Saturday, November 5, 2011
New discount art supply site
I just received an e-mail this morning about a new discount art/craft supply site in the vein of Groupon: Blitsy . They're just getting started, but it might be worth signing up for updates.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Hey fellow Etsians!
It appears that I've unexpectedly inherited the captain's post for two Etsy teams. Please take a peek at the below team pages and, if you're so inclined, join up!
For those who create or appreciate adornments of an ancient flair. Whether historically accurate (artifacts) or fictionalized (art-of-fakes), all are welcome.
Midwest Street Team (http://www.etsy.com/teams/9874/midwest-street-team)
Open to any artisan residing in the Midwestern US. All media accepted. Supportive, encouraging, non-competitive.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Online art marketing resources
Next month, I'm going to be a part of a panel discussion at WindyCon (http://www.windycon.org) regarding online marketing for artists and crafters. Since I'll be sharing the following resource list with panel attendees, I thought it might be of interest to my blog readers too:
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I've broken the list entries into their best-defined categories, but as you're browsing, you'll notice that many of the sites linked will overlap categories. Some of the marketplaces will have social media elements, some galleries will allow sales, etc.
Marketplaces
Fees on these sites will vary from a flat dollar rate per month, to a percentage of each sale, to a combination of both. A few are even fee free. All have their pros and cons. A big site may have a lot of traffic, but your work might get lost in a sea of similar items of that genre, whereas your work might shine in a smaller marketplace...but that might not matter if the site has low traffic.
Art By Us http://www.artbyus.com/
Art Garage Sale http://www.artgaragesale.com
ArtFire http://www.artfire.com
Artful Home http://www.artfulhome.com/
Artful Explorer http://artfulexplorer.com/
Artid http://artid.com/
Artist Rising http://www.artistrising.com/
ArtQuid http://www.artquid.com/
Artsefest http://www.artsefest.com
Beetlebird http://www.beetlebird.com/
Big Cartel http://www.bigcartel.com/
Bouf http://www.bouf.com/
Cargoh http://www.cargoh.com/
Copious http://www.copious.com
Coriandr http://www.coriandr.com/
Cosa Verde http://cosaverde.com/
D'Art http://www.fine-art.com
eBay http://www.ebay.com
eCrater http://www.ecrater.com/
Erayo http://www.erayo.com/
Etsy http://www.etsy.com
Farm Made http://farmmade.com/
Felt http://felt.co.nz/
Felt & Wire http://feltandwireshop.com/
Frozen Ember http://www.frozenember.com/
Funky Finds http://funkyfinds.com/
FuzzB http://fuzzb.com/
Handmade Artists Shop http://handmadeartistsshop.com/
Handmade Catalog http://www.handmadecatalog.com/
Hyena Cart http://hyenacart.com/
Icraft http://icraft.ca/
Indie Made http://www.indiemade.com/
Krrb http://krrb.com/
Luulla http://www.luulla.com/
Made It http://www.madeit.com.au/
Made It Myself http://www.madeitmyself.com/
Meylah http://meylah.com/
My Best Canvas http://www.mybestcanvas.com/
Myriad Galleries http://www.myriadgalleries.com/
PoppyTalk http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/
Ruby Lane http://www.rubylane.com/
Seesle http://www.seesle.com/
Sell-Arts http://www.sell-arts.com/
Shop Handmade http://www.shophandmade.com/
Shopify http://www.shopify.com/
Shoply http://www.shoply.com
Silk Fair http://www.silkfair.com/
Smashing Darling http://www.smashingdarling.com/
Supermarket http://supermarkethq.com
The Craft Shopper http://www.thecraftshopper.com/
TopHatter http://tophatter.com
Trendy Indie http://trendyindie.com/
TopHatter http://tophatter.com
Trendy Indie http://trendyindie.com/
Trunkt http://www.trunkt.com/
Ugallery http://www.ugallery.com/
Ushops http://www.ushops.com/
Volusion http://www.volusion.com
Yessy http://www.yessy.com/
YokaBoo http://yokaboo.com/
Zhibit http://www.zhibit.org/
Zibbet http://www.zibbet.com/
Fulfillment Sites
These sites enable you to sell your 2-D art images...in print form or applied to other objects (wearables, household items, etc)...as produced by the online retailer. In most cases, the artist receives only a portion of the sale price or a flat payment, but does not have to worry about stock overhead or shipping items.
