I’m a wildlife photographer and I figured I’d ask some people who know about business.
My idea is to make my garage just like a typical art gallery. All artwork by me.
The advantage for me would be that I get to keep 100% of the profit. No dealing with middle men at all. I’m also very much so in the correct area to sell art.
The advantage to the customer is they get a private appointment. I was thinking of rolling out the red carpet and giving them a free non alcoholic drink just for showing up. VIP treatment. Some people like to meet the artist as well, they would get the opportunity because I’d be a one man band.
My issue is I don’t exactly know how people are going to find me or how to advertise something like this. I can’t think past the point of handing a business card to people who talk to me while I’m taking pictures. Seems like an impossible thing to get the word out locally.
Putting myself in a potential customers shoes, I would not go to an antists home gallery unless I was already a big customer and well acquainted with them…eg know for several months/years and I would not go alone. Also, there is a lot of social pressure if I go to your gallery and you are watching me and only me…to feel like I have to buy something. In a gallery it’s a more professional setting and I would feel much more comfortable. The only time I’ve bought a painting in someone’s home gallery was in Myanmar and even then it took me almost an hour to decide what to buy.
At best, the artist leaves you alone and you feel awkward browsing in their house as the only customer for x time period. Would feel like a wasted time if you didn’t buy something. It all goes south from there. Gives “if you want to leave, buy something vibes”.