Open Studios part 1
Episode 88 : Inviting the public into your working space
Refreshed and from their brief break, Laura & Peter are back and this week they’re talking about local Art Weeks or Open Studios; one of the best ways to start interacting with the public. Whilst the exact format differs depending on where you are they offer an opportunity to be part of a larger event and for you to benefit from the marketing and advice that the organisers supply. Laura and Peter have been involved in their county Bucks Art Weeks event for quite a few years and both of them are enthusiastic advocates for the concept.
The Useful Stuff
Open Studios events go by many names and vary a lot in style, but all offer the opportunity for professional and amateur artists to open their own studio or shared space to the public. Taking part is an excellent introduction into the more practical and commercial side of making art and in part one, we will go through some of practicalities of setting up your open studio event and offer some hints and tips to ensure your show runs smoothly.
Open studio/art week events are usually run by a central organisation (usually regional) to organise and coordinate to all types of artists, crafters people and makers looking to showcase their work and meet members of the public. Some organisations have some sort of selection process to ensure a specific standard, whilst others are open to anyone interested in showing.
An open studios event doesn’t always mean you have to open up your own work space (which may not be suitable to allow visitors in). Some people prefer showing their work with others artists and markers, sometimes showing their work in a shared venue such as a community centre, village hall, church or even a hotel function room.
If choosing to show in shared space, make sure you’re organised and are clear with who you’re showing with from the outset. Having clear agreements (through meetings or written via email) on manning the venue space, how you plan to take payments, set-up, marketing and much more besides which will all help the event run smoothly and keep everybody accountable.
If you’re planning on opening your own studio work space, do find that right balance between showing off your work to potential customers and showing the ‘romance’ of your creative workspace. People may be visiting you to get a greater understanding of how (and where) you work and not always interested in taking your work home with them.
Get your pricing right and clear. If you have many people visit, there a good chance someone may wish to take one of your creations home. It’s important you make this as simple and easy as possible so make sure everything is labelled and priced (people are often shy to ask if it isn’t listed). Also have in mind what you would do if people ask for a discount or wish to purchase multiples pieces. Information on your commissioning process would also be highly recommended if you offer this service.
All being well, people will be purchasing your work so it’s essential to know exactly how that procedure will take place. How will you take payment and how will you manage the packing of these items. For those customers who can’t take the work away with them, what alternative delivery or postage options do you have. Having all these procedures in place will make the selling process smooth, efficient and professional.
It’s always a good idea to think about offering a range of price points when selling your work (not everyone has a large space on their wall for your massive paintings or the budget for that expensive necklace). Also consider offering items for sale that are not art works at all such as greetings cards or relevant merchandise.
It’s essential you have the appropriate insurance to protect you and your visitors so do check your public liability insurance policy. Be aware of the health and safety elements when people come to visit you - always assume if things go wrong as there’s every chance they will. Also be aware of your own personal safety, especial if you don’t feel comfortable being on your own with members of the public.
Don’t be afraid to have some ‘rules’ around the studio for members of the public. It’s better to tell them in advance than to correct them afterwards. Are you happy with people photographing you and your work? Are dogs and children allowed in the studio? Are they allowed to touch your pieces/tools/materials?
Be prepared to answer a wide range of questions (sometimes relevant, sometimes not at all!) as you will be asked and that is, after all, what meeting and connection with people during your open event is all about.
The Takeaway
Listen out for part two of this series where we will be discussing marketing and promotion, your role as host artist or maker, and how to make the most of the event during and after the show.
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
