How an Artist Created a Full-Time Business

by Carolyn Edlund

Artist Nettie Price moved from selling only original paintings into a full-time thriving business, using strategies to appeal to different markets with different formats. Here’s how she did it.

 

 

Recently, I visited a gift shop and saw several displays selling products that featured the work of artist Nettie Price, an artist I knew and had been following for a while. I was very impressed with the smart ways that she had developed different product lines,and had ramped up her business by selling in the wholesale marketplace. I asked Nettie to share her journey with us, and her results.

AS:  How many ways are you earning income with your art?

NP:  I earn income from my artwork in multiple ways. Having more than one income stream insures a steady revenue flow since many are seasonal and cyclical. Income from retail sales are usually from gift markets, fine art shows & craft festivals.  I also sell retail at benefits, fundraisers and online at my website. Wholesale income is usually generated at trade shows, through referrals and by sales representatives.

 

 

AS:  Why did you decide to start wholesaling?

NP:  I decided to start wholesaling early on in my business. I was at an art show in my hometown and a local store asked me if I would sell on consignment. After testing the waters in a couple consignment stores, I started selling directly. Selling wholesale enabled me to expand the breadth of my business and brand recognition, connecting with customers I would have never have had the opportunity to reach.

AS:  How did you choose the formats that you were going to sell?

NP:  I love creating artwork, however, selling originals I learned early on was the limiting factor if that is all I sold. I wanted to create an affordable product that could be reproduced by me in my studio but not necessarily by my hands. I first sold signed sparkling matted prints. A friend told me I needed a loss leader, something inexpensive that would draw people in and had mass appeal, sparkling mini magnets.

 

 

A year or so later, I started the card line and was immediately approached by a sales rep group. Cards are a great way of getting your work and brand out there. I see them as selling little business cards that direct consumers to my website where they can purchase a higher priced item at retail.

Canvas prints were another good move because it gave my display some substance and eye appeal. When displaying artwork, it helps to have a big item that will sell the smaller ones. The latest addition to my product line is a desktop calendar. These have proven to be a good seller both practical and consumable.

AS:  You moved your business from an inefficient model into a more efficient one. How did this happen?

NP:  Moving my business from an inefficient model into a more efficient one was accomplished through systems. Creating a set procedure to handle every aspect of the business from creation, to production, product fulfillment and finally follow up was thought out and solidified as my business grew.

I created a business map, set procedures and put systems in place to provide structure which allowed me to flourish in an organized and manageable way. Sometimes, however, as the business grows, I find the need to take time to reevaluate those systems and adjust to accommodate my changing business needs.

 

 

AS:  Are you considering bringing any new product categories into your offering?

NP:  I am considering new product categories including a jewelry line and candle line. In addition, I am always open to licensing my designs for home decor, accessory or table top manufacturing.

AS:  How did you put business systems into place to get started?

NP:  The most important business systems I put into place to get started was billing software such as Quickbooks and creating an attractive website. The billing/inventory software is essential and in my opinion, mandatory if you would like to sell wholesale. Keeping track of invoices and payments can be a real nightmare if some type of system is not in place. Having an attractive ecommerce website is equally as important to reap the benefits of the high margin profits of selling directly to consumers.

AS:  What advice would you have for other artists who are interested in growing their businesses?

NP:  Firstly, I am humbled that you ask for my advice since I am learning daily. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more I need to learn. Some advice that I can offer for other artists who are interested in growing their business is don’t be afraid. Know in your heart that you can do it and then do it. Make a commitment to yourself that every day you will pay attention to learning, growing and sharing. There is plenty out there for everyone, including you.

Wholesaling can be a daunting business and overwhelming at times, however, remember you are the one in control. Sometimes bigger is not necessarily better, it is all about how comfortable you feel at the moment.

 

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