I do lots of outdoor art festivals. I'm trying to find some ideas for products other than matted prints, greeting cards, framed prints and giclees. Any thoughts and suggestions? I've looked at small run calendars(LuLu), but the quality is not there. Have any of you done anything with things like
journals
puzzles
christmas ornaments
bookmarks
etc.
To add to Alain's suggestion, also consider the "soft" costs. I can see how high-quality calendars may be a good investment (and you can sell/give those as promotional items outside the show as well) but to me seeing an image on a mug or mouse pad may detract from my appreciation of it as a fine-art print.
The one photographer I know who does this (and does well at it, BTW), limits the range of photos used away from those she sells as prints. It's a separate enterprise, but well worth it financially if you "hit" the markets right. She thinks of them (mugs, etc) as greetings, event or humor cards and includes text or titles with most.
Though she's known for her landscapes and such, her best sellers on novelty items to date are C/U's of kids eating ice cream or chocolate candy and wearing most of it, "cutesy" pet shots (especially kittens and puppies), and embarrassing moments with people. All people are covered by model releases, all are staged, and all have strong Awwwww! factors or humor. Her best results come when she hits seasons or events: kids rubbing noses at Valentines day, baby ducks at Easter, a kid intently studying a Santa Suit at Chrismas.
I totally agree with Guy. The soft cost (a nice term for this) can in the long run cost you more lost sales than bring you money because it devaluates your work in the eyes of collectors.
Before I knew any better, over 10 yrs ago, I made "Limited Edition Magnets" for a short time... I stopped pretty fast when I realized what that was doing for my reputation. I wouldn't recommend doing so to anyone today.
Besides the profitability issue you also need to make a decision regarding whether you are selling fine art or selling souvenirs.
Discussion
4 repliesjournals
puzzles
christmas ornaments
bookmarks
etc.
I have tried these products -many years ago- and I have found it to not be worth my time.
Here's how to find out if it will work for you:
#1 - Take the average price of these items (the ones you mention)
#2 - Figure out how many you can expect to sell (use your previous sales records for number of customers)
Multiply #1 by #2.
The resulting $ figure is what you can expect to make. Is it worth your time, your effort & your investment?
To add to Alain's suggestion, also consider the "soft" costs. I can see how high-quality calendars may be a good investment (and you can sell/give those as promotional items outside the show as well) but to me seeing an image on a mug or mouse pad may detract from my appreciation of it as a fine-art print.
Guy
Though she's known for her landscapes and such, her best sellers on novelty items to date are C/U's of kids eating ice cream or chocolate candy and wearing most of it, "cutesy" pet shots (especially kittens and puppies), and embarrassing moments with people. All people are covered by model releases, all are staged, and all have strong Awwwww! factors or humor. Her best results come when she hits seasons or events: kids rubbing noses at Valentines day, baby ducks at Easter, a kid intently studying a Santa Suit at Chrismas.
Before I knew any better, over 10 yrs ago, I made "Limited Edition Magnets" for a short time... I stopped pretty fast when I realized what that was doing for my reputation. I wouldn't recommend doing so to anyone today.
Besides the profitability issue you also need to make a decision regarding whether you are selling fine art or selling souvenirs.