Here's an interesting article from my local TV news station. The non-scientific results sort of surprised me. When I voted, 83% of the participants preferred on-line shopping to in-store shopping.
Online Shopping vs. In-store shopping : News : UpperMichigansSource.com
The top reasons people shop on-line seem to be greater selection and lower price.
So it's little wonder that the unemployment rate hovers around 9%-10%. However, we must adjust! There's still money being spent, it's just being spent in a different manner.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Big (to me) Speech
I recently got the chance to market myself to about 750 people in an indirect way, while helping my favorite art and culture group!
Remember way back in June, when it was still warm and sunny, I told you about my oratory blunder at a Marquette Symphony Orchestra Board meeting? At the time, I never wanted to speak in front of more than two people at a time unless they were my relatives.
Of course, I fought my way past that fear and took steps to be sure I wasn't going to choke like that again. One thing I did was write myself a script, as detailed as I could make it on the important points. However, I left the construction of the sentences straightforward and boring. This way I can change the wording to make the speech sound more like I was speaking, and not reading.
Another trick I taught myself was to focus on two or three people among the crowd who I was comfortable with, and pretend I was just talking to them.
My Ten-year-old son even gave me a tip. "Don't lock your knees," he said. "Or you might pass out!"
An odd trick is I also employ is to take John French out of the speech. I like listening to Dan Kennedy CD's. He's a professional speaker and marketer, and I love his confidence. So I 'channeled' some Dan Kennedy into my ego. I didn't pretend I was Dan Kennedy, I just pretended I wasn't quite me. I've read that many professional speakers and entertainers do this.
These little tricks worked at small meetings just fine. In July I was nominated and elected to the MSO's vice presidency. Though I really felt unworthy, the confidence of my fellow board members gave me a boost to my self esteem. Self confidence is another tool in my public speaking toolbox.
As Vice President, I'm responsible for carrying out the President's duties if she is unable to. The president has to make announcements at MSO concerts after the intermission. From the stage. In front of a lot of people!
Guess what? The president wasn't going to be at our December Holiday Concert. That means I would have to make announcements. From the stage. In front of a lot of people! And this is a sold out concert!
Although I had easily avoided June's horrors of forgetting easy words in front of people, I only spoke to about a dozen people or so. Was I ready to talk to a crowd of around 750 music lovers, and 80 or so musicians?
Hell yes!
This was a great opportunity to market myself to all these arts lovers! To tell them my name, what I do with the MSO, and to try to look cool, or at least OK. Now, when they see my postcards in the mail, they might remember me! This could be an important part of my branding!
So I put aside all reservations and nervousness and wrote out my announcements. They were approved by three other board members. I was ready!
At the end of the first half of the concert, I stood up and looked at the crowd. Wow! There were a lot of people!
I went to the restroom, got a drink of water, and stood by the stage near the podium. I wanted to get used to the view, so as not to shock myself when it was time to talk.
The local Catholic Bishop was also waiting. Bishop Garland was due to narrate "Good Tidings of Great Joy" by Wilford L. Holcombe during the second half of the concert. I introduced myself and thanked him for doing his narration. I told him I was getting nervous. I had never spoken in front of so many people. He told me whether it's one person or a thousand, it's all the same. Another trick!
The lights in Kaufman Auditorium flickered a couple of times to let folks know they needed to find their seats. I got warm. Then warmer.
I gave the audience a couple of minutes to settle in, then I climbed the steps to the stage. I was wearing dress shoes with lots of toe-room. I had practiced walking up steps in them all day long so I wouldn't trip. It worked.
I stood at the podium, cleared my throat and said "Good evening." The mic wasn't on. I saw someone in the control room jump from one side to the next. I smiled and repeated "Good evening." This time my voice echoed back.
The president told me you can't really see anybody because of the lights. She was wrong. I could see everyone! And they were looking at me.
I read my script. I channeled the Dan Kennedy in my soul. I made the announcements. I invited people to the afterglow (I said it!). I told them about our next concert. I encouraged them to donate to the MSO. My paper was shaking in my hand. I tried to speak forcefully. I finished and thanked them. As I turned to walk away, they applauded. I'm sure they were just being polite. I'm sure I sounded like an idiot.
Turns out I didn't sound like an idiot. My brutally honest wife gave me the thumbs up. My equally brutally honest (and less attached) friend Carrie also congratulated me on a speech well delivered. Not even a Yooper accent!
Must have been the Dan Kennedy!
Remember way back in June, when it was still warm and sunny, I told you about my oratory blunder at a Marquette Symphony Orchestra Board meeting? At the time, I never wanted to speak in front of more than two people at a time unless they were my relatives.
Of course, I fought my way past that fear and took steps to be sure I wasn't going to choke like that again. One thing I did was write myself a script, as detailed as I could make it on the important points. However, I left the construction of the sentences straightforward and boring. This way I can change the wording to make the speech sound more like I was speaking, and not reading.
Another trick I taught myself was to focus on two or three people among the crowd who I was comfortable with, and pretend I was just talking to them.
My Ten-year-old son even gave me a tip. "Don't lock your knees," he said. "Or you might pass out!"
An odd trick is I also employ is to take John French out of the speech. I like listening to Dan Kennedy CD's. He's a professional speaker and marketer, and I love his confidence. So I 'channeled' some Dan Kennedy into my ego. I didn't pretend I was Dan Kennedy, I just pretended I wasn't quite me. I've read that many professional speakers and entertainers do this.
These little tricks worked at small meetings just fine. In July I was nominated and elected to the MSO's vice presidency. Though I really felt unworthy, the confidence of my fellow board members gave me a boost to my self esteem. Self confidence is another tool in my public speaking toolbox.
As Vice President, I'm responsible for carrying out the President's duties if she is unable to. The president has to make announcements at MSO concerts after the intermission. From the stage. In front of a lot of people!
Guess what? The president wasn't going to be at our December Holiday Concert. That means I would have to make announcements. From the stage. In front of a lot of people! And this is a sold out concert!
Although I had easily avoided June's horrors of forgetting easy words in front of people, I only spoke to about a dozen people or so. Was I ready to talk to a crowd of around 750 music lovers, and 80 or so musicians?
Hell yes!
This was a great opportunity to market myself to all these arts lovers! To tell them my name, what I do with the MSO, and to try to look cool, or at least OK. Now, when they see my postcards in the mail, they might remember me! This could be an important part of my branding!
So I put aside all reservations and nervousness and wrote out my announcements. They were approved by three other board members. I was ready!
At the end of the first half of the concert, I stood up and looked at the crowd. Wow! There were a lot of people!
I went to the restroom, got a drink of water, and stood by the stage near the podium. I wanted to get used to the view, so as not to shock myself when it was time to talk.
The local Catholic Bishop was also waiting. Bishop Garland was due to narrate "Good Tidings of Great Joy" by Wilford L. Holcombe during the second half of the concert. I introduced myself and thanked him for doing his narration. I told him I was getting nervous. I had never spoken in front of so many people. He told me whether it's one person or a thousand, it's all the same. Another trick!
The lights in Kaufman Auditorium flickered a couple of times to let folks know they needed to find their seats. I got warm. Then warmer.
I gave the audience a couple of minutes to settle in, then I climbed the steps to the stage. I was wearing dress shoes with lots of toe-room. I had practiced walking up steps in them all day long so I wouldn't trip. It worked.
I stood at the podium, cleared my throat and said "Good evening." The mic wasn't on. I saw someone in the control room jump from one side to the next. I smiled and repeated "Good evening." This time my voice echoed back.
The president told me you can't really see anybody because of the lights. She was wrong. I could see everyone! And they were looking at me.
I read my script. I channeled the Dan Kennedy in my soul. I made the announcements. I invited people to the afterglow (I said it!). I told them about our next concert. I encouraged them to donate to the MSO. My paper was shaking in my hand. I tried to speak forcefully. I finished and thanked them. As I turned to walk away, they applauded. I'm sure they were just being polite. I'm sure I sounded like an idiot.
Turns out I didn't sound like an idiot. My brutally honest wife gave me the thumbs up. My equally brutally honest (and less attached) friend Carrie also congratulated me on a speech well delivered. Not even a Yooper accent!
