Last weekend, I discovered that I was unable to use the online print functions at where I would usually do my limited edition prints. It meant a bit of panicking and then finding a new place for printing. Fortunately, I got my prints I intended to make, and in fact at a lower cost, so at least that plan still is going how it is.

It made me think about how it is for small businesses, that there was a lot to originally set up, but then after things got rolling, it wasn’t so difficult.

1. Doing the research
   • On where to exhibit: Quite a number of art shows have a lot of restrictions about what and how you exhibit. It’s important to read these carefully, as you may not be able to provide reproductions of your work at some. For my first show, I chose one with as few restrictions as possible to see what the uptake was. I find also the timing in the year is helpful. For outdoor shows, it seems like the ones in the earlier parts of the year have worse weather, but in any case, you can’t control the weather and just have to be prepared to have everything protected.
   • On payment methods: From my own personal experience, I noticed many vendors used Square, so that’s what I ended up going with. I’d say the online back end platform is not terribly intuitive or easy to navigate but the point of sale works quite well and the app is easy.
2. Asking around for suppliers: I visited a few art shows and talked to vendors. Some were even willing to share with me their suppliers, such as Shelly Prior. I found more people willing to talk with a new watercolour artist than those who didn’t want to talk. I am guessing it’s because everyone has been there at some point and it was because someone was willing to help that they were able to become more established.
3. Marketing: I made postcards in addition to business cards, since I could showcase my art on it more, and apparently more people are willing to keep the postcards as they’re quite pretty. While having a social media presence is all the rage lately, I don’t think it necessarily brings in more sales, and my sales have mainly come from the in-person events. That said, social media is helpful to have some words of encouragement when you are trying to create and are stuck. It’s also great for obtaining some market feedback.
4. Investing in fixed cost items: These are quite tough since everything costs a lot right in the beginning.
   • My tent was expensive, but I wanted to keep doing this, and rentals were so expensive anyways, so it ultimately was fine to buy my own.
   • I had a tough time figuring out an inexpensive way to create grids to hang my art, but after enough visits to hardware stores, I was able to buy some grids. I originally thought I’d buy ones that would be one long grid on a wall, but I later realized that the fact I bought smaller ones made it much easier to transport.
5. Register your business: To set up a business bank account and to access business discounts with other vendors, you need to register your business. It’s pretty easy and simple to do on the Service Ontario website.
6. Keep overhead costs low: I would classify these as the ongoing costs but they aren’t specific per sale.
   • Website. I chose a less expensive provider but one that I was familiar with, as Bluehost. As I wanted an easy to use website, I went with WordPress which also made a difference. That said, I’d have to admit the back end of WordPress is more complicated than I would have thought and perhaps one of those other providers like SquareSpace or Wix might be easier.
   • Banking costs. Other online artists suggested creating a business bank account as soon as possible. I actually ended up switching banks soon after I found that there was a no cost provider with BMO that would work just as well. Was a slight pain to do so as I had to visit the banks multiple times, but definitely worth it to keep those costs low.
7. Investing in variable cost items: Variable costs are the ones associated with each sale. Quite obvious, but if it helps with presentation and the customer experience, I also decided to go with it.
   • All my paintings in person are sold with matboards, and it definitely increases the presentation value. That said, there’s a lot of additional work with this but I thought it was worth it.
   • As I had to think about plastic bags for protecting my art and paper bags to give the art to the customer, I realized how much money goes into this, every time I buy takeout from a restaurant. It gave me an appreciation of every little cost (and so now, I’ll quite gladly say, “no cutlery!” knowing that that small restaurant can save a bit while I don’t contribute to additional trash).
   • Buying huge quantities of things like bags can be a tough thing to do when you’re trying to keep costs low, but again, I would think of it as more of investments to be able to sell later on.
8. Get business discounts! Once you register your business (see above) It was great to learn that various other businesses have business discounts. So ask where you get your supplies if there is a business program. Might as well get them! For instance here are some with discounts:
   • Rona: Has a VIPRO program
   • Staples: has a preferred small business program
   • Canada Post: has a small business program
   • Home Depot: has a professional program but I believe you get points and discounts only after a certain spend.
9. Think about what you want to focus on. I think there’s a tension of artists and whether they want to continue making new original works or focus on reproductions. For me, my reproductions which are limited prints, are only to allow for accessibility to my work. But my desire is always to make new and original art, exploring things that are unique and central to me. Staying true to your own work was actually hard to begin with – I was obsessed with whether my work would sell, and what would people like. What I’ve seen so far is that it is completely unpredictable and even what I think it not going to sell might actually end up selling anyways. The pieces that I like most even sometimes don’t sell.
10. Be resourceful and creative. I ended up grabbing some things around the house to help me sell and keep costs down. A picture frame became what I used to feature my artist bio. I had tables and stools to help put on my crates for my limited edition prints. I used rocks as paper weights. Garden stones were used to hold down my tent.

So good luck in your business endeavours!