QR codes - finally a use!

[timelady]

I like QR codes as a geek but haven't ever really seen a good use of them for art. Well... recently there's been discussion of people using cellphones to take photos at fairs and things. Something that doesn't both me at all (generally they are either students are prospecting potential art for their home).

But of course then I go give them my business card so they can follow up. Well, why not post a QR code linking to the purchase page on my website next to each painting? yay! They snap their photo, I can show them the code to snap too, and they have a perfect record of how to get back in touch. (and buy immediately of course)

My open studio is coming up next weekend and I know lots of people look and think about different pieces. So going to try this and see what happens. I'm really trying to implement more ways to enable purchases.

What do you think? Anyone else want to try this with me at an event?

oh, and they're free to make. Here's a good list of the free sites to use. http://freenuts.com/top-10-free-onli...de-generators/

[Horsa]

Even better, print the QR code on a card and tuck in the corner of the frame so it covers a piece of the work, preferably in a way that will make an awkward crop.

Protects your painting from the pic & print types and gets your QR code out there as well.

[Bringer]

Originally Posted by Horsa

Even better, print the QR code on a card and tuck in the corner of the frame so it covers a piece of the work, preferably in a way that will make an awkward crop.

Protects your painting from the pic & print types and gets your QR code out there as well.

I like this suggestion.
I'ver been using it on my blogs since last year and as part of my dubious marketing strategy.

[roxyart]

How do you make one of those? Just curious.

[AllisonR]

I think they are useful as art. I've made 4.

[Bringer]

Originally Posted by roxyart

How do you make one of those? Just curious.

Here's a link where you can define the the kind QR code that you want to show.

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

The site also has a link to download a QR code reader, but if you have an iPhone, you can get one for free at the app store. I guess that Android phones already have one built-in.
There are even bar code readers that will give you price comparisons between products and where to buy them.

[timelady]

go to the link I gave and it gives you 10 places to make them. I decided to use http://beqrious.com/qr-code-generator/ Made one for each painting I'll have at my open studios.

Horsa, I don't have frames but will just have them on the wall on the title tags. And I don't feel the need to protect my painting - people are taking pics either for their own enjoyment, because they're painters/students, or to remember it later. All those are fine by me and at least QR codes will give them an easy way to track me down again (especially since I'm leaving my studio complex the week after the open). My paintings are notoriously difficult to photograph properly for printing so no quick click photo with my indoor lights are going to do it. I've tried.

[Horsa]

QR codes as an easy way to track you down does seem a good idea. They could also be posted outside a studio for when you are not there, etc.

I see them everywhere now but haven't used them yet.

[roxyart]

Ooops, sorry Tina, didn't notice that you posted that. Thanks.

And thanks to you Jose.

[Hoofnpaw]

Thanks for the info! Made my own!

Sean

[timelady]

ooh, on the studio door! Great idea!

[siberart]

Originally Posted by Horsa

Even better, print the QR code on a card and tuck in the corner of the frame so it covers a piece of the work, preferably in a way that will make an awkward crop.

Protects your painting from the pic & print types and gets your QR code out there as well.

Really good advice.

[painterswife]

How about one on your bike or back pack or tote bag(or car). Don't put a name on it and maybe people will be curious and check it out.

I think you could also try a gorilla marketing technique and post it on public bulletin boards with a slogan that makes people want to check it out.

[Azure Wings]

Originally Posted by timelady

ooh, on the studio door! Great idea!

Another brilliant idea!

We're just starting to use them for our local open studios, for this fall. So far I'd only thought of putting them on postcards, in ads, and in our catalog.

Appreciatively,
Karen

[Azure Wings]

Originally Posted by painterswife

I think you could also try a gorilla marketing technique and post it on public bulletin boards with a slogan that makes people want to check it out.

Another great idea....

How about on a sticker or sign you put in your car window or on the bumper?

Other brainstorm-y ideas?

Taking notes,
Karen