Tag: #handmade

Posted on

Markets&Pop Ups: A few Things to Consider

picture for online store

It has been a while since the last entry and I am sorry for the absence from blogging, but Focus was on other work on my plate. I have been concentrating on making stock for upcoming Holiday season and a focus on more affordable work for my followers, while keeping the work and quality consistent. Prices of goods, shipping and other supplies keep rising and it is time that we all access the possibilities as a recession looms.

Smaller or simplified work so that it is within reach of a budget conscious clientele, while keeping the craftsmanship high and keeping return customers coming back. I have shifted a bit of my own production in different directions to test the reaction of clients and new customers, As a multi-disciplined maker,I have the ability to work in different mediums, tho primarily ceramics, I am branching out to sell my aesthetic of things that “I would want to buy”. Empathy helps when planning a strategy for the consumers.

During the Holiday season, focus is on gift buying for others, and we as Makers should not forget about this. Gift giving , when money is tight is a sign that with few exceptions, the amount of money spent for gifts will be less than normal. I am trying to provide thrifty alternatives that follows my aesthetic, and keeping an eye on what I will charge for the final products.

You can always make higher priced work to display with the more affordable products, I think that it is aways a good idea to show your clients the possibilities of your creativity and range, so that you do not put yourself into a box or corner, but show different price points of your own work. So people can get an idea for the future.

When showing work at Art Fairs, Pop-Ups and other venues… Remember, display your best work, possibly in different price points, keep it clean and simple and have stock to replace items, and most importantly, do not OVERstock your display with “TOO MUCH” work, this can confuse the consumer as to what to buy. Price all pieces individually with tags or good signage, and let the prospective client browse without trying to hard sell your work. Have business cards available with online shop info……. People need time to reflect sometimes, especially when money is tight, Give them the space to observe and ask questions, be helpful and professional about explaining the techniques used for the works on display. …

I receive many commissions from the shows that I have done in the past so your signage, contact info is also a priority….. Remember to Sell Your Aesthetic and NOT Your Soul. People buy from makers because of your style of making things, do not forget this and underprice your creative work in order to sell. We need to be paid for our artistic strife to make handmade goods, It is a choice when you sell “Handmade”

All for now, Peace OUT

thehornypotter

Posted on

Why Erotica? Question Asked So Often

Getting away from the usual blog entries, so that I can answer a question that many have continued to ask of me about the Creative Use of Erotica in my work and the Pros and Cons of this decision…..

Many wonder why my site and social media entries are sometimes centered on the question of Erotica as subject matter for a lot of my work and, the answer is relatively simple. This is part of my research and story on trying to create work based on historical ceramics and the modern artifacts of such work applicable to Modern day….

I am not the first, and certainly will not be the last potter, who uses Erotica as one of the main influences on my work. The Chinese, Etruscans , Mayans and the possibility of living overseas for many years have helped me see my work as a chronicle of modern day society, the mores, and attitudes towards sexuality and the way it has grown into new groups for sexual deviance and more relaxed attitude towards sexuality towards the main stream audiences.

The Historic References have always been part of my research and the things discovered are quite amazing. From fables or woodblock prints to artifacts that I have uncovered during the time I read and research have lead me to the need to re-interpret this stories in my own way that it is pleasing to the eye for the decorative aspect and where technical execution of the construction and firing meet my critical eye and standard to work that I produce.

My aim is to appeal to a small niche of collectors and art enthusiasts that collect my work for fun as collectors and to use in every day life as they were meant to be when making functional wares, though decorated in a less common way. I like the fact that, something normally forbidden can be used everyday instead of destined to a collectors shelf or show case. As a potter, I firmly believe that functional wares need to be used and enjoyed everyday as we live our lives.

I hope that this answers the question , aside from the fact that I have a dirty mind which I am willing to admit…… Next time more about working in front of the public and less about personal preferences