Must have been the Dan Kennedy!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Five Things You Should Stop Doing in 2012 - Dorie Clark - Harvard Business Review
Sorry I haven't been blogging much. I'm busy working on the fruits of my marketing!
I'm planning my business strategy for next year. Are you?
Five Things You Should Stop Doing in 2012 - Dorie Clark - Harvard Business Review
I'm planning my business strategy for next year. Are you?
Five Things You Should Stop Doing in 2012 - Dorie Clark - Harvard Business Review
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
5 ways to get those holiday sales!
2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions | Think Insights with Google
1) Capture Consumer Demand: As of November, 2011, 50% of holiday purchasing will start in the next 22 days.
Undecided shoppers are researching now. Get your name out there!
2) Make Sure Your Brand is Top of Mind: 67% of holiday shoppers plan to shop for gift ideas.
This could mean you! Someone may be searching for a gift and find your art. Turn up your marketing machine now!
3) Open Attribution Window: Purchasers are researching up to one month prior to purchase.
This info is only a little late.
4) Be Present Across All Screens: Consumers choose the best device available.
47% will use smartphones to compare prices. 42% will search for the nearest store based on their current location.
5) Implement full coverage for mobile and tablet: Device will be users using tablets and smartphones both in-store and online.
Have you optimized your website for mobile devices?
1) Capture Consumer Demand: As of November, 2011, 50% of holiday purchasing will start in the next 22 days.
Undecided shoppers are researching now. Get your name out there!
2) Make Sure Your Brand is Top of Mind: 67% of holiday shoppers plan to shop for gift ideas.
This could mean you! Someone may be searching for a gift and find your art. Turn up your marketing machine now!
3) Open Attribution Window: Purchasers are researching up to one month prior to purchase.
This info is only a little late.
4) Be Present Across All Screens: Consumers choose the best device available.
47% will use smartphones to compare prices. 42% will search for the nearest store based on their current location.
5) Implement full coverage for mobile and tablet: Device will be users using tablets and smartphones both in-store and online.
Have you optimized your website for mobile devices?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Local Paper covers and art event, guess who made the front page?!
Here I am trying to sell the Ishpeming Ren Faire painting. Looking at the picture, I see I need to work on my body language!
Ladies’ Night Out - MiningJournal.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Marquette Information | The Mining Journal: - Sent using Google Toolbar
Ladies’ Night Out - MiningJournal.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Marquette Information | The Mining Journal: - Sent using Google Toolbar
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A MUST READ if you're operating own website!
What You Don't Know About SEO | Entrepreneur.com: - Sent using Google Toolbar
Monday, November 7, 2011
Unsolicited Advice
I opened my email on Saturday morning to find a message from a fellow LinkedIn user. The message read in part:
"I enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm, imagination, brushwork and wide color palette in your art on your website.
"What I disliked is the graphic design of the website itself.
"In my opinion, and also along the general guidelines of graphic design, there are way too many colors and diff. fonts.
"The use of a black background is generally discouraged as it is hard on the eyes.
"Think of less is more when it comes to art and design.
"Check out my site for an example of a mature, simple design. "
"What I disliked is the graphic design of the website itself.
"In my opinion, and also along the general guidelines of graphic design, there are way too many colors and diff. fonts.
"The use of a black background is generally discouraged as it is hard on the eyes.
"Think of less is more when it comes to art and design.
"Check out my site for an example of a mature, simple design. "
And his site:http://www.aryenhart.com
I looked at his art, even though I feel the thumbnails are too small. It really is great. Different! Different is good! I checked his bio, and he has an impressive resume'.
To be frank, his website nearly put me to sleep. Maybe that's because I hadn't had my coffee yet. My first impulse was to tell him how boring I think 'mature' is. But, like I said, I hadn't had my coffee yet.
So I checked the news, my Facebook, my LinkedIn, started another Facebook page(under construction), and finished my coffee. Then I got back to his email. Here's my reply:
"Thanks for the feedback...
"As for my website, I really appreciate your comments. I'm well aware of
the general rules of design, but I'm choosing to ignore most of them.
The only part of your critique that I've already considering is the font
style. Other than that, I think I'll keep breaking these rules. Some
people call it 'thinking outside the box'. Different colors highlight
different blocks of thought. Even different fonts do this.
"When people look at my art after they've seen it on the website, they
tell me the picture do it no justice. The light passes through the
vibrant paint glazes, onto the base layer, and back out in a near-glow.
It's a playground for your eyes. The way I try to convey this idea is
with a dark background.
"I'm also well aware that I might fail. If I do, it will be because of me, not anybody else. That takes you off the spot. 
"Your website is classy and handsome. I'm sure it serves you well. My
work is bright and playful, especially some of my fantasy art. Why would
I want mature and simple? That might force me to grow up!"
Harland Sanders was told that a fast food restaurant selling only chicken wouldn't work. He ignored them and at age 65 opened Kentucky Fried Chicken and developed a franchise business. Ted Turner was told that an all news channel was a bad idea. Now there is CNN, CNN Headline News, and a host of copy cats. Just because everyone is doing it one way, and nobody is doing it the other way, doesn't make the one way the right way.
What's the difference between Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew? How about Kohl's, Younkers and Macy's? Give up? I don't know either.
My point is this: I'm trying to sell art. I will consider advice from anyone, especially other folks who sell art. But I'm ultimately responsible for my success or failure. I'll mostly listen to the folks who give me money for my art. That's what you should do. Then again, you shouldn't listen to me either.
Now, if this gentleman checks his website's analytics (which I'm sure he does since he's an obvious expert), he'll find that someone has visited his site from this blog...that is, assuming you'll click to his site. Then he'll check this blog to see what someone is saying about his site. Hopefully he won't be offended that I included his site as a 'don't do this' example. Hopefully, he understands that I'm only forwarding my opinion by contrasting with his opinion. Hopefully, he also understands that this is exposure for him, as well as for me!
I hope you all noticed that I used different fonts and colors!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
ArtofJohnFrench - My Own Art Studio
ArtofJohnFrench - My Own Art Studio
I'm always on the lookout for new places from which to share my art. Now, I want to send such links to COLLECTORS!
I'm always on the lookout for new places from which to share my art. Now, I want to send such links to COLLECTORS!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Seven Ways to Avoid Competing On Price | Blog | Daily Dose | Entrepreneur.com
Seven Ways to Avoid Competing On Price | Blog | Daily Dose | Entrepreneur.com: - Sent using Google Toolbar
More on the previous blog post!
More on the previous blog post!
The Dark Side of Discounts | Entrepreneur.com
The Dark Side of Discounts | Entrepreneur.com: - Sent using Google Toolbar
I'm thinking about some kind of sale to coincide with The Purple World Art Exhibit on November 15 in Ishpeming.
The main points that I got from this article were:
1) Discounting trains buyers to pay less and wait for sales.
2) Discounting devalues your work.
3) Discounts are good for bundles, like two or more paintings.
I currently offer discounts to repeat buyers, but not new buyers. That works well keep repeat clients, but not to attract new clients.
I'm thinking about some kind of sale to coincide with The Purple World Art Exhibit on November 15 in Ishpeming.
The main points that I got from this article were:
1) Discounting trains buyers to pay less and wait for sales.
2) Discounting devalues your work.
3) Discounts are good for bundles, like two or more paintings.
I currently offer discounts to repeat buyers, but not new buyers. That works well keep repeat clients, but not to attract new clients.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Late Friday Funday- The Bard and the Wolf Witch
Very often I find inspiration in many places, then pull it together for one painting. It's great fun for me to piece these different elements into one painting.
My fantasy painting "Bard and the Wolf Witch", available on my Art of John French Fantasy page, is a perfect example of the marrying of many inspirational parts into one painting.
First, a word about the style. At this time I was experimenting with glazes, trying to get a stained glass feel. This inspiration came from a trip to Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland is full of Tiffany Stained glass windows, peppered throughout it's once rich architectural landscape. Louis Tiffany used some unusual chemical processes to create the pains of glass. The effect is deep, rich color and atmosphere.
I accomplished a similar feel by outlining major portions and regions with dark paint. Then I layering thin glazes of pure color over other color, and blended two colors together in each region. The original glows!
