Friday, April 24, 2009
I never imagined when I decided to design, create and sell jewelry that I would not only have to be an artist, but a top notch photographer, web designer, graphic artist, marketer and writer as well. Not all of these jobs come easy to me but if you want to sell your creations, you have to be able to show them to people. I can't tell you how it's been stressed in so many other blogs, tips, hints and advice written elsewhere, that taking good photos of your work is not just important, it's essential. You need to capture the eye of people who have a myriad of other handmade artists to choose from. Why should they choose you?
Most jewelry purchases are impulse buys. And that, only when there is disposable income available. Something is is increasingly rare in this current economy. So how do you get people to part with their hard earned cash and give it to you? Not an easy question to answer and there are no hard and fast rules. I will try to share what I'm learning as I make my way to finding these answers myself.
As a newcomer in this market, I am fighting against well established designers. But I also have the advantage of being able to pick their brains on what works and what doesn't. First and foremost I keep hearing about good pictures. And I understand that completely. If I saw the picture on the left I'd never buy it. But the one on the right really makes a difference and catches my eye. While the picture on the left looks ok, by lightening it up, cropping and zooming in a bit the bracelet itself commands center of attention. 
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Okay, they're not the best but I'm still learning too. BTW, take it from me, natural light is the best but don't forget to change the ASA on your camera to 400 to gather more light.
Well, I'm off to go working on pricing for a show I'm attending on Saturday. Wish me luck.
Miki
