Making and Selling Photographic Calendars

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

I've checked out countless sites looking into prices for having 12 month calendars made from my photographs (jpg files) and they all seem to be selling them for $20.00 to as much as $28.00 per calendar. Many of these companies call them "fund raising opportunities" and I wonder how they can do that? I've bought many calendars each year for as long as I can remember. I generally choose favorite artists and such. I buy really good ones. I've never paid these prices. With the aforementioned prices as the cost to produce, where is the possibility of even modest success as a charitible fund raiser? I just don't see it!

I didn't think of this as a means of my actually making a profit for myself. I thought I could have some calendars made and sell them at my church or civic group, letting them have all the profits. I would donate my talent and welcome the opportunity for some exposure. It's now looking impossible. Nobody would pay even the price to have them printed, and certainly not the higher pricetag that would allow for a profit for the organization.

This makes no sense to me!

[drapier]

The problem is short print runs like this are much more expensive. I agree with you that there is no way to make a profit on this as very high quality calendars can be had much more cheaply.

[meriadoc]

*agrees with drapier*

yup, i used to work with people that worked in printing presses - it costs ALOT of money to run those machines.

Because I've done bookbinding before, I've been thinking of putting my photos on the front of handmade books, or other type gifts.

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Yes, at this point, I'm thinking that staying with making calendars on my own home printer and therefore doing it only for gifts for family and friends would be a better thought. Note cards and matted prints and the like would be a much better way of fund raising, it seems. Most of the links in the other thread on the subject seem to offer all kinds of nice options on that sort of thing, and the prices seem quite good!

[SunnyJon]

You might check some of the printers and ask them what they charge if they are doing it for a non-profit agency ie. 501-C-3. There might be a better price for them. But it is ridiculous-the prices are prohibitive to say the least(and still be nice)!! I think using a good printer & making photo notecards is way more profitable & everyone likes cards! I have friends that do quite well with them and folks often matte & frame them!:D :clap: :clap: Maria (Bairam) sells them -I think- of her watercolors. You might PM her about it.:D :D :clap:

[drapier]

Have you ever seen the Strathmore cards sold by Dick Blick the are very good quality and you might be able to make some very nice Notecards with them
http://www.dickblick.com/zz129/40a/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=5510.

They're very good quality and are less expensise than the one's atPhotographers Edge (http://www.photographersedge.com) which I think unless you are buying large quantities are around $1.10 each (Photographers Edge do have a great selection and I would reccomend getting their catalog just for some of the marketing tips and products)


Here is a breakdown of what the possible cost could be.
40 pack of Photoframe cards $16.99 at Dick Blick = $0.42 each plus the cost of a 4x6 photo say $0.30 plus some kind of Cellophane envelope to protect your product (I don't know but lets say $0.05)

So without any overhead or labor so you are talking nearly $0.80 before any other expense is taken into account. Now you have to decide how much to charge to make it worth your while.

I am sorry if this appears to be negative but I have been trying to figure out a way to make enough money from photography atleast to pay for a DSLR and finding it very difficult to figure it out.

I'd like to hear from people how the sell there images on ebay.
Do you keep a stock on hand ?
Do you mount and frame or just mount or neither?
How much do you charge for an 8x10 ?
etc. etc.

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Thanks, Sunny, for mentioning Maria! I knew someone sold cards but I had forgotten who it was.

drapier! Thanks for sharing your cost analysis. I was just about to play with the numbers and that gives me a great overview. I'm also exploring some other options on that one, but I'm not sure who doable they are. I have kept costs low on the gifts for family and friends by printing as I need things and buying card stock in 8 1/2 x 11 sheets, using my own paper cutter and making the folds using my bone folding tool by hand. It works for short run projects. I use double sided tape and "attach" my image to the card. I've never bothered to do a cost analysis for this since I give them away as gifts and do not sell them.

