Artist to Artist: Glass
| INSIGHT allows artists to share their business insights with fellow craftspeople in the same medium. |
| Bruce Howard, St. Charles, Missouri | |
Although I have been blowing glass for over 10 years, it has been more of a passion than a source of income. This year I attended a conference where Bruce Baker spoke on the jurying process and how to make the slides of your work stand out. I am taking a drawing class and networking and consulting with peers. My best sales are at my studio open houses and consignment at local galleries. My goal is to exhibit at the bigger fine art shows and out-of-state galleries. CONTACT: Bruce Howard, St. Charles, Missouri, |
| Carter Seibels, Charleston, South Carolina | |
As a glass jewelry artist, I’ve found that the best way to market my work is through home shows. Women love to meet the artist, see how I work, and play dress-up in my jewelry. Being in a comfortable home environment allows them to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and shop at their leisure. I’ve created postcards that I send out to my mailing list, offering a free necklace in exchange for a home show. It’s been a great marketing tool and I almost always find another host at every show I do.CONTACT: Carter Seibels, Divali Glass Jewelry, Charleston, South Carolina, (843) 568-4055, |
| Alexis B. LaRow, Fayston, Vermont | |
I began sending out wholesale brochures to stores and galleries and attending a few shows. By attending more retail shows and meeting people, I was able to focus on what interests them. I always set out a mailing list for people to add their names to and have plenty of cards and flyers to give out. I have a Web mailing list to keep in touch with current customers; many are from eBay, which is a great market indicator. In the end, people want to know the artist — nothing’s better than good old customer service with a smile. It’s important in creating a loyal following of customers of your work.CONTACT: Alexis B. LaRow, Novation Glass, Fayston, Vermont, alexis@novationglass.com, www.novationglass.com.
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| Mercedes Brugh, Logansport, Indiana | |
Beautiful postcards get results. People are much more likely to look at a postcard than open an envelope. My mailing list of 500 includes past customers, people who sign my guest book at shows, and acquaintances with good taste. Also, I donate work to the local art association’s annual auction, and in return, they let me use their membership list. Two mailings advertise my location in local shows, and three mailings advertise open studios, one of which is a private show for loyal customers.CONTACT: Mercedes Brugh, Frozen Music Composed Glass Jewelry, Logansport, Indiana, (574) 739-2125, Mercedes.burgh@verizon.net, www.frozenmusic.net.
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| Mary Juhasz, Strongsville, Ohio | |
As a lampworker limited to selling part time, finding markets has been challenging with my time constraints. One successful venture has been in the area of private home shows. The hostess receives a gift, based on the number of guests invited, toward the purchase of pieces of her choice. The benefits to me include a cost lower than a booth fee, no competition from other vendors, quick sales in a short period of time, and personal interaction with the customers. Most shows lead to another as guests request a show in their home, increasing my new and repeat customer base. A guest book expands my mailing list. Home shows may not sustain a full-time artist, but can be a viable option for people looking for markets beyond traditional shows.CONTACT: Mary Juhasz, Strongsville, Ohio, burninbeads@adelphia.net.
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| Dina Iris Kail, Guilford, Vermont | |
I went into my jewelry business as an artist, biologist and environmentalist with no business experience. When I first started, I exhibited my work at a local farmers market. This gave me lots of local attention and a client base that has helped my work grow. The trust established has gotten me some exciting commissions. Commissions get me more commissions. My resiliency, flexibility and sense of humor keep me going through the rain and economic hard times. I now exhibit more work throughout New England at many retail crafts shows. I research the show by speaking to other artists and reading publications such as The Crafts Report. CONTACT: Dina Iris Kail, Glassroots, Guilford, Vermont,
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| Ren Pineau, Lake Mary, Florida | |
Online auction sites prove to be worthwhile places for me to offer lampwork presently for sale. Most inquiries for custom and wholesale orders come through Internet contacts. Providing images of lampwork available via e-mail is extremely beneficial and effective for communicating what I have to offer to those expressing interest. Today’s online situation of: “See what I’ve made,” then “Choose what you want,” and “Pay securely” so “I can ship immediately” works! Participating in retail shows and other events is additionally rewarding for me. CONTACT: Ren Pineau, Lake Mary, Florida, Days Between Workshop, ren@daybetweenworkshop.com, www.daysbetweenworkshop.com.
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| Emily Holmes, Hunterdon County, New Jersey | |
I’m fortunate to have a line of work that’s eclectic and unusual — even galleries that already carry stained glass often find that my sconces, candle holders and lanterns bridge the gap between traditional stained glass and contemporary housewares. For this reason, I’ve had success with a broad marketing strategy that incorporates as many avenues as possible, while keeping my business image consistent and recognizable. I use a combination of direct mail, retail sales, online and traditional advertising to reach a variety of customers. My Web site has been my most successful tool in connecting me with new accounts. Several galleries have found my site while researching the Web and have since become excellent customers. CONTACT: Emily Holmes, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Emily@holmes-art.com, www.holmes-arts.com.
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