I recently had an opportunity to compare a bracelet I made with a similar type of bracelet made by someone else of the same materials. Her bracelet was clearly the more professional-looking one. She'd sanded it perfectly smooth and buffed it to a gorgeous shine. Mine was attractive, but didn't have that perfect smoothness of hers. It got me thinking.

I could spend the extra time to sand and buff each piece, and I do think it would make a visible difference in my work, and probably elevate it to the level of "art." The question is, do I want that? I went to a craft show recently where my biggest customer demographic was teenage girls. Most of what they bought was in the $13 range - earrings and barrettes, generally. They also liked the $8 covered Bic pens. If I were to advance my art, I would end up excluding customers like this who were clearly excited by what I had made. I would find myself seeking out a more sophisticated client with expensive taste and the income to afford it. Frankly, I'm more comfortable with what I am doing now. I feel like I belong in this world - I really *don't* belong in the world of the wealthy, and I feel more comfortable selling to people who are more like myself.

So, does this mean I am purposely stunting my artistic growth? And if so, is there anything wrong with that? Consider my story an example, and let's talk about this in more general terms. If a craftsperson has the talent and means to take her work to a higher level, does she have an obligation of some kind to do so? Is it a squandering of talent to be content with "really good" and not bother to go for "excellent" ?

What do you think?

Lisa


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Lisa Clarke
Have had your daily dose of Polka Dots?

I think one should always offer their best. That is the best job you can do on your present project within the restraints of time, materials on hand, and the amount of practice you have had on other pieces of a like nature. All of my work is OOAK--that is because the conditions under which I am creating are always changing. Each person will judge your piece differently. Soooo just do the best you can and you CAN BE proud of your work.

it's always best to push yourself forward artistically, even if it puts you into a sales market you aren't necessarily comfortable in? I like selling to my neighbors and friends.

It's funny - I can tell just from the few short sentences you wrote that you and I are very different in the way we work. You make OOAK objects. I am happiest doing what I guess you might call production work. I don't like to make things exactly the same, but I do like to make the same piece in different colors and patterns. I'm the type who finds a shirt she likes and then buys one in every color. I'm the same with the jewelry/gifts I make. In fact it makes me twitch to have only one of something - I usually have to make it a few siblings in different colors, LOL!

So, take this necklace:

(more detailed image here: http://www.polkadotcreations.com/gifts/zoom_jtnk609.html)

I think it's a very attractive necklace, made with Sterling Silver findings and Greek Leather cord. The pendant is smooth to the touch and I get many complements when I wear one just like it. I sell these for $15. I know that I could improve upon pendants like this by sanding and buffing. That would make the edging virtually seamless and fix some of the less-than smooth areas on the back of the pendant. That kind of work, though, adds to the time it takes to make each piece and while it elevates the piece to a more artistic level, it also prices it out of the range of the casual middle-class shopper. I guess my question is - should your target audience be a concern in how well you finish a piece? Or do you just have to do the best work you are capable of, and sell it to whoever can afford it? I think my work is really nice the way it is (and so do plenty of other people) but I see ways I could improve it. Yet I hesitate to do so.

Maybe my big issue here is that I'm lazy and that I just don't want to spend the time going through 5 grits of sandpaper, and I don't want to seek out those ritzier markets That's certainly part of it...

(Thanks for your response - this whole diatribe wasn't really aimed at you, it was more clarification for the sake of keeping the conversation going. I appreciate you posting your opinion, and welcome you to continue to do so if anything I said struck a chord with you )

Lisa


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Lisa Clarke
Have had your daily dose of Polka Dots?

I think every piece you produce is for a specific audience and therefore price point. If you are not paid for the extra time it requires to finish the piece, or at the higher price it sits in your inventory... where does it leave you?

I guess you need think about your market and produce your product accordingly. You can produce more than 1 line. I teach at a senior center and for $2.00 a head (plastic beads, or c quality stones) we create fantastic pieces. But if I was to try and sell any of my work there, while admired, most of the women wouldn't spend more than $25, even if it was sterling or 14k gold components. Money isn't issue with these women. So I bring basically $15 stuff or anything I want to get rid of.

I think if you make money doing what you do at the level of quality you produce great! If you can develop a wealthier clientele, who appreciates!! the better quality work and you make more $$ even better.

"Art" is good for display purposes. You sound like you want people to wear your designs. Atleast that's what I think.

I agree completely. I hadn't thought about the idea of having more than one "line" but that might be a good direction to go, if I find I have a taste for making the really artsy stuff once in a while!

Lisa


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Lisa Clarke
Have had your daily dose of Polka Dots?

Usually I just come and read, but today I felt like posting!

You're always going to look around and find someone who does what you do - only better. Even if you're at the top of your game, it will happen. Or, maybe that's just my pessimistic view of life!

