Your creativity is a gift from God, and there is nothing more powerful than embracing that creative energy. As an artist and creative person, I’ve learned many things over the years. First and foremost that mistakes are necessary and progress is more important than perfection.
But the million dollar question is always: how do we create art that sells?
My love of flowers is what made me an artist all those years ago. Eventually, that love grew to include a passion for designing and transforming raw spaces. But learning to sell that love and passion is much harder. One key to making a profit is staying fresh and incorporating new ideas and perspectives into our work every chance we can. After all, no two events are the same — so their design shouldn’t be either.
If you want to sell your art, here are a few humble suggestions to get you started:
1. Be wary of clients who request a replica of one of your previous designs for their own event. As an artist, you must constantly change and improve your work. Don’t be afraid to evolve. Even the very best designs eventually become passé.
2. Keep a lid on it. The problem with always looking at other people’s work is that you run the risk of copying them. This habit can kill your ability to generate your own ideas. If you want to be original, look within yourself.
3. Develop an identity, and stick to it. You know you’re successful when guests arrive at your events and immediately recognize them as yours — not because they all look the same but because they all feel the same. They should have the same power. As an artist, this is your greatest gold, the ability to convey your feelings.
Becoming a commercially successful artist is always a challenge. Because it’s not enough to be creative and talented. You also have to know how to sell. With that in mind, I’ll continue this discussion here on Wednesday and Thursday.
Dear Readers, please tell me about one of your most successful designs or services and what made it so salable. One such example for me is my first book, Design for Entertaining: Inspiration for Creating the Party of Your Dreams. I think the secret to its’ success was that most of the designs in that book were just a lot of fun.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Navjot Kaur
March 26, 2012
Thanks for the valuable suggestions. I am always influenced by the other artist no matter what area that is- could be Frank Loyd designs. I learnt from his designs how to connect the dots having two different concepts. Looking at your grand designs inspired me to be in this business. I was able to challenge myself more with each event that I did.
The most enjoyable and inspiring are the events where clients want you to try something new. I recall that I created a Mandap with feel of nature yet elegant and sophisticated look for indoor hotel setting. I was lucky that I got a chance to explore and deliver at the same time.The Isle runner was of tusar silk with yasmin flower blooms for aroma. I used the threads in seven colors to create a rainbow effect on the Mandap top.
My clients just loved the feel and that made me happy.
Now, being creative is one aspect to it. Bigger picture is finding ways to attract clients. Designs alone means nothing without the clients who hire you for the services by placing trust in you _ your company.
Savannah (The French Bouquet)
March 27, 2012
Very valuable suggestions– agreed! Couldn’t agree with point 1 any more. I’m aware of requests for copying and A) that goes outside of my moral and comfort zones. B) you truly can’t grow as an artist if you confine yourself to a repetitive box. C) that particular client may pay for that specific design and want it to be exclusive (every event and all art is supposed to be one-of-a-kind, right?) You can’t take one client’s custom event and duplicate it for another. Wrong in many ways…in my opinion.
Point 2: When it comes to design (say web or blog design in my field) it’s tough for me not to find examples in other blogs and sites that I like. But by doing that I simply run the risk of copying and that’s never good. Your mention of looking within myself )within my feelings and soul and own creativity) is a great pointer. I can appreciate the beautiful art I like, and naturally if that’s something that resonates with me and I love it and it obviously speaks to me, then that may be a similar style that will result when I put my own brush to canvas. I create what I love and what speaks to me, then speak it in my own way…but keeping your ideas YOUR ideas, and keeping them fresh and untainted by other’s which can lead to copying, is important.
Regarding point 3: I have the privilege of blogging for the fabulous florist, Anne Marie Foy, of The French Bouquet, and her designs are truly one-of-a-kind. She has her signature look and brand. And I know I’m not alone when, with various bouquets and centerpieces lined up, I can invariably pick out her gorgeous designs. She’s simply got “that special look.” It’s unique AND it’s beautiful.
Great post, Preston! Love them al, as always.
Angela
March 27, 2012
I begun my career by looking inwards and before long i only spent time looking at other designers and I realized it was stifling my creativity. I have begun looking inwards and that has helped me in rediscovering new designs and ideas. I will always look to others for inspiration however I will not spend all my time doing that.