We definitely need to get this one going. It will be fun and relatively easy.

Lots of questions to answer.

What will we be offering for sale?

• Framed prints?
• Matted prints?
• Loose prints?
• Prints in any other type of display/media?

For our first show, we may not want to take the time to offer everything imaginable (if we ever want to do so). It will take us a bit to build our inventory - not that I want to have an extensive inventory but we do need a few things around so we are not starting over for each show.

In the past, I did sell a fair number of "loose" and of matted prints. But those were quite a bit cheaper than the framed ones. While they may be a bit of a boost in $$ overall, I am not big on having very many. I would rather concentrate of framed, ready to hang, artwork. I don't know how big of a positive feature having unframed art will be and is it detrimental to selling the more expensive ready to hang pieces? I think so.



Then, of course, we have to decide sizes.

We do not have to do the exact same thing, of course, but probably should have some consistency in our "product".

For the most part, I like simple black frames in sales pieces. They do not distract from the art; they allow the customer to "see" the art; and it does allow the art to "speak" for itself.

However, it may be a good idea to have a piece or a few in nicer frames. Those are more for the decor oriented buyer who want more of a visual impact for their wall than just the art. One problem is the cost. While the cost is certainly passed on to the customer, we have increased inventory cost and the additional cost to the customer may adversely effect sales due to price. But, then again, the enhanced appearance may be a positive.

I have leaned towards the simplistic in the past but am sure open to discussion.

I think absolutely the same. Seems like basic and more exposition/gallery style are better. Probably best to start that way. I got some from Amazon that I like a lot, 13 X 19, in black and in white. Used white for pelicans and sometimes for eagles, depending on the shot. They are lightweight and actually have plexiglass that looks like glass. Very pretty, but simple. Later and depending on print could add some different, and I have some of those that I got at Hobby Lobby, half price.

We definitely need to be at least somewhat consistent in pricing.

There are likely to be a couple of price lines for most photos.

• "Blanket" price for basic photos based on size
• Premium prices for premium photos based on quality of work/subject/etc

Then, too, we need to think about signed and numbered pieces. Do we want to have signed and numbered work? Well, to me there is an obvious answer. Signed and numbered pieces create more value. Our best pieces should be offered with a signed and numbered option - in some instances - as the only option. With others, S&N pieces are 3x (?) higher than the same print unsigned or some formula to give the price.

How are your prices now for the retail shop in Marshall? You said they had put them higher than you would have suggested.

We should look at prices for other similar work online and use that as a loose guide. I say "loose" for we have factors on our side to offset what many others may be doing. I.E., we are local being one of the biggest factors right now.

I had done the ones at her place in metal and that is expensive, but she had wanted something comparable to her daughter Lori's pieces and that seemed to fit. I wouldn't do that again. But they are about $90 each to do a large size, and I got them on sale. That was with the sale. I will have to look back to be sure, but those that are larger with the hardware to hang (built in - which is nice) are $150, I believe. I would do it differently now, so I learned something.

Also just got a message that some that I got done at Adoramapix a couple of weeks ago are finally shipping. She wanted some smaller things and they had a sale on the metal type special finish, only 6 X 6 for this sale, so I got I think 8 done for $41 total and I will see how they look. They have an easel back. They may be awful, but I tried a couple of different finishes so that we would know. She's trying to flesh out an inspirational area so I edited with a word or two in that direction - just a real experiment. You really can't put a bible verse on a 6 X 6, but I did a couple just photo, too. We will see.

Aso for the props, where do we look for that kind of thing? I have no clue. I would think something like we used at the regatta with he pegboard, but there may be a better way. Like you say, easels? I will start looking.

I have a bunch of cello sleeves, smaller sized, and larger sized, that we can use for prints. Got them and never used them. I want to say 50 of each size. Will get them out. They are just the zippered packets. Elaine, who has made a quilt of some of my photos, is putting it on display at the Pilgrimage in Jefferson. She said she thought I should make some prints and have them for sale where the quilt is on display. I should be thinking about that. I need to find out more - am not sure the Excelsior House (if that is where it is going to be) is the best venue to try to do much.

I have a bunch of cello sleeves, smaller sized, and larger sized, that we can use for prints. Got them and never used them. I want to say 50 of each size. Will get them out. They are just the zippered packets. Elaine, who has made a quilt of some of my photos, is putting it on display at the Pilgrimage in Jefferson. She said she thought I should make some prints and have them for sale where the quilt is on display. I should be thinking about that. I need to find out more - am not sure the Excelsior House (if that is where it is going to be) is the best venue to try to do much.

We are going to have to come up with some merchandising props to display our work. That may be easels, triangular based pegboard displays, etc.

I have nothing. We need to figure out what to make, buy, borrow, etc