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Mike Taylor

9 Years Ago

Buying Your Own Art

Does anyone buy their own art from the site s they can sell face to face?

I just bought one of my own designs so I can see the quality of the product.

I also forgot I had done that and got excited 10 minutes later when I got an email alert about a new order.

Reply Order

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Teresa White

9 Years Ago

No l haven't as yet Mike,
but ive had some members buy greeting cards from me, l felt honoured.
Nice too meet you and best of luck.
Teresa!!

 

Karen Jane Jones

9 Years Ago

I buy and sell my own greetings cards. I use them also as a promotional tool - FAA website details linking to my work are on the back.

 

Mike Taylor

9 Years Ago

That's a really good idea. I'm going to have a look at doing that myself

 

Edward Fielding

9 Years Ago

Yes - I've purchased framed art for a show and for the house. I've also ordered boxes of cards.

Its always a good idea to check the quality before offering it to the public. (obviously you can't do it with every image in your portfolio).

 

Dan Carmichael

9 Years Ago

No, I have not ordered from FAA.
I sell directly, but already had existing relationships when an outside vendor is required.
On new products like metal and acrylic, there is the periodic quality control complaint in these forums which would prevent me from doing so.
And I don't sell pillows, blankets, or dust mop covers directly because I do not own a Bed, Bath & Beyond franchise.

 

Jane Linders

9 Years Ago

I have ordered a couple of things, a pillow, a print and a canvas piece, just so I could see the quality. The canvas print sold right away at an art fair.

 

Joshua House

9 Years Ago

I have bought via FAA several times, but as gifts. When/if I start selling directly to buyers I'll use a local printer. Any decent sized city will have several businesses that print at the same quality as FAA's. Houston has about 6.

 

Joseph C Hinson

9 Years Ago

I've bought a few prints, metal, canvas and traditional to see the quality first hand or to give as gifts. My wife works in an office setting, so she has three of my pictures up. Some I may sell face to face in the future, buttypically I do my own frming and matting for the savings. Een though FAA's quality is much better. I sent Christmas cards out using FAA because, as posted above, there's a link on the back. After my hospitalizatin last November, I send "Thank you" cards using a greeting card from here.

 

Cynthia Decker

9 Years Ago

I have ordered a canvas, a metal print, and an acrylic print to see the quality and was really happy with everything. I ordered a framed and matted print for a friend of my mother's, and I was stunned at how beautifully the framing and matting was done. I have complete confidence in the quality.

I too got happily surprised by the "you sold a print!" notice each time. :D

 

Andrea Lazar

9 Years Ago

I bought 2 metal prints for shows - each one 20x30. They are so stunning, I am totally won over! They seem to glow from within and have a richness more like we see on our computer screens which are backlit. For the right image, it is a fantastic choice. The only caution is that I think it prints a tad darker than I expected, but only I know that.

Dan - for images with lots of drama or intense colors, like your Beached Beauty, it would be awesome as a metal print.
But to your comment about metal prints and what you may have read in these threads, I thought I would add my own experience.

The first metal print I got in fall 2013 is still perfect after being in numerous locations. The second one I bought this November, and when I got it back from the show where it was for 4 weeks, the wood structure which is affixed to the back and is used to hang it had warped and twisted and one corner became detached from the metal.

FAA replaced it without any problems whatsoever! So, should something go wrong, whether it is for me or a customer, I have confidence that it would be corrected very professionally and quickly.

I whole-heartedly recommend the metal prints. You really have to see one to fully appreciate it - but everywhere these 2 have been, they've drawn lots of attention and comments about the richness and unique beauty of the medium.

Andrea

 

Mike Taylor

9 Years Ago

I would like to see a metal print myself but for now just ordered a pillow which will probably get handed down to the cat.

Can you post photos on these feeds?

