Am I in the right place?

[assal Barthelemy]

Hello everyone,

This is my first ever forum post so I apologise if I'm not in the right place. I was hesitant to post publicly but after I read the post 'Why UKBusinessForums Can Help Your Business' by Jetvirtual posted recently, I decided I would also give it a shot.

I am a British artist painter but currently I live in France. I started my painting business a few years ago and had an initial success selling on my own, mainly one-to one and also on FB and instagram. Since the birth of my son nearly 3 years ago and other life changing aspects that have happened in the past few years I have not had the chance to be very productive. However I feel ready to get back into picking up where I left off with lots of new ideas for products to produce and sell based on my artwork: place mats, cushion covers, prints, t-shirts, shopping bags, plates and rugs. But I feel overwhelmed, not sure where to start and how. The business side of things has never been my strong point, the planning, the strategising etc. I have my everyday obligations mother/ house wife etc but I want to start concentrating more on my career. Having been 'out of action' has left me feeling disconnected with the art world that has evolved and become predominantly online now since the pandemic as most of my experience was before with one to one meeting with clients. As it will probably continue to evolve in this direction I need some catching up to do and would love to discuss and throw some ideas about. I feel rather lost, not sure where to begin with re-launching my business so to speak. My goal is hopefully be back up and running with my new product range in 1/2 years. Are there any small art business or just business experts out there willing to help me, or point me in the right direction please.

 

[Mr D]

Welcome.

There are a lot of ways you can present your art, as you say multiple items that it can go on.
Unlike some others you do not need to seek out and buy licences to produce the products.

Look around at what other people get art put onto, then look around for some place that will do that work. Overseas will tend to be cheaper per unit though may have considerable minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Plus shipping costs can be considerable at the moment and probably for many months.

Locally should also have some places with lower MOQ.

Some people use sites that will print on demand. So you sell an item at say 20 euros the site will charge you 12 euros to print it and post it.

Regardless of how items produced you have the fun of marketing. Several 3rd party sites you can use - a site called tamebay has a big list of sites they produce and explanation for each one, worth looking at even just for ideas.
Or there is setting up your own site, one of many millions and getting noticed.

 

[WaveJumper]

Yes welcome to the UKBF exciting times ahead for you. All of what Mr D said above, out of interest are you going to be trading in the UK or in France. I would certainly think about attending a few events (once they are back up and running that is) like country shows and craft events certainly I have seen several artists at these events over the years selling their wares and they always seem to draw a lot of attention. Obviously with social media and the internet the world is your oyster now.

I closely follow the artist Roger Dean (does all the artwork for Yes the prog rock group showing my age now) he does quite a few sessions on line showing how he paints and puts together his ideas etc another good way to get followers interested in your work. best of luck and enjoy the journey

 

[assal Barthelemy]

Welcome.

There are a lot of ways you can present your art, as you say multiple items that it can go on.
Unlike some others you do not need to seek out and buy licences to produce the products.

Look around at what other people get art put onto, then look around for some place that will do that work. Overseas will tend to be cheaper per unit though may have considerable minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Plus shipping costs can be considerable at the moment and probably for many months.

Locally should also have some places with lower MOQ.

Some people use sites that will print on demand. So you sell an item at say 20 euros the site will charge you 12 euros to print it and post it.

Regardless of how items produced you have the fun of marketing. Several 3rd party sites you can use - a site called tamebay has a big list of sites they produce and explanation for each one, worth looking at even just for ideas.
Or there is setting up your own site, one of many millions and getting noticed.

Hello Mr D, thank you for your kind reply and information. I will take all your advice into account and take a look at tamebay, a site I have not heard of before. I already have my own website that i created and designed assalbarthelemy.com if it interests you to take a look. I did most of my showcasing from here but I feel it may need an uplift, especially with the option of buying directly and converting it into an e-commerce site.