But part of being a good business woman is knowing your market and your clientele. If your clientele is in the $15 dollar range - stick with that. Unless it bugs you on a personal level - I don't feel like there is anything wrong with making jewelry that fits this price range. Like someone stated earlier - you could finish off a few pieces and charge more - but if they don't sell, you're just stuck with them. Then what?

I've always got the impression from you that you enjoyed what you did and were happy and content with it. I guess if you're not, you need to delve in more deeply and see what changes you could make to bring that contentedness back. But if you ARE happy with the way things are going - don't fix what ain't broke, eh?

-Angela, Mom to Drew
Drew and I riding Thomas the Tank Engine

I just found myself wondering this weekend if I was doing myself a disservice by choosing not to "go the extra mile." I started out thinking No. But the more we talk about it, the more I think maybe it might be worthwhile to make a couple of really well-done, labor-intensive pieces and see how I feel about it then. I think I'm starting to get an itch to see if I even have that level of craftsmanship in me. I can't imagine ever giving up the way I work now (it's nice for me to be able to crank out a few pieces really quickly, especially when I need something to go with an outfit that night) but it might be fun to see how far I can push myself, just for art's sake.

Thanks for weighing-in - nice to see you around!

Lisa

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Lisa Clarke
Have had your daily dose of Polka Dots?

I'm new at sculpting. I recently experienced a level of success with sculpting my first anatomically correct human head but it took quite a bit of effort and time. Then I went to The Dollar Store and became discouraged when I realized that anyone could plop down a dollar and get a resin figurine that would take me hours to make. No way could I ever be willing to sell my little "masterpieces" for such a miniscule amount. It got me to thinking...How can I ever expect to make money when art can be massed produced so cheaply now? Just how much effort should I put in a skill thats so devalued in this "Mega-Mart" society? Pleeese, anyone, share your advice. I need some encouragement to get back in the studio Paula

I have been faced with the same question. When I thought about it and thought about it, I just couldn't come up with a reasonable answer except that it is one of a kind and handmade at that.
I asked a college professor the same question and he said that you need to come up with something different and unique that you have not seen anywhere else. This was a good answer and I can see his point, however, how do you get to unique and different.
Use your inspiration! Keep working! One time in class we were asked to create 10 blocks and in each block we were to take the fist block (the original idea) and do something different. By the tenth try, I actually did find something different and better.
If you are into selling your work, enter competitions, work booths, advertise (although that is about 10% effective) and just keep working. There is a market for dolls. There are so many magazines and books on them. I have researched them intensely also as I would like to create a neat looking doll. I think you are fortunate to have finally finished a face. I still am not happy with the ones I've worked on.
So, keep the faith! And get back into that studio and work on something. There is nothing wrong and is often relieving to have more than one project going at one time. So you can jump around according to your moods.

Just thoughts, but hope they help in some way.
Linda

I would also say that part of what should keep you in the studio is the love of the process itself and the drive to create. If sales is the only motivator, then you're probably going to be disappointed for just the reasons you mentioned.

If you really do love sculpting, then you just need to find the right market for your work. And there is, apparently, a good market out there for Art Dolls. If you haven't already, you should check out an issue of Art Doll Quarterly or look at a book/video by some of the well-known doll artists out there. Susanna Oroyan and the Creagers come to mind instantly, but there are certainly others. There's plenty of inspiration to be had out there, and you just know these artists aren't getting dollar store prices for their work!



Thanks for dropping by. I recognize your name - I just shipped something to you, didn't I...

Lisa

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Lisa Clarke
Have had your daily dose of Polka Dots?

...this is why I don't sell the stuff I knit or crochet. You can go into a Wal-Mart and get crocheted doilies and placemats for $1 each -- there's no way I could compete with that. Leaving aside the cost of materials, it takes me anywhere from several hours to days or even weeks to finish a hand-knitted or crocheted item. Even if I just wanted to make minimum wage, the cost of labor (not even including materials) would be so high that no one would want to buy the things I make. So I much prefer to make things for myself and my family and friends, either as gifts or on a barter/trade sort of basis. At least then I know people will appreciate the time and effort it takes to make them.

As to your original question, Lisa: I'd say do whatever makes you comfortable. You do this because you love to, and your stuff seems to sell just fine the way it is. So I wouldn't worry.

I think it all depends on the way you feel about the piece.  If it excites you then by all means go for the best you can do.  If you feel comfortable with it, then leave it the way it is.  I know some artists who would not raise their prices and who clearly could get a lot more for their work.  They are simply happy with the making of art.  Simple as that.  They are not interested in the money. 

A few others have gone to greater lengths and are asking for more.  They are in this (what I consider) an uncomfortable competitive world of artists who are now clamoring for the biggest price value.  So who is happiest? 

I think it is the one who does what they feel most comfortable doing.  I do believe, however, if a piece is absolutely exciting to you, you owe it to God, Mother and American Pie to go for the best, the very best you can do--no matter how long it takes. 

Linda  

Linda Allred