 

Bob VonDrachek

9 Years Ago

I think I may have found a thread where I am the expert...I have purchased 22 of my own prints (on various papers) and a throw pillow. I also purchased an acrylic and a metal print that were sent back for quality control issues and not reordered. My favorite size is 14 x whatever because I can buy it for 12 - 15 dollars depending on paper choice. Another reason that 14 inch prints work well is that you can buy standard size sheets of matte and backer board cut into quarters these are 16 x 20. Pick up a roll of acid-free tape and you're set to make some matted prints in a nice standard size that fits many ready made frames and is just about the right size for most people's homes.
My last order was 7 prints which I ordered rolled in tube same as always but these came packed flat and bomb-proof. The shipping was only $10 (same price as for 1 print). My next order is due to show up Monday.
I appear to be my biggest fan...so far.

signed - yet to be discovered,

Bob V
http://bob-vondrachek.artistwebsites.com/

 

Andrea Lazar

9 Years Ago

Bob - I like how you said the package came 'bomb-proof' - that's how I would describe the replacement metal print's packaging - took me forever to get at the print. Maybe that's a sign that they are taking better care of these and avoiding what I'm sure they don't want - returns!

Your work is stunning! Your AW is gorgeous and shows beautifully the diversity of your images!
Obviously, you have been discovered by people in the real world who are buying prints from you.
And it sounds like you've been satisfied with whatever material your prints have been printed on, and since only you know what they should look like, that says a lot.

Andrea

 

Walter Holland

9 Years Ago

I have not yet bought my own work from FAA but my best seller is an odd size and I do intend to buy a metal print for two reasons.

One... to judge the quality of the print...and

Two... to offer the print for sale in my local market.

 

Kevin Callahan

9 Years Ago

I have a number of times over the years, both as items to be resold and gifts. I once had an order for several photos and the buyer wanted them signed. So I ordered them, signed them and marked them up for my client.

 

Joseph C Hinson

9 Years Ago

Walter;

The locals will love that Williams-Brice shot!

 

Bill Stephens

9 Years Ago

I have my own Epson Stylus Pro printer and do all my own prints. I think everyone should experience printing your own museum quality work.

 

Mike Taylor

9 Years Ago

I operate a large format printer everyday but never tried to print my own work. I may try this

 

Laurie Search

9 Years Ago

I've ordered a metal print, and it was gorgeous! I'm about to order another! :) But it's a bit too expensive to build a full inventory using FAA. I've used other printers for really large canvas prints.

 

Lillian Bell

9 Years Ago

I won a FAA gift cetificate in a contest recently and used it to purchase a pillow. I wanted to check the quality and how the image would look printed. I was very pleased with both. A friend liked it so much I gave it to her as a gift.

 

Cynthia Decker

9 Years Ago

I think I'm going to order a Duvet cover. I posted that I was preparing to offer them and am getting requests. I need to order one so I can tell my customers what to expect. I could use a new one anyway and it'll be fun to design one for myself.

 

Bill Stephens

9 Years Ago

I'm sure FAA prints are good. However, NO ONE makes a better print than the Artist who created it, unless they just can't. I say print your own, for there is double satisfaction in that. Doing stretching with canvas works is also a great work out....lol.

 

Cynthia Decker

9 Years Ago

Many people don't want to do that, or they don't have the knowledge, skill, time, space, or resources, or they want the guarantee of consistency that comes from using a professional printing company.

I printed my own art on a large format printer for many years, but I simply don't have the bandwidth to do so anymore, so I contract my printing out. I worked with the print house to set up profiles and come up with a specific formula, and now everything I send to them comes out perfect, and timely, and guaranteed.

There's no one right way to do anything.

 

John Wills

9 Years Ago

24"x36" prints I get at Staples for 19.99 when they have that size on sale (satin finish). I think they are 49 bucks normally, but they always seem to be on sale.

You can not beat that deal and the quality is gorgeous. I sold one for pretty decent money at that size, bought a 60 dollar frame to go with it and the client proudly shows it off in their office.

The prints on metal that FAA offers are very very nice as well, but can be expensive to inventory. Highly recommend having one on hand for show.

 

Bill Stephens

9 Years Ago

John, I can do a 24"x36"(satin finish) for $10.00.

 

Charlton Benners

9 Years Ago

Thankyou

 

Bob VonDrachek

9 Years Ago

@Andrea - you assume that I am selling all of those to someone else...not so. I am the art collector (hoarder) for all of the prints that I mentioned. I have sold a few through FAA but not enough to support my printing habit and still cover the $30.

