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I'm back - sorry I disappeared like that!
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Message
Posted
I hope everyone is well and enjoying (or at least coping with) the weather, it's so hot - phew! Even my cats are hiding in the shade.
Sorry I did a disappearing act, I have been setting up a little business (handmade children's clothes) which is keeping me very busy. Which takes me on to a very naive and slightly uncomfortable (for me anyway) question.
I now have a little retail space in the grounds of a lovely garden centre/historic building, fairly local to me. Because it's only me running it, and it's not always 'heaving' with customers, I have been amusing myself with doing some paintings - acrylics, as I find even water soluble oils still have an odour which I don't think anyone would appreciate). While browsing, a handful of customers have stopped and looked at what i am painting and have suggested I should sell them as well. Flattering but confusing. I do have space that I could set aside to display/sell some finished pieces, but I had a little read of some website last night about selling artwork and have almost scared myself out of it, although I am not sure what I have to lose. They (well there are only a couple at the moment) are a mixture of from photos I have taken, copyright free images and my imagination. Help!
Is this the done thing? I have never sold a single painting and clearly have no sort of 'reputation'
If I do give it a try, where on earth do I start with pricing?
The pieces I have are either on stretched canvas or canvas board - I was not planning on framing them as I think that is possibly best left to the person buying it as they know the setting it is going to go in.
Anyway! Sorry about the brain dump, it's just thrown me a bit and you all give great advice so I thought I'd ask (and explain where I've been)
Lucy
Posted
There's an artist writing blogs on this site and also appearing lately on the forum Lucy - Samantha Barnes. She has also made a couple of very short videos giving advice on getting started and everything that entails. Lots of encouragement. Take a look.
Pricing, I find it a little uncomfortable because sometimes you may not think your work is worth much if you are just starting out and can feel embarrassed about putting a realistic price on, but sometimes this can backfire becayse if you charge too little buyers might think it is rubbish - if you know what I mean. Samantha also covers pricing and I think she is not adverse to giving some personal advice. Good luck.
Posted
Thanks Spolsh - you're right, I've got nothing to lose. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say!
And thank you Adele - that resource sounds just what i need, will check it out this evening. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels uncomfortable with the thought of pricing stuff, esp as I don't really feel I am at 'selling standard', but i guess that's not for me to decide.
Lucy x