Next, lets talk about the background: Near the town I live in is a huge network of abandoned iron mine sites. There are miles and miles of tunnels running underneath the rocky hills. as a result of ths undermining, one of the hills is pealing away from itself, like a rotting onion. This has left some narrow and very deep crevices on one side of the hill. Iterestingly, a lot of the iron ore from these mines was shipped to... yep, Cleveland!
I increased the scale of this already incredible feature and added a waterfall to it. I knew I wanted some sort of conflict to take place on the log. I decided it should be wild physique against calm, spiritual intellect. To further enhance the opposing and conflicting ideas, I decided one should be female, the other male.
The female came easy. She's based on some sketches I'd done much earlier. I gave her a fatastical wolf as a companion. As for the male, it was time to go back to Cleveland!
Like most cemeteries, Lake View Cemetery (thanks, Stephen Bay) is a haven of art, architecture, culture and history. Lake View is the final resting place of President Garfield, John D Rockefeller, Eliot Ness, and many other wealthy Cleveland socialites. The statue below is a grave marker of one of these people from a time when Cleveland was more affluent. I believe it's St.John. In one hand he holds a large book, and though you can't see it here, there's an Eagle perched at his feet.
I mirrored the statue and replaced the book with a harp. Now I had a revered and wise bard, searching for something, and on finding it is challenged by his polar opposite.
The result isn't a clash of good and evil (as someone recently pointed out to me at an art show, wolves aren't evil). It's more of a clash of cultures and of spirituality; a clash which puts both sides on the brink of destruction!
"The Bard and the Wolf Witch" is available directly from the artist for $325.00.
My fantasy painting "Bard and the Wolf Witch", available on my Art of John French Fantasy page, is a perfect example of the marrying of many inspirational parts into one painting.
I accomplished a similar feel by outlining major portions and regions with dark paint. Then I layering thin glazes of pure color over other color, and blended two colors together in each region. The original glows!
Next, lets talk about the background: Near the town I live in is a huge network of abandoned iron mine sites. There are miles and miles of tunnels running underneath the rocky hills. as a result of ths undermining, one of the hills is pealing away from itself, like a rotting onion. This has left some narrow and very deep crevices on one side of the hill. Iterestingly, a lot of the iron ore from these mines was shipped to... yep, Cleveland!
The female came easy. She's based on some sketches I'd done much earlier. I gave her a fatastical wolf as a companion. As for the male, it was time to go back to Cleveland!
Like most cemeteries, Lake View Cemetery (thanks, Stephen Bay) is a haven of art, architecture, culture and history. Lake View is the final resting place of President Garfield, John D Rockefeller, Eliot Ness, and many other wealthy Cleveland socialites. The statue below is a grave marker of one of these people from a time when Cleveland was more affluent. I believe it's St.John. In one hand he holds a large book, and though you can't see it here, there's an Eagle perched at his feet.
 |
| I'm sorry, but I can't find the original picture I took and used. |
The result isn't a clash of good and evil (as someone recently pointed out to me at an art show, wolves aren't evil). It's more of a clash of cultures and of spirituality; a clash which puts both sides on the brink of destruction!
"The Bard and the Wolf Witch" is available directly from the artist for $325.00.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday Funday: A Greek Goddess for a Perfect Client.
Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite clients, and one of my more successful person to person marketing and sales experiences.
At the start of this year, I started a Google Adwords campaign to bring traffic to my website and some cash to my accounts. The ads attracted a lot of visitors, but no purchasers. So I constantly tweaked my ads, trying to appeal to a shopping sort of searcher.
I created an Adwords Commissions ad group, a sort of sub-campaign focused on attracting commission seekers. Soon after I was contacted by Rich. Rich had seen my ad while looking for art on Ebay. He asked me if I was interested in taking on an art project for him.
Of course I was!
First of course, I found out what he wanted. He wanted a tasteful nude for his study. No problem! I love painting figures, but it's difficult to sell them.
I asked him where he was from. Washington State, near Seattle. I told him a bit about myself and my area. We discussed the weather. I was dealing with snow. He had rain. Sometimes he had fog with his rain.
Then I asked him to please look closely at my work and make sure my style fit his needs. He replied that he already had, and that he was an avid art collector who would never rush into an art purchase.
He was qualified, we had built trust, and I was thrilled...and nervous!
He even sent me a picture similar to what he had in mind. It was a nude woman in a forest setting. I sent him a picture I'd taken near Canyon Falls in Upper Michigan. We agreed that his nude should be in a similar setting.
I added some much needed sunshine to Rich's painting. I took one last picture, making sure my camera adjustments were right and the photos were accurate. Finally, it was ready to send. Rich sent me the other half of the price, and I shipped it. I even took care of shipping for him.
After Rich got his painting, he let me know how pleased he was. He framed it and proudly displayed it on his library wall. He sent me a picture of it and allowed me to use it on my website.
At the start of this year, I started a Google Adwords campaign to bring traffic to my website and some cash to my accounts. The ads attracted a lot of visitors, but no purchasers. So I constantly tweaked my ads, trying to appeal to a shopping sort of searcher.
I created an Adwords Commissions ad group, a sort of sub-campaign focused on attracting commission seekers. Soon after I was contacted by Rich. Rich had seen my ad while looking for art on Ebay. He asked me if I was interested in taking on an art project for him.
Of course I was!
First of course, I found out what he wanted. He wanted a tasteful nude for his study. No problem! I love painting figures, but it's difficult to sell them.
I asked him where he was from. Washington State, near Seattle. I told him a bit about myself and my area. We discussed the weather. I was dealing with snow. He had rain. Sometimes he had fog with his rain.
Then I asked him to please look closely at my work and make sure my style fit his needs. He replied that he already had, and that he was an avid art collector who would never rush into an art purchase.
He was qualified, we had built trust, and I was thrilled...and nervous!
He even sent me a picture similar to what he had in mind. It was a nude woman in a forest setting. I sent him a picture I'd taken near Canyon Falls in Upper Michigan. We agreed that his nude should be in a similar setting.
Next, I had to perform a simple, yet difficult and important selling task: I had to ask for the sale. We agreed on a price and I asked for my customary ten-percent down. He sent me fifty-percent! He asked for several sketches before I started painting. I wanted a happy customer, so I obliged. Now I've made this is my standard practice.
Rich liked something like the last drawing, so I developed this sketch. Rich took to calling the painting "Persephone", after the Greek Queen of the Underworld. I took pictures often of Persephone and emailed them to him. Always we had a short, friendly conversation. Our snow was melting, making way for new snow. He still had rain. Sometimes he had sun around noon.
After Rich got his painting, he let me know how pleased he was. He framed it and proudly displayed it on his library wall. He sent me a picture of it and allowed me to use it on my website.
Rich in Seattle was my perfect client, and I think I was a good business man; Rich has asked me about doing another commission for him!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
What to sell... art or soul?
I've taken part in a new discussion on LinkedIn . A fellow artist asked about which genres of painting sell the most. I'm sure there are different answers from different parts of the world. So I offered my answer from my part of the world.
First, what I sell most of right now are commissions. Of those commissions, lately a lot of them are portraits, like the one pictured below. But I'm still thinking of and planning for the day when the commissions slow down.
I can tell you that I sell more landscapes than anything. I also see more landscapes being bought at events like gallery receptions or art fairs.
Many artists I know focus on local, popular, recognizable landmarks, like the Marquette Lighthouse. That kind of art seems to talk to the tourists. I have quite a bit of it in my own portfolio, and I've done fairly well with it.
I've found that sometimes a subject which is not specific, yet still familiar works better than a specific and recognizable 'postcard' subject. A deep forest scene, a small waterfall, or a remote Lake Superior scene may speak more to someone than a well known lighthouse. People often fall in love with the atmosphere of a place. I've sold more than a few paintings of unknown places. A vague stream in the woods might connect more directly and intimately than a well known 'postcard' scene.
Maybe that's why the painting above is still for sale while the one below sold almost immediately when I showed it.
I've noticed that people like to buy art that has a not-so-obvious meaning, something that they can personally relate too that makes a connection to them, and something they can talk about. Like the painting below, which I detailed HERE.
I like to paint fantasy type art as well, and I've gotten some sales with that genre too, though not nearly as many. There seems to be only an 80% to 20% landscape to 'other' ratio. Again, I sell more fantasy art if it has some 'hidden' meaning to it. Of course I have to explain the hidden meaning, but that's what I call 'selling'! Just like I sold the painting below after the admirer got connected by my explanation!
