Lust, Love, and Guilt - crafthaus2024-03-28T11:23:59Zhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/forum/topics/lust-love-and-guilt?commentId=2104389%3AComment%3A256638&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI'd like to address the "buy…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-22:2104389:Comment:2598242011-06-22T01:46:37.599ZMark Lattanzihttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/MarkLattanzi
<p>I'd like to address the "buy local" movement and whether it does or does not apply to artists. </p>
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<p>I ran a very successful, pioneering campaign that got more people to buy locally grown farm products for 9 years here in western Mass. Google 'be a local hero, buy locally grown' to see where it is at today. I left the project in 2007.</p>
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<p>One of the great temptations is to take the same successful rallying cry and try to apply it to other sectors - locally owned…</p>
<p>I'd like to address the "buy local" movement and whether it does or does not apply to artists. </p>
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<p>I ran a very successful, pioneering campaign that got more people to buy locally grown farm products for 9 years here in western Mass. Google 'be a local hero, buy locally grown' to see where it is at today. I left the project in 2007.</p>
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<p>One of the great temptations is to take the same successful rallying cry and try to apply it to other sectors - locally owned businesses and/or artists. But in a nutshell, I think those approaches will largely fail. Here's why.</p>
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<p>Locally grown food is at the intersection of two incredibly powerful emotions: virtue and indulgence. If you have a product that satisfies those two needs, and you market it well, you will succeed (as long as the product is not crap).</p>
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<p>So, virtue. There is nothing more iconic in the American cultural lexicon than the small farmer. Our nation was created by small farmers in revolt against an oppressive ruler. Small farmers were once ubiquitous, and many families across the nation are no more than one or two generations removed from farming. There is a powerful cultural need to help farmers. And one of the easiest ways to help a farmer and polish your halo at the same time is to buy locally grown food.</p>
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<p>Indulgence. What's better than a fresh picked strawberry, ripened in a field in your hometown? <em>Nothing.</em> If you live in New England you might have had strawberry shortcake - with local cream sweetened with maple syrup - as I did for dinner tonight. It was spectacular!</p>
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<p>If I can be virtuous and indulgent buy enjoying some damn fine strawberries, count me in. </p>
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<p>Now here's why this won't easily work for artists. We're not culturally valued in the same way as farmers. Frankly, many people regard artists as people who are somehow slacking, not working hard, or lacking a "real job." You certainly cannot say that about farmers, who are regarded as some of the hardest working people in our country. So tacking on 'local' does not give us any more mojo than we already have.</p>
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<p>Now we are similar to farmers in that our products are seen as indulgent. But as you know our products lack the practicality and price point of locally grown food. We are more purely indulgent than those delicious strawberries.</p>
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<p>So as desperate as times may be, and in the face of the decline of the baby boom generation - the people responsible for creating and maintaining the American craft market for the last 40 years - we cannot simply tack on the "buy local" slogan and expect it to work.</p>
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<p>We still need to stick to our biggest asset - the emotional needs of our customers for personal and home adornment. That's human nature, and it's not going away any time soon. It's just gotten harder to tap in to.</p>
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<p> </p> i cannot help but get involve…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-22:2104389:Comment:2597352011-06-22T00:33:24.335Zanne havelhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/annehavel
<p>i cannot help but get involved with this downright interesting as well as extremely important conversation. i have a few different perspectives i'd like to share and see what comments are generated. i have been selling my work (jewelery) at mid to high-end craft shows for 10 years now. i have been watching the trend in sales all during this time and the quantity and quality of the attendance. i can say that the "recession/depression" began well before the housing crash in 2008, but that…</p>
<p>i cannot help but get involved with this downright interesting as well as extremely important conversation. i have a few different perspectives i'd like to share and see what comments are generated. i have been selling my work (jewelery) at mid to high-end craft shows for 10 years now. i have been watching the trend in sales all during this time and the quantity and quality of the attendance. i can say that the "recession/depression" began well before the housing crash in 2008, but that is a different conversation. what i can say is that at the same shows i've done many times, the sales have been sliding preceipitously. attendance is dramatically down and therefore the $$ available to us artists is likewise diminished. the same paair earrings that no one thought twice about purchasing before is frequently looked upon as too expensive. i know that if a customer touches it, they already have a connection to it on some level. most people don't even approach or touch it if it didn't stir something inside initially. i don't just wander through stores or craft shows just looking at tags for the heck of it. it's usually because i know i like it and i'm wondering if i can afford it. why is attendance drastically down? why are we selling less? why are stores like walmart selling more (because people can't afford as much for things they may have previously purchased at higher prices)? auto sales are down. home sales are down. housing starts are way down. i actually do not believe it has anything to do with someone not having a connection with something. i think the connection is there but right now it's also frequently about the price tag. is it always? absolutely not. but i do believe it is right now for many things. </p>