Cafe Press http://www.cafepress.com
Design By Humans http://www.designbyhumans.com/
Envelop http://www.envelop.eu/
Image Kind http://www.imagekind.com/
Fine Art America http://fineartamerica.com/
FotoMoto http://www.fotomoto.com/
Printfection http://www.printfection.com/
Pure Photo http://www.purephoto.com/
Red Bubble http://www.redbubble.com/
Shirt Woot http://shirt.woot.com/
Society6 http://society6.com/
Spreadshirt http://www.spreadshirt.com/
TeeFury http://www.teefury.com/
The Untapped Source http://www.theuntappedsource.com
Thumbtack Press http://www.thumbtackpress.com
Zazzle http://www.zazzle.com/
Zenfolio http://www.zenfolio.com/
Social Networks
Most...if not all...are free to use. These can be invaluable for driving traffic to your marketplace and as well as providing networking opportunities.
A Singular Creation http://www.asingularcreation.com/
Art Chain http://www.artchain.com/
Art Cloud http://www.artcloud.com
Art Fair Insiders http://www.artfairinsiders.com/
Art Rise http://www.artrise.com/
Art Slant http://www.artslant.com/
Art Span http://www.artspan.com
Art Wanted http://www.artwanted.com
Artaculous http://artaculous.com/
Artisans/Jewelry Designers http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/
Artist a Day http://www.artistaday.com/
Artist Search http://www.artistsearch.net
Artists.me http://www.artists.me/
Artition http://www.artition.com/
Artween http://www.artween.com/
Attack of The Craft http://www.attackofthecraft.com
Behance http://www.behance.net/
Blue Canvas http://www.bluecanvas.com/
Craft Forum http://www.craftforum.com
Craft Haus http://crafthaus.ning.com/
Craft Juice http://www.craftjuice.com/
Craftplace http://www.craftplace.org
Craftster http://www.craftster.org/
Craftplace http://www.craftplace.org
Craftster http://www.craftster.org/
Creating The Hive http://creatingthehive.com/
Cut Out And Keep http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/
Designs To Love http://www.designstolove.com/
Deviant Art http://www.deviantart.com/
Cut Out And Keep http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/
Designs To Love http://www.designstolove.com/
Deviant Art http://www.deviantart.com/
Do You Etsy http://www.doyouetsy.com/
Elfwood http://www.elfwood.com/
Everything Etsy Directory http://directory.everythingetsy.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com
Get Crafty http://www.getcrafty.com/
Google+ http://plus.google.com/
Gothise http://www.gothise.com
Handmade Spark http://www.handmadespark.com
Humble Voice http://www.humblevoice.com/
Handmade Spark http://www.handmadespark.com
Humble Voice http://www.humblevoice.com/
Indiepublic http://www.indiepublic.com/
Jewelry Geeks http://www.jewelrygeeks.com/
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/
Meetup http://www.meetup.com
My Art Space http://www.myartspace.com/
My Craft http://www.mycraft.com/
My Craft Corner http://www.mycraftcorner.com/
My Handmade Registry http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/
MySpace http://www.myspace.com/
Plum Drop http://plumdrop.com/
Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com
Renderosity http://www.renderosity.com/
Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/
StumbleUpon http://www.stumbleupon.com/
TalTopia http://www.taltopia.com/
The Art Source http://www.theartsource.com
The Find http://www.thefind.com/
The Handmade Cafe http://thehandmadecafe.com/
The Steampunk Empire http://www.thesteampunkempire.com/
The Handmade Cafe http://thehandmadecafe.com/
The Steampunk Empire http://www.thesteampunkempire.com/
Wanelo http://www.wanelo.com
Wet Canvas http://www.wetcanvas.com/
Virtual Galleries
Online portfolios are great for showing your range and a convenient way to showcase your art. Many of the previously mentioned social network spaces and marketplaces also offer gallery spaces, but those below focus primarily on this function.