I did neglect to mention that the quality was superb on everything that I kept. The metal print that I returned had adhesive that had somehow got on the face of the print that I probably could have removed with a solvent but I choose to send it back for a full refund with free shipping. My decision was influenced by the fact that the image looked dark on the metal print but not so much so that I would have returned it for that reason. The acrylic that I sent back was rejected (by me) because I did not like the slight "orange peel" texture that I could see on the surface and also the edges were a bit rough looking. I am rather particular and I know these are things that would go unnoticed by most collectors. FAA paid for the shipping of those two items by emailing me a shipping label and the paper print order that was part of the same order came in a tube a few days later with no shipping charges.

@Bill - more power to you on printing your own but that doesn't work for me. I don't want to be a fulfillment center, I want people to buy my photos on line and have FAA do all the work and send me the money. I could find a better deal on prints equal in quality to what I am getting just over in Seattle if I tried, but I would not use them as a POD because they would not handle everything else. The other reason that it is worth it to me is for the sake of quality control opportunities. I have other reasons that it is more practical for me to shop on line for my prints and I hope these reasons are shared by others who are shopping online instead of in big box stores for their photography needs. My purpose here is to bring the beauty I see in the world (which is my oyster) to share in my "virtual store"so that they may buy large prints to hang on their walls.

Bob V
http://bob-vondrachek.artistwebsites.com/



 

John Wills

9 Years Ago

Bill, congratulations, but all I do is send a jpg and pick it up, well worth the extra 10 bucks not worrying about maintaining a large format printer that will cost 18-24 hundred bucks. Not to mention buying the paper, buying the ink, and every other thing that goes wrong with printers.

 

Edward Fielding

9 Years Ago

I think FAA's business model is based on just that - people buying their own art. So much different than a gallery where they want other people to buy the art.

 

Mike Taylor

9 Years Ago

John is right about things going wrong at printers. I run a screen printing machine and just broke it

 

Andrea Lazar

9 Years Ago

Bob, you are right! I did assume that. I repeat, your images are beautiful! They definitely should be hanging on other people's walls as well as yours!

Like some others here, I also print some of my work, particularly those I sell on Etsy (hope it's OK to say that here) up to the max size I can print of 13x19. And like everyone here, I am also fussy and nit-picky and critical, so I spend a great deal of time getting it 'perfect' and waste expensive paper, ink, and my time doing it! Then a note, packing it, again just right, mailing it, etc. - I am always amazed at how long it takes me!

So while I love seeing the end result in my hand, and actually totally enjoy the process of creating it, lucky for me the orders that I process myself are few and far between - otherwise, I would go crazy! I actually have a real job that limits all this fun stuff!

So FAA is a wonderful alternative. One recent order on Etsy I actually fulfilled through FAA because it, too, was a 20x30 metal print. The customer absolutely loved it!
Also, good to know that all the various forms of paper prints are of good quality.

For me, too, I've not sold anything through here - except a card, which shocked and delighted me and to this day I wonder how the person ever found me here!
but I remain ever optimistic.......

 

Terry DeLuco

9 Years Ago

I purchased a metal print and a box of cards awhile ago. I was very pleased with the shipping and quality! :)

 

Mark Papke

9 Years Ago

I think everyone should bye at least a couple different pieces of their own art.
1.) because if someone asks how the quality is, you can give an honest answer.
2.) I don't feel right selling something if I don't know if it is good quality or not.
3.) Make sure it matches the way it looks on your computer.
I ordered a couple things and came to find out they were quite a bit off from the way they looked on my computer. So that gave me the chance to fix the issue, and now I am confident they will be right.

 

Inge Riis McDonald

9 Years Ago

I plan on getting some for a number of exhibits I will be doing:)

 

Bill Stephens

9 Years Ago

Good point Mark. However, I have heard different stories with clients who ordered prints. When I print something, I make sure it is the best they can get, and also for about the same price as FAA charges...I hand sign the Print.

 

Bob VonDrachek

9 Years Ago

The five that I was waiting for showed up just now and they look great. Most of them are on Picture Rag which is my favorite paper for most things. This batch came in an actual tube and with Pic Rag it may take a while to get them to lay flat.

I forgot to mention earlier that I often find reason to make small adjustments after I see the print. I received one of those corrected images today that looks much more dramatic and I am certainly glad that I bought this one twice...another reason to buy from the place that prints for your customers.

