Always Be Prepared

Good recovery. We ALL make mistakes and as mistakes go, this wasn't horrible.

Cards in my wallet for art. I try and have the camera with me most of the time.

In my truck I carry a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, a tool kit and new starter.

I try and carry business cards, but I never seem to have enough with me. I tuck a few in my wallet when I go out the door. I have pictures saved on my ipad.

Tissues. Well, you did say "Not necessarily about art only". ;)

P.S. Er, pretty much what JC and everyone have already said :)

Don't be hard on yourself, Abbie. Quite possibly that potential client will read your response as a reluctance and begin to chase you. Some people want the artist that they couldn't get. You never know! It's really hard to be caught off guard like that. Give yourself a break. :-)

Why did you say that? Because you value your work and you were getting compliments and sales. All 3 at the same time can empower you to feel like there is great value in your work. Perhaps you were feeling underpaid for the last commission and were trying to put it out there that good art can be expensive. Congratulations on the sales and you did say you got another commission, hardly a flop IMO..

As far as me, I'm kind of lucky because I have my art all over the clinic and when people ask about it, I hand out cards. Getting read to set up a little shop in the lobby soon. :)

Thank you all!

Tissues is actually a good idea also! Will go and pop some in....

John! Well done, that's great!

Bradford, how do you find an excuse to hand them out? I've had mine forever (500) and still have about 470 left.

JC after your getting stuck out times I am not surprised to se your must haves lol.

"What do you always carry with you to be prepared?"

A prayer.

We've all made mistakes like that...It's how we learn! Good save on your part Abbie!

That was a great recovery, Abbie -- don't sweat the small stuff. You quickly developed a plan to move forward; that speaks to your character and resolve. ;-)

Things I carry with me when leaving the house (I'm actually going through my bag as I write this) --

1. My camera (only it died a year ago, so . . . not so much right now.)

2. 24 business cards. I've found that unless I'm doing a show, two dozen cards will safely get me through a day or two.

3. A physical, old-school portfolio, either 8x10 or 11x14. When someone says, "Really? What kind of art?" I think it's critically important to show them -- not just tell them. Usually, I carry 20 prints in the portfolio. Most people who are interested enough to look, will flip through all of them. Occasionally, I sell prints right out of the book. So, I also carry . . .

4. A few resealable, archival, clear bags and acid-free backing boards. Each bag is pre-loaded with my artist's statement and two business cards.

5. A retractable metal tape measure.

6. The critical junk to deal with my various health issues and random clumsiness, (Tissues included, of course!)

7. A pencil, a pen, and a sharpie.

8. Sunscreen -- this is South Texas, after all.

9. A small bottle of water. (See #8.)

9. Breath mints . . . which might belong at the top of this list. ;-)

10. My phone and some legal self-defense.

I gave up carrying a purse long ago; instead I carry my 'necessary stash' in a soft-side leather briefcase.

* An old public speaking tip for you, Abbie -- Randomly, and briefly, practice what you might say when/if someone asks about your work. Practice every day, several times a day, until it's second nature. Practice on Robin, the mailman, your dogs . . . to yourself when you're washing dishes or raking leaves.

Those words, and your feelings about your work, belong to you. Own them! Once you do, you'll never feel flustered again (on this topic, at least.) :-)

I hope you, at least, enjoyed showing off your work today!

EDIT -- Forgot to add 11. My Swiss Army Knife. I wish a roll of duct tape weren't so heavy or I'd have that, too! :-)

I believe in small lessons. You had one and came out of it knowing what to do next time.

Abbie - it's easy to understand how under those circumstances you replied in that manner. I have also fumbled for words when people have asked me about prices, but I just usually say it depends on the image, size, material, mat, frame and assembly costs. Then I hand them my card and refer them to my AW at: www.ScenesFromFarAndNear.com.

As far as " finding an excuse to hand out business cards ", I have gotten quite good at that over the last few years and I am not very bashful about doing so. I mean it's not like I am selling life insurance or new windows. I always have at least ten or more cards in my pocket and some more in my petrol / electric, low-polluting, hybrid vehicle as I drive around town ( too much traffic and too many hills for an old man like me to peddle around on a bicycle ).

