In many of the articles I write on RedDotBlog, I’m asking you to make major life commitments or giving you big marketing strategies. Today I want to invite you to do something that is going to take you all of five seconds: Set up a folder on your computer where you can collect images of your work in clients’ homes or businesses or in public spaces.
This may sound exceedingly simple and elementary, but I’m willing to bet that there are a good number of you who haven’t implemented this simple strategy. I know I’m safe in this bet because I hadn’t set up a client photo folder until a couple of years ago.
Once I did set one up, I was amazed at how frequently I used it. When a client was considering purchasing a piece of an artist’s work, I could go to my file and send the client photos of other installations of that particular artist’s work. If I was promoting an artist in our weekly newsletter, we could include installation photos.
The biggest benefit of the folder, however, is that it serves as a catalyst to remind us to ask for photos from our clients.
Today’s 5-Second Challenge: Create your Client Photos Folder
After you finish reading this post, I invite you to open your file explorer and create a new file called “Client Photos” (or whatever makes the most sense to you) in a location that will be easy to find. I have the file in my Google Drive folder so that I can access it from any computer – you could do the same, or place it in your Dropbox folder or, if you don’t use a cloud backup service, in your documents folder.
Bonus Challenge: Ask a Client for a Photo
Need some photos to begin populating your folder? The best and most reliable way to get these photos is to take them yourself if you have the opportunity to deliver and/or install the artwork. Make sure you take photos with each installation. If possible, try and include your client in the photo.
What if you have failed to take these photos with past sales? Email or call your clients! Asking for photos of your work is a great excuse to get in touch with past clients. Getting in touch with past clients is a great way to remind them of your work, which could potentially lead them to visit your website and look at your current work.
Send a quick email with the subject line: “A quick favor” that reads something like this:
Dear _________,
I hope you are having a great summer!
Several years ago, you acquired the painting “Desert Sunset” from me at the Cave Creek art festival. I hope you have enjoyed the piece and that it has enriched your life and brought beauty into your home.
I have just begun collecting photos of my artwork when it has found a permanent home, and if it would be convenient, I would love to have a photo of your piece to add to my file – it’s one of my favorite paintings!
The photo doesn’t need to be fancy – you could even snap a shot with your phone and email it to me in reply to this message.
I’m including a photo from another client below so you can see what I’m looking for. It’s great to see a little bit of the artwork’s surroundings to help put the work in context.
Thank you in advance! If I may ever be of service, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Artist
Gallery Sales
What if you are selling your work through galleries and they haven’t been getting these photos? I would suggest you contact your galleries and request that they ask for these photos. Suggest that it could be a great marketing tool to remind past clients about the gallery. You could even provide a link to this article!
Share Your Experience
Do you already have a folder for collecting photos from clients? Are you already in the habit of requesting photos from clients? How has this worked for you? I would also love to hear your experience after you request photos from your clients or galleries. Were they responsive? What was the experience like? Share your thoughts, questions, comments, and experiences in the comments below!
I like the apps where you can place your art in a setting. It works well for art not sold that I want to sell. I like the idea of contacting clients as well.
This is a fantastic idea! Boy, I have some back tracking to do but also have a waiting list of 12 commissions, so I am thinking of adding something to the contract that asks for a picture of it
hanging in their houses. Some sort of check box that will remind me to ask for a follow up pic after
its hung.
Thank you Jason for yet another wonderful tip!
Michele
I have been collecting photos of all my painting which I can make prints if requested, I have sold many prints.
Hi Jason,
I thought your idea was a great one and although I had a few pics that collectors had sent me, I hadn’t been very good about it and did not have a FILE.
So… I set about asking a few of my recent collectors for photos and so far they have been very generous about sending me photos.
It’s pretty cool to see the paintings in their various settings and it reminds me that I really do create some great work.
However…. now my question is…. am I doing this just for my own gratification (which seems to be working) or was there a purpose you had in mind for this collection of art on the walls of our collectors’ homes???
Hope to hear back soon. In the meantime, thanks always for the encouragement and for the many ideas.
Jason,
I have been doing this since you suggested it a few years ago. I now have a collection. However some collectors never responded. A few do not look complementary the way they are photographed and sent back. I do have a couple that are complementary. I do show them to other potential collectors sometimes.
I usually ask for photos of my art in peoples homes but I plan to create a folder after reading this. I even write to people who have won my donated art at charity events and they usually respond and are enthusiastic. I’m thinking it might make a great topic for my monthly newsletter too. It’s a good feeling to see my art lovingly placed and complementing a beautiful home.
This suggestion is very important and useful. I think it might drive some sales too.
I have actually had clients send me photos of the work hanging…and it’s did not request them.
I will now though and most people will be more than happy to show the placement.
Very helpful indeed!