Featured Seller - Furious Dreams

What part of the world are you in?

Southeastern Pennsylvania in the Brandywine Valley, just west of Philadelphia.

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is probably the most important part of the business transaction. I try to give personalized treatment to all my customers. Just as it's importantfor a collector to meet the artist whose work they support, my own 'patrons' deserve to know a little more about me than just my shop name.I want to build relationships with my customers so that they'll return and begin building their own collection of my work.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There is a customer in Switzerland who is an exceptional writer. She always offers feedback that is lyrical and more descriptive of my paintings than I could ever be.I can't think of any experiences that haven't been memorable with my customers. They are all unique and respond to my work in different ways. It allows me to see the paintings through their eyes.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

My work is diverse and I can offer a range from figurative to abstract to landscape. I see a lot of artists who produce the same thing over and over.I don't think the concept of style applies to fine art and I don't paint to sell, which would be a disaster. Picasso changed his work from year to year. To continually grow and develop is the beauty (and challenge) of being a painter.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I grew up with a mother who was a painter, and a father who was a film editor. It was a creative family; my parents gave their kids a lot of opportunities and supported my interest in art and music. I also studied color theory and portraiture for almost 10 years with the Chatov studio in Atlanta. I apprenticed with printmakers and have a variety of skills in different mediums.But mostly, painting has been a priority throughout my life. Along with making a lot of mistakes.
You can't be afraid to fail.

What is your goal for the next year?

To produce as much as I have this year, but to sell all of it!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I've never been motivated by selling my art. I'm inspired to create it.When sales are slow, start making more art!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I use all the usual social networking sites, professional links from my corporate world, post on my blog and other artists, critics and writers blogs. It's important to give back, so I'm also posting interviews with painters whose work I admire. It's really more about getting your name out there in terms of attracting potential patrons. I enter shows every year. I'm currently in an exhibit at a local museum and I also note the exhibits that each listed painting has been in.Residencies are important for artists in terms of networking and opportunities for uninterrupted work, and I met some great friends at a residency in Italy a couple of years ago. I applied to another residency for next fall.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Make sure you have a passion for what you're doing. Persevere and come up with a business plan for promotion.

Admin Comment: We've always been a fan of painting, especially beautiful abstract work. Furious Dreams has no shortage of beautiful pieces to accessorize and add a burst of colour to your home.

Visit Furious Dreams on etsy at http://furiousdreams.etsy.com

*Special Promos* 50% OFF SPRING SALE! All original oil paintings are now being offered at one half the listed price. Please convo me with your selection PRIOR to purchase and I will make the price change reserving it in your name. Also free shipping on most items!

Featured Seller - Kristen Stein Fine Art

What part of the world are you in?

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Suburbs.

What does customer service mean to you?

I think customer service is incredibly important. In addition to enjoying the artwork, the customer wants to enjoy the entire purchase experience. Every element that makes up the transaction will leave a lasting impression on the buyer. So, you want to make the transaction as perfect as possible. This includes notifying the buyer with shipment information and carefully and professionally wrapping the item for shipping.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Oh my.... I've had so many wonderful customers....it's hard to choose just one. But, if I had to choose one, I'd probably say that it's the customer for whom I created several original pet portraits of her beloved dogs. At the time, she knew I was pregnant with my first child. She sent me one of my very first baby gifts....a beautifully woven cotton blanket which my daughter adores to this day....now 4 years later. It was such a thoughtful gift and really touched us.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

This is a hard question as I would need to know what the other sellers are doing differently from me. I suspect that we are all very passionate about our craft and doing what we can to be successful, so...in that respect....I'm probably not all that different from the other sellers. I just love what I do and try to do it to the best of my ability.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Friends, family and fellow artists have all be instrumental in helping me hone my skills as a seller and an artist. My husband has listened to me reason through my different selling 'strategies' and offered lots of great advice over the years. Sometimes it is useful to just have another 'set of ears' to help listen to ideas. Granted....there's a lot of trial and error and a bit of risk-taking involved and not every project ends up being successful. But, I think you can also learn a lot from your mistakes.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I took one art class in high school and an elective class in college. But, I think the desire to draw, paint and create is truly in my nature. My parents are both very creative people. My father is an extremely talented woodworker and my mother is great with photography, silkscreening and other crafty items. It just seems like second-nature to me to be expressing myself in this way.

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd love to be doing exactly what I'm doing while also trying to help my business grow. As I am relatively new to the East Coast, I'd love to be able to expand my business to some of the local boutiques and galleries in the area. In addition, I'd love to be able to work on some sort of wholesale business or licensing of my artwork, graphics and illustrations.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

The artwork itself is very motivating. Even if it isn't moving as quickly as in previous months, it is still a wonderful feeling to be creating something from a blank canvas. It's tough when sales are down, but there is almost always a kind email or word from a potential buyer to let you know that your work is appreciated.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?

I advertise my website online and I use the social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter. I often offer discounts for multiple purchases, free shipping offers and special rewards for returning customers.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Do it! If you love what you do and the work makes you happy, it will likely bring joy to other people as well. Try your luck and see how it works for you. You never know until you try. The business cycle can get frustrating...especially in the slowest of times....but continue to create according to your passion, and eventually the market will upswing again.

You are correct Kristen, this business is a lot of trial and error. A lot of hard work and dedication. That's why we love showcasing artists like you! We know what it is like and we love promoting wonderful new talent. Thanks so much Kristen for sharing your beautiful artwork with our readers!

Check out Kristens online store, located at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5192173 and check out her wide selection of: signed prints, photographs, fine art tiles, pendants and gift certificates. Prices range from $10-475.

*SPECIAL PROMO* FREE USA SHIPPING for a limited time only!

Featured Seller - Lunatique Art

What part of the world are you in?

I am hiding in the woods in America's midwest...

What does customer service mean to you?

Absolutely everything, it is essential to the art business.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I have been fortunate that in such a short time I have had so many memorable experiences. My absolute favorite though, was a very young girl who walked past my booth several times at an art fair. Each time she shyly peeked in. Finally, pulling her dad in with her, she gathered the courage to step inside. She pointed out a work and told her dad that she "had to have it", it was the "one". I was so tickled that out of over a hundred exhibitors she was so drawn to my work that I practically gave it away. She was so thrilled with her first ever art purchase and she wanted her dad to take a picture of us. It was adorable and I was proud that a child could feel so connected to my work.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

More than anything, even the sale, I want to share my work and I want people to appreciate it. I am so grateful when someone does appreciate it that I could nearly give it away... but I have to eat...it's unfortunate, but apparently essential to survival. I strive to channel my emotions through the creative process and for me it's more about expression than technique. I want them to love their work and feel something in it that makes them want to have it.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I learned many techniques in classrooms throughout the years but developing a personal style and creating strictly for fun are two fundamentals that I feel make me successful today.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I have taken classes throughout the years and will more than likey take more in the future. It's important to continue to nurture and grow your skill.

What is your goal for the next year?

My major goal is to improve my skills and create many new incredible works.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

My art family. My friends within the art community inspire me and motivate me through their works and activities.

We loved your answer to the most memorable experience with a customer, what a great and touching story! Your pieces are divine! We hope we can help drive some traffic flow to your store so that everyone can enjoy your beautiful artwork.
We also want to mention that Lunatique Art offers FREE SHIPPING to her clients in the United States! That's a fantastic deal, take advantage of this great offer.
Please visit Tina Liebermans Lunatique Arts Studio by going to http://lunatiqueart.etsy.com, or check out her dot com site at http://lunatiqueart.com