Art Print Issues by Barney Davey

Selling Limited Edition Prints - Take a Clue from Ferrari

I have long championed against the idea of using limited editions as a marketing tool for digital fine art reproductions, aka Giclées, for a variety of reasons. If you are interested to learn why I have this position, reading these posts will tell you:

• Creating Collectible Value in Open Editions
• Cooking Ham and Limited Editions — Is it time to stop limiting editions of giclées and offset prints?
• The Double Entendre of the Artist Selling Out
• The Secondary Art Market - Bev Doolittle's Beyond Negotiations Sold Out & The Lunacy of Limited Edition Giclees

There are many facets to the idea of not limiting editions. In a nutshell, by artificially limiting something that can be easily, endlessly, perfectly and affordably reproduced makes the scarcity argument specious to some extent. When you see artists creating numerous limited editions of the same image, it begs the question of what is limited. Most importantly, why cap the income by limiting images that might otherwise potentially sell well for decades? It can, in the long term, be a very costly proposition for the entire distribution chain including artists, publishers, galleries, dealers and printers.

Having forcibly made that argument for many years, I find no dichotomy in saying there can be a place for limited editions. An example would be a small run of 100-150 prints offered only in one size and one substrate. This is, of course, my opinion and you are free and encouraged to challenge it hear.

The Early to Rise newsletter which, amongst its onslaught of marketing for its wide variety of "how-to" courses, occasionally offers real gems of insight and inspiration. Such was the case with its recent email newsletter titled, Why Scarcity Triggers Sales. 

Before you jump to a conclusion on the strength of the title that it champions the idea of limited edition giclées, read this portion of the article:

I think verisimilitude - the appearance of truth - is the key to making scarcity work for your business. E-books don’t have it. You can say you’ll sell only 500 copies of your e-book, but there’s no "appearance of truth" in that. An e-book is just bits and bytes, so why would it be truly limited? I’ve seen some marketers use scarcity ploys that had me wondering if they really expected their customers to believe what they were saying. If your customers question your credibility… you’re done for.  

Yes, I agree giclée in nearly all cases will have more intrinsic value than ebooks are are far more complicated to create. But, today's informed consumers know they are digital artifacts made with bits and bytes, and as such making the argument for them being scarce is difficult at best. At the end of the day, I believe those predisposed to buy giclées are willing to purchase the work at fair prices based on purely on they want to live with it and enjoy it in their homes or businesses and the fact a piece is limited would be far down the list on their criteria for buying.

Still, Yanik Silver's ETR article offers an intriguing idea. In talking about the $600,000 Enzo, which is rarest of rare Ferraris, and which also is admittedly a very long stretch to digital prints. Silver points out the vehicles are strictly limited to a very small number (399) which automatically makes them rare. By only offering the cars to those buyers with a history of owning 3 or more Ferraris, it creates an exclusive club of potential buyers. Those who have the means and love Ferraris undoubtedly and eagerly lined up to be chosen to purchase an Enzo.

The suggestion here is to create a truly limited low number edition of a desirable piece not previously offered in print. Make the requirement that in order to have a chance to purchase the limited edition a buyer would have to have previously purchased three other pieces from your line. Many successful print artists have established collector societies that offer perks to loyal customers. A well executed plan around this idea just might be the start of something like that for your career.

I'm not going to make this post a tome with all kinds of suggestions on how to implement the idea. It's merely a suggestion for your consider how you might incorporate such a successful concept into your marketing. I realize with multiple distribution channels such as galleries, online sites, shows, direct sales and your own e-commerce efforts, it will be a challenge. But, I nevertheless believe if you are intrigued and motivated by the idea, you'll find a great creative way to make use of it.

A Time To Be Thankful

We can and will become what we aspire to be - Tracy Chapman 

Recycling is not just for plastic, cans and bottles. I find it is a worthy thing to revisit thoughts from yesteryear. Below are mine from last Thanksgiving. I read them and find the words still ring true for me. The only difference is circumstances will sadly keep me from joining my large family gathering this year.

I realize I linked to another great video link from The Wisdom Book in the previous post. I plan to get back to some nuts and bolts on art marketing after the holiday. That said, there is much to be learned from each video; certainly both offer intellectual and spiritual challenges far beyond my poor ability to present such ideas and emotions to you.