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<p>the media buyer for an organization to which i belong explained something to me when i asked her how come i seemed to be observing more people still buying things for their homes but less jewelry and clothing. she said that the big stores claim it relates to people having less money for vacations and luxuries so instead of spending that $4000 on a family vacation, they'll spend $500 on a beautiful piece of art/craft that helps beautify their home and make it "feel" more like a sanctuary. because they will spend more time there, they want it to "feel"/be more special. there is that feeling word again. it makes perfect sense to me. feel free to share on that.</p>
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<p>now, i'm sure i will generate comments on this, because it is somewhat political in nature. we have been discussing that "handmade" word used in autos and other majors corps in their advertising. people have begun to realize that we are in the mess we are in because there has been such a dramatic loss of jobs overseas and people are having to take reduced wages, give-backs on their benefits which includes medical and pensions, jobs with less necessary skills and therefore less pay, and other scenarios i'm sure we all know. people are beginning to realize that if we don't keep the money in the u.s. we are going to continue the same trend we have been seeing. have you noticed all the radio/tv/print ads talking about supporting your local businesses, buying from your local farmer, buy local? in vt it is very big, but it is gaining momentum everywhere. even lays or wise was using the potatoes are from the farmer down the road type advertising. who knows where their potatoes came from, but the point is the point. handmade/local as it's being used is letting people know it's from someone close by or at least here in the u.s. i think that the big corporations are actually helping our cause and we need to use that to our advantage. hard to believe that i am saying that the corps might actually be helping us. </p>
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<p>i think, and it's just my opinion, that the value of handmade is only going to increase, but, along with trying to connect to an emotion, which i do believe is not as much in play now as it is when we have more disposable income, we have to continue to educate people about the importance of keeping it here in the u.s. if we can get a sustained dialogue going about how important it is to get things from our own citizens, it opens the door to a different understanding about what we do and why they should want it over something else from overseas. if we start wanting more things made here then more things will be made here and our work will have tremendous value and it will be desired. then the feelings can be fully engaged and realized. there was a fantastic clay artist across from me at the old town art fair. there was piece i absolutely wanted. i know that all my purchases relate to color and form. i know i want it in a split second. it is purely emotional. but the price i could not afford. had he not made me a deal at the price i had decided i could pay, i would have walked away. believe me, the emotional connection was there, but it had to meet my price. that's why i know when someone comes over and touches it, the connection is there and before this economic downturn, it would have been going home with the customer. i personally cannot try to convince them to buy it when i believe it would hurt them financially. i know i can say the right words to make the decision more tempting, but i won't do it. </p>
<p>galleries have closed all across the country. a local sculptor friend of mine actually had 6 galleries close on him in the span of two monhs. imagine how he felt. if the venues for our art are shrinking, and that is still what i'm seeing as a person that gets out there and does this on a regular basis, is it really just about motivating the buyer? i do think that is too narrow a perspective for us to be operating under at this time.</p>
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<p>as we all know compact cars/hybrids have all witnessed a huge increase in sales. if they tried to sell those when i was a kid, it would have flopped big time because people wanted the luxury of space, the look, etc. now, those very same cars that were immensely popular when i was young cannot be given away. why? because it isn't just emotional. there is also a huge part that is practical, which includes affording something or saving the planet, or whatever the issue du jour is.</p>
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<p>so, that's my way more than 2 cents worth. love to hear comments.</p> To your point above, it can i…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2598132011-06-21T21:14:12.147ZMark Lattanzihttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/MarkLattanzi
<p>To your point above, it can indeed come across as smarmy, particularly if you hear the same vendor using the same line regardless of its relevance to the particular buyer. There is a certain amount of sussing out I always do before using an approach like that.</p>
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<p>There are lots of ways to move the customer toward the sale and they will work if they are relevant to her needs. I often find myself advising older women on gifts for their daughters or granddaughters. "Is she a…</p>
<p>To your point above, it can indeed come across as smarmy, particularly if you hear the same vendor using the same line regardless of its relevance to the particular buyer. There is a certain amount of sussing out I always do before using an approach like that.</p>
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<p>There are lots of ways to move the customer toward the sale and they will work if they are relevant to her needs. I often find myself advising older women on gifts for their daughters or granddaughters. "Is she a conservative pearls only person, or is she adventurous and edgy?" Questions like that give you a chance to learn about your customers' needs and establish rapport and trust.</p> Not to worry Brigitte. You'll…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2595452011-06-21T19:17:17.256Z2Roseshttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/2Roses
Not to worry Brigitte. You'll see purchasing ability connected to this soon. They are using art as a trial balloon to develop market acceptance and then demand. The artists may not see it that way, but the banks and business certainly does.
