Working with Shop Owners
Showing off your jewelry in hopes to get into local shops has been a whole new learning experience here in the city. For me, I am originally a studio artist who specialized in Painting/Printmaking then the jewelry was just a fantastic hobby. I've studied techniques from Humboldt County to Manchester England. Traveled all around the globe trying to figure out how to 'make it' as an artists. And what I learned: THERE'S NO ONE BETTER TO SELL YOUR WORK THAN YOU.
I am surrounded by sales people, my friends sell, my dad sells, but me... not so much. I've learned that it's EXTREMELY important to take a step back, look at your work and choose the perfect stores for your pieces. I reach out to shop owners by dropping in and checking out what they have to offer in their jewelry case as is. Don't be shy, maybe they'd be interested in something new to try out on consignment for a month. You'll never know until you drop in and say hello.
Things you're going to need to spread your work:
GREAT ATTITUDE
You will get turned away, your business card will get thrown out and you may even get a few dirty looks. Don't take it to heart, roll with the punches as they'll come regardless.
BUSINESS CARDS
Spend the extra 20$ and get the thicker card stock, that card is the only thing that is going to be representing your work when you leave a store so you must make it a good one.
WEBSITE
Or and Etsy, whatever. Have something that shows your work in the proper lighting.
GOOD PHOTOS
It's extremely important that you have photos that show off your work in the proper lighting and background but also deliver that inspiration you feel when you are creating.
*if you need help please contact DailySanFranciscan@gmail.com for photography information
BE A WALKING MODEL
The fastest way to get appreciation for your work is to show it off yourself.
FOLLOW UP
One of THE MOST IMPORTANT things you'll have to do is follow up with the people you want to reach out to. Shop Owner's aren't going to be able to remember everybody's name and so you'll need to do your research and get in touch within a few days. Maybe you want to stop in again the following week?... WAIT. Try not to be too persistent. That's going to negatively represent your work and you might come off to strongly. You're interested not desperate.
DO THE RESEARCH
Enough said about the artist preforming for the Shop, it's a huge deal that you understand the store's policies, aesthetic and payment process. I've been burned many many times, and everyone has their own way about doing things. It's natural, we are only human. But if this means that you won't be seeing any income for 6 months, then that's a store you want to avoid. The best way may to reach out to an artist that you know retails there. Check the shops Online Artist list and shoot out a few emails.
If you have any questions or ideas about getting the good seed planted, please don't hesitate to reach out. That's what I'm here for. To talk about the great things that are happening around this city and to connect Artists and Store Owners together.
DAILYSANFRANCISCAN@GMAIL.COM