For your pleasure and to better help share the magnificent stirrings of Tracy Chapman's powerful poetry, a video is embedded here. It portray her sentiment and spirituality in ways I never could. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving. (You Tube Tip: Click the the icon second in on the bottom right to see the video full screen.)

 

From the moment of creation when each of us became the specific person we are, endowed with our own uniqueness and incredible special gifts, we are indeed a most lucky person. We have beaten the tremendous odds in nature's selection process to become a person, to be alive. Who cannot be thankful for the opportunity to be alive?

If you are reading this blog, you, as I am, are greatly blessed. For there are so many who, while lucky to be alive, will never glimpse much less experience the privileged lives we lead with our computers, cell phones, cars, warm homes, plentiful food and with an abundance never known by previous generations.

I am grateful for what I have and have been given. To me the greatest gift of any parent is the one I have known and possessed all my days, that is unconditional love from my parents, siblings, extended family and close friends. I will be in the company of many of them over this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. For that too, I am grateful and blessed and am eager to bask in the warmth of their love and friendship. No material gifts nor money can match such a magnanimous rewarding gift.

Reflecting on Thanksgiving and family brings to mind the powerful poignant lyrics of Tracy Chapman's "Heaven's Here On Earth" from her New Beginnings album.

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise
Of ordinary people leading ordinary lives
Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice
Heaven's in our hearts

In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding

Look around
Believe in what you see
The kingdom is at hand
The promised land is at your feet
We can and will become what we aspire to be
If Heaven's here on earth

Have a blessed safe holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend. Wherever you are, regardless if it is a place where it is a mere late fall weekend, take a moment to rejoice for your blessings, gifts and your little piece of heaven here on earth just the same.

Please know I also am thankful, humbled and honored to have you as a reader of my blog.

All the best for a Happy Thanksgiving!

We can and will become what we aspire to be - Tracy Chapman 

Recycling is not just for plastic, cans and bottles. I find it is a worthy thing to revisit thoughts from yesteryear. Below are mine from last Thanksgiving. I read them and find the words still ring true for me. The only difference is circumstances will sadly keep me from joining my large family gathering this year.

I realize I linked to another great video link from The Wisdom Book in the previous post. I plan to get back to some nuts and bolts on art marketing after the holiday. That said, there is much to be learned from each video; certainly both offer intellectual and spiritual challenges far beyond my poor ability to present such ideas and emotions to you.

For your pleasure and to better help share the magnificent stirrings of Tracy Chapman's powerful poetry, a video is embedded here. It portray her sentiment and spirituality in ways I never could. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving. (You Tube Tip: Click the the icon second in on the bottom right to see the video full screen.)

 

From the moment of creation when each of us became the specific person we are, endowed with our own uniqueness and incredible special gifts, we are indeed a most lucky person. We have beaten the tremendous odds in nature's selection process to become a person, to be alive. Who cannot be thankful for the opportunity to be alive?

If you are reading this blog, you, as I am, are greatly blessed. For there are so many who, while lucky to be alive, will never glimpse much less experience the privileged lives we lead with our computers, cell phones, cars, warm homes, plentiful food and with an abundance never known by previous generations.

I am grateful for what I have and have been given. To me the greatest gift of any parent is the one I have known and possessed all my days, that is unconditional love from my parents, siblings, extended family and close friends. I will be in the company of many of them over this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. For that too, I am grateful and blessed and am eager to bask in the warmth of their love and friendship. No material gifts nor money can match such a magnanimous rewarding gift.

Reflecting on Thanksgiving and family brings to mind the powerful poignant lyrics of Tracy Chapman's "Heaven's Here On Earth" from her New Beginnings album.

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise
Of ordinary people leading ordinary lives
Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice
Heaven's in our hearts

In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding

Look around
Believe in what you see
The kingdom is at hand
The promised land is at your feet
We can and will become what we aspire to be
If Heaven's here on earth

Have a blessed safe holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend. Wherever you are, regardless if it is a place where it is a mere late fall weekend, take a moment to rejoice for your blessings, gifts and your little piece of heaven here on earth just the same.