I've put gifts together this way using card stock I bought at OfficeMax and the like and using my own paper cutter. Some kinds of card stock can be purchased in 8 1/2 x 11 sheets that you fold and/or cut any way you choose. I'm not certain about this being an option for sales, but it works nicely for the gift baskets I've done for friends. I use handywrap and ribbon to package it and I've been able to achieve something quite professional looking.

Certain types of cards may also be able to be printed at a local "copy center" and sometimes the cutting and folding and such at those places isn't too pricy, but I haven't been there yet.

[meriadoc]

Originally posted by drapier
I'd like to hear from people how the sell there images on ebay.
Do you keep a stock on hand ?
Do you mount and frame or just mount or neither?
How much do you charge for an 8x10 ?
etc. etc.

I'm attempting to do that just to raise the money for a DSLR (i've got half already).

If you're printing yourself, you wouldn't need to keep stock - just print it when the time comes. Its faster doing it that way really. I mean, if someone were to buy your print, and you want to outsource it to someone, its going to cost you (going by 8x10 and adorama), $3 for the print, and $2.50 for the shipping. I ordered a print last night, and it said I would get it july 3. not sure if i will or not, but i'm just going to try anyway.

I was thinking about offering straight prints, no mounting or framing. If they want that, i'd charge say, an additional $5 or $6 bucks, but i'd always have the mats on hand anyway.

I've seen the going rates on ebay for 8x10s for about $10US or so... really depends on the photo. I've seen some start at $25.

hope that helps somewhat - i'm just starting out - i'm still in the research phase of the ebay project :)

-- Lisa

[geckonia]

Lots of good information in this thread! :clap:

I've come to the conclusion the only way to make $ from cards or calendars is not to print them myself, but to find a company to license my art to. They will have the resources and distribution, and I can concentrate on my art. Book self-publishing is the same. A book that costs you $35 to print (in hong kong so you can't be there to press check...ugh!) sells for $40 here. Well, considering the time it would take to put together, and the cost up front, why bother. It's very frustrating!

I decided instead to offer portfolios (http://www.geckographics.com/sales/photography_sales/photography_sales.html) of my prints from my web site, and individual prints on ebay. (http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=geckographics&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50)

I have a lot of prints already made, I tend to print the ones I like, then file them away, so that's what I'm selling on eBay right now. I start my auctions at $9.99 and have gotten as much as $16 for an 8x10. I've only been selling for a month now, and I hope, in time, it will go up to $30. I put up 4 prints a week. eBay is a tough market since everyone is hunting for a bargain though, but it's a good marketing tool, and I'm thrilled to get my photos out there.

When I print my own cards, I use Epson Archival Matte paper, which prints beautifully and is inexpensive. I cut and fold them myself. I buy bulk pastel colored envelopes from a paper supply warehouse in town. I am going to start selling them at a few local shops that have expressed interest in cards of the area. I haven't run a cost-analysis, but like eBay, I see this as a marketing tool that will (hopefully) drive people to my site where they can spend the big bucks. :D

So, to answer your original question, why would anybody do this? Either a labor of love, the book example I mentioned, or as a marketing tool. If you're seriously looking to make money, you should look into licensing your art to American Greetings or someplace like that.

[bairam]

I posted on the other thread that BTNS started about my cards.
If anyone is interested in reading it.

I think that the price of the calendars is outrageous and can't see how anyone could make a profit from them. I also don't know how you would market an item like calendars. They are a seasonal item. If you don't sell them all by the end of January then you are stuck with them. I think as gifts they are neat, but not to sell. IMHO...

I forgot to mention on the other thread that I also buy clear bags to put each of my card/with envelope in. You can get these from clearbags.com. They are reasonable and make a more professional presentation and keep your cards from getting dirty or worn.

I don't know exactly how much it costs me to produce a card. It's difficult to figure how much the ink costs (that is the most expensive ingredient). I price by what I think a person is willing to pay for a note card and figure the $2.00 is reasonable and I still make a profit.

Hope this helps.

p.s. I print my images directly onto bristol 81/2 x 11, two images per sheet. I then cut them with my paper cutter and half-fold. They fit into a invitation size envelope. I have a rubber stamp with my logo: "Ladyfinger's Art Notes" and my name and phone number in case someone want's to order more.