I frequently have my camera hanging at my side ( often attracts attention or provides an excuse to casually mention that I am a photographer ) . If that doesn't work, then my gray hair and mustache helps to bring up the subject of retirement and when people ask what I do with all my time - I casually mention that I am a Fine Art Photographer to their utter amazement. To add some humor and further arouse their curiosity, I sometimes say that I am " a world famous photographer, but unfortunately most people do not know it yet ". Then they ask if I have any business cards to which I reply while reaching into my pocket " oh yes, I just happen to have some with me today ".

So...next time you go out and about just have some cards in your pocket, a small paint brush above your ear and some multi-color paint splatters on your hands or blouse.

Ooo Wendy! I have work to do!

Mel, great ideas thank you

Shirley, yes, still embarrassed by it but, yes, lol

Wendy, that's a great list, I must save it and remember it!

Abbie, I've often been asked something which I should have answered better, it's so easy to think of the right thing when it's too late!

being in construction for over 25 years...GPS and toilet paper !!! what is " expensive " based on most artists we price things somehow on what we would pay for things ,i find spending 5 bucks on a cup of coffee expensive .sure think people who buy art or who have things commissioned is another whole story expensive is a sport .

My list of meds
Dental floss
Credit card
Kennedy half dollar, first issue.
bottled water
Business cards
***Old grocery lists that somehow disappeared when needed but showed up weeks later.

That's taken care of all unexpecteds so far...

I have some business cards in the console in my truck, and also have a few stashed in a small side pocket of my camera bag. The problem I have is I'm still working through the original 500 I ord'd quite awhile ago.

Abbie, maybe swap your leaflets and other items from the messenger bag to the tote with your art on it. Further advertising. ;)

Great thread, Abbie! I know what it's like to be caught off guard, but now you have the chance to be prepared - Wendy had a terrific tip. When I go out I always have my cards, a bottle of water, credit card, a little cash. I'm like you - I don't hand out my cards easily, but I'm going to practice Mel's suggestions. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Yes, a simple "Please contact me when you have a free moment....I'd love to discuss" while handing over a business card and said with a smile...that should do it. My feeling is you don't want to discuss prices right on the spot and perhaps in front of others because lord knows what they want. It could be something out of the ordinary that you need to really think about pricing. But I didn't cringe when I read your post. Your paintings are expensive, I'm sure...and you probably just weren't expecting a crowd of people. But the others had some great ideas about what to always have with you...and having those essentials will give you a feeling of security, and eventually have you looking around to see where you can give out or post a card or leaflet. I hope you get more commissions from the stable people....actually I'm sure you will :)

Abbie,

I am still at the beginning stages where if someone asks how many sales have you had? And everyone seems to ask, I say not many.
Everyone corrects me and says, tell a little lie.

I think your saying it was expensive was a half attempt to get what your paintings are worth. So do not entirely dump that route, just
figure out how to say it better next time. It is okay for an original to cost a good bit.

Dave

I keep a tripod, sunscreen, bug spray and toilet paper in the back of my Jeep all the time.

I always able to think on the spot, in your case I would ask them for their email address and let them know once you get home you would email them sample of your works ( a link to your gallery base on their interests) along with pricing. it way better than hand out a business or post card.( they might put it away of misplace it).

I keep an over sized French porcelain tea cup on my desk at all times. Needs filling right about now.

Dave

As far as art business I just have a few business cards in my wallet. As far as art in general, I always have a sketchbook, pen and pencil in my car, but not on my person, but I'm usually not far from my car. I have several backpacks/bags I keep in my closet stocked and ready to go for several purposes. One is full of sketching supplies, (plus sunscreen and uig repellent.) one is my small painting kit, and another is my large painting kit. I also have one for photography but have only used it one weekend for a special event. As far as general "necessities" I don't carry much besides my clothes. I usually have a watch on, and I always have my wallet with me but I don't carry much in my wallet, just driver's license, debit card, a small list of telephone numbers, cash and the aforementioned business cards. I don't even carry my phone, it sits on the kitchen counter most of the time, unless I'm driving some distance then I bring it with me but leave it in the car.

I've rarely been asked about my prices, but I did get asked when painting on location a week ago and since I have set prices by size so I was able to give a ready answer, she apparently didn't like it. lol

Oh, on person

Three knives, a flashlight and a lighter.

In truck OR on person, TP, always always ALWAYS have TP, though really, with the knives underwear can be converted to TP...