 

[assal Barthelemy]

Yes welcome to the UKBF exciting times ahead for you. All of what Mr D said above, out of interest are you going to be trading in the UK or in France. I would certainly think about attending a few events (once they are back up and running that is) like country shows and craft events certainly I have seen several artists at these events over the years selling their wares and they always seem to draw a lot of attention. Obviously with social media and the internet the world is your oyster now.

I closely follow the artist Roger Dean (does all the artwork for Yes the prog rock group showing my age now) he does quite a few sessions on line showing how he paints and puts together his ideas etc another good way to get followers interested in your work. best of luck and enjoy the journey

Hello, thanks for the warm welcome I am hoping to trade worldwide as much as can be permitted these days. When I first started I was selling my paintings with no border limits. I can't wait for events to start back up again, these are challenging times. I will take a look at what roger dean does and see if I could grow my following by doing some online sessions too, now that no one can visit my studio here in normandy and with the new lockdown restrictions announced tonight by the french government who knows when I can open my studio up again for visits etc.

 

[UKSBD]

I know nothing about art, but your work is stunning and exactly the sort of stuff I like

 

[assal Barthelemy]

I know nothing about art, but your work is stunning and exactly the sort of stuff I like

Wow thanks !!!!! (blushes)

As Keith Haring once said wisely "You don't have to know anything about art to appreciate it or to look at it. There aren't any hidden secrets or things that you're supposed to understand".

To be honest there are days when even I feel like I don't know anything about art and I am supposed to be an artist so there you go.

 

[WaveJumper]

As it happens, I have been listening to an audio book this week by Noriko Campbell on Einstein’s theory of relativity (probably why I have a headache today) have to say much more pleasing looking at your work ….. a great talent you have there

 

[UKSBD]

Let us know when you start selling online you've got a customer waiting here.

 

[assal Barthelemy]

Let us know when you start selling online you've got a customer waiting here.

that's so lovely. I have been selling online since 2016, however I am looking to broaden my product range using my artwork. My paintings on my site are all for sale , the ones that have been already sold are clearly marked 'sold' . Any further questions I would be happy to answer.

 

[assal Barthelemy]

As it happens, I have been listening to an audio book this week by Noriko Campbell on Einstein’s theory of relativity (probably why I have a headache today) have to say much more pleasing looking at your work ….. a great talent you have there

As my work is based on this theory and I spend months studying the science before I begin to paint, I have to admit I have had many headaches too parts of Einsteins work even went over my head sometimes, I had to read over and over again before it began to make sense. I will look out for that audio book, I haven't seen one about Einstein by that author yet. Thank you!

 

[UKSBD]

that's so lovely. I have been selling online since 2016, however I am looking to broaden my product range using my artwork. My paintings on my site are all for sale , the ones that have been already sold are clearly marked 'sold' . Any further questions I would be happy to answer.

It all looks way out of my price region :-(

Your whole website is how I always dreamt my life would be, rather than just being nothing

I'm not an arty person but I'm literally in tears here for some reason, I am reminded of Jules from St Elmo's Fire and Betty Blue

 

[Deleted member 335660]

Hello everyone,

This is my first ever forum post so I apologise if I'm not in the right place. I was hesitant to post publicly but after I read the post 'Why UKBusinessForums Can Help Your Business' by Jetvirtual posted recently, I decided I would also give it a shot.

I am a British artist painter but currently I live in France. I started my painting business a few years ago and had an initial success selling on my own, mainly one-to one and also on FB and instagram. Since the birth of my son nearly 3 years ago and other life changing aspects that have happened in the past few years I have not had the chance to be very productive. However I feel ready to get back into picking up where I left off with lots of new ideas for products to produce and sell based on my artwork: place mats, cushion covers, prints, t-shirts, shopping bags, plates and rugs. But I feel overwhelmed, not sure where to start and how. The business side of things has never been my strong point, the planning, the strategising etc. I have my everyday obligations mother/ house wife etc but I want to start concentrating more on my career. Having been 'out of action' has left me feeling disconnected with the art world that has evolved and become predominantly online now since the pandemic as most of my experience was before with one to one meeting with clients. As it will probably continue to evolve in this direction I need some catching up to do and would love to discuss and throw some ideas about. I feel rather lost, not sure where to begin with re-launching my business so to speak. My goal is hopefully be back up and running with my new product range in 1/2 years. Are there any small art business or just business experts out there willing to help me, or point me in the right direction please.