Please know I also am thankful, humbled and honored to have you as a reader of my blog.

All the best for a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Wisdom Book

My friend and photographer par excellence, Joe Gemignani, forwarded to me a link this most captivating powerful and poignant video. It presents the individuals featured in Andrew Zuckerman's book and is far too good to not to pass along. Here is the cover and description from Amazon.com for: Wisdom: 50 Unique and Original Portraits:

 Each one of us can be an oasis of peace.—Desmond Tutu

Inspired by the idea that wisdom is the greatest gift one generation can give to another, award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman interviewed, photographed and filmed 50 of the world’s great writers, actors, artists, designers, politicians, musicians and religious and business leaders of our time. He posed seven questions to each of his subjects—all over 65 years of age—and their candid responses offer uniquely inspirational and often surprising insights.

Thoughts from Nelson Mandela, Frank Gehry, Judi Dench, The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Clint Eastwood, Ted Kennedy, Robert Redford, Vaclav Havel, Terence Conran, Buzz Aldrin, Lou Reed, Willie Nelson, Madeline Albright, Jane Goodall, Burt Bacharach, Andrew Wyeth, Vanessa Redgrave, Nadine Gordimer and many more reveal lifetimes of adversity and triumph, and present intimate insights into very public lives.

  

Relief Anger Angst & 15 Things Visual Artists Can Do Now

Hello,

How are you my friends? Me? Well, I guess I'm doing fine. I woke up today to simple pleasures. The sun was shining. My spouse was enjoying a serene morning meditation. My dogs were playfully chasing each other. My bills get paid. I have job I like with promise and benefits. I am blessed.

Art Print Issues origins date back to an 8-page digital newsletter that began in November 2005. Since then, I've published more than 200 posts or articles with none espousing personal opinions (Casting aspersions on bonehead moves by tradeshow executives aside.) or political views. There are plenty of sources for that and I respect my readers don't come here to get my views on the economy or politics. There is, however, always a reason to break from tradition as this post proves, at least to me.

In a dichotomy of mixed emotions, I feel real relief amidst the daily front page dread

As is my daily routine, I read the morning paper. Yet, something is different now. While I still acknowledge the daily dose of dread and accept much, if not most, of it is out of my immediate control, and amid the noise of war, economic woes and natural disasters, I feel a deep sense of real relief. At the same time I admit to feeling the same nagging anxiety that afflicts us all to one degree or another.

My relief is partly due to an election result that promises a new direction for our country, (In near perfect 40-year counterpoint symmetry, Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois is once again the locus foreshadowing not just a shift in political fortunes, but just as in 1968, seismic cultural changes as well.) The joyful harmony of the throng of 200,000 well wishers gathered to witness President-elect Obama's acceptance speech stands as the direct diametric opposite of the contentious civil and police riots that took place in Grant Part in 1968 during the Democratic convention.

The fractious turbulence that occurred there in 1968 signaled an era of great divisive societal upheaval and portended a momentous political conservative pendulum swing that peacefully comes to a halt in sync with the end of the Bush presidency. Just as a pendulum alters its return course not exactly following its previous path, this swing is destined not to repeat history, but to make it. We're neither looking at the New Deal nor the Great Society. Rather something altogether different with consequences just as great or greater.

A new president offers hope - but the greater relief lies elsewhere.

Although I have high hopes for the new administration, my greater relief is in the arrival of the economic meltdown we are witnessing. It couldn't have happened too soon on one hand, but on the other it gratefully waited till new leadership was standing in the wings. It's a nightmare to think how the current administration helmed by the most unpopular president in the history of polling would have found a way to bungle handling this mess had it unraveled a few years ago. The current doling out money to banks with virtually no strings attached is a good example. There is no oversight on this. At this juncture, it is incredulous to me how those responsible for such unguarded handouts are letting this happen.

No, I'm not heartless or crazy. I'm just ready to deal with the inevitable.

You could be asking, "How can you find relief amidst so much chaos and misery? "Have you lost your mind? Are you heartless, witless or both?" The answer comes this way. It is time and none too soon. It is time for us as a nation, and as consumers to change our spendthrift ways. The havoc being wreaked upon us is from a bill far overdue. The blame for which is neither partisan nor political. It is bigger than that.