Regarding interest in my art, I do what Alfred does with the exception of one thing....if they have a device handy, I type in my website and show them how to save it to their main screen....to look over at their leisure.

The thing about custom work is that you cannot give an accurate price...so it is essential that the conversation is continued at an appropriate time when you can concentrate solely on that particular potential client...tell them that! What better way to get off on good footing than by assuring them they are worth your complete attention?

Handling potentials is a learned technique from experience....make sure each experience along the way is one in which you are learning instead of bemoaning....

"...though really, with the knives underwear can be converted to TP..."

That's a one-shot deal though. I suppose you could cutoff lower pants legs, or shirt sleeves, as backup after the skivvies have been used.

Okay, back to the regularly scheduled topic. :)

"...though really, with the knives underwear can be converted to TP..."


...but then how are you going to blow your nose?

not signed this time

I don't think you can call this a mistake, Abbie. You don't know what the people who heard what you said are thinking ... you only saw their reaction not their response. There is a difference. I'm sure they will check you out even more now to see if they can afford you. In other words, several times when I thought I said a stupid thing it turned out to be somewhat brilliant. Their is a reason you said what you said, give it time ....

Oh in my pick-up truck I keep 2 Stanley water bottles filled, 3 flashlights, assorted tools,a set of very long jumper cables, a roll of paper towels, a light raincoat and either a small blanket or a beach towel. I also keep a case of bottled water in the back of the truck and some rope. Plus I keep a plastic crate and a cooler back there. I have a smartphone and that works as a talking navigator, and a directory and also keeps my insurance card and my AAA road service card.
Om my person I carry a small flashlight my wallet with a few cards and my iphone 6+. With the 6+ I can show photos online.

Abby I guess because I am a musician I meet a lot of people. I also get invited to parties a lot. I am an introvert but people say hello and sometimes I go around and say hello to people. I use Moo cards printed with a different photo on the back of each one. I try and match the photo to the personality and they usually they take it as a gift. They are expensive, so next order I will do something different.

I think some of you forgot a map, compass, and MRE's.....just in case the traffic across town gets heavy. ;)

(Of course now I'm thinking JC probably has an MRE or two in his gear when venturing to his outdoor excursions )

Stuff that stays in the truck all the time:

At least 2 gallons of water, even if I'm just heading to the valley for the day. Lots more if I'm gone longer
A power inverter and a backup power inverter to charge whatever needs charging
Various AC chargers
Jumper cables
Collapsible chair
Mattress/sleeping bags/down comforter/down throws/bed pillows
One-burner propane stove/extra propane canisters
A zippered bag with everything needed to make a good pot of coffee, including coffee beans and grinder
Kitchen utensils
Seasonings/condiments
Heavy-bottomed cooking pot/steamer basket/fry pan
Various Tupperware containers and empty Ovaltine jars to store food in coolers
Olive oil
Mosquito spray/sunscreen/lotion
Bear spray
Binoculars/bird books
Sun hat/sun glasses
Large cooler/small cooler/pillows to insulate them
Rubbermaid tubs/lids
Bungee cords
Stack of books
Several battery-operated lights/flashlights
Music CDs
Spare batteries (Costco sheets)
Cutting board/sharp knives/metal bowls/plates/cups/cafeteria trays
Laptop safe to stash valuables
Backpack stocked with hiking necessities
Down jackets/vest, knit hats/gloves
Packs of chemical hand warmers
Box of large garbage bags
Monopod/tripod
Walking stick
Dried and canned food/bags of granola/Costco pistachios/dried fruit, etc.
Towels/washcloths
Dish detergent/laundry detergent
Business cards in backpack and in truck console
Narrow, stackable plastic buckets
Boxes of Ziplock bags in various sizes
TP/paper towels
Spare tire/jack
County maps/regional maps/GPS
Small toolkit
Basic first aid kit/Heavy duty painkillers
WD 40
Motor oil
Windex
Lighters
Scissors
Pens/notepads
Crowbar/shovel/hori-hori/weeder
Nylon rope/clothespins
Duct tape/Gorilla tape
Swimsuit/small bag of fresh socks and undies
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Couple extra pairs tennies/sandals/flipflops
Real rain gear (not flimsy poncho)
Extra reading glasses
Magnifying glass
Patron tequila (medicinal purposes)
Plastic tablecloth (comes in handy to cover everything in the back)
Small bag with shower/hair stuff
Tums/Advil/Advil PM/Biotin/B complex/calcium/cough drops

I'm probably forgetting a lot of small items but I think I've covered most of the essentials.

