The Framers Forum

Customer comes in today with an original watercolour from a well known published artist.

I wanted to ask where she got it and how much she paid - instead I said "Oh - is that one of mine" (bought here)

"Oh no" she said "we got it direct from the artist's own website"

Hmmmm - now if she'd said she'd got it from the PUBLISHER'S website I'd have been a bit miffed - make that hopping mad. But direct from the artist?

Well, as long as she paid what I would charge, what's the problem, maybe!

I do know that most major publishers would not have their artists do that -they'd be under contract.

Anyway - didn't have to ask what they paid, they left their packaging behind with their credit card receipt in - I'll return this with the framed work.

They paid £250 and that would have included p+p of say £10 - so say £240.

My trade price for a piece the same size (and it does go by size) would be £160 - so times that by 2.35 (twice plus VAT) and I'd sell it at £376 - and have done.

To me this means instant dismissal - I'm not having people looking in my windows - googling artists' names and finding the same direct from the artist at a huge chunk less. £136 less to be exact.

Warraya fink?

Some artists are using the distribution services of fine art companies and their reps., then also bi-passing said companies and selling direct to either gallery or general public, as and when convenient via websites. Caught one or two out at this game; and the distributors none too happy. Anything goes now it seems. Integrity, what happened. The public can buy any artwork on the internet. Look at the prices; they're not saving money, with prints anyway.

Instant dismissal would be my attitude as well. They bite the hand that feeds them.

Well, seeing as no-one is gonna ask .....

It gives me great pleasure to announce this artist's name.

Sue Howells - some may remember I had issues with her work recently.

Every gallery and his dog seems to carry Sue Howells. We have sold her originals and giclees for the past four years with success. She has public appeal, with the similarities to Lowry, but it's coming to that time when she is gonna have to go; she is wearing a bit thin. Be interested in other galleries views. Incidently at the top of our naughty artist list; re: recent post.

This is something that really pi**es me off about artists, and Mrs Kev, and the staff all feel the same about it.

ive had the same problem over and over, even local artists selling direct prints and grossly undercutting, undercutting on their websites and also selling on ebay. I think its something we have to accept as the current trend in the way they (artists) do business, and make adjustments to our own businesses accordingly.

with giclee and inkjet reproduction so easy and affordable, I would guess that this is the direction it is headed.

It certainly has contributed to the rise in framing work we have had, and the decline in "off the wall" sales.

Im all for just cutting them out of the sales loop, dropping the majority of my print sales, and not showcasing them in the shop window just so that customers can google for them and buy elsewhere, then be too embarrased to come to us for framing because we have one framed in the window already.