Hi Assal, We run a gift shop in Spain and sell products from several artisans. Our most successful is a water colour artist who converts her paintings to small €15 and large prints €30 as well as small cards €4. Our worst was a pottery maker whose products seemed over priced and we sold nothing in 8 months.

There is a legal problem in Spain that a supplier’s invoice is not valid unless they are registered self employed. This means they are paying social security and many artists do not want to do that especially newbies or part time artists.

I would avoid the T-shirt cup market unless you can create a good brand of unique items like Berni Parker
https://www.berniparkerdesigns.com/...eVGtQvYK7E1_WGKunvj1BtY0v3EXk7DBoCeM4QAvD_BwE
There are so many part timers buying printers and offering to print things on bottles etc.
It comes back to know your market and know your costs and be different. We know our local buyers will spend €50 on a single product so we look for supplies in that area. We would love to sell some high quality leather items but our customers won’t spend €100 plus.

 

[assal Barthelemy]

Hi Assal, We run a gift shop in Spain and sell products from several artisans. Our most successful is a water colour artist who converts her paintings to small €15 and large prints €30 as well as small cards €4. Our worst was a pottery maker whose products seemed over priced and we sold nothing in 8 months.

There is a legal problem in Spain that a supplier’s invoice is not valid unless they are registered self employed. This means they are paying social security and many artists do not want to do that especially newbies or part time artists.

I would avoid the T-shirt cup market unless you can create a good brand of unique items like Berni Parker

There are so many part timers buying printers and offering to print things on bottles etc.
It comes back to know your market and know your costs and be different. We know our local buyers will spend €50 on a single product so we look for supplies in that area. We would love to sell some high quality leather items but our customers won’t spend €100 plus.

Thanks Trevor. I had a look at Berni parker and sent her a message. I think the prints is also a good entry product and affordable to most rather than the original paintings which are unique on top of that. I have been asked numerous times for the same painting that has already been sold for example.

 

[Deleted member 335660]

Thanks Trevor. I had a look at Berni parker and sent her a message. I think the prints is also a good entry product and affordable to most rather than the original paintings which are unique on top of that. I have been asked numerous times for the same painting that has already been sold for example.

No problem and yes it is a good start. We also have framed copies in the shop that retail at €40-60 but that is not so easy for online.
We are always on the lookout for new things so if you do go ahead do contact us and we could be your first customer.
Remember in pricing that a retailer needs a good margin if buying wholesale. We take 20% from our artisans but we do not buy any stock. On wholesale we sell cards at 100% markup i.e a card we buy for €2 we sell for €4 inclusive of VAT. Our site is www.allaboutgifts.eu

 

[Mr D]

No problem and yes it is a good start. We also have framed copies in the shop that retail at €40-60 but that is not so easy for online.
We are always on the lookout for new things so if you do go ahead do contact us and we could be your first customer.
Remember in pricing that a retailer needs a good margin if buying wholesale. We take 20% from our artisans but we do not buy any stock. On wholesale we sell cards at 100% markup i.e a card we buy for €2 we sell for €4 inclusive of VAT. Our site is www.allaboutgifts.eu

Somewhat different than W H Smiths who buy a card at less than 30p they sell for £3.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Welcome to the forum
We do a lot of work for artist that you would already know off
Their work is somewhat quiet at the moment and not much is happening ( some illness that people are getting or something )

Most of the work here in the UK gets displayed in the various gallery's in London and I think this helps them to propel their work . I am no art expert although I do view the Pitti Palace in Florence as a 17th 18th and 19th century Instagram of the Grand Dukes of that area
I do know the South Bank Gallery displays the work of new artist regularly in normal times I am told that they get good exposure.

