We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Bennett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Some factors in making a profit is investing in certain materials if you plan on showing your work at art fairs, etc. Most likely you will need a canvas tent for your booth, display grids, weights to keep your tent and grids upright, easels, wire hangers, plaques describing your work, packaging for purchased items, and a mobile app for payments. Make sure your phone is charged. These are start up costs will help you become more professional and successful. For me, over time they have paid off.
Show fees and commissions should be understood. If you are displaying at a gallery, typically you will pay 50% commission for the sale price. That means you will need to double the price, to protect your bottom-line. It’s a rewarding experience to have my work sell for such a high price in a gallery setting. Art work is priced less at art festivals or farmer’s markets but require a show fee, and often a 10% to 15% commission on your gross sales. In other words, make sure you make a profit and price your work accordingly. Don’t be shy! Also, do your research and make sure that the art show/farmer’s market/festival/gallery has a following and history of success with advertising. You will not want to waste your time and dampen your spirts in low attended venues. Selecting art events that are well known have been most profitable for me. When I am preparing for an outdoor show, I set up the display in my garage, few days before the event. That way I am confident with the layout before the day (s) of the show. It’s important to be ready vs. unprepared and scrambling to set up and arrange your space. I highly suggest having someone help you set up your display. It is physically challenging. I am grateful for my supportive husband who helps set up my booth. If not you may want to hire a handyman (but if you are worried about your profits, maybe get a friend to help out as a favor?) which is a luxury but well worth it. The last thing I want on the day of my event is to be physically exhausted, sweaty and unfocused. Art shows provide a chance to network with other artists too. Often I will learn tricks of the trade, other shows, which all lead to profitability. My advice is to keep moving forward, connect with new clients, network with artists, and stay positive and be flexible. I’ve been told I need to raise my prices, so having various price points is a great way to test the waters and see what sells! Some days feel like I hit the jackpot and sometimes I feel like I should cut my ear off, like Vincent Van Gogh. The struggle is real but rewarding. Lol! A sense of humor can boost your spirits and sales too.
Kim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My creative journey has been full of twists and turns. After a successful career as a film editor I turned to designing women’s clothing up-cycling vintage tablecloths and fabrics. Scouring flea markets and thrift stores I started collecting vintage china and other materials. From there, once again, my creative journey continued in a new direction. Ten years ago I started making mosaics by incorporating vintage materials into glass collages, grouting and finishing each piece with a resin seal. This style of mosaic making with upclyed broken plates and materials is a French style known as “Pique Assiette”
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Finding my audience is like buying a lottery ticket. I never know when someone is a buyer or browser. Last weekend I was at a two day art event. Fifteen minutes before the show was over, a couple announced they wanted to purchase two of my priciest art pieces! Some artists were packing up. Be sure to hand out business cards. I’ve had people reach out months later asking to purchase art work they saw at past shows. Recently, I got an email asking; “Do you still have that painting of palm trees, another, Is the Rooster still available for purchase?” Yes and yes! Sometimes I have gotten a private message from social media asking to purchase one of mosaics. I have displayed my work at local restaurants and sold pieces that I never expected to sell. Exposure is always a great way to connect with people, whether it is online, social media, or a local farmer’s market, coffee shop, etc, you just never know what will sell next! Ahh, the mystery of it all, like art itself.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The struggle is real, “starving artists!” is an actual thing. One of the lessons I have learned is that patience with buyers and yourself, is key. Don’t fall into the idea of an overnight success. Allow compliments to be a form of currency, never give up. Keep creating and learning, explore all avenues for income and practice self-compassion, be happy for other artists success, smile, create, repeat.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mosaicsbykim.com www.happinessinstore.com
- Instagram: kimbennettmosaic