Absolute Arts http://www.absolutearts.com/
Art 3000 http://www.art-3000.com/
Art Bistro http://artbistro.monster.com/
Art Bracket http://www.artbracket.com/
Art Break http://www.artbreak.com/
Art Online http://www.buy-and-sell-art.com/
Art Wall Online http://www.artwallonline.com/
Artabus http://www.artabus.com/
ArTatoO http://www.artatoo.com
ArtFolios http://www.artfolios.org/
Artist Portfolio http://www.artistportfolio.net/
Artist Sites http://www.artistsites.org/
Artlog http://artlog.com/
ArtMajeur http://www.artmajeur.com/
ArtQ http://www.artq.net
Blue Zeppelin http://bluezeppelin.com/
Concept Art http://www.conceptart.org
Creativestem http://www.creativestem.com/
Digital Consciousness http://digitalconsciousness.com/
Epilogue http://www.epilogue.net
Fanart Central http://www.fanart-central.net/
Fantasy Artists http://www.fantasyartists.org/
Flickr http://www.flickr.com
Free Crafty Links http://www.freecraftylinks.com
Galleries Online http://www.galleries-online.co.uk/
Galleries Online http://www.galleries-online.co.uk/
Gallery Box http://www.gallerybox.com/
isendyouthis http://www.isendyouthis.com
Masters of The Arts http://www.mastersofthearts.com/
No Bull Art http://www.nobullart.com/
Papernstitch http://papernstitch.com/
Photobucket http://www.photobucket.com/
Seeking Designers http://www.seekingdesigners.com/
Shadowness http://shadowness.com/
Showoff Art http://www.showoffart.com/
The Art Box http://www.theartbox.com.au/
Viewbook http://www.viewbook.com
Voodoo Chilli http://www.voodoochilli.net/
Blogging
Whether you're writing in your own blog or contributing to a larger collective blog space, the key to getting noticed is to pique the interest of your readership. Talking up your own work is fine, but ad copy can get tedious after a while. Tutorials, stories, useful tools (er...you know...like a list of resources...) and other nifty bits keep people reading and SHARING, which in turn gets you and your art more exposure. Some examples of blogging spaces include:
Blog http://www.blog.com
Blogetry http://blogetery.com/
Blogger http://www.blogger.com
Blogsome http://www.blogsome.com/
CraftGawker http://craftgawker.com/
CraftGossip http://craftgossip.com/
Craft Stylish http://www.craftstylish.com/
Creativity Portal http://www.creativity-portal.com/
Geek Crafts http://geekcrafts.com/
Heart Handmade http://www.hearthandmadeblog.com
Indie Fixx http://indiefixx.com/
LiveJournal http://www.livejournal.com
Heart Handmade http://www.hearthandmadeblog.com
Indie Fixx http://indiefixx.com/
LiveJournal http://www.livejournal.com
Tumblr http://www.tumblr.com/
TypePad http://www.typepad.com/
WordPress http://www.wordpress.org
Xanga http://www.xanga.com
Simply Paid Advertising
While this can be costly, a well-placed ad can send a ton of potential buyers your way. Many of the marketplaces, galleries, social networks, and such above offer ad space, but research and choose carefully. Make sure you're not throwing money into an ultimately fruitless shotgun spray approach. The sites below offer numerous options that can be targeted to the audience you wish to reach and your budget, but there are obviously countless other avenues all over the web that offer paid ad space.
BlogAds http://web.blogads.com/
Craft Cult http://www.craftcult.com/
Indie Collective http://www.indiecollective.net/
Indie Designer Labels http://www.indiedesignerlabels.com/
Project Wonderful http://www.projectwonderful.com/
The Handmade Directory http://thehandmadedirectory.com
Unique Indie Shops http://www.uniqueindieshops.com/
Unique Indie Shops http://www.uniqueindieshops.com/
Coupons/Discount Sites
Personally, I have mixed feelings about marketing via coupons and discount programs being applied to handmade goods and art. I think that a lot of consumers have been conditioned by large retail outlets to EXPECT everything to be discounted in some way as a part of our mass-produced disposable culture. IMHO, this devalues handcrafted goods to judge them on the same pricing standard of big box retail stock (and yes...technically...the sweatshop-made goods that are found at MegaSavLoMacroMart are oft handcrafted too.). That said...coupons and discount sites DO exist for the handmade market and some artisans have found benefit using such tools.
Etsy Coupon Code http://etsycouponcode.com/
Etsy Secrets http://etsysecrets.blogspot.com/
Heartsy http://www.heartsy.me
Kewtsy http://kewtsy.com/
Quite Unique http://www.quiteunique.com
Thrifty Seeker http://www.thriftyseeker.com
Other Ideas
-Donate a piece of your work to an online charitable event such as a website-based silent auction fundraiser. Most charities are more than happy to include a link to the donor's online shop/site in the donation description. Not only does this get your work/name in front of people who might not otherwise encounter your work, you're helping a cause you believe in/the donation is tax-deductable.