This time, overdue change can no longer be averted. We've popped the dotcom bubble, the housing and easy money bubbles and we are left with the reality of our collective actions. True enough, there are some more to blame than other and may their names live on in ignominy and shame. May their purloined riches be the ruin of them. May their greed fester into deserving deserts of despair.

The full gravity and extent of this situation is yet to come.

The simple truth is with no more rabbits to pull from hats we are going to face very difficult times ahead. This will require painful and unavoidable solutions as already noticed in daily reports of new layoffs, bankruptcies, foreclosures, stock losses and scaled back services and expectations on nearly every level.

The news will continue to get worse till the bottom is found. We are not there yet. To some extent, we don't know the bottom. It is uncharted territory and the wise ones who we would trust to predict such things failed miserably at calling the outcome we live with now. To see Alan Greenspan trying to deny knowledge of or culpability in helping cause the current situation is a sickening example of delusional hubris and unfettered unaccountability. Come on Alan. Either you're lying or incompetent. And neither of those will protect your precious legacy. Too bad the same can't be said for your comfortable retirement and  pocketbook and that of the cronies with whom you helped brew this toxic economic stew we live in now.  

We have great role models to help us gather strength and resolve to pull us through.

The Greatest Generation as they were titled in a book of the same name faced many similar challenges. They were the children of the Great Depression. How did they respond to adversity? They fought World War II at great cost personally on the front and at home. Soldiers lives were lost and shattered. At home, gas, shoes, sugar, butter and more were rationed. The country pulled together as a collective whole to help the greater cause. Can you imagine that in 2008? That generation recovered and returned home to help build the biggest best and the most mighty country in history of the world. They had learned and lived by core values from which we have strayed far. They survived some of the worst times only to help lay the groundwork for what arguably became the best of times. We have much to thank them for and to learn from them.

We have gone from the quaint notion of a chicken for every pot to a state of overconsumption where a cell phone, flat screen TV, broadband cable, bigger and bigger homes and two cars in every garage is the norm. Unfortunately, easy money has made government, corporations and consumers all act like drunks at an open bar. That is we are without a clue how or when to stop from that which was destined to do us more harm than good. We now have a massive hangover from which the effect hopefully will scare us straight.

Being relieved does not mean I'm not outraged. Believe me, I am and worried too!

Don't get me wrong. Being relieved does not make me happy about the current state of affairs. I'm down right outraged at how this could have happened; at how many supposedly smart people who had our trust were either dead wrong or too greedy or dishonest to tell the truth.

Today, our greatest threat is not abroad. It is the ticking time bomb of a debt balloon that if not brought under control soon will burst creating havoc that makes today's bad news headlines seem trivial. That's why I am relieved. I think for the first time we have a collectively begun to glimpse the enormity of the problem facing us. And, we have someone who shows the intellect, potential and vigor to take on the enormous challenge before us and him. I believe Barack Obama when he says he is not a perfect man and thus we should not expect him to be a perfect president. Nevertheless, I place my faith in him. LIke his rival, John McCain, I think he is a decent person who will do his best to do his best.

Like many Americans. I'm proud we have fulfilled our destiny in becoming a powerful nation that with a grand experiement created a constitution that was tested by civil war and finally 140 years later proved the notion all men are created equal.

I'm relieved because I believe Barack Obama has the ability to do the right thing even if it requires a complete about face on political promises. Lincoln did not run for president on a platform to free the slaves, but he came to realize it was the right thing to do. FDR did not run on the promise to grow the government and create a social security network and spend money to put people to work and break the crushing economic stifle of the Great Depression, but he did because it was the right thing to do.

Obama has yet to take office, so it is a lot to put on him. But, whether you voted for him or not, whether you trust him or not, he's our guy. My instincts tell me he has the capacity to rise to the occasion and do the right things however painful they may be. Godspeed him, America and you too.

What does all this mean to visual artists?

It means the same to nearly everyone striving to make a living. We aren't going to give up on those things we have worked hard to achieve. We will have to make some sacrifices. Discretionary income will become less available. You might be like me and take a day job with benefits. One that leaves you time to create.