[AriadneArts]

For my money, $10 for an unmatted 8 x 10 print may be a good place to start out on ebay, but I'd be hoping it'd get up to around $25. If matted, we'd be looking at more like $40-50, at first. I just paid $100 for an 11 x 14 matted to 16 x 20, well worth it for this artist's work (one of us). I've also paid $30 for an ummatted 8 x 10.

Some of you may be interested in joining Larry Berman's Art Photo Show Forum. It's an email forum, and very active, so it can really generate a lot of email, but I've found a wealth of info on this forum in the last few months. Many professionals participate as well as many newbies just starting out. It's worth checking out, you can always unsubscribe if you feel the amount of email is overwhelming or that it's not what you want.

Here's the link:
artshowphoto.com

Larry charges about $45 for an 8 x 8 in a 12 x 13 mat and gives a break if you buy two--I think its about $80.

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

I want to have a book published with an established publishing house. I don't yet have an agent, and to keep my manuscript out of the slush pile I would really need one. I've done freelance writing, although more recently, I've been writing, but not making any attempts to have things published. I went back to school and my focus needed to be there, and not in the record keeping that I needed with all the magazines and such I was submitting to. I do have lots of published work, but the last time I bothered was quite a while ago. I need to update my portfolio or resume if you will.

I like the idea of printing at home the way Geck describes, but I currently have a Lexmark 3200 jet printer. It's fine for everyday home use, but I need something more professional for what we're talking about here.

[meriadoc]

basing on the estimate of how many prints geck's 1270 prints out (thanks for the estimate too geck :) ), we figured out how much it would cost in ink, paper and the price was surprising.

something like $1.50 or something. But then, that depends on what sizes you're printing, what paper you use, where you buy your inks from etc etc.

I see ebay as a marketing tool, as geck does. I was intending to offer prints only on ebay, and if they want prints that are matted and/or framed i'll direct them to my website.

I was thinking of combining my bookmaking skills (if you could call it that) with photography, making photo albums, or a portfolio like geck does (gorgeous photos too :) )

I was also thinking of doing cards also, depending on how I could market it. The problem in this area is that there are so many people that -think- they're good photographers, selling framed (snapshot) 5x7 prints for $50. Honestly, they aren't that great.

I was also considering doing that. Slapping a business card to the pic (when I get a business license anyway) and hoping that people will want to see more photos.

I could never make money as a regular income from ebay, I just see it as a marketing tool.

-- Lisa

[AriadneArts]

Originally posted by geckonia

When I print my own cards, I use Epson Archival Matte paper, which prints beautifully and is inexpensive. I cut and fold them myself. I buy bulk pastel colored envelopes from a paper supply warehouse in town. I am going to start selling them at a few local shops that have expressed interest in cards of the area. I haven't run a cost-analysis, but like eBay, I see this as a marketing tool that will (hopefully) drive people to my site where they can spend the big bucks. :D



I am the fortunate possessor of several of Geck's note cards and I must say they are simply gorgeous! Beautifully printed and very professional looking. (Geck, you need an agent? LOL)

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Geck, I'm not familiar with the printer you have. I'm thinking it's what I would consider a professional quality color laser printer? I haven't priced that sort of thing recently enough to know whether that's out of the running at the moment.

I am getting lots of interest in my work though, and I'm thinking that it's time to take the next step. I just don't know what that is.

This thread is getting some really great information!

[meriadoc]

Martha : Color laser = big bucks.

i know HP do lasers..
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/ho/WF02a/18972-236251-236268.html

but i have no clue on how well the photos are. I remember having some prints done from a wax-thermal printer a few years ago, wasn't too impressed on the quality and it felt waxy (naturally).

I know gecks got an Epson Photo 1270 - and others.. but i'm too lazy to check the PM's to see the others.