Bob V
http://bob-vondrachek.artistwebsites.com/

 

Mary Ellen Anderson

9 Years Ago

I was comfortable with FAA's customer service reputation and the 30-day guarantee. This is actually more qualitative than just seeing an example.
-- mary ellen anderson

 

Cristolin O

9 Years Ago

Andrea - I'm curious what printer you use to print 13 x 19. I have one (Epson Workhorse) that will print that large, but find it will not print true to color no matter what adjustments I make (and I've made tons). Which printer do you use and do you find that it prints true to color with little fiddling around?

Andrea and others who have purchased and like metal prints - what type of images do you think are particularly well suited to metal? Are there particular subjects, colors, levels of contrast, etc. that work best, or alternatively, that would not look very good, on metal?

I'm thinking of ordering one or two, and would like to know what types of images would be good choices before spending the money.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Shelby Young

9 Years Ago

I have a question, when you buy your own art, does it show up as a sale? This may have been in the threads before, I didnt see it...

 

Mark Papke

9 Years Ago

Bright vivid colors such as sunsets make great metal prints. Yes it shows up as a sale. But it does not show on the sales page

 

Mary Ellen Anderson

9 Years Ago

Well it might show up as a sale, I don't know, but it doesn't help you in the search rankings; which other sales would.
-- mary ellen anderson

 

Lara Ellis

9 Years Ago

I have bought a couple of pieces and cards too and am always really happy with the beautiful print quality :)

 

Mark Blauhoefer

9 Years Ago

Guilty as charged Your Honor. I bought a postcard to see if it would make a dent in the Recently Sold page - but the shipping to get it here!? Forget it. So I sent it to the first American address that came to mind.

How's it going Barack?

 

Heather Applegate

9 Years Ago

I stock a pretty big inventory for shows, no way would it be economical to buy from FAA at retail prices. There are pro printers that cater to artists only for a reason.

 

Shelby Young

9 Years Ago

Thanks! That answered my question perfectly :)

 

Gregory Scott

9 Years Ago

Simple. You can create an alternate logon under a different email, and call yourself a buyer, which you legitimately will be. Thus when you buy one of your prints under your "collecter" id, you will pay full price, and get the difference back in commissions anyway, but by doing this way, the purchase this was WILL count toward your FAA search rankings. Now if you are a millionaire, you can simply push your rankings right to the top. (But of course you will not need to do so, in that case.)

 

Jan Tyler

9 Years Ago

I printed for years on an Epson Stylus Pro with great results. But it finally wore out and I've moved and don't have the time or space to do, although I did enjoy it. I just started here not long ago and the ones I've sold did not get sent back so I guess they are OK. I want to do some pillows for myself but haven't gotten around to it.

 

Andrea Lazar

9 Years Ago

Cristolin - sorry, I've been busy with my real job a little bit so I haven't been back till now.

I have a Cannon Pro-100 and it really does make beautiful prints up to the 13x19 - BUT, I do have to tweak the colors a bit from what I see on my monitor. As the monitor is backlit as opposed to a printed image which gets the light source directed at it, I understand that it can't look quite as rich on paper as on a monitor. But the printer does create a lush and beautiful image on lots of beautiful papers, all also pretty expensive, that eventually I get to be closer to what I am after, or just accept it as a good alternative. And it is important to calibrate this according to the instructions to get really good results.

I also sometimes use an HP Photosmart C6150 for sizes up to legal size including for cards I print myself. This is less complicated and quick and really does print beautifully and without any calibration the results are close to what I expect or can accept. However, the inks need to be recent, and if they are out of date, even if not empty, it refuses to let me use them! That is not the case with the Cannon for which the inks can sit without use for some time without it causing any problems. So while they are more expensive, there is really not the waste that happens with the HP.

As for the metal prints - these are the two I ordered for my own shows - almost the same image, but you can see the colored vs the b&w - and both are terrific on metal - they are very rich and seem to glow!
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/crocus-reflections-andrea-lazar.html
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/black-silk-crocus-andrea-lazar.html

and the one for a customer, 15x20, which she said is very 'lush with bright white and rich color' and, again, saying the light seems to come from within....
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/orchid-andrea-lazar.html

Hope that helps -

Andrea


 

This discussion is closed.