Every once in a while a fun, imaginative, creative commission comes my way. This client’s daughter was getting married at the beach in Delaware. She wanted wooden signs for the table settings at the reception. Instead of giving people a table number on their place card, they were given a city name which would be illustrated via the wooden signs. Each city was a place the couple had visited while they were dating. We delivered 28 signs, all different, made from wood and table top ready. Here are the five lessons we learned during this production portion of this project:
1. Be specific with the client on what they want.
This client knew conceptually what she wanted, but not in reality. My dad and I spent over an hour with her flushing out the idea and writing down her thoughts, wants, and dislikes. For example, she wanted them all to be different. She wanted different sizes, shapes and colors. She wanted us to be creative and gave us FULL artistic license. She noted which signs she wanted larger than the rest, and what colors to avoid…gold, she didn’t want any gold. We took her in the workshop and showed her specific wood types and sizes to confirm what would meet her needs. We reviewed the list of city names and confirmed the spelling of each one (no one wants to pay for a sign that is misspelled, even if they misspelled it!)
2. Confirm delivery specifics.
The wedding was April 21st, but she was flying up on April 14th. She thought she would ‘carry on’ the signs in a box. After talking with us about their size and weight, we suggested making alternative arrangements. Due to the number and weight of the signs, two boxes would be required and would be VERY heavy…a large fee would result from the airlines for these ‘carry on’ items.
3. Collect half of the final price upfront.
We were not afraid to ask her for half the final price during our initial consultation. That price included tax. She paid the first half upon engaging us, and then knew the total she would be expected to pay upon delivery. This influx of cash allowed us to buy the supplies for the signs without sacrificing our cash flow. I also let her know that the initial half payment was non-refundable. If she was unhappy with the final product we would make it right, but a refund would not be an option if she no longer needed the signs.
4. Set up project checkpoints.
I emailed the client along the project to keep her posted on our progress and confirm questions we had during production. During these emails we added an idea to the final product. She wanted the guests at each table to sign the back of each sign, which meant a pen needed to be included. We confirmed that we could drill a hole in the top of each sign where a pen could rest, AND suggested which type of pen would be most suitable for writing on wood (good thing I have written on wood on multiple occasions). She purchased the pen I suggested, which gave us the size for the hole in each sign.
5. Be specific on price – what is or is not included.
Here is where we learned our greatest lesson. We guesstimated (and I do mean guessed) on how much time it would take to complete all the signs. We were very wrong. We WAY under estimated the time involved in preparing the signs from the woodworking perspective. Each of us tracked our time as we worked on this project and now are better able to estimate our time on a per sign basis. Yes, we lost money on this project from a time involved perspective…but I didn’t mind. This client is on the board of a very prominent Atlanta performing arts organization, and mentioned during our first discussion that she was in charge of soliciting artists for a prestigious charity art auction.
As you create and produce more commissioned work, the lessons you learn can be invaluable in making your business stronger and more profitable. If you don’t take the time to learn those lessons, you are destined to make the same mistakes next time.Let’s face it, I am in this to share my talents AND make money. The work I produce and the way I conduct my business are one in the same…they are two sides of the same coin. I know many artists who are very poor business people and repeat customers are few due to their flighty, flakey and unreliable business practices. I don’t want that to be my reputation as a business person or an artist.
The next post for this project will include the five lessons learned from completion of the project, and photos of the signs….so stay tuned!
Ann Art Gallery Blog 