Marketing Products

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-10-2006, 11:23 AM

Having participated in multiple outdoor shows this year, I was struck and the ease at how tangible goods almost seem to sell themselves, where as a portrait painter one has to be
rather skilled at selling the idea that a portrait would make a great gift.

To cover exhibit and other costs (like me shopping next door and across the isle) I figured it would be good to offer lesser priced, "tangible goods", such as framed prints, postcards
and art magnets featuring my pet portraits and figurative works. It was important to remain in realm of portraiture and have these items act as a marketing tool, since all have my logo and contact information.

I have now joined professional networking groups and will be participating in "home parties". These are parties where several vendors get together at someone's house and invite all their clients, friends and relatives for an afternoon of relaxed shopping among the "girls". I am not sure what to expect, but I love to meet people so it should be fun. I am facing the dilemma of having to compete with gift baskets and I am wondering what I could do to offer something that can be purchased on the spot.

I would love to hear if any of you have participated in these group parties and what you did . Your comments are welcomed as usual....

Michele Rushworth · 10-10-2006, 12:02 PM

I think it makes sense to try and get started marketing portraits in places where the other items being shown are of similar value. Showing a $2,000 portrait next to a display that is showing a $50 ceramic dish may not get you very far. The only exception to that would be if the venue had huge numbers of people -- like a high-end outdoor show that had tens of thousands of visitors. Then it might be worthwhile.

I also do not recommend "networking groups". They are usually frequented by other sole proprietor small business people or folks looking for a new job. It's more important for an artist to get their work in front of people who can truly afford it and who also appreciate the arts.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-11-2006, 01:43 AM

Hi Michelle!

Thank you for your reply. I am wondering though, where do you market your portraits, where similar items are within the same price category as your portraits?

I had good luck with the shows this year, but I am looking for an easier way of marketing my work than setting up a tent and hauling paintings around.

I don't agree with your comments on networking groups. I have gone to several meetings and was amazed at the variety of professionals who participate (lawyers, bankers, interior decorators, health care providers, etc. ). The key is to get to know what each member does for their clients, thus making it easier for the other members to recommend their services. The groups I have visited had pooled huge amounts of business for their members and offered a wonderful opportunity to fine tune one's presentation skills. I received a referral already from one of these groups. You have to look for very energetic groups.

I was invited to participate in the home party and figured I'll give it a try. The main thing to gain here is exposure in one's neighborhood. It remains to be seen if it is a worthwhile event to pursue.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-26-2006, 05:33 PM

Well, I thought I let you all know about my "home boutique"experience. Not knowing what I was getting into, I was very selective about what to display and selected only 4 paintings to take with me.

I am very pleased to say that I have received one child and two pet portrait commissions. They are small portrait commissions, but I am very pleased to have gone home with some sales and further exposure.

We did advertise the event by printing color postcards, which we mailed to all of our clients. We also advertised with nicely done posters in the neighborhood. The cost for printing, and refreshments was shared between the 6 vendors , thus making it very affordable.

We set up our tents and displays in the backyard and had a lot of space for people to move around freely and browse. The turn out was better than I had anticipated and I heard a lot of people comment how they like these shows before the holidays, since it gives them more of a variety for gift shopping. I think, had we done the same thing any other month the turn out would have probably been less.

Julie Deane · 10-26-2006, 09:29 PM

That's great, Enzie! Congratulations!

Mischa Milosevic · 10-27-2006, 03:21 AM

Two commissions, that's grate!

Now, I do not know if this would be possible for you but I know of people that had exhibits set up in their home. Maybe, you mite consider something like that. Do the same thing with the fliers and such and distribute in your neighborhood. Anyways, it was just a thought.