We talked about strategies for follow-ups, connecting with interior designers, sales, and a #keepingitreal roundup of last weekend's art show.
Questions from:
Walter:
Have you tried to connect with interior designers for folks in LA Beverly Hills, NY Hamptons and other major cities? How would you even go about doing something like that?
Jeff Walker:
What’s your process for following up with clients
I get surprisingly thorough in this Drunk Q&A video from last night. I answer questions from Jason Carroll and Jerald Ezequiel about meeting interior designers and finding funding for my business. I discuss my meeting with Microsoft's Art Curators happening later today.
It's an interesting question, hindsight being 20/20 and all. Looking back is worthwhile if for no other reason than to learn from my mistakes--and to help prevent you from making some of the same ones. I have a much clearer view moving forward. Where to begin when it comes to "starting over"...
Really, I've made so many mistakes.
Spent money in the wrong places. (Repeat.)
Worked with people I wish I'd never met.
And taken some really bad advice in the past.
I pondered this question for a day or so. Let it ruminate. Made a list. Whittled it down to 4 points:
As I've said, I've taken some bad advice in the past (and ignored some good stuff, too). So heed at your own risk. Or just take this with a grain of salt and perform some introspection of your own.
Jason (not me) Asks:
Ok, so I have a question about edits, I always try to push my images to the limits of contrast and color saturation/vibrancy to create images that are more attractive. I am always mindful of the balance of keeping things looking as real as possible but I notice many of your images have great saturation and contrast and they really pop. Are you editing in SRGB or higher color gamuts? and are there secrets to editing for striking color that helps attract potential clients.
Interesting, and do you send your pictures in SRGB to the printers or do you send it in a different setting?
Alright! well, this topic of photography is not a focus for the group and there are many photographers sharing post-production techniques out there on the inter-webs. However, I think I know what you're really asking and I try to tackle it from a business perspective.
I love the way this group makes me think about my business processes and strategies and how I put them into actionable content for you. Here's the list of questions I cover in today's Q&A:
Steve A:
I'm watching your videos, it is clear that you have a lot of images and in some cases, they look as interesting as your limited edition art. How do you decide which pieces are your A roll and which are your B roll? Further, how do you decide which pieces you are going to print and show and which ones are going to just remain available in your catalog collection? This seems like a hit or miss task. I really like Survivor and I really would have thought that would have sold, certainly when you see it in person.
TJ:
I am wondering how you decided which images to invest in for your art shows. Past sales? For someone who hasn't sold a ton of prints to notice sales trends, what advice do you have for choosing which images to investing?
Adam L:
Hi all, I just want to Sherry block I am having. While being gratefull to be a part of this group and learn about all these great things Jason has already taught, I have a hard time moving into the selling phase before I feel my work is "perfect" and ready to be sold at my standards. I'm currently at a stage where I don't know the steps to take from having an edited photo to printing it. And by printing it, I mean having the image as print ready as possible and knowing the best or preferred medium to print an image on to achieve the desired level of having a finished product. Any help here would be much appreciated. Mahalo.
Cody:
When it comes to your website, how do you recommend optimizing it for the best experience? I know that you use Squarespace, but what plan are you using, as you do not use the shop option with it and therefore don't necessarily need to lower the transaction fees?
Do you have any advice for setting up your website in general so that your clients can see your best work, etc? Hope that makes sense....
So this is the first video I did with the webcam instead of videotaping while talking with a dry-erase board. Have a preference on webcam vs. videotaping? Chime in anytime.
First question, Jesse:
You mention the law office and the restaurant in two of the recent videos. I was wondering if you focus on local images to be relatable in order to sell work.
Mike:
Good morning everyone, I'm getting caught up on the videos. Jason, we're selling a luxury item where we introduce scarcity via numbered limited editions. A few questions in and around this space I'd love to hear you talk about. 1. How and when did you decide to transition to limited edition pieces from whatever you were doing before? 2. Are all of the pieces you sell now limited edition pieces? 3. What is the certification process like for this? Do you have to join a special a professional group or something? 4. Your Cave shot; I've heard you say you're only doing 50. Does it matter what size for the edition? 5. Do you sell open edition pieces to provide an entry-level opportunity for friends and family.
*note, this is from when the group was in Beta and the opening comments are about limited participation
Questions from the group:
Jesse:
I know you mentioned that you have only mad a few thousand over the lat few years licensing your work, but I would, if you ever have some time to explain, know how you go about licensing your work to TJ MAxx, etc. That you would be awesome.
Katie:
Could you show a picture of the metal plate and the holographic sticker on your artwork?
Joris:
I watched your last video. Real Awesome, Thanks for all the info you are giving. On my website I'm showing all of the pictures I think are cool, but I know thaey are not all good for hanging on a wall. I want to give the people the opportunity to buy something they like. I'm also thinking to limit my pieces to 40 each.
Steve:
Jason, you definitely have a wealth of knowledge and it's impressive how professional you are in your approach to selling art. One of the things I really like is the representation of your art in a home setting that you use for promotional and marketing material. (for example, on the back of your business cards or in your catalog. 1. Do you source the home images from a database and then photoshop your image into it? 2. If you do use a database do you haave a recommendation? 3. Have you ever done this with a client's home? They send you a picture of their living room and you "place" your image to give them a real-world perspective? Thank you for your time in sharing your experiences.
Cody had a question about selling his work (via direct marketing) in a small town. In this is video, I do a practical application of the marketing tactics I taught in the group. For more of that, see the unit on Marketing.
