'Tis the Season

Thanksgiving weekend in the US brings on an intense shopping season across America and artwork is no exception with artists being represented and promoted in galleries, studio shows, tours, craft expositions and shopping mall displays.
Many of these semi-professional and professional artists are realizing the need for reproductions to supplement their original work and opt for art cards, posters and giclees as some of the many forms of reproduction available.
However here is where presentation becomes important. Whatever your take on framing - there is no question that proper presentation of an artists work - even to the presentation of a small framed card - can increase sales. Many artists cut their own mats and assemble pre-made frames but this is time consuming, costly, and you can't be an expert at everything. As a result many professionals are turning to volume manufacturers who specialize in selling to artists, photographers and crafts people, to purchase quality framing supplies and materials at below wholesale prices. This allows them to apply a good markup to the framing portion of their work as well as the work itself.
One tool to help you make decisions that is very popular on-line is the "Matomatic" tool provided by Matshop.com. Of course they will sell you the mats, frames and supplies you need to complete the project you have created. You can upload your own images and add mats, frames etc and see how it looks on-line - then order those materials. Look it up at www.matshop.com and select the "Matomatic" from the side navigation bar.
Another great way to help boost your income at this busy time of year. For framing talk and tips also visit The V-Groove. Have a great start to the Holiday Season!

Artwork courtesy of Patricia D Arndt
www.dailytrekinart.blogspot.com.

San Francisco Inspiration

Well blogging took a back seat last week to a trek to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. While business was the motivator for the trip, we took some time to visit some of the great galleries and of course the sites and sounds of the city.
San Francisco is an inspirational city from the people, architecture, cable cars, and of course the galleries. While many galleries cater to the standard fare, there are new artists entering the scene and finding a niche. Sculpture, fabric and computer generated art are all to be found. Also easily found are the many forms of giclee prints with varying prices to match. One thing that causes me some thought is the practice of many artists to embellish or completely over paint their giclee prints and then double the price. In some cases, this can cause those over painted prints to obtain a value that is out of proportion to the sales of original works by the same artist. Buyers and collectors beware! A print is still a print and the value you see needs to be justified by the price of the artists' original works and the practical comparative value of the print.
The old adage is still true. Buy what you like and like what you buy! I have never been disappointed by a piece of art that I have purchased that I simply bought because I liked it - regardless of value. Can it really be that simple?

Wealth of Information and Experience

I am constantly amazed at the response when you open a door on the internet. One such experience is finding outstanding resources that can lend years of knowledge, insight and advise to those of us who are artists or just in the art business.

I am happy to include a link on my blog to one such individual - Richard Harrison. I have not met Richard but in reviewing his recent blog and listening to podcasts it is obvious that his experience in art marketing would be a valuable resource to many artists involved in marketing their work.

So if you have a minute - check it out here.

http://salestipsforartistscom.blogspot.com/

http://www.salestipsforartists.com/