Much like symphonies have to balance pops with more cultural classics, so must I balance my fun, fantasy art with more marketable landscapes and commissions. Not that I don't love the commissions or landscapes! Thankfully, my area is loaded with so many beautiful and moving scenes. Painting a landscape in this area is like painting a fantasy!
The most intriguing idea I've seen in awhile came to me through this discussion. A gentleman named Ron said "most of the great artists in history invented new genera's [sic] and styles. Then the public came to them, not the other way around." Fascinating!!
More on that later!
First, what I sell most of right now are commissions. Of those commissions, lately a lot of them are portraits, like the one pictured below. But I'm still thinking of and planning for the day when the commissions slow down.
I can tell you that I sell more landscapes than anything. I also see more landscapes being bought at events like gallery receptions or art fairs.
Many artists I know focus on local, popular, recognizable landmarks, like the Marquette Lighthouse. That kind of art seems to talk to the tourists. I have quite a bit of it in my own portfolio, and I've done fairly well with it.
I've found that sometimes a subject which is not specific, yet still familiar works better than a specific and recognizable 'postcard' subject. A deep forest scene, a small waterfall, or a remote Lake Superior scene may speak more to someone than a well known lighthouse. People often fall in love with the atmosphere of a place. I've sold more than a few paintings of unknown places. A vague stream in the woods might connect more directly and intimately than a well known 'postcard' scene.
Maybe that's why the painting above is still for sale while the one below sold almost immediately when I showed it.
I've noticed that people like to buy art that has a not-so-obvious meaning, something that they can personally relate too that makes a connection to them, and something they can talk about. Like the painting below, which I detailed HERE.
I like to paint fantasy type art as well, and I've gotten some sales with that genre too, though not nearly as many. There seems to be only an 80% to 20% landscape to 'other' ratio. Again, I sell more fantasy art if it has some 'hidden' meaning to it. Of course I have to explain the hidden meaning, but that's what I call 'selling'! Just like I sold the painting below after the admirer got connected by my explanation!
Much like symphonies have to balance pops with more cultural classics, so must I balance my fun, fantasy art with more marketable landscapes and commissions. Not that I don't love the commissions or landscapes! Thankfully, my area is loaded with so many beautiful and moving scenes. Painting a landscape in this area is like painting a fantasy!
The most intriguing idea I've seen in awhile came to me through this discussion. A gentleman named Ron said "most of the great artists in history invented new genera's [sic] and styles. Then the public came to them, not the other way around." Fascinating!!
More on that later!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Who are my competitors?
This year, at the suggestion from my neighbor, client, fellow business owner and friend, I began marketing myself as a custom, commission artist. That move has kept me busy! It seems people like the way I paint, though not always what I paint. I'm happy to oblige!
I found this link on LinkedIn : http://www.lklfinearts.com/ This company offers to paint photos onto canvas, similar to a service I also offer. They promise to do a good job at a 'Favourable Price.' This tells me they're cheap.
I'm always trying to learn new things, especially from competitors. So I checked them out.
The first thing I notice is the text is wrought with typos and grammatical errors. Now, several times I've gone to ArtofJohnFrench.com and found some typos that I've had to correct. I'm betting there are still some there. But this reminds me of the literature you get when you buy a cheap power tool. Obviously not an American business. A closer look shows that theses folks operate out of China.
Next, I looked at the photos on their website. It looks like an oil painting sweatshop, and I'm betting theses are just the GOOD pictures! One photo shows young Chinese people painting away on what looks like an assembly line. Another shows dozens and dozens of paintings stacked up in a small room. The nicest photo shows a sunlit, airy gallery with a few people strolling through. But there are two nearly identical paintings hanging almost side by side. Yep, it's a rubber-stamping, oil painting sweatshop.
I tried to find some prices, but couldn't without actually trying to order something and waiting for a quote. I didn't want to waste anybody's time, including my own, so I didn't ask for a quote.
There is some debate on whether or not price should be easily available. I think price should be displayed prominently, whether art is on a wall or on a website. This serves to 'qualify' me in a prospect's mind, as well as qualify the prospect. Even my base price schedule for commissions can be easily viewed on my website.
I decided that this is not a competitor, any more than a poster company was a competitor. See, when people buy art, there are all sorts of considerations, including price. Do they need to spend $300 on a painting, or will a print do? Do they need to hire John French, or another artist? Should they take the time to search for a good, local artist, or just contact the Chinese company?
So in a way, this company is only a competitor if I let them. But I'm not going to compete with a group of artists on an assembly line in China selling cheap art. I'm not going to compete with print shops. I'm not even going to compete with other local artists.
I'm going to compete with myself. I'm going to better myself as much as I can. I'm going to turn out more work, higher quality work than I did before. I'm going to create art that people will brag about, that they'll be happy to spend a little extra on. I'm going to keep people coming back. I'm going to get referrals. I'm going to get so damn busy that I won't have time to do all the commissions that folks ask me for. I'm going to have a waiting list.
This will create demand for my work, and give it value. People will know that they are getting one-of-a-kind art!
I found this link on LinkedIn : http://www.lklfinearts.com/ This company offers to paint photos onto canvas, similar to a service I also offer. They promise to do a good job at a 'Favourable Price.' This tells me they're cheap.
I'm always trying to learn new things, especially from competitors. So I checked them out.
The first thing I notice is the text is wrought with typos and grammatical errors. Now, several times I've gone to ArtofJohnFrench.com and found some typos that I've had to correct. I'm betting there are still some there. But this reminds me of the literature you get when you buy a cheap power tool. Obviously not an American business. A closer look shows that theses folks operate out of China.
Next, I looked at the photos on their website. It looks like an oil painting sweatshop, and I'm betting theses are just the GOOD pictures! One photo shows young Chinese people painting away on what looks like an assembly line. Another shows dozens and dozens of paintings stacked up in a small room. The nicest photo shows a sunlit, airy gallery with a few people strolling through. But there are two nearly identical paintings hanging almost side by side. Yep, it's a rubber-stamping, oil painting sweatshop.
I tried to find some prices, but couldn't without actually trying to order something and waiting for a quote. I didn't want to waste anybody's time, including my own, so I didn't ask for a quote.
There is some debate on whether or not price should be easily available. I think price should be displayed prominently, whether art is on a wall or on a website. This serves to 'qualify' me in a prospect's mind, as well as qualify the prospect. Even my base price schedule for commissions can be easily viewed on my website.
I decided that this is not a competitor, any more than a poster company was a competitor. See, when people buy art, there are all sorts of considerations, including price. Do they need to spend $300 on a painting, or will a print do? Do they need to hire John French, or another artist? Should they take the time to search for a good, local artist, or just contact the Chinese company?
So in a way, this company is only a competitor if I let them. But I'm not going to compete with a group of artists on an assembly line in China selling cheap art. I'm not going to compete with print shops. I'm not even going to compete with other local artists.
I'm going to compete with myself. I'm going to better myself as much as I can. I'm going to turn out more work, higher quality work than I did before. I'm going to create art that people will brag about, that they'll be happy to spend a little extra on. I'm going to keep people coming back. I'm going to get referrals. I'm going to get so damn busy that I won't have time to do all the commissions that folks ask me for. I'm going to have a waiting list.
This will create demand for my work, and give it value. People will know that they are getting one-of-a-kind art!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Friday Funday: The Three-Fold Path
Remember how I've said to get out and get involved? The painting I'm going to tell you about today was bought by Julie, who I met at an Upper Peninsula Publisher's and Author's Association annual seminar. Julie and I were both aspiring writers looking for information on how to publish our books. We became friends and kept in touch. Julie still writes, though I've put my book on hold in favor of my other projects. Anyway, Julie went to The Ten Year Anniversary Exhibit at Moonshine Gallery in Michigamme. That's where she saw this painting and, after I explained it to her, fell in love with it.
Remember, art does not always sell itself, and usually needs some sort of explanation. Note that I said usually. At the Outback Art Fair a lady was looking at this painting. I asked her if she wanted me to tell her about it, and she said "No. I like it the way it is!" Julie, on the other hand, wanted to know its secrets. So this is what I told her:
The Painting is titled "The Three Fold Path". When we set out on an important path, we must do so with all of our physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Or we will surely fail. The priestess with the sword represents physical attributes; the one with the flowers represents emotional attributes, and the lady ahead of the rest and holding a smoldering chalice( Holy Grail?) represents spiritual attributes.
