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There is one thing that clears up a lot of the problems I see:
When I donate they always ask the value. I always, right on the certificate (and it doesn't take much to make a pretty nice little certificate, just your promotional images with this headline on front and INSTRUCTIONS on the back) I say the certificate entitles the winner to, say, a $XXX value 8x10" oil painting of a single subject. and that the amount may be applied to a piece with more subjects or greater size. Having it right on the front helps. Also, I have expiration dates. I have literally had hundreds of dollars of purchases disappear because they were jolly enough to overbid at their auction. Another reason to care about the charity you participate in. Don't take their not redeeming it personally.
I used to try to track down the winner but have had the charity tell me they could not give out the identity of the winner! I stopped fighting and started putting expirations on. Just a week ago, the winner of a small portrait crossed right through the bids and purchased me for 10% above the value. Face to face I asked her to please call me in the morning or email me her information so I could remind her that it would expire. She said she knew EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED and I have heard nothing.
It is not as hard as it sounds to do a demo. Just bring something you are working on and talk to people. Silent auctions usually run only two hours, sometimes less. At my last demo, the person bought my piece so early, I had nothing to schmooze, so I passed out my mini portrait cards all evening and barely made a stroke. When you tell the charity you are donating SPECIFICALLY for cross marketing, and make it clear that this is a win-win, the organizers can hardly flinch. Even if you don't get your name in the sponsor book, you are allowed to leave out cards, but handing them out is even better.
It is great for getting your face out in the community. I have not gotten any large or serious work from most of mine. But I have set up networks and am meeting more and more potential clients. I have made an deliberate decision to work smaller and affordable because I can work fast. Just a good way to keep busy.
dj*
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