I love being creative. I love taking a bunch of different things and producing something new and wonderful. Something that would not exist if not for my intervention. Whether it be yummy soap or a fabulous new piece of jewelry, their very existence makes me happy. I’m happy to say “I did that.” Strangely enough, though, when it comes to SELLING what I’ve made I turn into a bit of a turtle. I’ve been told I tend to under-value what I make. When someone says “How much?” I mumble some price that I’m usually thinking I have no business asking and that the person asking is thinking “Is that all?” I say this only because I’ve been told this. Repeatedly.
I don’t know why it is, but it’s quite common for some artists to under-price their work. I think part of it is because many artists don’t make a living off their art and are just thrilled to sell something. I think the other part is more insidious. I think it’s a self-esteem issue. It’s almost as if some artists think, if even on only a subconscious level, that if they ask a higher price then they’re somehow guilty of hubris. They may fear that someone will actually gasp in horror and exclaim “You must be joking…it’s not THAT good”. I’ve finally acknowledged that maybe that’s a problem I need to deal with.
Along with pricing issues, there come the marketing issues. I’m not good at marketing. It feels somehow a little dirty to me to be promoting myself. Because that’s what it’s ultimately about…. while I may be selling a product, on some levels I’m really selling myself…or at least my abilities, particularly with the jewelry. But I’m going to do it. I’m going to keep plugging away at coming up with a cohesive marketing strategy. Step 1…..this weekend’s craft fair.
I’ve made flyers to let people know where to buy my products. I’m not expecting to sell a lot of jewelry because craft fair buyers, here at least, tend to not purchase more expensive items, but I want the jewelry to be seen.
Brandy printed me up some business cards on that scrumptious copper card-stock, I bought decorations for the table, so I guess I’m ready to roll. I’ll take pics and post them next week.
So we’ll see if I’m getting it right. With the packaging, the marketing, the pricing, the product. With everything. It’ll be interesting, to say the least. As for the pricing, the other phenomenon I’ve noticed is people that drastically over-price their products. But that’s a topic for another blog post. I’m sure I’ll address it at some point. Stir the pot a little. Make a different kind of mess. *evil grin*.
Just Make a Mess 