Myself and a friend want to get one going and I would like some advice as to what to avoid, what to definitely do, pitfalls, etc.
2006-07-20 10:27:41 · 3 answers · asked by rocksanne 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Other - Visual Arts
I was partner in a co-op that started with 6 artists, & we rotated work days (without pay). Had to take other art on consignment to help pay the bills... it didn't make much money the first year but has done well since. We started with $600 each! Built our own displays etc.
We started buying wholesale products (higher profit margin) about the 3rd year, when we had built some capital. Gradually, the other members lost interest or wanted to spend more time in their studios, so they were bought out - til there were only 2 of us left. Now it's a thriving business because my partner & I are "on the same page" - just like a good marriage.
Best advice - choose partners who have the same vision as you... and not just artists who "think it will be fun", because it's actually hard work and long hours.
Your two greatest assets are LOCATION and CUSTOMER SERVICE. You can have the best chit on earth but can't flog it if you don't have those two things.
That's why I wouldn't get too many artists... I've heard of co-ops with between 20 & 200 artists - the customers never know who they're talking to, and there's no follow-up on sales or special orders. If you have that many, consider hiring staff so there's some consistency. You may think the customers are not as important as the art - but you'd be wrong. Your art is just doorstops without them.
Make a store policy handbook - it's not enough to have "an understanding". Then everything is done consistently. If you don't keep proper records, the Tax-Man would love to have your art on his wall. And your a** too.
GET A LEGAL CONTRACT! One of our partners tried to make us pay her for her portion of the store displays plus projected sales when she left... what she ended up with was her portion of the owned stock... period. And that's the way you want it.
Also, protect yourself against your partners' financial woes... ensure that their potential bankruptcy doesn't put you in the toilet too. All your names will be on the lease... choose your partners carefully.
Good fortune!
2006-07-20 12:58:29 · answer #1 · answered by joyfulpaints 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the people at Taliesin might be able to more fully answer your question. Taliesin is an architectural school that was formerly an art cooperative established by Frank Lloyd Wright. Their website offers historical background, and you may get some helpful information by contacting them. Their website is: http://www.taliesin.com/
2006-07-20 17:42:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gather "serious, committed" artists w/ money... the rest is a piece of cake.
2006-07-20 18:58:28 · answer #3 · answered by thedigitalsurrealist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