Not to worry Brigitte. You'll see purchasing ability connected to this soon. They are using art as a trial balloon to develop market acceptance and then demand. The artists may not see it that way, but the banks and business certainly does. I just came across the BANK O…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2595442011-06-21T18:13:26.279ZBrigitte Martinhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p>I just came across the BANK ON ART project happening in Toronto right now and wanted to share with you. It sounds like a good start, but it would be AWESOME if one could BUY work right then and there too and have it shipped home all straight from the ATM. OK, take a look:</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014110?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014110?profile=original" width="231"></img></a></p>
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<p>I just came across the BANK ON ART project happening in Toronto right now and wanted to share with you. It sounds like a good start, but it would be AWESOME if one could BUY work right then and there too and have it shipped home all straight from the ATM. OK, take a look:</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014110?profile=original"><img class="align-left" width="231" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014110?profile=original"></a></p>
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<p align="justify"><span class="heading_orange">BANK on ART</span> is a project showcasing contemporary artworks on the display screen of a functional bank machine. Developed by artist and curator Kelly McCray, this money-dispensing ATM features images produced by contemporary artists before and after each banking transaction.</p>
<p align="justify">In conjunction with the ATM, <span class="heading_orange">BANKonART.net</span> is an online directory providing further information about the participating artists. The objective is to engage and expose the general public to the work of artists through an existing routine activity.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014984?profile=original"><img class="align-left" width="406" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/301014984?profile=original"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bankonart.net/about.php">More information on: Bank on Art</a></p>
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<p>PS: A cursory look revealed participation of at least 2 metalsmiths, but there are probably more who have signed up already.</p>
<p> </p> Some additional info, as I wa…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2595432011-06-21T17:56:10.485ZTara J. Branniganhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/kindofstrange
<p>Some additional info, as I was curious and asked my mom whether or not the process has changed since that visit:</p>
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<p>Some additional info, as I was curious and asked my mom whether or not the process has changed since that visit:</p>
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<p><span class="Apple" style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: #000000; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple">"Each vehicle is made up of thousands of individual parts, designed by thousands of individuals. I'm sure for every Sterling Truck that goes by there are many other people pointing out their hood, fender, roof or door design. And anybody who says there is no craftsmanship in these products needs to visit one of the styling studios. Every vehicle starts with artists renderings and sketches. Then a clay model of their concept is made, which is an art form all its own. <br/><br/>Clay models are still used today and always will be. The clay modelers bring the artists vision into the 3D world and then it is scanned and sent to us designers, where we apply a touch of engineering reality and math to make it actually come together and work."</span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="Apple" style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: #000000; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple"> </span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="Apple" style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; color: #000000; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple">...Now I want to visit another plant. I wonder if 'Take Your Kid to Work' day still applies if said kid is closing in on 30!</span></span></span></p> That is good to know, thanks…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2597232011-06-21T17:45:38.611ZBrigitte Martinhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
That is good to know, thanks for bringing it up (both John and you.) I confess, I did not know much about this particular process. I learned something new today.
