I'm finally going to put a little sign up outside the studio-gallery, so that people can see it from the parking lot below. Here are the pieces. I'll post the finished sign when it's hung.
I've resisted "marketing" to the stream of tourists who march past here. I'm tucked away, above a cafe and in back of a couple of gift shops. To tell you the absolute truth, I still get nervous when people come in the studio. On a weekend afternoon, I'll get three or four people an hour (or sometimes little groups of people who are shopping together).
Most often, they're just browsing and not buying. They flow in from the shops next door. (The shop owners actually send them back to me! I have great neighbors). It's really the only way to find me right now.
11 comments:
Are you working in the space or is it just your gallery? How nice to be able to sell from your studio -- but is it difficult to have interruptions?
I love your etched mugs - would love to see of photo after the final firing.
I always want to take browsers and shake them upside down and collect all the change and bills that fall out of their pockets....
Do put up the nice sign--but just think of how excited your visitors are to have 'found' such a treasure that is not on the 'main street'!
BTW, I have completed my 'tagging' responsibilities! I think there should be a sticker to go with being tagged so it is easy to see who is already tagged.
I understand how having 'visitors' makes you nervous... I work part time at a gallery that sells my jewelry and I never tell people that it's mine (the jewelry)... it's like baring youself a little, isn't it?
or do you just not like the interruptions? hmmm.... maybe I was overthinking this.
Anyway, I've read your other "tagged" people's blogs too - how fun to have a little insight into people I've never met!
oh.. and would you mind if I added your blog to my blogroll of "blogs I read"?
Hi Judy- I work in the space too. There's a kind of half-wall where people can watch me work and chat, but keeps my dog from going out to the front and too-vigorously greeting folks. It is both good/bad and I have a love/hate relationship with the whole customer thing right now. I mean, it's nice when people are really, sincerely interested (even if they don't buy) but it's also time-consuming. On the other hand, if no one comes in or they just sail through, I'm kind of disappointed. Weird, huh? I'm thinking I'll settle into it with time.
Gary - Maybe you can come and be my bouncer?
Gay - I think you're right about the "TAGGER" symbol or sticker. People keep trying to re-tag me! (I actually did enjoy the first go-round.) Thanks for doing it. You're a good sport!
Hi Kimberly! Thanks for visiting and, yes, you got it right. I'm thinking I'll get more self-assured as time goes on. I've only had the studio-gallery space open about 5 months. So, I'm thinking that time will soften the edges a little!
And, yes, please add me! I realized I have you on my "Google Reader" but not on my posted blog roll. I'll change that. I like your blog.
Browsers think we're zoo animals. There is a reason, dammit, that the work has PRICE TAGS on it.
Well, I am looking forward to finding your shop from your new sign when I come to the coast, which I hope will be very soon - waiting for some cooler weather here so I don't have to water.
I've had lots of browsers to my gardens and have finally given up and open only by appointment. Unfortunately the gardens were a draw and folks just looked and didn't buy stuff in the gift shop. This year hasn't been as good as previous years, I think due to the economy. I have sold more of my creamics than the floral stuff - so maybe there is hope.
I feel much more comfortable talking about gardening than ceramics, but I have 30 years or more under my belt. I am hoping to improve my confidence talking about my ceramics.
Hi Linda - Give me a heads up when you're thinking of coming to Cambria... I'm actually back in Bakersfield now! Came back yesterday. I'd hate to miss you!
Your gardens look lovely from the photos on your website. Someday I'd love to visit your studio and gardens!
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