Cards for a Track Record
This is a continuation of the post Cards and Licensing. To recap, I want to license my artwork to make it accessible and to create an income stream. So I need to show a track record of people wanting to buy my paintings. So, what to do? It seemed to me that cards were probably the best way to sell my images in an affordable way on my way to licensing.
Chi Chi in Butterflies, Digital © Diane Clancy
By now, some of you have realized that I am fairly persistent and committed in this process of building my career as an artist. So, if I am going to print cards, then first I have to research cards. How else does someone of my personality start a project? Remember a couple of years ago the card market was quite different than it is now.
I looked through all the art magazines that I had – Art Business News and several other ones. I copied down all the places that advertised printing cards. I also looked in my computer magazines – Mac World and others. I now was armed with lots of places to research.
Being still on dial-up internet connection, I mainly used the phone to start. I started a list for each place (12 in all I believe) and started keeping track of names, numbers and the details of price and what they offered. I got samples from probably 8 places … do you begin to see I am serious about all this?
I also starting noticing where other local artists had their promotional postcards printed. Modern Postcard won hands down!! Given that many local artists swore by Modern Postcards, my focus became a little different. I needed to see that it was as good as any of the others … not necessarily the best.
Next will be a continuation of my process of deciding … Of course, I would love to hear about you!!
~ Diane Clancy
Technorati Tags: accessible, income stream, track record, cards, affordable, licensing, career, research, local artists, Modern Postcard
Wow, you ARE… uh… meticulous!
As wonderful as the web is, I still believe that the best marketing plan combines both online and offline methods. I still love to have something “real” in my hands.
(But if anyone wants to buy an Amazon Kindle for me for Christmas, I won’t complain!)
Diane to be quite truthful I don’t have any advice on how to do it. But several of the artists in the coop I belonged to manufactured their own cards and they were quite successful at selling them so I think it is a fabulous idea and it would keep creative and marketing control in your hands. Do you have your work in a gallery? Sometimes they will allow you to sell prints and other medium with your work on them. I found in the coop that sometimes people think a piece of art is too much for them to spend, but a card they can put in a frame is something they can bring home today.
Sorry can’t be of more help as I did not make cards personally, but as a person who saw the benefits for those who did. Go for it!
I do no such exciting things as making my own postcards. although you do give me lots of ideas to think about, but then you always do. You make me feel so much more creative. I will create and I will do it on a daily basis, I just need to get started on it with a doodle or two.
Very interesting…. (I am still here…don’t ask.) I would be curious to see and feel the quality of Modern Postcards as well. On the other side of the coin from you I DO know about cards, but have not been happy with any of the samples I received a few months ago. This put an end to my ‘card making in bulk shopping’. I will look for their website!
i think i would call you methodical. i recognize this trait as well in myself. i got it well honed when i was doing research for card printing, and it will hold me in good stead again, im sure.
~sue o’kieffe
Hi Chris, I agree that online and offline marketing methods combined are the best. I too like something real in my hands …
Hi Debra Ann, it is good to hear that some of your artists in the coop have been quite successful with cards!! Very good to hear. I have to figure out to get to the next level with them. And I totally agree people are often willing to buy cards or prints as a more affordable way to have an artist’s art. Thank you!
Hi Irene, it is delightful to me to hear I inspire you!! Really wonderful!! I do encourage you to create every day … and to not judge it!!
Hi Julie, It is good to see you ,,, though you are supposed to be moving!! Modern Postcard is very excellent … different from a lot of the others! Send me your address and I will send you a card.
Hi Sue, I think we are alike in many ways … this being one of them. I know it will hold you in good stead again!! I am sure!
Thank you!
~ Diane
Hello the message is stunning.
I like your blog..
ciao
Finding your site was an accident thanks to google, but I like it