That is good to know, thanks for bringing it up (both John and you.) I confess, I did not know much about this particular process. I learned something new today. Thank you, very good points.…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2597222011-06-21T17:44:32.371ZBrigitte Martinhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p>Thank you, <strong>very</strong> good points.</p>
<p>While I do understand and applaud the rationale of comments like <em>"We use this platter all the time for fresh tomato salad. The tomatoes really pop with that glaze"</em> I must say that whenever similar comments were made to me (when someone tried to "sell" me something) it was a BIG turnoff for me personally. I felt like someone was DELIBERATELY attempting to make some sort of a connection with me for the sake of selling ONLY. It just…</p>
<p>Thank you, <strong>very</strong> good points.</p>
<p>While I do understand and applaud the rationale of comments like <em>"We use this platter all the time for fresh tomato salad. The tomatoes really pop with that glaze"</em> I must say that whenever similar comments were made to me (when someone tried to "sell" me something) it was a BIG turnoff for me personally. I felt like someone was DELIBERATELY attempting to make some sort of a connection with me for the sake of selling ONLY. It just wasn't authentic.</p>
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<p>What did it for me in those cases was wether or not I found the person behind that comment "believable" and also like-able. If I was unable to connect with them personally, then no matter what they said, it would not resonate, even worse, to the contrary I would find their comments to be intrusive and downright manipulative. If, on the other hand, I "liked" the person, their comments were welcome. Weird, right?</p>
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<p>I think that sentiment echoes what Deborrah stated earlier today, that she is a bit shy about talking about her own work for fear of coming across as self-serving. I am sure many people feel like that. Me included.</p>
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<p> </p> Just to touch on this briefly…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2595412011-06-21T17:20:58.699ZTara J. Branniganhttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/kindofstrange
<p>Just to touch on this briefly, as this irked me as well:</p>
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<p><em>"As a person who has has a fairly close personal knowledge as to how an automobile gets designed and made I take exception to the myopic notion that there is no passion, craftsmanship and personal "handmade" involvement in the process"</em><br></br><br></br>I grew up in Michigan, aka Motor City. One year when I was a child, my mom took me into the GM plant for Take Your Kid to Work Day. They did a big tour of the…</p>
<p>Just to touch on this briefly, as this irked me as well:</p>
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<p><em>"As a person who has has a fairly close personal knowledge as to how an automobile gets designed and made I take exception to the myopic notion that there is no passion, craftsmanship and personal "handmade" involvement in the process"</em><br/><br/>I grew up in Michigan, aka Motor City. One year when I was a child, my mom took me into the GM plant for Take Your Kid to Work Day. They did a big tour of the facility. One of my favorite memories of the entire trip was seeing the full scale clay models of one of the designs they were working on. The artists let us feel the warm clay that they use to build it out and ask questions. These were passionate people, building something they were proud of. While this role is likely fulfilled by a 3D model these days, there's still passion and design involved. My mom builds 3D models for the aeronautics and trucking industries and loves her job. Every single time she passes a Sterling truck from Freightliner she jumps at the chance to point out that she designed the front grill.</p>
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<p>To claim that there's no passion or hands on involvement in the craft, because it's developed under the umbrella of a giant corporation is to do disservice to the many individuals who had a hand in the end product. </p> As you stated, make sure you…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2011-06-21:2104389:Comment:2595392011-06-21T16:24:31.303ZMark Lattanzihttps://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/MarkLattanzi
<p>As you stated, make sure you are not talking about <em>yourself</em> but the needs of your buyer. Long winded process speeches take away your sales momentum. Greet, watch and wait for your customer to give you the cue that she is ready to consider buying.</p>
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<p>Every time a customer picks up your work she is putting herself in the mindset of someone who already owns it. She is "trying it on" in her imagined, ideal lifestyle.</p>
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<p>If you are a potter, and a customer is…</p>
<p>As you stated, make sure you are not talking about <em>yourself</em> but the needs of your buyer. Long winded process speeches take away your sales momentum. Greet, watch and wait for your customer to give you the cue that she is ready to consider buying.</p>
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<p>Every time a customer picks up your work she is putting herself in the mindset of someone who already owns it. She is "trying it on" in her imagined, ideal lifestyle.</p>
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<p>If you are a potter, and a customer is considering a platter, say something like, "We use this platter all the time for fresh tomato salad. The tomatoes really pop with that glaze." You are giving her a practical AND emotional reasons to buy that platter. She can use it for fresh tomato salad (practical) and she can idealize herself as the kind of person she WANTS to be - either a gardener (she may already be one) or someone who shops at farmers markets for beautiful fresh tomatoes. Those are layers of positive powerful emotions.</p>
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<p>If you are a jeweler and she is trying on a pendant, give sincere feedback about how the colors work with her skin tone or eyes and how they take her to the next level.</p>
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<p>As artists we often excel at making but suck at selling. But selling skills can be learned if they don't come naturally. You just need to become an observer of human behavior and put the customer's needs first.</p>