Howdy Doody,
To round out Season 1, we discussed prints. We thought this would be an interesting one to discuss because it was a field we both had such different experiences with, and wanted to see how the discussion would go with us feeding in some additional info from other artists to help. While we were editing this episode we both felt we could more clearly identify areas where we were lacking or ways we could have improved things- so hopefully if you’re looking for advice in this area you find it helpful too!
Just to recap, we will be taking a break for 2 weeks over the school holidays but we’ll be back in your ears before you know it. If we can we’ll do a little planning for season 2 over the break so if there’s something in particular you’d like us to discuss, pop it in the comments!
Show Notes:
To print, or not to print… that is the question. In this episode we delve into the world of prints. Julie talks about when she tried to make selling photographs work and why she doesn’t offer prints or photographs any more. Phoebe talks about her print offerings and how she feels she’s failing at making them a streamlined part of her business. This week we also reached out to two artists for extra advice, Jen Seivers and Sierra Roberts, as we both felt we lacked enough experience to give a rounded view! With their help we do our best to answer as many listener questions as we could in the time we had. Feel free to carry on the conversation - if you have more questions do reach out!
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Summary of Advice:
Trial scanning, photographing or getting your work professionally scanned or photographed but make sure the files are clear and crisp, with colours you're happy with.
Consider the audience for your prints and their budget and tailor your offering options accordingly: Will smaller and more affordable prints with larger editions be suitable or larger more expensive canvas prints with smaller print runs be more popular with your target market?
Consider ideas such as maintaining the integrity of your originals by offering prints that are significantly smaller in size, making them distinct products.
If you don’t want to package and send prints, find a reliable print on demand printer that produces excellent quality prints and handles packaging and shipping.
Work the cost of some lost or damaged prints into your pricing
List your prints on your website and promote them on social media and through paid advertising, consider gifting to people who will style and share images of them in their homes
When you’re working on pricing, make sure there’s enough margin for selling them wholesale to shops (they usually expect 50%) and this also allows room for the occasional online sale
Put effort into your product photos and videos, making sure you highlight the quality of the prints and materials to make your prints clear and accessible online.
Consider getting your prints into physical places like galleries, interior design stores, and cafes to expose them to potential buyers.
Start with smaller print runs and experiment with different images, marketing strategies, and pricing.
Show appreciation to your customers by offering discounts or free prints to repeat buyers.
Don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as planned; learn from mistakes.
Look for inspiration from other artists' websites and social media.
Consider doing your own prints instead of selling through third-party platforms like society6 to have more control over pricing and earnings.
Big thank you to Sierra Roberts and Jen Sievers, find out more about them here:
Sierra Roberts @sierrarobertspaint
Jen Seivers @jensievers_art
Jen’s Mentoring Program: The Unstoppable Artist
Artist Shout outs:
We all know how hard it is to put your work out there, so if you can, go show these FLAAPers some love!
Agate Rubene @restless_infectious The Other Art Fair
I’m thrilled to be showcasing my latest works at The Other Art Fair Sydney this May 11-14 at The Cutaway. This will be my first time participating at The Other Art Fair and exhibiting in Australia. Plus, I have a limited number of complimentary Friday - Sunday tickets to give away. If interested people can DM me for tickets.
Michelle Walker @michellewalkerart ‘Ash, Mud & Tears’
Art Exhibition Opening 11/5/2023
An exhibition of works marking the experience and recovery from bushfires and floods by two Northern Rivers artists
Abbie white @abbie_white_art ‘Abbie White solo exhibition’ 1/5/2023
I’m holding my first mini solo exhibition at hobby lane cafe in Mitchelton Brisbane. The exhibition runs for 8 weeks. All the details will be on my socials in the coming weeks.
Quotes:
“Unless I am myself, I am nobody” - Virginia Wolf
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” - Eckhart Tolle.
This week
Studio updates
PG: Still working on a collection of paintings…
JB: Definitely going through a floral stage. missing my clouds, might have to start one soon!
Life updates
PG: Jibbits… I need say no more.
JB: wasps are still here..
What are you reading or listening to?
PG: Loving some Eurythmics at the moment. Just watched Wellmania with Celeste Barber which was pretty funny.
JB: Listening to a lot of Lizzo right now
Fav art product & why?
PG: This week my chroma brush cleaner has saved a pair of jeans from the pile of shame!
JB: does tea count? I feel like I’m drinking so much tea in the studio these days
Meme of the week
Anything random to share ?
PG: My daughter changed my watch face with me realising…
JB: My son carrying his bike up and down the stairs..not sure why
Any #hashtags or insta accounts to check out
#Aprilforartists2023 !!
Any fails this week ?
PG: Made sweet chilli sauce from our abundance of chillies but it’s inedible as it’s so hot 🤦🏻♀️🌶️
JB: My husband is currently standing behind me correcting my grammar. its as infuriating as it sounds. ( I’ve left that one in there just for him.)
Who are we & where can you find us:
Find Julie here: www.juliebattisti.com & @juliebattisti
Find Phoebe here: www.phoebegander.com & @phoebeganderart
Podcast Website:
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Keep Failing!
Julie & Phoebe xx