Sometimes the path is hard to see. That's why I made the steps difficult to make out in the brickwork.By the way, each brick was painted individually with four or more glazes of paint!
The chalice is burning two different colors of smoke. The black, negative smoke blends with the Dragon's fiery smoke.The white, positive smoke blends with the mist in the mountains. Often, with negative attitude we create our own obstacles. Positive attitude will keep our goals in mind and weaken any obstacles.
The eye in the mountain is an ancient symbol for wisdom, deity, and God. Here, it represents a completed goal, which for me is a great experience!
The dove represents peace. It can also be the Holy Spirit traveling from the tree of life (the world) to the Otherworld, or the afterlife. The cat is mysterious and cunning. Both of these enigmatic creatures speak of mystery, wisdom and esoteric knowledge.
Julie has gotten one of my favorite paintings, and I'm honored that she chose it. It'll bring her years of contemplation.
You never know where you'll meet your next client!
The Painting is titled "The Three Fold Path". When we set out on an important path, we must do so with all of our physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Or we will surely fail. The priestess with the sword represents physical attributes; the one with the flowers represents emotional attributes, and the lady ahead of the rest and holding a smoldering chalice( Holy Grail?) represents spiritual attributes.
Sometimes the path is hard to see. That's why I made the steps difficult to make out in the brickwork.By the way, each brick was painted individually with four or more glazes of paint!
The chalice is burning two different colors of smoke. The black, negative smoke blends with the Dragon's fiery smoke.The white, positive smoke blends with the mist in the mountains. Often, with negative attitude we create our own obstacles. Positive attitude will keep our goals in mind and weaken any obstacles.
The eye in the mountain is an ancient symbol for wisdom, deity, and God. Here, it represents a completed goal, which for me is a great experience!
The dove represents peace. It can also be the Holy Spirit traveling from the tree of life (the world) to the Otherworld, or the afterlife. The cat is mysterious and cunning. Both of these enigmatic creatures speak of mystery, wisdom and esoteric knowledge.
Julie has gotten one of my favorite paintings, and I'm honored that she chose it. It'll bring her years of contemplation.
You never know where you'll meet your next client!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
End of a Short Era
The owners of Mango Lane Gallery in Marquette are
moving out of the area to pursue other opportunities. While I'm happy
for them, this sadly means that the gallery is closing.
I briefly entertained the idea of a closing sale, like 20% off the paintings I have there. I quickly changed my mind. I don't want to get into the habit of marking my art down, even temporarily. This will devalue my art. It'll be difficult for me to sell it at full price ever again.
This would also be somewhat insulting to the other galleries I'm represented by. Imagine, The Vertin Gallery in Calumet offering a 18" X 24" for $325, while there is a similar work in Marquette for only $260!
It would also be an insult to my collectors, the ones who have payed full price this year. I'm working hard to get the price of my art to match the value. If I drop the price, even for a day, then that shows that it never had that value to begin with.
Since I won't be trying to draw people in with price, I have to think of something else to get them to stop in. Maybe it'll be time and distance? After Mango closes, my art will obviously move; some to Calumet, some to Michigamme, some to parts unknown! The Vertin Gallery in Calumet is about two hours away from Marquette. Michigamme Moonshine is about forty-five minutes away. Maybe people would rather see my art now, in Marquette, before it is far, far away.
Mango Lane's last day of business will be September 16. My art will be available there until that afternoon! Get it while it's nearby. Mango Lane Gallery is in the Village Shopping Center off of North Third Street in Marquette.
I briefly entertained the idea of a closing sale, like 20% off the paintings I have there. I quickly changed my mind. I don't want to get into the habit of marking my art down, even temporarily. This will devalue my art. It'll be difficult for me to sell it at full price ever again.
This would also be somewhat insulting to the other galleries I'm represented by. Imagine, The Vertin Gallery in Calumet offering a 18" X 24" for $325, while there is a similar work in Marquette for only $260!
It would also be an insult to my collectors, the ones who have payed full price this year. I'm working hard to get the price of my art to match the value. If I drop the price, even for a day, then that shows that it never had that value to begin with.
Since I won't be trying to draw people in with price, I have to think of something else to get them to stop in. Maybe it'll be time and distance? After Mango closes, my art will obviously move; some to Calumet, some to Michigamme, some to parts unknown! The Vertin Gallery in Calumet is about two hours away from Marquette. Michigamme Moonshine is about forty-five minutes away. Maybe people would rather see my art now, in Marquette, before it is far, far away.
Mango Lane's last day of business will be September 16. My art will be available there until that afternoon! Get it while it's nearby. Mango Lane Gallery is in the Village Shopping Center off of North Third Street in Marquette.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday Funday:Swandolas and Bird-dogs
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| "Swandolas and Bird-Dogs", a 20" by 16" oil painting, is available at Michigamme Moonshine Gallery for $275.00. |
Sometimes I like to let my imagination take me to odd places and meet odd people. Today, I want to revisit an old favorite of mine: "Swandolas and Bird-Dogs".
I've been to Venice five times! When I was a kid, the U.S. Air Force stationed my Dad -and me and my Mom- to Italy. We spent four years there, frequently touring the rich culture and history of the Italian countryside and coastlines. Venice was near-by, only a few hours from our base at Rimini, so we visited the magical lagoon a few times. Once, when I was 13 years-old or so, my parents wanted to go again. I stayed behind because I was sick of Venice. Can you believe that?! I was sick of Venice? Dumb kid!
Now that I'm older and nowhere near Venice, I'd love to go back! Someday I will, but for now I'll dream and desire. I don't recall exactly what went through my mind to create this painting, but I'm sure it had to do with a desire to see the dreamlike, fantasy-world quality of Venice during Carnevale di Venezia. The costumes, the masks, the festive spirit!
I went through some old National Geographic Magazines I have in my studio. I found an article on Venice. I also found an article on trumpeter swans. Why not have people floating around on giant swans instead of boats or gondolas? Maybe they'd be called Swandolas.
Who would ride a swan? They're elegant and beautiful birds. People of Royalty used to keep them as pets in their gardens. OK, so a princess would ride a swan. Now I had the basic idea, it was time to start painting!
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| I sketched the layout in pencil on the canvas, then went over it with a dark purple paint mixture. Before the outline was dry, I started filling in the background buildings, exaggerating the height of St. Mark's Square. This kept the distant lines soft and hazy. |
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| I added light to the atmosphere in the background to bring out the architecture. Then I began defining the water and fleshing out the figures. |
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| I created the building just behind the Princess, and continued fleshing out the figures. Here, the dock worker's gondolier-style uniform is given more detail and color. The piling and cobblestones are starting to take form. |
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| I brightened and finished the foreground figures, especially the Princess and her guard. You can see the difference between their torsos and their legs. |
Thank you for re-visiting this creative journey with me. I hope you've enjoyed it. I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Do Right Because it's Right, and the Rest Falls into Place!
When I first started writing this blog, I wrote about personal branding. I've spent a lot of time and effort in making myself the kind of person I'd want to deal with. I've also spent a lot of time, effort, and money showing people what kind of person I am. When they visit ArtofJohnFrench.com, people can see what kind of person I am.
In this new economy, people are not so willing to part with their hard earned cash like they once were. There's still money to be made, but now it's going to be made by the people who go the extra mile with their clients and customers. As I've said before, people are more willing to do business with someone they like.
I sincerely believe we reap what we sow. Some people call in Karma. Doing the right thing has obvious benefits. Most of the time there are even financial benefits. However, doing the right thing solely for the financial benefits is not only phony and tacky, but cowardly. It takes courage and sacrifice to do right just because it's right.
One of my latest endeavors is helping some friends form The West End Community Arts Network, (WeCan) based in Ishpeming, MI. Three years ago, I joined this group of people in the fetal stages of the organization. I was there as it grew into infancy. Now, my fellow organizers have made me President of WeCan. We're all working hard to develop this infant group into a young, vibrant and busy arts organization. I've worked hard doing my small part. I've spent my own money on it. I've stressed over things. Not because it's good publicity for me, but because it's a good idea for a lot of people.
