And so, con season looms, audience participation

[mizarchivist]

I just signed up for my art show table for Arisia. I now want to start making stuff.  I'm already picturing in my mind what I want to do with the whole table I've requested- I picked up an ornament tree since the last con, so I can hang the glass ornaments, which could be for a Christmas Tree, or... whatever.  It will certainly be very eye-catching and more secure than last year's option.

I'm also thinking of putting together a catalog of my work so that I don't necessarily bring one of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
I do like to show off what I can do, but I also like to bring stuff to the show that will sell. Here's some examples of what I'm talking about-
Jewelry
Boxes/tins
Magnets
Ornaments
Any opinions on what is most eye-catching / art show worthy is welcome.

Comments

What past data do you have?

[drwex]

In particular, what's sold in the past? One reason there's not much change in these shows year-over-year is that the same stuff tends to sell all the time.

Re: What past data do you have?

[mizarchivist]

I don't keep a spreadsheet or anything that lists what has sold. I usually sell a standard-size altoid tin or two. I did pretty well with the glass ornaments that were all Cthulhu-y this last year- I've got a new style of jewelry, but it's not particularly geeky, but it's much prettier and more finished looking than previous attempts. I've also sold a few magnets. *shrug*

I believe I didn't bother with the little sculptural stuff- dragons and fairies since that's been the least productive and hasn't been developed overly much the past few years.

Re: What past data do you have?

[drwex]

I think the Cthulu-themed stuff was awesome and would probably sell well again, if it wouldn't bore you. Likewise some Flying Spaghetti Monster stuff would probably appeal to the geek crowd.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

Given the audience, some more game pieces like you made for me would probably sell quite well . . .

Oh, good idea

[mizarchivist]

Hmmmmmmmm.... I will want further input on that, please :)

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

A complete dragon- or Cthulhu-themed chess set would probably be a lot of work, but I'd bet you could price it in the $190 range.

Your roll-and-slice technique could be used for sets of Go beads.

Hmm, I'll look over my games and see what cries out for custom pieces.

[mwah]

[mizarchivist]

Robin also arrived at the chess set idea, which would be quite labor intensive, depending. Especially if there's anything beyond simple details. I think I'll stick with small game pieces "In This Present Economy." (I hate that turn of phrase)

I'd be quite keen on seeing which sets of games you think could use specialized markers. Mini project! :)

[missdimple.livejournal.com]

Do you have photos of the game pieces you made him? Maybe you could display the photos with a card that says custom orders are available...

Planning artist plans

[mizarchivist]

I did take pictures of the pieces, although they didn't make it onto the picasa gallery (yet)-- maybe need to fix that. But yes, I could. I'm planning on making myself the same pieces since I now have the game in questions (Tsuro). Making a spare set at the same time would be quite easy.

[nchanter.livejournal.com]

Also, something else that I think would sell well, not nessisarily just at Arisia, but in general... you made me a set of votive holders for I think my birthday one year, that I think was just using the dragon wing patterns or styalized flames... anyways, they are fire colored affixed to a basic glass votive holder. I think that more candle-stuff like that would do well.

In a less-than-robust economic climate people are less likely to just spend money on stuff that counts as "art" but if it's "utilitarian *and* pretty..." well, just my two cents.

-N

[mizarchivist]

Indeed! I have fun with votive decorating and I can often get them pretty without spending a huge out-lay of time or materials. I like that notion- thanks :)

Yeah, that not-so-robust thing is foremost in my mind (as you'll see in what I said in the Jon-thread). I prefer pretty *and* useful almost always.

LJ Ate my comment!

[nchanter.livejournal.com]

I had a long thing justifying my suggestion... but basically you made me some embellished basic votive holders, and more stuff like that could definately rock.

-N

How odd

[mizarchivist]

I see your other comment, so all's well

[missdimple.livejournal.com]

Given this crowd, I'd suggest bring plenty of dragons, fairies, and skulls. Also, the magnets are neat and probably within most people's budget, no? Have a few uber expensive things...that way someone can splurge and you go home happy, a good selection of decently priced but obtainable, and a healthy choice of inexpensive. I like the stuff that shimmers or is really unusual. your shell magnets are really whimsical. Whimsical is fun. :)

That probably wasn't at all useful, but I hope you do well at the show!

[mizarchivist]

Reinforcing what I'm doing isn't a bad idea- gives me some confidence that I'm on the right track. I have to check to see if I still have some of the skull cane for magnets. I'll definitely have to make some Cthulhu magnets, for sure. Thanks!

[catness.livejournal.com]

PIRATE FISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

[mizarchivist]

So noted :)