I would do some research and see what opportunities are available for you in the Paris gallery's on top of marketing the art on products

 

[Deleted member 335660]

Somewhat different than W H Smiths who buy a card at less than 30p they sell for £3.

Yes, not surprised. You might also like to look at our most popular cards from a lady in England. She has a strong theme and sticks to cards, coasters and notebooks.
https://www.rosiemadeathing.co.uk/

 

[peppermintlover]

Hey there, assal Barthelemy!

Completely out-of-topic initial note: why are some people mentioning that your artwork is terrific? I'm new to this forum and I've been scrolling up and down and didn't see you place a link to your work and I really want to take a look! (help an idiot out please, thank you!)

First of all, I definitely feel you on your predicament on a personal level. I was a very passionate writer before I had the amazing opportunity to become a mother–you know the rest, I had to pause everything to be a great mom for my little angels.

But there was always that itch, to go back into the game (I resented not doing it earlier but hey, that's okay!) luckily for you, it's only a 3-year-gap from the game.

I know things are going to be very rough in the beginning. It's like starting with nothing, but you'll get through this!

Trevor actually gave super solid advice. For an artist like yourself, digital prints and physical prints are an amazing way for you to begin your venture. I'll draft out a short business plan for ya (one entrepreneurial mother to another). I'll be dividing it into three aspects: product and e-commerce store.

Product
1. Scalable Artwork
-> try and conceptualize artwork that can be scaled for different objects. A print that you can put on both mugs and rugs, shirts and shorts–you get the gist. It helps you broaden out your product list.

2. Niche / Genre / Theme
-> try to make your artwork centralized on a particular theme so you can have an idea of who and where you'll market these products! This also really helps your brand in the long run. If you love geometrical designs, floral patterns, or true-to-life designs, try to stick to that for now and expand in the future.

3. Packaging
-> you're an artist, I trust this won't be difficult for you to start out (if you haven't already). Try and make a simple and branded packaging for your works to get it out there in the world. Once your stuff launches, I'll be sure to order from you! :>

E-commerce store
I'm not really an expert at this since I just hired someone to set mine up, but if you want to read about it, I found a detailed guide on google and I'll try to summarize it.

1. Choosing a Domain and Host
-> this is too technical for my feeble mind, but the few tips I remember when I first bought my domain are to keep it short, no symbols or other characters, go with a .com domain, and try to insert a keyword in there.

Example: if your name is Kelsey, kelseyart .com / kelseycreations .com and etc

2. Choose a Commerce Store
-> I personally just use Shopify since it's the easiest thing I can think of, and it's been the simplest for me. But you can go and check what works for you.

3. Learn your Analytical and Statistical Data
-> this is not just for checking your sales, Ad reach, cart abandonment, average time spent on the store, and etc are a few things that we can track now with all the tools readily available out there. This helps you gauge out what's wrong and how you can fix it.

I don't want to lengthen this comment because it's gonna look like a blog post haha, but if you have any questions let me know! I've got your back momma!

 

[Ozzy]

Completely out-of-topic initial note: why are some people mentioning that your artwork is terrific? I'm new to this forum and I've been scrolling up and down and didn't see you place a link to your work and I really want to take a look! (help an idiot out please, thank you!)

Check out her profile by clicking on her username and then in her profile you'll see the link to her website.
Clearly we, UKBF, need to make the relevance of updating your profile more prominent

 

[peppermintlover]

Check out her profile by clicking on her username and then in her profile you'll see the link to her website.
Clearly we, UKBF, need to make the relevance of updating your profile more prominent

Thank you so much Trevor! Found it now

 

[fisicx]

Original art is great but the regular money comes from prints. Selling posters and framed copies can be more lucrative than selling an original once. There are loads of online stores where you can list your products. It means they do the hard work and you get the cash.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=prints+of+paintings