Our first public meeting is tonight at 6:oo p.m. If you're in the area, and you'd like to help the community, please feel free to stop by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library on Main Street.
Below is my first ever television interview. I'm talking to ABC 10 about WeCan. I really came out of my comfort zone to do this! I wasn't nervous until the reporter, Mike, said "OK, NOW we're recording."
In this new economy, people are not so willing to part with their hard earned cash like they once were. There's still money to be made, but now it's going to be made by the people who go the extra mile with their clients and customers. As I've said before, people are more willing to do business with someone they like.
I sincerely believe we reap what we sow. Some people call in Karma. Doing the right thing has obvious benefits. Most of the time there are even financial benefits. However, doing the right thing solely for the financial benefits is not only phony and tacky, but cowardly. It takes courage and sacrifice to do right just because it's right.
One of my latest endeavors is helping some friends form The West End Community Arts Network, (WeCan) based in Ishpeming, MI. Three years ago, I joined this group of people in the fetal stages of the organization. I was there as it grew into infancy. Now, my fellow organizers have made me President of WeCan. We're all working hard to develop this infant group into a young, vibrant and busy arts organization. I've worked hard doing my small part. I've spent my own money on it. I've stressed over things. Not because it's good publicity for me, but because it's a good idea for a lot of people.
Our first public meeting is tonight at 6:oo p.m. If you're in the area, and you'd like to help the community, please feel free to stop by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library on Main Street.
Below is my first ever television interview. I'm talking to ABC 10 about WeCan. I really came out of my comfort zone to do this! I wasn't nervous until the reporter, Mike, said "OK, NOW we're recording."
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Detour Through Creativity -Every Friday!
I've decided to try something new to make this blog more fun for you to read and more fun for me to write. I've decided to dedicate Fridays to my art; not just the marketing of it, but the creating of it. Each Friday, starting today, I'll talk about a different painting. Some new, some old, some for sale, some sold.
"Marquette Dreams" was a big hit! It was fun to watch people walk by and look at it, then look closer, then stand back, then suddenly realize that "there's things in it" as the eventual buyer put it.
Still, I was nervous about the auction. Would anybody want this painting? It was fun to look at, but would anyone buy it? My worries were alleviated when the bidding opened at $250. That was a little higher than retail at the time.
I watched as the bids went up to $500. Then $750. $900!! After the heated bidding, this painting sold for $1000! I was stunned and pleased. I'm thrilled that I got to help the museum, and I'm very happy with the bragging rights!
This painting, "Marquette Dreams" is what I did for the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum when they hosted their annual Celebrity Auction. One of the gimmicks of the Auction is that most of the 'artists' are not artists at all. They're simply prominent or well known people from the community like politicians, radio hosts, musicians, sports figures, etc. These people are asked to step out of their comfort zones and push themselves in a way that they aren't used to.
I'm not a politician, radio host, musician, or sports figure. I'm an artist. I actually felt that I might NOT fit into THIS art auction! So I did what everyone else had to do: I pushed myself in an unusual way and did something I wasn't used to.
"Marquette Dreams" is a landscape painting of a well known Marquette, MI landmark. What's so unusual about that? I paint landscapes all the time! Well, this landscape has hidden treasures in it!
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| The worn and rounded sandstones have images 'etched' into them of Marquette's two most prominent examples of sandstone architecture.The stone just below the gull displays St.Peter's Cathedral in Marquette. Also notice the root of the tree behind the bird becomes a staircase. |
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| Can you see the Marquette County Courthouse in the stone next to the grass? Notice I separated church and state! |
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| The rock is in the shape of a great, slumbering dragon, outlined in orange. Fitting, since the actual outcrop is ancient lava rock from a long extinct volcano. |
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| Is the lighthouse perched on the rock, or is it hanging from the tree branch, like a bird house? Are you sure? |
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| There are four faces in the tree branches. Can you see them? They're four of Marquette's early historical figures. In the upper left corner is Chief Charlie Kabawgam. To the right is his friend, Peter White. Below Mr. White is one of Marquette's founders, Amos Harlow. Too the left of Mr. Harlow is Bishop Baraga. |
"Marquette Dreams" was a big hit! It was fun to watch people walk by and look at it, then look closer, then stand back, then suddenly realize that "there's things in it" as the eventual buyer put it.
Still, I was nervous about the auction. Would anybody want this painting? It was fun to look at, but would anyone buy it? My worries were alleviated when the bidding opened at $250. That was a little higher than retail at the time.
I watched as the bids went up to $500. Then $750. $900!! After the heated bidding, this painting sold for $1000! I was stunned and pleased. I'm thrilled that I got to help the museum, and I'm very happy with the bragging rights!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Call to Action!
Remember the postcard I showed you last week? I asked my neighbor to look at it for me. She and her husband own, operate and market HyCreek Hunting Clothes and Gear. She gave me some great advice that I already knew, but always manage to forget: Include an urgent call to action.
Zig Zigglar says that very often people want to buy, but they don't know how, or they just aren't willing to take that final step to ownership. They think they should wait. People need to see a good reason to buy, and buy now.
I was at a geeky tech store this weekend looking at computers. Around the corner were two HP "salesmen" standing around talking to each other. To each other! While I was looking at HP computers?!I was about to grab one of these fools, when they both left to talk to someone about a laptop.
So I stood there and looked. I really wanted to buy a new computer, but I wasn't sure how to go about it, or if this was the right time, or if this was the right computer. I really have to think before I drop $800! Finally, a nice store clerk named Josh came up to me and asked if I had any questions. I certainly did have questions! Josh pointed out that the one of the computers was on sale. He walked me through the credit application, the purchasing process, the set-up procedure, and told me if there were any problems to give them a call. Thanks to Josh, I went home with a new computer! If Josh wouldn't have shown up, I would have probably left without buying anything.
When I tried to sell a painting to the lady at the Outback Art Fair, I felt I did a few things wrong. But I know I did something right. I asked her if she wanted me to hold it for her while she looked around. I asked her if she wanted me to box it up for her. I told her I'd take a check or cash. I offered a call to action. I didn't show her that there was any urgency. She left with a business card, but no painting.
My neighbor pointed out that there was no real call to action on the postcard I made. There was an attempt at a call to action, "Get Your Custom Art for $250" ...But there was no sense of urgency. She said even adding the word "Now" would be better than nothing.
Christmas is coming. It may not seem like it, but it is. Now is the perfect time to remind people of that. Now is the time to let people know that the perfect gift can be ordered NOW, while there's time. Now here's my new postcard
:
Zig Zigglar says that very often people want to buy, but they don't know how, or they just aren't willing to take that final step to ownership. They think they should wait. People need to see a good reason to buy, and buy now.
I was at a geeky tech store this weekend looking at computers. Around the corner were two HP "salesmen" standing around talking to each other. To each other! While I was looking at HP computers?!I was about to grab one of these fools, when they both left to talk to someone about a laptop.
So I stood there and looked. I really wanted to buy a new computer, but I wasn't sure how to go about it, or if this was the right time, or if this was the right computer. I really have to think before I drop $800! Finally, a nice store clerk named Josh came up to me and asked if I had any questions. I certainly did have questions! Josh pointed out that the one of the computers was on sale. He walked me through the credit application, the purchasing process, the set-up procedure, and told me if there were any problems to give them a call. Thanks to Josh, I went home with a new computer! If Josh wouldn't have shown up, I would have probably left without buying anything.
When I tried to sell a painting to the lady at the Outback Art Fair, I felt I did a few things wrong. But I know I did something right. I asked her if she wanted me to hold it for her while she looked around. I asked her if she wanted me to box it up for her. I told her I'd take a check or cash. I offered a call to action. I didn't show her that there was any urgency. She left with a business card, but no painting.
My neighbor pointed out that there was no real call to action on the postcard I made. There was an attempt at a call to action, "Get Your Custom Art for $250" ...But there was no sense of urgency. She said even adding the word "Now" would be better than nothing.