Alternatively, or inconjunction with your current plans, you might begin to stretch to do more, new and different things that still require your artistic eye and creative verve. Here are some points to ponder, to stir your thinking:

1. How else can you use your artistic creative ability besides putting paint on canvas?
2. Can you paint frescoes in homes and offices?
3. Can your artwork be created in to large scale wallpaper images using modern printing technology?
4. Can you learn some digital art skills or add graphic arts skills to your repertoire?
5. Can you teach art in schools or give private lessons?
6. Can you arrange small box lunch plen air picnics where art lovers and artists can convene to enjoy nature and art?
7. Can you arrange exhibitions that help raise money and awareness for causes near and dear to your heart?
8. Can you learn Web site design?
9. Can you find new ingenious ways to help your best galleries drive traffic to their shops?
10. Can you learn to squeeze all the paint from the tube before open a new one, or paint over a canvas with an image not destined to bring you money?
11. Can you sell your art as seasonal in same sizes so your work can be changed in a frame to fit the season?
12. Can you create a media event based on your art? Do you have a theme right for the times?
13. Have you looked at art cards, ACEOs, mini prints and mini orginals?
14. Wyland paints whaling walls worldwide. Can you paint large scale murals in your town? Or start a collective project to get a group of artists to create one?
15. Have you looked at forming a collective gallery? Maybe it's a temporary space you only use once a month, or once a quarter. There have to be landlords happy to bring in rent even on a limited basis.

Hopefully, these ideas will stimulate your creative marketing process to help you think about what you can be doing now that might help. A useful brainstorming idea is to list all the things you would never do. The more you add to such a list, the more likely you will find productive things you should or can be doing.

Change Your Life Links for Visual Artists #1

Success in art marketing requires being informed. Not just about the art business and how to sell art. It requires general business knowledge and personal insight. You'll find some help on all those fronts in this post. My Google Reader has more than 1000 blog posts begging to be read.

Of course, who has the time to read them all? Not me. But I do have the time to scan the headlines for irresistible topics, (This points out the importance of writing blog titles that arrest attention.) Admittedly, the title of this piece was written to illustrate the point. I've set aside some of the more interesting and helpful topics to put into this post for yo.

I scan those articles because I have an insatiable curiosity that compels me to learn about new things. As my reader, you gain the benefit of my inquisitiveness. You will find below an eclectic collection of posts gleaned from my Google reader with subject matter, (Titles notwithstanding), sure to garner your interest and help you in your life and business. Enjoy!

Lifehacker - Getting Things Done with Google NotebookThis blog is a continuing cool compendium of the best ways to manage your life better, especially, but not exclusively, online.

Pick the Brain - Ten Ways to Instantly Build Self-Confidence Pick the Brain is a site with a wonderful collection of articles and help on motivation, productivity, self-improvement and much more.

Health Care Fine Art - Interview with Diane Spellman If you have not yet considered how health care and art intersect and what that could mean to you as visual artist, this article is must reading.

Fine Art Views - Generating Creative Business Ideas It's really good to see Clint Watson back at full strength blogging. The addition of regular contributing writers as with Lori Woodward Simons, who penned this insightful piece. By the way, Clint had a succint poignant comment on the previous post about the death of Blog Rush.

Ancient Artist: Developing an art career after 50 - The Value in Mini Marketing Sue Smith has emerged as a terrific artist and savvy marketer. I'm north of her in age and as such greatly respect her chutzpah, wisdom and all she brings to the art marketing conversation.

In a brazen bit of bragging digression, I recently completed an arduous three-week training program with a high tech marketing firm here in Arizona. (Had to get an RJ (Real Job) to bring my health care costs under control.) Despite having nearly 20 years on all but one of my 14 classmates, I was the sales leader at the end of the training which in the last week was nearly all sales calls. I smoked 'em all by an embarrassing amount.

I'd mention the name of this company, but then I'd have to put in all kinds of disclaimers which I'm not inclined to do. Suffice it to say it felt mighty good to put all the young hot shots in my rear view. You just can't replace life experience in many situations. It's been fun to be part of a dynamic fast growing company that is recognized as one of the best places to work in Arizona. Enjoying success straightaway makes it all the more fun

Copy Blogger - Free Link Bait Report Brian Clark's blog is one of the most popular marketing blogs on the Internet. If you are blogging, you should be thinking about how to incorporate Link Baiting as part of your efforts and his free report will help you understand how to do that. If you don't know what link baiting is, you really need to read his report.

