How to Make Your Customers Excited About Your Art
I'm a firm believer that you should treat your clients and customers with the highest of value - they are quite literally filling your pockets after all.
One of the ways I love to do this is to spend a bit of extra time prepping an order before sending it off on an adventure.
Let me show you how.
A Personalized Thank You
For years I have been writing short thank you notes to my customers.
I buy packs of pretty blank note cards (though perhaps I should start printing my own) and leave a hand-written thank you. I then pop a business card and any little goodies I would like to include (bookmarks, coupon codes, etc.) and seal it inside an envelope. My final touch is a wax seal with a custom stamp. I've had this stamp for years (I believe I commissioned it from someone on Etsy), and adore the unique touch that it gives my notes.
My technique for the wax seal is a bit janky and questionable, but it works. Enter the questionable old spoon that somehow made it into my cutlery drawer, a sharp knife and a lighter. Sounds shady already!
Very (very!) carefully carve off small pieces of the wax stick and collect them in the spoon. Feel free to add a few different colours, or just stick with a solid tone (my favorite thing to do is to add a few small pieces of gold to a base colour, gives it a lovely marbled look). Now with your letter and stamp waiting patiently nearby, melt the wax by holding the lighter underneath the spoon. Watch the chunks soften and create a small shimmering puddle, contrasted by the radiant flame of the lighter (how poetic).
Pour that little puddle over the close of the envelope and press your stamp into the hot wax, and leave it there for a few seconds to harden (pull it away too quickly and you risk creating waxy strings attached to your stamp). Carefully peel away your stamp with a satisfying flourish and viola!
Let that puppy cool down and harden completely before you package it away.
Protect Your Hard Work
The method that you use to package your artwork against abrasions and abuse will differ depending on the piece. Prints and other paper get put in a clear sealed sleeve with a backer board for protection, then placed in a bubble envelope. Bigger pieces get wrapped with white tissue paper initially, then get dressed in fancy paper. I take an extra moment in this stage to create something that will be a pleasure for the customer to open.
In comes the actual protective layers of bubble wrap and corner protectors before fitting tightly to a stiff cardboard box.
Taking a few extra moments can make all the difference in the customer's experience, which is a surefire way to have them return for more!
Want to know the materials I use to create my paintings?
Paint
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colour Paint - https://amzn.to/2GeXEu2
Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors - https://amzn.to/2WCEnZk
Mediums and other liquids
Winsor & Newton Liquin Original - https://amzn.to/2GmK87N
Mona Lisa Linseed Oil - https://amzn.to/2Tmh1F4
Mona Lisa Odorless Paint Thinner - https://amzn.to/2SfH0kk
Gamblin Gamvar - https://amzn.to/2D2IlRW
Mona Lisa Gold Leaf Size Adhesive - https://amzn.to/2GfEeVH
Gold Leaf (Imitation) - https://amzn.to/2GeWAWZ
Gold Leaf (Genuine) - https://amzn.to/2t1Hlst
Liquitex White Gesso - https://amzn.to/2MM0gAy
Filming Equipment for Videos
Canon Rebel T5i - https://amzn.to/2Ef1QZj
Tripod - https://amzn.to/2TUamlG
Lavalier Microphone (for voiceovers) - https://amzn.to/2IiArtj
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
* The above product links are affiliate links that allow me to make a small commission on each sale - every little bit helps!
Danielle Trudeau creates paintings that walk the line between dreams and reality, infusing magic into every day life.
Wildlife often graces her canvases, brought to life with a spark of magic and oil paint.