Christmas is coming. It may not seem like it, but it is. Now is the perfect time to remind people of that. Now is the time to let people know that the perfect gift can be ordered NOW, while there's time. Now here's my new postcard
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| Advertising, like art, is never finished; just temporarily abandoned. I still feel I can improve on this card, but might lose the original spirit and idea of it. I'll just have to make another with my brand new computer and Photoshop! |
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Exhausting Art of Marketing
I've heard many artists say that they hate marketing. They say it cuts into their creative time and drains their creative energies.
Sometimes -like right now- this is exactly how I feel. I usually approach marketing a with a creative, open attitude. I treat it as an extension of my art. But lately I've felt exhausted, busy and rushed. I don't feel I have the time to make the art AND market the art. One is no good to me without the other, so I haven't done much of either.
I've scaled back my marketing activity because life in general has gotten busy and expensive. I have several commissions to get done for Christmas, so I'm going to spend more time on those and less time on advertising. Keeping satisfied customers is a huge part of my marketing!
I quit running my Google Ads linking to ArtofJohnFrench.com because they're getting too costly right now without enough return on investment. So I'm concentrating more on search engine optimization, or SEO. SEO is simply the many strategies one can use to get good indexing on search engines.
I love a new venture and a chance to learn new things and see new results. But the problems with SEO is that you don't see immediate results, nothing is guaranteed, and often what I do today will work tomorrow but not the next day. Over the long haul, I think the SEO will pay off.
I've also made a postcard that I think is kind of neat, but I want to change a couple of things on it. When I sit down to work on it, something comes up to distract me. So I haven't gotten around to printing it, much less sending it!
Right now I'm satisfied with backing off the marketing and ramping up the creating. Life must be balanced, and by creating more now I will have more to market later!
Sometimes -like right now- this is exactly how I feel. I usually approach marketing a with a creative, open attitude. I treat it as an extension of my art. But lately I've felt exhausted, busy and rushed. I don't feel I have the time to make the art AND market the art. One is no good to me without the other, so I haven't done much of either.
I've scaled back my marketing activity because life in general has gotten busy and expensive. I have several commissions to get done for Christmas, so I'm going to spend more time on those and less time on advertising. Keeping satisfied customers is a huge part of my marketing!
I quit running my Google Ads linking to ArtofJohnFrench.com because they're getting too costly right now without enough return on investment. So I'm concentrating more on search engine optimization, or SEO. SEO is simply the many strategies one can use to get good indexing on search engines.
I love a new venture and a chance to learn new things and see new results. But the problems with SEO is that you don't see immediate results, nothing is guaranteed, and often what I do today will work tomorrow but not the next day. Over the long haul, I think the SEO will pay off.
I've also made a postcard that I think is kind of neat, but I want to change a couple of things on it. When I sit down to work on it, something comes up to distract me. So I haven't gotten around to printing it, much less sending it!
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| Tell me what you think! |
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Why I don't Want to Sell Prints
I have to admit that I may be wrong about this. People keep telling me I'm wrong. Wrong or not, I don't want to sell prints.
I had an interesting conversation with a my new friend Angela Pierce about prints. Angela's art career has taken a very busy turn for her. This career includes the selling of prints of her art. So she asked me why I don't market prints more. So I answered her:
About 10 years ago, the market was flooded with Thomas Kinkade prints. Now people are sick of him, and the prints are worthless. Of course, I'm no Kinkade, and I never will be. My common sense tells me this probably won't happen to me. In fact, I'd make sure this didn't happen to me. Still, my heart tells me to be careful.
I've been trying to market myself to upper-end people. It's been slow, but I'm showing signs of getting there; two of my higher priced paintings sold to doctors at The Outback Art Fair in Marquette, MI. My art is selling, and more and more to the right people.
Affluent people want to spend their money on the unique. If they see prints all over, will they want the original? Will they want something that everyone has? Now, I know that a very popular print can drive up the price of the original and make it more sought after by people who want to buy bragging rights. I'm not there yet. I'm not sure I've painted that kind of painting yet.
Another reason I don't want to sell prints is that in the end, prints are simply copies of my work. They can be artfully presented, and creatively marketed. Take a giclee' print for instance. 'Giclee' is from French for spray, as in ink jet. Yep. It's just a copy. It's a fancy copy, and a pretty one too. Still they aren't really MY work.
Here's where Angela vehemently disagrees. She says: "Yes, they are in the sense that if you authorize production of them you have to accept ownership of the end product. That's why it is extremely important when choosing a print service that you choose very wisely."
I used to offer prints, but got absolutely no sales. I'm not sure why. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe my pictures weren't high resolution enough.
This brings me to another reason not to sell prints. My friend Tim Flannery, who has created website after website after website, has told me that my photos online don't do the real thing justice. Here's why: When I paint, I glaze one transparent color over another, allowing the paint to dry between sessions. This gives the work a depth, a glow, and a brilliance that you can't see in photos. And that's all prints are; copies of photos of art. With a bunch of prints of say, "The Dance" floating around, I fear that my work will be downgraded to just another painting of a tree. You'd miss the way the colors dance around on the rock and tree, an effect which helped me give this painting its name.
So I market my art as unique, one of a kind work. When you buy one of my paintings, you can be sure no one else has it. You can be sure no one else will have it later.
I'm not knocking anyone who sells prints. It's big business, and I'm happy for those who can and do make a good living off them. I've simply chosen not to use them at this point.
To which Angela tells me: "...even though you feel this way now, and the way you feel is perfectly justified and understandable, be prepared to have your feelings and circumstances change in the future. Don't let a piece of your work out of your hands without securing a high resolution print file for it. You never know what might happen."
And she would know!
I had an interesting conversation with a my new friend Angela Pierce about prints. Angela's art career has taken a very busy turn for her. This career includes the selling of prints of her art. So she asked me why I don't market prints more. So I answered her:
About 10 years ago, the market was flooded with Thomas Kinkade prints. Now people are sick of him, and the prints are worthless. Of course, I'm no Kinkade, and I never will be. My common sense tells me this probably won't happen to me. In fact, I'd make sure this didn't happen to me. Still, my heart tells me to be careful.
I've been trying to market myself to upper-end people. It's been slow, but I'm showing signs of getting there; two of my higher priced paintings sold to doctors at The Outback Art Fair in Marquette, MI. My art is selling, and more and more to the right people.
Affluent people want to spend their money on the unique. If they see prints all over, will they want the original? Will they want something that everyone has? Now, I know that a very popular print can drive up the price of the original and make it more sought after by people who want to buy bragging rights. I'm not there yet. I'm not sure I've painted that kind of painting yet.
Another reason I don't want to sell prints is that in the end, prints are simply copies of my work. They can be artfully presented, and creatively marketed. Take a giclee' print for instance. 'Giclee' is from French for spray, as in ink jet. Yep. It's just a copy. It's a fancy copy, and a pretty one too. Still they aren't really MY work.
Here's where Angela vehemently disagrees. She says: "Yes, they are in the sense that if you authorize production of them you have to accept ownership of the end product. That's why it is extremely important when choosing a print service that you choose very wisely."
I used to offer prints, but got absolutely no sales. I'm not sure why. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe my pictures weren't high resolution enough.
This brings me to another reason not to sell prints. My friend Tim Flannery, who has created website after website after website, has told me that my photos online don't do the real thing justice. Here's why: When I paint, I glaze one transparent color over another, allowing the paint to dry between sessions. This gives the work a depth, a glow, and a brilliance that you can't see in photos. And that's all prints are; copies of photos of art. With a bunch of prints of say, "The Dance" floating around, I fear that my work will be downgraded to just another painting of a tree. You'd miss the way the colors dance around on the rock and tree, an effect which helped me give this painting its name.
 | |
| The Dance $520 at Vertin Gallery |
So I market my art as unique, one of a kind work. When you buy one of my paintings, you can be sure no one else has it. You can be sure no one else will have it later.
I'm not knocking anyone who sells prints. It's big business, and I'm happy for those who can and do make a good living off them. I've simply chosen not to use them at this point.
To which Angela tells me: "...even though you feel this way now, and the way you feel is perfectly justified and understandable, be prepared to have your feelings and circumstances change in the future. Don't let a piece of your work out of your hands without securing a high resolution print file for it. You never know what might happen."
And she would know!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Customer Service; Setting Up the Next Sale
I've been paying a lot of attention to customer service lately. Everywhere I go to spend money, I notice how the business and its representatives treat me and everyone else.
