Ask an Artist: Listeners Questions IV
Episode 58: Listeners Questions IV
You are back in control of the show on our special ANNIVERSARY episode as Peter and Laura answer viewer’s questions. This episode covers working with other artists, when to hide work from social media and how to manage a client who wants a refund…
If you have a question that you would like to submit to us then please send them here.
The Useful Stuff
Question 1: I want what aura and Peter have! I want to have another artist who understands me and with whom I can bounce ideas off who can provide feedback and even paint together. There’s nobody ike that around or if there is, they are significantly older. How do I find another friend artist, even mentor, who doens’t feel like we are competing against each other? Surly the art community should be about support, not competition? From Patrizia
Having a buddy is a real help for any artist, but don’t feel you have to find someone of the same age or working in the same way as you. Friendships that span different techniques, generations and even the odd ocean or two can be priceless. Look online as well as in person for artists who chime with your values. Joining a group on social media is a good way find like-minded artists and open a dialogue. Approaching an artist you admire with genuine interest and admiration can also lead to good friendship, but it has to be a two way street. Be brave about reaching out to people at events, shows and classes (tricky at the moment we know, but the same applies online), always chat and be friendly. Technology makes it possible to chat and even work together through apps like Zoom etc., so overseas buddies are perfectly possible!
Question 2: What do I do about showing my work via social media when it’s promised to a gallery? Should I have the exhibition first and then show the images or should I show them on social media to advertise the gallery exhibition? From Sarah.
Getting the timing right between showing work on social media and showing the same work in a gallery is very important. Have a clear dialogue with your gallery about your intentions. If you have created work specifically for a show, you may agree with the gallery to use social media posts of the work and its development as a way to generate interest in your show. Alternatively the gallery may want a grand unveiling and for the work to remain out of the public eye until the opening. Either way, get an agreement in writing, an email will do, and make sure you stand by it. Work that is from your general stock and you have already shown on social media is another matter: you shouldn’t have to take it down for the gallery’s benefit.
Question 3: I’m in a bot of an award position. A customer recently bought a painting of mine and happily took it away with them to add to their walls. However, they have got back to me (after 5 days) saying they have changed their minds and would like to return it and be fully refunded. I’m not sure what to do. Should I refund them or say I have a ‘no returns policy’?
Returns always feel awkward, so it’s good to have a plan in place in case it happens. If the work is a commission, then you should always have an agreement up front, ask for a non-returnable deposit and be sure to check in with the client as you work. Bespoke work cannot normally be resold, so you may have to stand firm. (Listen to our episode on commissioned work.) For non-commissioned work, it’s best to keep the client’s goodwill and offer to swap the work for something else. If the client really isn’t happy and it’s within a month, both Peter and Laura would give the refund with good grace. Longer than a month and it’s no longer reasonable to ask for a refund, but you might offer to swap as a gesture of goodwill.
The Takeaway
Please keep your questions coming. They could well find their way into one of Laura and Peter’s Q&A episodes or even provide the basis for a whole episode. Submit your questions here contact page.
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
