Thread: Marketing Question

I am fairly skilled at some artistic design and fabrication. I have won many awards with my photography, sculptures, and wood turnings. I have sold many pieces in Europe but for some reason, in the USA it seems people are reticent to pay for handcrafted items what they'd pay for a lesser quality item that is branded with a popular name. Historically I didn't care if my work sold or not and many people in this community can testify that I would give the proverbial shirt off my back to help someone in need. Well the last few hands in the game haven't worked out for me and I am now in a bit of a low spot. I wonder if anyone has any tips on how to market my work.

Brad, I read an article on etsy in the NY Times awhile back . Check it out here.

A year or two back I went to some kind of artisan show at a convention hell here in Mass. All sorts of skilled craftsmen in various fields hawking their wares.

Perhaps some sort of place like that, where you could find a concentration of people for whom "hand crafted" means alot. I'm sure if you Google around a bit you can find some sort of similar shows in your area.

Or, put up your own website, ala Classic Shaving:

Make Your Own Website - CityMax Web Site Builder Software

Use the internet to market to the many.

I would recommend an Artisan Fleamarket... At least, that's what I've heard them called... They are essentially Flea Markets where, instead of selling crap no one wants, they sell quality, hand made products... That sounds like the ticket.

Etsy is also a good bet, it gets almost as much frequenting as Ebay, and the stuff is much higher quality.

Good Luck, Ice!

The work you've been kind enough to show to us is IMO outstanding, Brad.

If you haven't already, I would suggest hitting every gallery, even small galleries where you can sell on consignment would be a good way to get exposure out there. I believe you're on the east coast where such things should be in abundance as well as the potential for those with higher incomes who would be able to afford the purchases.

The impact in "disposable income" in my area being in semi-rural Minnesota has been dramatic. Restaurants and even hair cutting places are barely making it. I'm not saying your work is non-functional and only relegated to the artistic, I'm saying that when there is little to no income, even if people recognize something of value, many may subconsciously feel a higher end purchase is not justified. I don't agree, but that's how I think many people look at it. Case in point. I've been scrimping and saving for what seems like forever for a small metal lathe. I have the funds to purchase a Chinese made lathe. I have my eye on a USA made lathe where the product as well as the service and accessories are unparalleled. It's torture, but I'm saving for the higher end piece. Torture.

Chris L

Another marketing angle would be to ply patrons with your famous lobster butter!

I have a few galleries out here that want to carry my work but they charge from 40% to 60% commission! I lowered my price on the latest brush I made.

I also have decided to sell my camera. It will be a very good deal. But I feel as though I'm selling an old friend.

Etsy seems interesting! Thank you very much!

Good Luck, Icedog!

Etsy has helped me sell extremely amateur work, so it should work for someone with actual talent!

Cheers,
Jeremy

Just the other day I was looking through your old thread about Basil - who looks like a great pup to have around! - and I checked out those videos you posted showing off the bowl/counter and the big cat bridge. I'm not sure if your work is always pet-related, but there are a number of boutique shops in NYC, LA, Miami, etc. and online that cater to the pampered pooch (or pussycat). Some of these pets are even owned by celebrities and, who knows, maybe one thing leads to another and you'll be the recognized brand. Having a niche or specific market could work.

I know the dog grooming place where my pup goes offers a lot of high-end merchandise, from rhinestone encrusted leashes to custom built dog beds, plus grooming and daycare. If it's something you might want to try, I can give him your number or give you his.

If something like this strikes you, I'd also be willing to spitball with you about it, just PM me. If not, I wish you the best of luck!

P.S. - Unfortunately for our bank accounts, I'm familiar with the trappings of high-class hounds. Bingo is a spoiled Upper-East-Side, soon-to-be-West-Village pup. Here's a photo of him at our wedding for good measure. Yes, that's a tuxedo (and a yarmulke). No, he's not thrilled to be wearing it.