Functional Art

[JoArtyJo]

I have come to realise that functional pieces sell a lot better than decorative pieces- eg my coloring pages and planner sell a lot better than my original drawings and prints.

As I love to draw, I am considering starting a section in my shop for original art bookmarks. This way I get to create original art as well as something with a 'function'. However, as these would be original and one of a kind, I would need to charge around $20- $25 for a bookmark (detailed intricate ink drawing that takes me ages!)

What do you think? Will these just be way too overpriced? Or do you think people would pay for a special one of a kind item like this- perhaps as a gift (I am thinking Valentine's/ Mother's Day!)

Any input welcome :-) Thank you!

[theartofstacy]

Are you going to provide some way to protect the bookmarks for everyday usage? I would be super protective of a one of a kind piece and probly wouldn't actually use it as a bookmark.

[JoArtyJo]

Hmm- I could offer to laminate them? Good point! I am not sure of any kind of fixative spray would protect enough.... anyone else got any suggestions on this?!

[Former_Member]

This is a great question, Joanne - I've actually been thinking about doing bookmarks too, but didn't think what i'd be willing to charge would be reasonable for a bookmark (and the little bit of searching i've done on Etsy seems to prove this) -

also, as Stacy said, i don't think i would want to use a piece of fine art as a bookmark in fear it might get damaged or lost...

i wonder if there is a way to make them with prints? i think in either case they should be protected somehow - laminating would be nice.

love your art! (=

[Former_Member]

In the past, I've bought fine art bookmarks in Greece that were laminated - they were quite beautiful and made good gifts

[JoArtyJo]

Thanks for the input everyone :-)

Maybe I will try laminating then- make a few and see how they go?!

Brandi- I know what you mean, I am so not willing to undercharge for my art just because it is a bookmark- so I will stick to my normal pricing structure. This will make them around $20- $25, so if that's too much I guess I'll be keeping them :-)

[IstriaDesign]

Good thinking, Joanne. I actually lost money on my first two sales because I didn't think anyone would pay more for what I was offering. And when it comes to bookmarks, I did some research before I listed the one I made and I saw people selling a set of 4 bookmarks for 4 dollars. Even if they just print their designs on the paper and cut it, in my opinion that is still too little. When you consider the time it takes to design it, the paper, ink, etsy fee and paypal fee, you don't make any money if you charge $4 for a set of 4 bookmarks. So, I think your price is very reasonable, and I definitely think there will be people willing to pay for it. As for protection, I think laminating them would be fine.

Best of luck, I love your art.

[JoArtyJo]

Thank you Ivana. You are totally right about pricing- I feel so many people are charging so little here! But each to their own, I want to make this into a successful business so I need to charge for my time. You are right $4 nowhere near covers the time, cutting up is very fiddly to do perfectly! (one of my least favourite parts of being an artist is cutting my paper to size lol!)

Make sure you raise your prices if you haven't already- your work is gorgeous (as I have told you before ;-) )

[IstriaDesign]

Thanks, that means a lot... I'm still struggling with my prices, but I will get there. And I'm not too fond of cutting either... it's not easy to get it right lol.

[Former_Member]

You could create an intricate hand drawn design, copy, print, and laminate it. Maybe have 10 different designs, but you will be able to reproduce them and sell them for cheaper.

[JoArtyJo]

Thanks Ruthie- yeah prints are a good option for a lower price point.. They kist don't get me as excited as the idea of originals- maybe I should have both types then I can cater for different budgets.... :-)