10 ways to prepare for open studios
I’m having a blast gearing up for Waltham Mills Open Studios, which is Nov. 2-3. When I was a recent graduate I used to participate in Jamaica Plain Open Studios annually, and it was always such a great experience. Back then I didn’t have my own studio space so I always showed at one of the group venues and had to schlep my work there every time. This time will be completely different, since I have my own space that I can present in.
I was thinking today that it might be helpful to other artists to have a list of recommendations for open studios events. Below are some practical suggestions when getting ready for an open studios event.
1)Have a range of prices. Most visitors at open studios purchase art in the $10-$50 range, with most purchases averaging about $20 each. This strategy works well, as you can make money on volume. The most expensive piece I ever sold at open studios was a $90 drawing. I make sure that I show about 3-5 of my very large pieces (ones that are in the $1,000-$2,000 range) to draw people into the space, and then provide small works that can be impulse buys. People love being able to bring something small home with them.
2)Have a diverse and large quantity of art. One of your goals at open studios is to get your visitors to linger in your studio. The more you have for visitors to look at, the longer they will stay. Variety is important too, if everything you make looks the same, it won’t matter how much art you have. This year I’ll be showing drawings, digital prints, and beeswax and white resin sculptures. (see photo below)
3)Play an ongoing slideshow on your laptop. I have so much art that there’s just no chance people will see it all, so a slideshow is an effective way to represent the scope of your work.
4)Have free postcards. People love free stuff, and they enjoy collecting postcards as they wander through the studios. Be sure to have your contact information and website on the back of the postcard.
5)Make sure prices are displayed. Most people don’t like to bother to ask the artist what the price is of a work. Having the prices clearly marked in a tasteful way makes things more accessible to your visitors.
6)Have a binder with articles, your resume, and artist statement. This gives you credibility so that your visitors can find out more about you, without having to ask you directly. It makes you look professional and accomplished. People love reading about artists. The more information, the better.
7)Have a guestbook. I’ve had people write lovely comments to me in guestbooks, it’s just another way to get people interacting with your studio. Some people are very shy and won’t want to speak to you in person, so this provides another way for them to communicate with you.
8)Have an email list. Let people sign their email addresses so you can add them to your mailing list. I personally don’t bother with mailing hard copy postcards anymore; I save those for the art dealers and curators because it’s so costly. Everyone else gets digital announcements now.
9)Package the art properly. Invest the money in neat plastic sleeves to place your artwork into. This achieves two things: practically speaking people can handle the artwork without ruining it, and the work will look clean and professional.
10)Have music and food. This provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere to your studio, and can help fill in awkward silence when there are just a few people in the studio. Keep the food minimal, some wrapped candy tends to work well. People with kids will especially appreciate it.