I've got my eye on the Epson 1280 -
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=28907797

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

I hadn't realized that ink jet printers could produce that kind of quality so I assumed it had to be a laser. I had a b/w laser and replaced it with my Lexmark. I have no problem with my Lexmark for the typical household things that I've mostly used it for, and the many reports I've written, etc. I checked out the link that Lisa (thank you) included in her post and it sounds great. Something else to put on my wish list.

[meriadoc]

http://www.epinions.com/content_1363189892

it seems although lexmark printers are cheap - they're pretty expensive per page.

[DuncanBerenice]

Lots of good info here :D Me and the missus were thinking of producing our own calenders once our work is up to scratch, we'll make some for friends and family, I've a lot of researching to do. The printer we have is a HP Deskjet 940c, to be honest we haven't done much printing with it - mainly letters for officialdom, as for going for a more professional printer well that's out of our reach until things happen if they do :D

thanks folks for helping me think and for the info :D

Duncan

[meriadoc]

no problem duncan : thats what it is here for.

there's nothing worse than going in unexperienced, or just lacking information.

I've gotten alot of information from this too :)

-- Lisa

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

GBC Personal DocuBind Machine

http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536891896&prodBlockOID=49656

This might be interesting, although I haven't seen it in person as yet. I have used the "professional" version of this and it was okay for certain things. I'm not sure what to expect of a low priced home version.

I'll have to look at it the next time I'm in OfficeMax.

[geckonia]

Martha.... forget color laser... that's overkill for what we're talking about. I've got a *few* Epson printers, (stylus photo, 1200, 1270, 2000, 2200) and they all blow the doors off a color laser when it comes to printing photos. The Epson's have 6 or 7 inks to give you the most gorgeous drop dead stunning prints on earth. You cannot see the *dots* they are virtually continuous tone prints. The laser is a business printer at heart, not a photo printer. I have a B&W one for letterhead stuff, and anything that has lots of type, like PDF files, but I use the Epson for everything art related. They aren't the fastest printers in the world, color lasers win that race, but the print quality, archival and otherwise, is unmatched.

Thanks, Eileen. :D YES! I need an agent! Know anybody? ;)

lol.... I just checked my eBay sales and I am wrong! My highest fetch for an 8X10 so far was $27.50, not $16! :D Then the bidder bought two more prints from me (that he lost to another bidder) outside eBay, so that was a nice sale.

Your link didn't work :( I'll try to find that page so I can see what you're talking about.

Another binding system I like is Circa (http://session.levenger.com/SEARCH/ENHANCED/ESearchRes.asp?clicked=Paper+%26amp%3B+Notebooks%3ACirca&Taxonomy=Paper+%26amp%3B+Notebooks%3ACirca&Product_Date_Str=&sortBy=&Query=&Web_Desp=&Price=&ImageShow=) from Levenger.

Kind of a hole punch system, but I can see using it for small runs with my own paper. I like the translucent covers.

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Thanks, Anne! Yes, I have a b/w laser that I keep for certain things, although I seldom bother these days. My Lexmark has served me well for the things I've needed it for, but from what information Lisa brought to the thread and all that you've just said, that settles it on the laser issue! I'll have to keep my eyes open and work on some way to let my art earn me some money. I really hate to use my regular household budget for a printer that I need for art purposes. I hope I can find a way to work out letting art work pay for it, but I may have to buy it first to accomplish that. My HUGE goal would have to be to let art pay for all things artistic that I spend my money on, but I don't see that happening in the near future! If I get the book finished, I too will need that agent you're looking for! A book sale would certainly help!

Come on guys! Go out and buy poetry books! If the market shows them to be a hot item, my chances of selling my book increase greatly!

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

I just remembered I hadn't commented on your mention of binding. I don't know why the link wouldn't work for you, I just clicked on it and got in. Odd. Anyway, it was the OfficeMax site and I clicked on binding machines. It was the first one in the list, I think.

It's not unlike the one you gave a link for. Very interesting. OfficeMax provides less details, so I don't know what the limitations are with theirs. Do you have the one you mention? If so, have you found much use for it?

