Communication Malfunction

Artists are seen by the general public as creators, but in actuality, we are keen observers. We observe the world and interpret it, then we paint it, sculpt it, dance it, sing it, or build it coil by coil.

When I began setting up my table at art markets and fairs, I observed within a few hours that I was interacting with my customers in a way that other vendors were not. In some cases, I was the only person interacting with customers while other vendors pointedly did not interact at all.

I understood that these artists were doing their best to not be pushy or invasive. We (artists) certainly do not want to force our creativity on anyone. We understand how weird we are, and it’s not for everyone.

Unfortunately, in that specific setting, from the standpoint of a customer - the lack of interaction comes off as poor customer service. As citizens of the United States, where shopping is a past-time and being consumers is part of our identity, we have been trained to expect a certain experience when shopping. We have come to expect a greeting and engagement, and when we don’t receive it, we perceive it as rudeness.

Which is the height of irony as the artist is doing their utmost to not be pushy or rude. There is a major malfunction of communication happening in these moments. Additionally, I realized that I have very specific training that translates to this area quite well. In recognizing the problem, I set out to solve it. This was one of those 4am let's solve a problem ideas.

Enter - this thing that I made. Woo hoo!

I spent hours creating an outline of my idea which turned into a workbook which then became a very long workshop, which is now morphing into three smaller more digestible workshops with corresponding workbooks. But for now, let's talk about the main idea here which is sales and customer service training for artists.

I know, I know, so gross right??! Sales ewww.
But hear me out!

The first workshop is titled “The Art of Selling Your Art” and the aim is to help artists and creatives learn the basics of sales in a way that is pleasant and not pushy, invasive, or manipulative. The customer will leave the interaction feeling happy with their art purchase and the artist with money in their pocket.

I am teaching the first of these workshops as part of the residency program with the Arts Center in Corvallis on November 17th. You can find all the information to register here. The class taught as part of the Arts Center Residency Program and is subsidized by the Center, so it is only $10. A very good deal!! The only downside is that it will be a fairly large group in attendance.

I will be teaching the workshop to a much smaller group, only six spots available on December 1st at 6pm and you can find more information and sign up for that here.

Drop any questions or comments below. I’d love to hear your initial reactions and answer any questions.
~Jill