Ask an Artist: Listeners Questions I
Episode 48: Listeners Questions I
Over the last months we have had some really good questions from listeners and we are going to try out this slightly different format for this episode. Here are Laura and Peter's thoughts on 3 questions, looking at work/life balance, selling work for the first time and troublesome students!
If you have a question that you would like to submit to us then please send them here.
Questions and Answers. In what will become a regular feature, Laura and Peter answer three listener’s questions directly:
I’m a huge fan of the podcast. As an 18 year old artist coming into the art world, it’s been super informative and helpful. I wanted to ask about balancing art and family. Right now I have no children of my own, but I’ve always been worried if I make a living with my art career and have a lot of travel involved, etc., how can I manage this while still being a mother or wife for example?
Laura and Peter say: We feel this question describes a set of challenges that face anyone starting up and then running a small business. All start ups face the same issue of needing income and managing family life while the business is being established and, once running, the business will still face possible childcare and cash flow challenges. In this respect, being a working artist is much like being a self employed accountant or web designer. You will need to negotiate with your partner and work out a game plan. Begin by both recognising that your art is a career path requiring serious attention, not a bid for time off to play!
I am new to all of this. I have someone wanting to purchase a poor painting of mine. My question is how much do I charge them? It's 16×20 ins.
Peter and Laura say: For detailed advice on selling, check out our episode on pricing work. Get your game face on! Even if you have never sold before and never intend to sell again, it’s important to treat your art with respect. Never describe your art as ‘poor’; if someone likes your picture enough to offer money, your job is to smile and congratulate them on their good taste, not to suggest they’ve made a mistake! It’s sensible, one you put your work on public show, to at least have a mental price list in case you get asked. If you are caught short and you can compare your work to similar work on show that is priced, use that reference to come up with a price. If all else fails, be honest that you don’t know and ask your buyer to name a price. If you feel it is too little, politely refuse the offer and suggest something higher. If they offer too much, smile, look them in the eye and tell them they’ve done well to catch you at the beginning of your career!
I’ve recently started teaching small workshops in my village, they are fun, low key affairs and I’ve really enjoyed connecting with local art lovers. Unfortunately,one student has become too enthusiastic; in class she wants all my attention and has even dropped by my house to ask advice a couple of times. Give she’s a local and I don’t want any ill feelings affecting my fledgling classes, how do I manage her in class and can I do anything about her visiting uninvited?
Laura and Peter say: This question is all about establishing boundaries. In class set the scene by telling everyone that your mission as a new teacher is that every student will get the equal attention they deserve. This gives you the perfect opportunity to tell the lady when she’s had your attention for long enough in class and you must move on. If she won’t take the hint, resort to nursery school tactics and explain you will see everyone in turn and she must wait until you reach her. In regard to her unwanted visits, take the same firm and friendly tactic. Don’t let her into the house, instead smile and say that you don’t have your art teacher hat on now, but you will look forward to seeing her work in class. You can add the sweetener that the whole class will benefit from the exchange that way. It may feel awkward at first, but a clear and friendly establishing of boundaries almost always does the trick with students like this.
The Takeaway: Please send your questions to us through this website and we may well feature it in a future episode.
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
