DATE: 03/13/2008 07:16:37 / MOOD: full of life
Need a little inspiration? Than check out the following!
In any other world, COMMISSION is a normal, almost mundane word. But,
to the artist looking for paying clients it has a powerful hold over his
imagination and livelihood.
In the simplest terms of the word, Commission means “To Hire.”
In an Art Business, an artist is being hired by the client to produce an
art piece that the client has ordered.
Getting a Commission
When all is said and done, the basic requirements that an artist needs for
getting a commission is attitude, perseverance and determination. If one peruses
the history of Art through the centuries, those are the attributes that stand
out. Talent and abilities? That helps. But examine the life of the well known
(old and modern) closely and the life stories are a real life blend of hard
work, marketing, adversity and prosperity. If you realize that essentially all
of the famous and not so famous artists are and were artists for hire, then you
have taken a huge step forward in shedding the inhibitions that stop most
artists from being able to make a living at art.
When an artist also realizes that it is the general public buying the art,
then another huge step forward is taken. When was the last time another artist
purchased your work?
Determine who your target market is. Who has bought
your art? Who would you like to buy your art? What can you do as an artist to
make that happen?
How hard you are willing to work will be the sole
factor in determining whether or not you can make a living as an artist at your
commissions.
The Commissioned Piece
Your hard work and perseverance will pay off, so when you get that
commission, the next stage is to set a deadline. A deadline will get the job
done in a timely and businesslike fashion.
Lack of Motivation is a phrase that unsuccessful artists use to justify the
lack of bringing a project to a conclusion.
Set a schedule and stick to
it. Complete the artwork commission totally before allowing the client to see
it. Your attitude needs to be friendly but professional. You must always be or
at least seem to be in control. When it is completed to your satisfaction,
assume the client will be delighted and make that appointment for them to come
(or you go) to see it. Be professional, share with them how pleased you are and
that you can’t wait for them to see it!
Closing the Sale
Entire books have been written about closing the sale and that is what you
are doing. You have spent time creating this piece. The client (and only the
client-not a friend) is about to view it. Stay in control. DO not mumble. DO NOT
point out areas that you struggled with or wondered about. Don’t babble. Simply
unwrap the piece and let them consider it without interruption. One of 2 things
will happen. They will LOVE it. Or there will be hesitation. That happens.
Changes or alterations are a part of commissioned work. Accept it at a
reasonable level. If the ear needs to be a bit more upright or an eye a
different shade, or the mouth a bit wider, or the fence a bit taller…accept it
with good graces and if possible, make the changes right then and there!
Practice handling the “third party syndrome.” I want the person or couple
writing the check to be the party viewing the artwork. Learn to
Handle an objection before it arises. I will not make changes
based on a neighbor, a friend, another artist or an in-law’s opinion! I am only
interested in the opinion of the person paying me!
Memorize the paragraph
below.
“Mrs. Jones, I am delighted that you love this piece! And I will
make any changes that you or your husband feel you would like. But only you!
Because you know someone in your family, your neighborhood or at work, whose job
is to make you unhappy with your decisions! (Laughter ALWAYS happens here
as someone has come to mind already!) Do Not give them the power to make you
unhappy or doubt your decisions!”
I have saved many a commission by handling an objection
before it arises. When the “expert” voices a negative opinion about the work
(and they will) the client already has been forewarned of this person’s “power”
and thus is ready. Who wants to be controlled by a mother in law? It works. Use
it and you will greatly reduce Returns for changes!
There is no mystery or secret to success.
Come up with reasons why you can succeed in your chosen field instead of
constantly thinking of the negative and you will see positive changes.
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DATE: 03/12/2008 16:31:00 / MOOD: full of life
Hi all.
Good day to love what you do in the Art world!
As a full time working artist, it's not all fun and games but feel free to email me with any questions about marketing your art. I will try to answer all questions but be forewarned, it's a business and that's how you must treat it! If that is not your mindset, then my answers to making a living with your art won't make you happy :-)
Drop by my website to see what I do. www.mtheresabrown.com
Now to the studio!
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