Both seem priced well if indeed they do prove useful. Worth further investigating!

[SunnyJon]

I am beginning to feel a lttle wierd! I sell my 8 x 10 photos matted with glass to 11 x 14 & frameless clip system for the glass(very clean presentation) in local galleries for $150.00 and the galleriey keeps 25% so I get $112.50. I use an HP wide format 1220C.

$8.88 =11" x 14" glass
$6.35=frameless clip system
$1.50=11 x14 mat
$0.50 =foamcore
$3.00=guesstimate on print
$20.23= total cost
$92.27 for the hours of seeking photo op & overhead -ie. travel, food, electricity, studio time, computer time, equipment depreciation, etc.

You guys are undercutting yourselves-What are you paying the photographer?

I HATE EBAY & THEIR BARGAIN HUNTERS! WE'RE ARTISTS GUYS DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT!IF NOBODY SOLD THAT CHEAP THEY'D HAVE TO PAY REASONABLE PRICES!

[Crias]

Good info in this thread. I'm going to rate it!

Sunny- can you please share with us starting out how you got into galleries? What are the appropriate steps to take to start getting accepted into galleries and how you decide what galleries to display your works in? How many galleries do you have work in now? I am very interested (and am sure I am not alone) in attempting to get accepted into galleries, but am a bit intimidated and undereducated on how to get started in this aspect.

Also are most of you selling limited edition prints or open end? If limited edition, how big are your runs of prints?

[geckonia]

Sunny, eBay just one avenue I choose to explore. When I had my art show my prices for matted & framed prints were much higher. :D eBay is a marketing tool, and a way to sell prints I already have here, and drive people to my site, that's all.

Cathy, my belief is that photos shouldn't be limited editions. Ansel Adams shared this view too, actually. Save the limited editions for your art reproductions, and keep your photography open.

[SunnyJon]

Cathy-First thing is to investigation-
1. Check out the galleries in the area & see who carries the type of work you produce.
2. Ask the docent(the person in attendance)if they run juried exhibitions or do they have a stable of artists? Stable is a group that generally exhibits & these galleries are usually harder to get into.
4. Juried exhibitions are your best bet beginning because it builds your exhibition resume.
5. Find out when they are accepting work or slides & get it there. Gallerists often want to see a portfolio & resume but everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry if you haven't got a great resume if any cuz the work speaks for itself but prepare a statement of intent. It should say what exactly you're trying to say or do with a body/series of work. ie This body of work is an exploration of form vs. function. Or-This series of macro photographs is intended to reveal the intimate relationship of insects and pollenation. Most statements of intent should be a couple paragraphs to a page long. Don't get too long winded-they won't read it !
6. Ask what percentage they take. Some take up to 60% but if they ask for that much your asking price will reflect that.I normally add their % over my price. And I expect them to provide services if they ask for a huge percentage, sending out advertising like mailers, shipping if any, insurance etc.
7. Try to find a non-profit gallery as they are much easier to work with in the beginning. They often take little or no % and accept a lot of naive and emerging artists. You are an emerging artists if you have a few sales-naive is self-taught & galleries love them right now!
8. Some galleries have exclusionary clauses-you can't put work in any gallery within 50-200 miles so they alone carry your work locally. Ask if they have this before you start with a gallery.
9. Make sure your work is a good presentation -ready to hang, no fingerprints on the glass, signed & dated with copyright & year . I sign the front of the mat & back or margin of the pic with the limited edition # & print #. Like #5 of 25 Ltd Edition but a limited edition should reflect that in the price.

Did I leave anything out?

Oh yeah I am in two local galleries & different cafes when I can & in the local tourist bureau & the local library runs an exhibit gallery I enter when the theme is along lines of my work.

Any questions?

[SunnyJon]

Geck-Only thing wrong with that is if I can get an Anne Cutler on Ebay for $25.00 then why would I pay high price in a show? Most galleries don't want an artist to undercut their asking prices. Unless you're selling very different type products. My Profs told me to let your prices be your prices.