Art Licensing Info - Directory of Illustration - Advertising Opportunity Tara Reed generously provides insights into art licensing from the artist's perspective. Her link to this directory could be invaluable to many readers of her blog and this one.

Mashable - Reasons to Start CoworkingThis blog is an ambitious collection of all that's new on the Web. It updates multiple times each day, so it's really difficult to keep current with all it offers. The life, career and work of a visual artist can be a solitary and lonely way to make a living. Coworking offers a unique way to break out of that mode for artists and others who work solo. It is described as a global movement of localized mobile/remote worker communities coming together to share their otherwise independent work experiences.

The Death of Blog Rush - Is It the Tip of the Iceberg? Why It Matters

The blog syndication network known as Blog Rush abruptly shut down a couple of days ago. There were as many as 50 readers who signed on to use them after reading about it here, or seeing the widget for it in the sidebar of this blog. If you are a Blog Rush publisher, you are advised to remove it as it is no longer serving the widget.

I liked the idea of Blog Rush because it was novel and appeared to be something that would be beneficial. Also, I liked it because it was the brain child of John Reese. who is a pretty savvy Internet marketer. He has made a fortune for himself and others, including enough to invest $400k of his own money in Blog Rush.

What has happened to Blog Rush, despite being a unique approach personally backed by a successful and experienced Internet marketer, is indicative of what can happen with nearly any Web 2.0 venture. Seeing Blog Rush collapse is a foretelling sign for some other Web 2.0 darlings. To wit, Rafe Needleman, editor of the Webware: Cool Web Apps for Everyone column for CNET News, ran a piece on October 10 titled, 11 troubled Web companies: The next Kozmos? Here is part of it:

"We are going to lose some good companies." That's the warning cry from investors in tech these days.

Some we won't miss, of course: the lame, me-too, or single-featured "products" masquerading as businesses. But be prepared. Some Web 2.0 start-ups that are well-loved by many are in serious danger of falling off the cliff.

The problem is that being loved is no guarantee for success. Even being used isn't enough. Remember Kozmo, the munchie messenger service from the last bubble? Not a person who used it didn't love it. In the interest of building a user base, the company was OK with losing money on every transaction in its early days. But when the time came for it to become a real business, it was too late. It couldn't transition to a viable company, and it folded. It was a tragedy.

Needleman's list includes companies that will be shocking to some, especially devoted users. It includes: Twitter, Skype, Pandora, Meebo, TripIt, Second Life, Zillow, Ask, Daily Motion, MySpace and NetVibes.Wow! Several of those are companies whose services I really like. I can't imagine losing MySpace, Zillow, Pandora or Skype. I'm sure many regular users of other names on the list will be just as chagrined and disbelieving as I am about my faves on it.

Why does this matter and how does it affect visual artists?

I often cover items of interest regarding Internet marketing here for a reason. I've repeatedly stated in this economic climate and with distribution methods continuing to evolve, it is imperative for visual artists to take control of their own distribution as much as possible. While I'm not advocating revolting from the gallery or publisher systems, I am saying success for visual artists today requires they take more responsibility for getting their work to market than any previous time. Not that it is hasn't always been crucial, just more so now.

Get the real moral of this story here

Obviously, the Internet and other technological advances are the main causes of disruption in changing and altering distribution channels. At the same time, these same forces also offer artists more choices and opportunities to be in charge of building their reputation and making direct sales. It is important to have an awareness that some services or companies you might use and take for granted or not as rock solid as you might think. As such, I will continue to report on progress surrounding Internet marketing and Web 2.0 and apropos Web 3.0 developments.

The real lesson is your business model has to be predicated upon being profitable. If you are sheepish about your pricing and not taking a fair markup on your work, it will come back to haunt you. Better to lose sales than to give it away. The well worn adage, "You can't lose money on every sale and make it up on volume", is as true for artists as it is for Blog Rush, MySpace orTwitter.