may vancouver art show

by Monika Blichar

As an artist, looking for new ways on how to market, promote and sell your work this fall can be intimidating. Many of us fall into the same routine and often forget that seasonal promotions are a great way to engage new customers, create special products or service packages, and most importantly have fun doing so! Today, I have compiled five fall sales ideas for artists to help you take advantage of a this wonderful fall season!

1-Create a Fall Promotion for your Product or Service

It sounds simple and it can be! What is your best selling product or service? What do you enjoy making or doing the most? Start with these two questions and then build from there. If you are a photographer, offer a Fall Mini Session for Kids in a Pumpkin Patch. If you are a painter, create an image of a fall harvest scene and then offer prints or greeting cards in time for Thanksgiving. Be sure to offer a special or incentive for customers to buy from you such as limiting the number of sales you will make for the promotion or offering a limited edition run of your prints. The possibilities are endless!

We partnered with WAVES Coffee in Yaletown in 2010 to host a Pumpkin Carving event.

2-Buddy Up!

Working together can be better than working on your own. Who can you partner up with to offer a special package, gift basket or service package with? Some of the benefits of working with others include reaching new markets, sharing the task of marketing, and cross promoting on each other’s networks.

3-Run a Contest!

A simple thing like “Guess How Many Candy Corn are in this Jar and Win” can help you gain new customers, get shared and also keep your followers engaged. If you’re always posting about your product and your service without giving your fan base something to look forward to like a contest or a special, you will loose opportunities for your fans and followers to help you build your brand by sharing it and tagging their friends. What could you do that will help engage your fan base this fall?\

4-Plan an Event!

Aside from things you can do to promote your business this fall online or via social media, be sure to host an open studio, special event, or workshop for your business! There’s nothing like connecting with people face to face! Here are some ideas for events:

-Fall Sidewalk Sale

-Start or End of Fall Season Sale

-VIP Fall Shopping Party

-Fall Customer Appreciation Event

-Fall Themed Art Show

-Halloween Event

Hosting a special event is a great way to feature your space and your business in person. Ask other businesses to donate door prizes, get involved or even donate their space and partner up with them if you don’t have a space that is suitable for the public. When I first started my business, I didn’t want people coming to my home studio so I often partnered up with other businesses and would host events, shows, and openings in cafes, restaurants and even car dealerships.

We have partnered up with Two of Hearts Boutique in Kitsilano to host a Halloween Party and Shopping Extravaganza! Monika will have her legging launch and we are pairing that with Cici Clothing, West Coast Hatters, and Carolyn Bruce Designs Jewellery! Get your ticket for only $10 HERE! Includes a drink, door prize entry ticket, and fashion show!

5-Community Events

There are lots of ways that you can join community events-and not just markets or fairs! Here are some ideas for you to look into this year or next:

–Kids Sporting Events: sponsor a tent and hand out samples, give out water with your logo on the bottle, or enter attendees into a draw.

–Pop Up: Ask a coffee shop if you can do a pop up for a day in their cafe, bring a table with your work and promote to the cafe goers!

–Local Businesses: Find other businesses in your area who are hosting events and offer your time, a product to donate, or ask if you can have a small table at their event.

So what are you waiting for? Pick something and get going on creating a cool fall promotion or event that will help you generate more brand recognition, new customers and followers, and most of all, create more fun and joy for you in your business!

monikaheadshot Monika Blichar has a B.A. in English and French and a British Columbia College of Teacher’s Certificate. She is the owner and founder of Art World Expo, Monika’s Art Boutique, Painting Dreams International Art Tours and her own brand Monika Blichar. Originally from Wroclaw, Poland, Monika is actively connected to her culture in Poland and works heavily to promote Canadian artists via her events. She is an avid creator, passionate about creativity and creating authentic connections in the communities where she works. Monika has produced Art World Expo in Vancouver since 2010, one installment in Toronto in 2015, an annual show in Edmonton since 2017 and has launched two Art World Expo Christmas Fairs in Vancouver and Victoria, BC. To learn more about Monika, visit www.monikablichar.com

by Monika Blichar

This year, we are pleased to be exploring the theme of “Eco-Sustainability” within the theme of the 8th annual Art World Expo in Vancouver. Noting all that is happening in the world environmentally and politically, it is excellent to see artists and designers being sustainable in their production of unique accessories and art work. A new-comer to Art World Expo but a past guest, we welcome Volkert Bobeldijk for Lumberjax Custom Wooden Jewelry to our annual event and showcase. Volkert has truly done something unique while thinking of nature and the ecosystem. We caught up with Volkert about his work and the upcoming event-be sure to check out his Facebook page at the end also!

1-When did you start making jewellery?

I started to make jewelry about four three years ago after my wife asked me to make a ring. Her diamond clasp would get caught on the linens at the hospital where she works and a wood ring could just be worn for work. Then her colleagues and friends started asking me to make them one which helped me to move forward in my woodworking.

2-What inspired you to start incorporating natural elements into your designs?

Being that I have been carving spoons for longer then the Jewelry making, I took to wooden jewelry quite easily. I have always had the love of wood and creating with wood my entire life but this has opened up my creative side. It also gives me the ability to use woodworking as therapy.

3-What has been the most exciting aspect of launching your own company?

The most exciting part of starting my own company is the ability it has given me to spend more time with my family. I went from a high stress, long hours and away from the house type of job to working a part-time job and working my business. This gave me the pleasure of being around my children and spending the quality time with my wife.

4-How have you transformed as an artist since you began?

Since I have started I have had the amazing pleasure of meeting more artisans and creative people that inspire me to grow and be who I really am. My transformation began when I saw the people who stop by my booth look in awe at the creations I have made for them. It gave me more drive to further my company and start making more products to suit all types of styles.

5-What do you aspire to do in the next five years?

I wood love to see my company grow to a point of not needing to have a part-time job. This way I will be able to take care of my family full time and become more self sufficient. To work my passion and spend the upmost quality time with family and friends is my goal that I will achieve.

6-What kinds (if any) specials or promotions will you have at Art World Expo 2018?

At this art show I will be giving Wooden keychains designed to put essential oils on to each client that purchases from my table. In addition, I may come up with a draw to win a wooden earrings and necklace/pendant set.

To learn more about Lumberjax, visit their Facebook Page.