干支 • Eto - Open Now in the Art•Shop - Part 3 - The Education of Doing
Welcome back for Part 3 of my rumination on the buildup to the 干支 • Eto collection and on the best way for us all to enjoy the art that is cut paper.
Thanks for sticking around and showing an interest!
First and foremost:
My 干支 • Eto collection is now Open in the Art•Shop
So far, we’ve talked about:
Now that the shop is open to everybody (Come on in and look around!), my thoughts go to what I can do differently, better, or additionally from here.
Seasonality
First things first (this is my 5-year old’s favorite phrase of the week!), the 干支 • Eto shop is here for a limited time.
The current plan is to offer a new collection and a new experience 3 or 4 times a year. Which gives me 4 to 3 months to prepare for the next theme. That should be doable, right?
I haven’t decided on the next series just yet. Maybe the vibrant pop-oriented Vivacity series. Maybe the soulful quietude of Wood•Sea•Stone. Then again, I’m also working on two new series right now that are a bit of a departure from my previous work. Bouncing back-and-forth between them has been exciting, and I really want to show everyone where they’ve taken me. That will have to wait until their story is ready to be told.
Ah, All These Zeroes and Ones
There’s a lot (way too much) thought that goes into setting up a shop on the internet. In the previous post I talked about how the internet has changed over the years, and I briefly went into the different platforms I’ve worked with and what they offer.
It’s surprising to me that, more than a decade later, I can’t find a commerce platform without compromises. Particularly for anyone not based in the US. Having said that, this website is a vast improvement over the bandaged patchwork of code and prayers I used to use.
I’m using Squarespace as my website host / design base / commerce system. I love the first two-thirds of that equation. As far as commerce goes, I’m constrained by what their system allows. Admittedly, I am somewhat of a niche case. I’m based in Japan and work with collectors worldwide. There are a surprising number of factors that go into making that process run smoothly.
Naturally, I’m hoping that their system evolves to make things like offering framing of the art simpler for the collector to understand and choose.
If not, there are other platforms out there, each with compromises of their own (notably cost).
Staging the Event
One thing I would love to do is to make the opening of a new collection AN EVENT.
For the longest time, before even the current pandemic-driven housebound situation, I’ve been considering ways to bring the art and art-lovers together in a way that feels like an actual meet-up. A way for all of you to view the art without having to click on a bunch of buttons. Something that feels less like a shop and more like a visit. And, like an art opening at a gallery, I’d like to be there to greet everyone, chat about the work, and get to know you. And maybe have a glass of wine.
Of course, the best scenario would be to hop on a plane to a gallery or space in your neighborhood. Given that I live on a small island a couple continents away from most of you, Digital alternatives may be called for.
Maybe something as simple as an online meet-up (Hangouts? Facebook Live? Zoom, FaceTime? etc.)
Creating a video experience to show the work in a better setting?
What kind of software and preparation would be needed to accomplish this sort of thing? I see a pile of research in my future.
The Education of Doing
There is no stickier way of learning than by doing. Sure, it’s not the most efficient path forward. Maybe not the cheapest. But it’s always memorable.
Lesson 1: Prep ahead
Get all of those newsletters and website graphics and social media pics and vids and blog posts ready to go before telling a soul. Edit them to respond to changing situations, sure. Preparation will save a bunch of sleepless nights.
Lesson 2: The world makes their own plans
An example: After offering framed art for the first time, I have discovered that the frame company has just discontinued my two favorite frames. ARGH! It’s workable because I can still get the same design in other variations, but there was a moment of darkest panic.
No matter how precise the planning, there will be unforeseeable firestorms. Flexibility is called for.
Lesson 3 - ?
I’m certain that more education is barreling its way towards me right now. I think there’s a future blog post in that.
Open to You Thoughts, I Am
What I’d like to do now is ask your opinion.
Would you have done anything differently? What would you like to see more or less of from now on? What collection or theme would excite you to see next? I’d love to hear from you![CAN I ENCLOSE THIS IN AN OUTLINE OR COLOR BLOCK?]
Post a comment down below, or email me directly [LINK] with your thoughts.
And thank you again for your enthusiasm and time!
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