I wasn't trying to down anyone for selling on Ebay but Anne your work is far superior to many & I can't imagine you selling that cheap cuz you're worth a million in my book!:clap: :clap: :clap: :D

[sherloc]

Wow another great thread. You guys have been great teachers this week.

Another place to check out for licensing is:
Leanin Tree (http://www.leanintree.com/SiteMap.asp)

The only catch is that you be previously published. I live in tourist central and there isn't a shop here that doesn't have a rack of their cards. Even the local mini=mart sells them. They are not just for photos but also paintings and such.

[Crias]

Originally posted by sherloc
Wow another great thread. You guys have been great teachers this week.

Another place to check out for licensing is:
Leanin Tree (http://www.leanintree.com/SiteMap.asp)

The only catch is that you be previously published. I live in tourist central and there isn't a shop here that doesn't have a rack of their cards. Even the local mini=mart sells them. They are not just for photos but also paintings and such.

These guys are stationed about 3 miles from where I live. They have a pretty cool museum there w/ western art. I didn't know that was their distribution center though :rolleyes: :D

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Great information, SunnyJon!

[moccasin]

Martha and others who do calendars :
What programme do you use? I've been using Microsoft Publisher but am not overly happy - still have to keep changing the pages to get them to set up to have the info I want - especially the moons. Does anyone have a better programme?

Cheers,
sue

[meriadoc]

Sherloc :
My weapon of choice for such things is either Adobe Pagemaker or Adobe InDesign.

Both are great programs, although cost alot of money.

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Sue, I've always "collected" all sorts of graphics programs. I started that long before I got as involved in my art as I am now. I do a lot in Publisher, and also in Roxio PhotoSuite platinum. I've done things using Print Shop and Print Artist, and using programs from Corel. I've also done a few things with American Greetings and Hallmark software, but they are mostly predesigned and I don't like that much. I like to do my own thing. There is a Calendar Creator program that I got and didn't like at all, but friends have it and love it for making calendars. I found it poorly arranged and very limited. I don't have the latest version, since I didn't like the one I had so it may be entirely different by now.

I have tons of that stuff. You tend to get an early version bundled with other things and if I like the freebie I buy the latest and greatest. I'm sure that the high end guys like Adobe and such have things like that too, but I've never been lucky enough to get Elements bundled in with any of my tech toys, and can't justify the $700 or so that the program to end all programs from Adobe was selling for. I have a lot of that stuff that I don't use any more. I like complete control over what I design and get really put off by programs that force me into a cookie cutter pattern of their own. That's why I often use Publisher despite it's annoyances.

[geckonia]

Originally posted by SunnyJon
Geck-Only thing wrong with that is if I can get an Anne Cutler on Ebay for $25.00 then why would I pay high price in a show?

Because at the show it would be matted and framed... :D

I sell just the PRINTS on eBay.... I also LOVE passing along a deal to my friends... who are my best eBay customers.

Like I said.... just another venue I like to explore. I prefer to work at home, so it's a good fit for me. I'm not interested in galleries at this point. I like to deal deal directly with the customers.

[bairam]

I feel the same way. I like selling my own art work instead of going through a gallery. I like to meet the people who buy my work and I can give them a better price than they would have to pay in a gallery. I don't need to sell to support myself but do like to have my work support itself. Also I know my work has gone to a good home. Sound a little silly but that's how I feel.

God forbid that I ever should be recognized by the art world and become marketable. That would be my worst nightmare. Then I would have to produce work and wouldn't have the freedom to explore new methods and mediums.

I tried e-bay last winter with a few prints of my watercolors but didn't get a nibble so have never tried again. I'm not sure if it would work for me or if I like the concept and had a difficult time knowing where to post my prints.

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by SunnyJon
I am beginning to feel a lttle wierd! I sell my 8 x 10 photos matted with glass to 11 x 14 & frameless clip system for the glass(very clean presentation) in local galleries for $150.00 and the galleriey keeps 25% so I get $112.50. I use an HP wide format 1220C.

