Post #150453 by beachin on Thu, Mar 31, 2005 2:08 PM

In an aside, Benzart gave me some wonderful insight into the reality of marketing art. I just wanted to share my reply with others who might be in the same boat as I find myself.

I have read about this "catering to your market" in other forums of which I am a member. The general consensus seems to go along with exactly what you state. Know your target market.

What I originally said about not wanting to change my style was possibly a little misinterpreted. While I made some strong statements, it comes on the heels of some very deep soul-searching in reference to my goals for my art business.

It will be crucial to know my market, particularly if I am attempting to sell to TC people. I have to know their likes and dislikes, so all of these opinions are important to my business. They will help me decide in which direction to take my art in the future.

Another aspect, though, has been brought out in the thread. That is whether or not to follow the fad or "create" the fad. When I first began designing Tiki, I was inspired by BigBro's book (which is dog-eared, covered in clay and glaze, and pretty beat up by now) and then used that as a jumping-off point to create in my style as my talent required. I think anything else might be a watered-down copycat of the type of art that I can achieve.

The most important learning point for me is what Benzart stated: make what you don't love to make money, then use the money to make what you love. I think that there is a balance that must be learned in that endeavor. In ceramics, the common complaint is that so much time must be devoted to the "best-sellers" and very little time remains for the genuine art.

I just don't want to be like everybody else, as that would be a waste of my creativity, talent and (in my opinion) selling out. Then I would be a slave to the fashion instead of a creator. I want to be a creator.

A special thank you, Benzart for the insight. I value your wisdom, and appreciate all of you that are taking the time to enlighten me. I mean that most humbly.

Another to BigBro who has kept it real and posed some challenging questions. Reality can be tough, and the business sense of the deal is something to be reckoned with. You have been around the block a time or two, and what you have learned is important. There no sense in any of us re-creating the wheel.

In order to assist others who might stuggle with these decisions, I'm posting this. I think this discussion has been very healthy not just for me but applies to all artists. The high integrity and questions of value of art is something we can all share, whether we are painters, carvers, ceramicists, or musicians. I am certainly not one to back down from lessons to be learned. I hope that I'm still learning the day I die.

Furthermore, DawnTiki and PurpleJade have discussed another aspect of the Oasis.

PJ and I spoke about possibly getting together and try to determine what pieces I can take and what pieces I can leave at home. As she's been to Oasis before, she had some of the same ideas that DawnTiki mentioned.

One of those is that there won't be much expendable cash on-hand that isn't earmarked for --er--alcohol beverages--and general bawdiness (of which I sincerely plan to partake). Knowing that, I will endeavor to travel to CA to meet and greet, create goodwill, and invest some of my time into all of the fine people with which I have had the pleasure of corresponding.

If nothing sells, then I haven't lost much. From what PJ said, most people don't see their investment at Oasis or any of the other big shows. It is a great place to advertise, network, and get good and drunk.

I'm looking forward to all of it, really.

As far as the expensive stuff. DawnTiki is in the majority. I have to charge the high prices for some of that because the materials are so damn expensive. I have only sold a few of those and the people who buy them have money coming out of their asses. What they do with their money is their business, and if they want to spend it on my art, I won't stop them. I don't expect the average patron to go for those prices. I can't, however, be flexible with some of those.

For my part, I can't ever see me paying what some people pay for art. Most of the time I trade art to build my collection. The barter system is cheap and fun and exposes me to other mediums that I can learn about.

For all of you, your each and every one valuable to me. Your comments are a selfless investment you are all making on my behalf and I am so very grateful.