My friend was so happy with the painting commission I did for him

[brendannz]

He slapped handshakes like about 5 times after I brought the painting to him.. because he asked me to paint the scene with his French Crepes stall in it.



Couldn't believe how happy he seemed... I didn't charge him lots for the painting, ($250) because knew he was tight for cash, but still a good bit of pocket money.. Now I don't care too much about money, because making people happy is worth more..

all the signs are pointing towards that I can't sell paintings on a regular basis for more than $300 for my paintings at the size I work on, (16" x 20") which probably means that I won't be able to quit my regular job anytime soon.. But I still make money from the prints, when I get the scanned stitched together, which sometimes doubles the profit on the painting, or more. But now I think the love & connection with others is worth more than the money

Now I'm doing a website for this cafe that I'm exhibiting artwork at, I set a low price to start out with (being new to web design) and talked to them about what style, and I'll do it with lots of cartoon characters. It's quite an iconic cafe in Wellington, so could be a big break through

I've much more experience in painting than web design, but I have a quote bluetacked to my door "I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them" - Picasso

My heart's really into this project, I think I can do a good job..

[Lucidism]

That's a fantastic painting! You have a lot of talent. I envy the skills of artists - I have trouble drawing stick figures!

[ellie]

Great painting Brendan, I can see why he liked it so much.

I think it's certainly worth more than $250.

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by ellie

I think it's certainly worth more than $250.

I was happy doing that price for a friend..

The thing is, last year at a cafe my paintings sold like hot cakes at $250-$300, and so I thought it was time to push the prices to $300 - $400 ish.. but it seems like I can't sell them at at that price, except at the NZ Art Show.

All the signs are pointing towards that I can't be selling my 16" x 20" paintings for more than $300 unfortunately.. which means being able to live off artwork, isn't really possible in the near future, just sideline pocket money, a few thousand a year (selling prints as well as originals).. and hopefully keep building that more and more every year..

But I'd paint for no money, so it's still cool.. I guess part of this thread was me accepting that I'm happy just making a bit of sideline pocket money, and not being nearly ready to quit having a day job...

I know this guy who does photo realistic portrait paintings from the market stalls, and reproduces them, so like when he sells one of John Lennon, or movie stars, he'll re-paint it, and sell it again. The thing is he sells them so cheap, he probably makes about $1 an hour, if he even breaks even from stall hire fees and materials.

EDIT: I'm also building my profile, advertising and getting exposure through selling prints, (last count, sold 406 prints) and it seems to be working, because my friends fiances mum from the states, who bought prints saw the picture and wanted to purchase an original. And also, someone who purchased prints has come back to me thinking of purchasing my pencil musician portraits..

[ellie]

Sounds similar to what I am doing, although you're far ahead of me. At least you've sold stuff online and offline

I'm just trying to get my head around it all. All the marketing, product listings etc that you have to keep on updating, it gets exhausting. But I really love it too.

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by ellie

Sounds similar to what I am doing, although you're far ahead of me. At least you've sold stuff online and offline

I'm just trying to get my head around it all. All the marketing, product listings etc that you have to keep on updating, it gets exhausting. But I really love it too.

Well if I wasn't doing recognisable urban landscapes I don't think I'd be selling on a regular basis

Where do you sell? what do you do?

PM me if you wanna keep it anonymous

[Harald]

I've just had a good long look at the gallery on your site, Brendan, and wow.... You've got some really, really good paintings there. For me, the scenes from Wellington struck something personal as well, as I've been there quite a bit (stayed in Lower Hutt a few times too). It's been 17 years since I was there, though, so seeing your paintings today was kinda.... Well, let's just say I want to go back there - sometime soon.

I'll probably order one of your prints, btw. Congrats on the great work, I'm SUPER impressed.

[Angelique]

What a vibrant painting!
I love your use of color and light. The light reflections on the floors especially and the shadows. I can see why your friend is so happy!

Maybe you could get some inspiration from "Val's Art Diary" on YouTube, if you haven't heard of her already. Just to be clear I mean inspiration for a business model not your art style (which is awesome).

[Andrew Gubb]

Awesome painting and awesome experiences Brendan..................................... here's praying something amazing comes along and lets you quit your job.

[Piercetheveil]

Brandon (and other artists/writers/crafters)

The Technium: 1,000 True Fans

[fountainAtlas]

Next time try selling them for 900. Try to display them as though there a just a few left.


Looks very cool.

Good luck

-FountainAtlas

[elucidate]

This is actually "good marketing" as people will be more inclined to think the value of it is higher if the price is...it's psychology at work. Also, people with money like to feel as though they are buying something exclusive that none of their friends will have. Not a bad tip...just takes courage and confidence to go ahead and do it, be bold...you can do it

I love the painting btw. The shine in the wood floorboards and the tones are really spot on. From a distance it looks pretty real.

Originally Posted by fountainAtlas

Next time try selling them for 900. Try to display them as though there a just a few left.


Looks very cool.

Good luck

-FountainAtlas

[AndrewJen]

Nice paintings! So happy to see another artist here already

[brendannz]

To everybody; thanks for feedback guys..

[QUOTE=Harald;589788]

I've just had a good long look at the gallery on your site, Brendan, and wow.... You've got some really, really good paintings there. For me, the scenes from Wellington struck something personal as well, as I've been there quite a bit (stayed in Lower Hutt a few times too). It's been 17 years since I was there, though, so seeing your paintings today was kinda.... Well, let's just say I want to go back there - sometime soon.

I'm from the Hutt.

I'll probably order one of your prints, btw. Congrats on the great work, I'm SUPER impressed.

Not sure if you have, but cool! & thanks!

[ellie]

Originally Posted by AndrewJen

Nice paintings! So happy to see another artist here already

Andrew your work is lovely too.

[AndrewJen]

Originally Posted by ellie

Andrew your work is lovely too.

Thanks Ellie! I will be updating the portfolio with new work in June

Again Brendann, really nice work (^_^)

[iDreamCatcher]

Just want to say that i love your painting.
If I'd be retail store owner i'd be happy to have your quality of painting to hang in my location.

Gleb