Kathleen, I think you have more in your truck than I have in my house. lol

David, some years it feels like I spend more time in my truck than in my house!

I actually don't dislike what you said, Abbie. It shows you value your work. I would have smiled at that response, not laughed. I know we probably obsess over what we think we've said in haste, but the others have moved on. You did the right thing by getting some cards and leaflets to the owner to hand out for you. Now you can rest easy.

Kathleen, I can see why your list is so long, because you really do get out there in all kinds of environment and climates. Besides camera, of course, for me it's just two pairs of glasses (sunglasses and reading glasses), meds for every occasion (lol), paper and pen. I like to travel light. My cell phone goes in my back pocket. Oh, and lip gloss!

Look at it this way Abbie. Bernie Madoff told all of his victims that they couldn't afford him on their first meeting...........ok so maybe that is a really bad example........nevermind. :-)

After reading your gear list, Kathleen, I'm thinking that whatever model of truck you drive, that that company needs to hire you to do promotional commercials to sell their trucks. :)

Like Patricia, I always traveled light. When I left for the TV station, all I needed was my brain and my stopwatch.

And whenever I am asked about price, for whatever it is, I answer "Expensive."

It sets the tone for quality. It causes the person's endorphins to respond in a positive manner.

I have a whole lecture on this subject, but I will spare you for now, for you said you have work to do.

I try to keep business cards and a camera (not counting my iPhone) with me, or near me, at all times. I'm currently downsizing to Olympus MFT gear - so hopefully keeping a camera at hand will be more easily accomplished.



---------------
~ Bill
~ US Pictures .com

LOL, Greg, it's a '98 Ford 4x4 that I found on Craigslist from a seller in Oregon. Ran up there, fell in love with it and it's served me well ever since. No bells and whistles but (so far) very reliable.

Abbie...I didn't read every post...so not sure if it was mentioned...but re: "pricing"...
I hope you mean prices for Prints...because you should not (imo) carry a "price list" for commissions (originals that haven't even been painted yet)

Each commission should be priced after you know what (size/subject/actual image) you will be painting...not before.
After you understand exactly what it is they want...they get to know what you want for the job. ;)

Wow! Kathleen, What a list! Now I know how you were able to capture all those beautiful wildlife images. Your bird photos are beautiful !

In my car, I have my backpack with canon camera, extra battery for camera, insect repellent, phone, iPad,
In the trunk of my car, reusable grocery bags, portable tripod, binocular, light jacket, blanket.
a Dog leash, and a toy, dog food, water bowl, disposable doggie bag in Penny's tote.
in my tote bag, wallet, keys, pencil, small sketchbook, the little hair thing to hold my hair. I am sure I forgot something.

Gary,
As an aside about Madoff....I have a dear friend, same last name but pronounces it mad-off, not made-off. He had the occasion to Bernie's office and pronounced the surname the way he pronounces it. The secretary was quick to correct him by saying,
"It is 'made off' as in 'He made off with your money."

Marlene! That is hilarious!!!!

I always have business cards in my wallet.... :) So when I am walking around with my camera, taking photos and someone inquires about me, I can say "Here is my card, if you are interested in seeing my work!" :) It has come in handy many times!

Abbie, thank you for starting this discussion...it's been very educational! We've all been there, been caught off guard and then wished we had the right words at the right time. I'm impressed with how you responded when you got home, and I'm willing to bet something good will come from this event yet. Another thought is that people who have horses are accustomed to (and willing to!) spend money...they are expensive animals to own. One of my biggest hurdles to overcome is looking at the value of my artwork from my own bank account's perspective, instead of the potential buyer's. I don't think I'll ever completely be comfortable with that, but I'm working on it. :-)

As for how I try to stay prepared? As a photographer, I made the commitment to ALWAYS carry my good camera (not just my cell phone)...some opportunities can't be recreated. My cell phone, business cards, sunglasses, tissues, a paper map (in case I don't have cell service), credit card, paper and pen.

Reading some of the lists above makes me feel extremely unprepared...I'm impressed by you people!