$8.88 =11" x 14" glass
$6.35=frameless clip system
$1.50=11 x14 mat
$0.50 =foamcore
$3.00=guesstimate on print
$20.23= total cost
$92.27 for the hours of seeking photo op & overhead -ie. travel, food, electricity, studio time, computer time, equipment depreciation, etc.

You guys are undercutting yourselves-What are you paying the photographer?

I HATE EBAY & THEIR BARGAIN HUNTERS! WE'RE ARTISTS GUYS DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT!IF NOBODY SOLD THAT CHEAP THEY'D HAVE TO PAY REASONABLE PRICES!
I meant to make a comment here the other day, but my face was hurting so bad. :(
I was selling my prints A4 (approx. 11½ X 8½) for beginning bids @ $6.00 AUD (Todays rate $3.99 USD) 29th June) I was doing okay Almost as soon as I was putting them they were being bid on. Until they started to sell for only $6.00 *ugh* So now I've put them up to $10.00 AUD ($6.65 USD) (to cover ink and quality paper) and not a nibble. So what hope would I have in a gallery?
If these don't sell for @ least $10.00 I'm giving up. This ebay thing is costing me money.

[SunnyJon]

Te-I think I shouldn't have said that about Ebay, but I will say that galleries attract people looking for art & they expect to pay for it! I live in a very economically depressed area or I'd charge more. The other local artists are charging similar prices except a few sell for upwards of a $1000.00-they don't sell much! Try a couple galleries Te-I think you' do well! It's worth a try, no?

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by SunnyJon
Te-I think I shouldn't have said that about Ebay, but I will say that galleries attract people looking for art & they expect to pay for it! I live in a very economically depressed area or I'd charge more. The other local artists are charging similar prices except a few sell for upwards of a $1000.00-they don't sell much! Try a couple galleries Te-I think you' do well! It's worth a try, no?
*ugh* It's only the elite who get picked for the WA Art Gallery here in Perth. :( I don't have the money for framing.

[Dave Carter]

Most interesting thread. Many of these issues are discussed in the Internet Stratagy section of the Business Forum of course, but it is good to see mention here as well.

About Adobe PhotoShop: PhotoShop 7 retails at $700 US. Photoshop 4 can be had on e-bay for maybe $50 or so (and is a very good version in its own right), that can be UPGRADED to PhotoShop 7 for $150. Total cost $200, a saving of $500!!!! Other programs can be aquired and upgraded in similar fashion.

[kaleidoscope eyes]

Another great thread ~ I think the lustre's back!! I sell 81/2 x 11 prints locally for $25 (canadian- 25cents american ;) :D ) For that price I put them in a clip frame then the customer has the choice of framing it again. Any of the epson photo printers have permanent fade-proof colours and produce a very acceptable print.
Meriadoc, I also do bookbinding and often use my photos on the cover. I use plain papers for the inside, usually the nicer coloured inkjet stationary. A half size (81/2x51/2) stab-bound journal I can sell for $35, full page $50. I'm also working on a bound set of photos, shots of the Island in all seasons to sell to the tourists- I'm going to put a big price on it and just see what happens!

Here's an example:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2003/22016-marigold_book1.JPG

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

Wow! Great information keeps coming! Te, keep your chin up gr! Your audience is out there! You'll find them!

Dave, I love the idea! I've never been to ebay, since I've always been afraid I'd get either taken advantage of or simply love it and get out of control, but you may have just tilted the scales in it's favor! One really dumb question though. To upgrade software and save the tons of money that i know this saves, doesn't one have to own a registered copy of the program? How would one get a registered copy from a place like ebay? Isn't that just stuff people want to sell? I know people who find things at yardsales for less than a dollar US and sell them on ebay for $25.00 or more. I'm not sure how to get software on ebay that I can upgrade. How do I know, or how do I find it?

[BeyondTheNineSquares]

The link below is to a thread that includes more gift ideas using photography.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1362725#post1362725