LOT of sales! I know that some of it is just getting your name out there and the work in front of a different audience, but it feels like a gamble too far for me at the moment... Back to the 'drawing' board!!
I think you followed your sensible heart on the art fair. I believe it is absolutely wrong for artists to pay those sort of fees to show and sell their art. The same applies to ridiculous fees for juried shows !Applying to smaller galleries , inquiring at cafes and participating at local art events are the way to go ! Anywhere your art can be seen offers opportunities for sales and exposure! Starting to connect with local artists who are willing to show their art together .. hosting your own home “in studio “show and sale - all are valid means for artists to display and market their work! Good for you for approaching the gallery and promoting yourself!
I use mailchimp for my newsletters now but whatever works for you will be the best choice :-) all the best with your journey !
Thanks so much for your comment Heather - really appreciate your kind words and advice!! Am going to spend some time this coming week looking for opportunities locally...so fingers crossed I find ways! I used to use Mailchimp, but then it got quite expensive, so am comparing Squarespace, as that's what I use for my website, along with Flodesk and Mailerlite... Am having a go with the free trials to find out which I prefer!! Have a great weekend!
I looked into the Manchester fair a while back, and was floored by what the outlay would be. Well done for being brave in the gallery, that is such a brave and positive step!
Thx Deborah...it is such a big outlay! I know doing these types of fairs is also about getting your work in front of new/different audiences, but the cost was just too much for my price point!! Yes, was very proud of myself for even volunteering that I was an artist - even more so for actually applying - will keep my fingers crossed! Have a great weekend!
I think your body knew what the right decision was, that's a huge amount of money for an art fair. How can 'normal' artists possibly manage that? So we'll done for talking to gallery locally, that's sounds a lot more friendly and accessible, for you and prospective buyers. The business of art is so hard and there's so little help in how to do it so throwing a dip in confidence in there and it's so easy for it all to take a hit. I am always so inspired by what you do, your art, your YouTube, your posts on here, ski even though I might not be able to buy your art, I hope that helps a bit. And yes, I think having a separate email list for 'buyers' sounds a good idea, I know people's have said I should. Can't help with what system to use though, does your website provider have a bolt on you can use?
Thanks so much for your comments Rachel, and yes, it does help, knowing that you feel inspired by what I do! I know that the fair is also about getting the work in front of a new/different audience, but at the price point I am at, that means I would have to sell an awful lot just to recover the stand costs… As you say, looking more locally feels a lot more doable and achievable for now. My website is on Squarespace and they do have a mailing list add-on. Am comparing costs and features on a couple of other platforms, so I will let you know! Have a great weekend!
It sounds like you’ve made the right decision for you at the present time and you’re also forging forward with other positive ideas. Not a setback, maybe a more redirection of your focus. Good luck with everything 💕👍🏻
Gosh, I can't believe the cost for a stand at the art fair! 😲 I think you'd only be able to recoup costs by selling a couple of high priced large scale paintings?
Exactly - and even though I plan to work a bit larger when I get my space organised, at the price point I'm at now, that's a LOT of sales! I know that some of it is just getting your name out there and the work in front of a different audience, but it feels like a gamble too far for me at the moment... Back to the 'drawing' board!!
Brevo is a newsletter platform that has an option to do pay as you go rather than a monthly fee.
https://www.brevo.com/pricing/pay-as-you-go/?selected=email
Thx for the tip Marion - will check it out!
I think you followed your sensible heart on the art fair. I believe it is absolutely wrong for artists to pay those sort of fees to show and sell their art. The same applies to ridiculous fees for juried shows !Applying to smaller galleries , inquiring at cafes and participating at local art events are the way to go ! Anywhere your art can be seen offers opportunities for sales and exposure! Starting to connect with local artists who are willing to show their art together .. hosting your own home “in studio “show and sale - all are valid means for artists to display and market their work! Good for you for approaching the gallery and promoting yourself!
I use mailchimp for my newsletters now but whatever works for you will be the best choice :-) all the best with your journey !
Thanks so much for your comment Heather - really appreciate your kind words and advice!! Am going to spend some time this coming week looking for opportunities locally...so fingers crossed I find ways! I used to use Mailchimp, but then it got quite expensive, so am comparing Squarespace, as that's what I use for my website, along with Flodesk and Mailerlite... Am having a go with the free trials to find out which I prefer!! Have a great weekend!
I looked into the Manchester fair a while back, and was floored by what the outlay would be. Well done for being brave in the gallery, that is such a brave and positive step!
Thx Deborah...it is such a big outlay! I know doing these types of fairs is also about getting your work in front of new/different audiences, but the cost was just too much for my price point!! Yes, was very proud of myself for even volunteering that I was an artist - even more so for actually applying - will keep my fingers crossed! Have a great weekend!
It is huge! Keeping all crossed for you. Now you have done it, hopefully the next will come easier! X
I think your body knew what the right decision was, that's a huge amount of money for an art fair. How can 'normal' artists possibly manage that? So we'll done for talking to gallery locally, that's sounds a lot more friendly and accessible, for you and prospective buyers. The business of art is so hard and there's so little help in how to do it so throwing a dip in confidence in there and it's so easy for it all to take a hit. I am always so inspired by what you do, your art, your YouTube, your posts on here, ski even though I might not be able to buy your art, I hope that helps a bit. And yes, I think having a separate email list for 'buyers' sounds a good idea, I know people's have said I should. Can't help with what system to use though, does your website provider have a bolt on you can use?
Thanks so much for your comments Rachel, and yes, it does help, knowing that you feel inspired by what I do! I know that the fair is also about getting the work in front of a new/different audience, but at the price point I am at, that means I would have to sell an awful lot just to recover the stand costs… As you say, looking more locally feels a lot more doable and achievable for now. My website is on Squarespace and they do have a mailing list add-on. Am comparing costs and features on a couple of other platforms, so I will let you know! Have a great weekend!
It sounds like you’ve made the right decision for you at the present time and you’re also forging forward with other positive ideas. Not a setback, maybe a more redirection of your focus. Good luck with everything 💕👍🏻