This past weekend, I went to Calumet, MI to bring some of my paintings to The Vertin Gallery. This wasn't just a business trip, however. I brought my family so we could rest and relax in Michigan's fantastic Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw is a gorgeous place, and a popular tourist attraction. The people and stores in Calumet are fantastic, including the owner of the nearby Centennial Cottages!
The northernmost settlement in the Keweenaw is a small lakeside town called Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor is a hot tourist destination. It's remote. It's historic. It's beautiful. It's a customer service dud.
From the beginning: the woman at the hotel desk was polite, but in a forced, short and hurried way. I felt like I was bothering her. The cabin we stayed in was acceptable, but no more. There was a pile of grass clippings and dead brush outside our cabin door. We went to the General Store to use the ATM. I was charged $4.00 to take out a twenty. The store clerk didn't acknowledge my presence until I was ready to pay him for his overpriced drink. The owner of the restaurant greeted us with "It'll be a few minutes" Rather than a simple "hello." The waitress was nice, maybe because she was from Macedonia. Really! Macedonia!
Even though I enjoyed my visit, despite the hosts, I was constantly comparing this experience to our trip to Michigan's Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is also a hot tourist destination. Like Copper Harbor, it's remote (even more so), historic and beautiful. But the difference is the way the people treat you.
From the moment we got on the ferry, we were made to feel welcome. The ferry staff joked around with the passengers, educated them about the island, helped people with luggage, and smiled at everyone. Once on the island, people greeted us on the streets. Business owners were pleased to see us and help us. A woman enticing people to eat at the Mexican Restaurant she worked at told us where we could go to get sandwiches if we didn't want tacos. The ATM only charged me $2.00 to take money out. The people working at the hamburger place were very friendly. The ferry crew was as nice to us when we left as when we arrived.
The people at Mackinac Island know how to help a person enjoy the experience. They were nice, fair and very pleasant. They made sure that a person wanted to stay for a long time, and eventually return. The business people we encountered at Copper Harbor didn't seem to care if they got our business or not. They certainly didn't care if we came back! Copper Harbor is a nice place to see and visit, but not a great place to stay.
To be fair, I did run into a couple of great people working in Copper Harbor. Literally, two! I've also been told that a few of the other businesses do take care of the customer. I'm sorry to have missed these.
I want to be the kind of artist that people enjoy dealing with. I want to ensure that I'm not only making the current sale in an upstanding way, but also the next sale!I want to be a Mackinac Island kind of guy!
This past weekend, I went to Calumet, MI to bring some of my paintings to The Vertin Gallery. This wasn't just a business trip, however. I brought my family so we could rest and relax in Michigan's fantastic Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw is a gorgeous place, and a popular tourist attraction. The people and stores in Calumet are fantastic, including the owner of the nearby Centennial Cottages!
The northernmost settlement in the Keweenaw is a small lakeside town called Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor is a hot tourist destination. It's remote. It's historic. It's beautiful. It's a customer service dud.
From the beginning: the woman at the hotel desk was polite, but in a forced, short and hurried way. I felt like I was bothering her. The cabin we stayed in was acceptable, but no more. There was a pile of grass clippings and dead brush outside our cabin door. We went to the General Store to use the ATM. I was charged $4.00 to take out a twenty. The store clerk didn't acknowledge my presence until I was ready to pay him for his overpriced drink. The owner of the restaurant greeted us with "It'll be a few minutes" Rather than a simple "hello." The waitress was nice, maybe because she was from Macedonia. Really! Macedonia!
 |
| Copper Harbor |
 |
| Mackinac Island, MI |
From the moment we got on the ferry, we were made to feel welcome. The ferry staff joked around with the passengers, educated them about the island, helped people with luggage, and smiled at everyone. Once on the island, people greeted us on the streets. Business owners were pleased to see us and help us. A woman enticing people to eat at the Mexican Restaurant she worked at told us where we could go to get sandwiches if we didn't want tacos. The ATM only charged me $2.00 to take money out. The people working at the hamburger place were very friendly. The ferry crew was as nice to us when we left as when we arrived.
The people at Mackinac Island know how to help a person enjoy the experience. They were nice, fair and very pleasant. They made sure that a person wanted to stay for a long time, and eventually return. The business people we encountered at Copper Harbor didn't seem to care if they got our business or not. They certainly didn't care if we came back! Copper Harbor is a nice place to see and visit, but not a great place to stay.
To be fair, I did run into a couple of great people working in Copper Harbor. Literally, two! I've also been told that a few of the other businesses do take care of the customer. I'm sorry to have missed these.
I want to be the kind of artist that people enjoy dealing with. I want to ensure that I'm not only making the current sale in an upstanding way, but also the next sale!I want to be a Mackinac Island kind of guy!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Outback Art Fair Sales Report, part three: Why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask questions? Why did I talk and talk until she got away?
Two ladies stepped into my tent on Sunday at the Outback. I assume they were a mother and her middle aged daughter. They stared at a particular piece, "Striped Stone" below. Then they went to another, "On the Trail to Little Presgue Isle", also below. She asked me what place "Striped" represented. I told her it was Little Presque point. She asked the same about "Trail", and I told her it was the same area, only further south.
The two ladies went back from one to the other, gazing. I asked if they'd ever been there. The younger lady smiled and said she lived near there. I had a very interested person here!
She asked about a frame. Could they take direct sun? What size were they? She asked her the older lady which she liked better. I explained the process of painting them. I offered to hold it while she finished shopping if she bought it. I offered to deliver it at the end of the day if she didn't want to carry it around. She said she had to think about it. She asked if I had a card.
They walked away, but turned around and looked again. She made a phone call, and stared. She got off the phone and stared. Then they left and they didn't come back.
I knew she wanted one of the paintings. I was desperately trying to figure out how I could 'reel her in.' I've been replaying the exchange in my head ever since. What could I have done? Suddenly, Zig Ziggler told me in his book "Secrets to Closing the Sale".
Notice how SHE asked most of the questions. I barely asked her any. Zig stresses the importance of questions. Questions can be used to find out what the prospect might be afraid of. They can be used to let a person talk themselves into it.
I should have asked her what was stopping her. Was it the price? Was she worried about the quality? Did she need to talk it over with her husband? (I'd have pointed out that $325 wasn't too much to ask for a lifetime of happiness!) I should have asked where she planned to hang it. Was it near a window with a similar view? The only thing I asked was if she wanted me to hold it for her.
The story still ends well. "Trail" was sold to somebody else later that day, and it really didn't take much effort from me at all!
Maybe my art does sometimes sell itself?
"Striped Stone" is still for sale! Would you like me to hold it for you?
Two ladies stepped into my tent on Sunday at the Outback. I assume they were a mother and her middle aged daughter. They stared at a particular piece, "Striped Stone" below. Then they went to another, "On the Trail to Little Presgue Isle", also below. She asked me what place "Striped" represented. I told her it was Little Presque point. She asked the same about "Trail", and I told her it was the same area, only further south.
She asked about a frame. Could they take direct sun? What size were they? She asked her the older lady which she liked better. I explained the process of painting them. I offered to hold it while she finished shopping if she bought it. I offered to deliver it at the end of the day if she didn't want to carry it around. She said she had to think about it. She asked if I had a card.
They walked away, but turned around and looked again. She made a phone call, and stared. She got off the phone and stared. Then they left and they didn't come back.
I knew she wanted one of the paintings. I was desperately trying to figure out how I could 'reel her in.' I've been replaying the exchange in my head ever since. What could I have done? Suddenly, Zig Ziggler told me in his book "Secrets to Closing the Sale".
Notice how SHE asked most of the questions. I barely asked her any. Zig stresses the importance of questions. Questions can be used to find out what the prospect might be afraid of. They can be used to let a person talk themselves into it.
I should have asked her what was stopping her. Was it the price? Was she worried about the quality? Did she need to talk it over with her husband? (I'd have pointed out that $325 wasn't too much to ask for a lifetime of happiness!) I should have asked where she planned to hang it. Was it near a window with a similar view? The only thing I asked was if she wanted me to hold it for her.
The story still ends well. "Trail" was sold to somebody else later that day, and it really didn't take much effort from me at all!
Maybe my art does sometimes sell itself?
"Striped Stone" is still for sale! Would you like me to hold it for you?
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