-Post video or text tutorials on Instuctables (http://www.instructables.com/), craft websites (ex: http://www.craftytips.com), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/), etc. Obviously, you don't want to explain how to copy your work, but as an artist, you likely have a lot of nifty skills that you can show off and help others in the process. Know how to seamlessly blend Copic marker coloring in illustrations? Be the reference that others link to!
-Utilize Amazon wish list (http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/vendor-button) and other wish list site links on your gallery/marketplace listings.
-Offer gift certificates via emailed PDF for last minute shoppers (Keep track of numbers on certificates to ensure that they are only redeemed once.)
-Banner swapping with other blogs/online shops
-Get involved in the online presence of local/regional community-based craft groups/art collectives/maker spaces (websites, blogs, etc)
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Obviously, the above isn't meant to serve as a comprehensive list and I anticipate that there will be further additions after the convention panel. If you'd like to contribute your own links and ideas to this post, please do!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tattoo Tights!
One of my Facebook friends just shared this nifty tattoo design tights project from Urban Threads and I figured I'd pass it on.
Now I just need to figure out what I want to make. There's a temptation to use Hirschfeld's drawing of Groucho Marx, so I could have my not-so-sekret crush stealing a peek up my skirt. *laughs*
Now I just need to figure out what I want to make. There's a temptation to use Hirschfeld's drawing of Groucho Marx, so I could have my not-so-sekret crush stealing a peek up my skirt. *laughs*
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Another round of treasury inclusions!
I wish that I had more time to make Etsy treasuries. I was able to do a whole lot more when I was out of work last winter, but my time gets eaten up quickly these day. I am incredibly grateful to those folks who do find the time to do treasuries and are kind enough to include my work, though.
Here are some of the awesome treasuries that I've been included in over the last few weeks:
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Thursday, September 8, 2011
Holy Hill Art and Farm Market
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit with Kristine Jacklin at her family’s homestead farm in Hubertus, Wisconsin and I have to say…it’s a REALLY lovely spot. The 160 year old Loosen family farm will be the site of the inaugural year of the Holy Hill Art and Farm Market on the weekends of September 17th-18th and October 15th -16th.
I won’t be vending at the September event, but I’ll be coming up to check out the market. I’m SO excited about vending at the October market! I have all sorts of morbid little treasures, just in time for Halloween.
Kris asked me to share the message below about the market weekends with all of you:
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Hi All!
Our super short summer was wonderful, sorry to see it go! But, with the cooler weather and fall season, there are so many beautiful days and nature’s gifts yet to be enjoyed! And with the cooler weather, Fall events are in full swing. Here is one I’d like to share.
It is easy to get to, just 1.2 miles west of Hwy 164, on Hwy 167 in Hubertus, Wisconsin or 2 miles East of the Holy Hill Basilica.
You will love this 160 year old family homestead with all its beautiful vistas in the heart of very scenic hills and valleys. Come for the Art, stay for the delicious hot foods and fresh farm produce. Enjoy live music and a hot cup of special blend coffee while browsing the grounds.
Sat/Sun Sept 17 & 18
Sat/Sun Oct 15 & 16
9 - 4pm
Paintings~Drawings~Photography~Sculptures~Pottery
~Glass~Wood~Metal~Garden~Jewelry~Fabric~Live Music
Sample produce, products and refreshments prepared by local farmers and bakers.
The possibilities for creativity and healthy simple living ideas are endless here... Join Us!!
Follow us on Facebook!
Holy Hill Art & Farm Market
4958 Holy Hill Road (Hwy 167) Hubertus Wi 53033 - 2 miles East of Holy Hill Basilica
Unique Marketplace Featuring Artists and Farmers Presenting their Goods in a Natural Setting
I look forward to seeing you or hearing from you this fall!
Be Well!
Kris
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Monday, September 5, 2011
Fanboys...*sigh*
Unfortunately, I don't know who drew this, but the idea of Jules Verne fanboying Edgar Allan Poe had me in stitches. This needed to be shared. If you know who the artist is, please share and I'll happily credit them.
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Edit: As posted below, this came from the webcomic Hark, A Vagrant.
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