Sometimes you feel it’s going to be difficult.
About one week prior to the show, thoughts about the miniature world kept creeping up in my mind.
No good thoughts, mind you.
Thoughts about people nagging on prices, only buying single items and not taking the time to grasp the hours of work and hard achieved skills to make the most realistic miniatures.
Not everyone is like that, of course (and luckily!) but enough are and it’s annoying, to say the least.
On top of that, I am tired, working hard and a bit worn out with the mindless miniature food jewelry sculpting and the (although very rewarding) daily veggie challenge.
No wonder I closed my two main shops beginning of June. (and they’re still still closed so far)
So yes, I was in a weak spot and I felt it and I knew I was fragile to eventual critics.
Beginning of the show, a woman came.
She fiddled around with my (lovingly sculpted and painted) miniature squashes and asked for a price.
I didn’t know.
I never know, because pricing is complicated.
So I told her, and rather cheerfully “well that is the big question, isn’t it?… I’m note quite sure yet…”
My (kind, patient) brother-in-law then added “we thought of 12€ per piece…”
And then it went all very fast.
She straighten up, drily and raising her voice, she asked “What? 12?”, pointing at a pumpkin display I had done, added “but that one would cost 120€ in that case!” (it was displayed at 60) and I just had the time to answer “yes, I know…” and she went straight to “I think one squash should be 6 or 7 euro! 12 is excessive!” and without further notice, she took off.
(shock)
I only had the time to throw a “but wait!” in the air, but at the point she was already too far.
(I’m so fed up with this)
I thought.
I tried to contain my tears.
I turned myself to compose myself. (other customers were at the table)
I miserably failed and started to cry. Hard.
PLM told me something comforting, I gave him my bag, told him I needed a quick rest and went to the bathroom.
Sobbing.
So there, great, great start in the show.
Don’t get me wrong, everyone can think my prices are too high (or too low) but don’t tell me as if I were a piece of shit.
It is not real food, it is not your rent. You don’t have to buy it.
If you think it’s too expensive, keep it to yourself, say thank you, smile, go peacefully.
Make the world a kinder place.
My mind is racing right now. I am an artist. I will tackle the art market. The dollhouse market is not a nice place. I don’t feel good here and I don’t like to make single baguettes someone can put on it’s shabby chic table.
I want to make food compositions and sell that and if the dollhouse market isn’t happy with it, then it’s time for me to move on.
I want to be political and talk about the environment and food choices. The daily mini veggie challenge really opened something there, a meaning, something I enjoy and which I can explore.
I want to sculpt other things and talk about emotions, sadness and depression.
It’s time for a change.
Will it happen over night? Probably not,
Will I stop dollhouse miniatures? I don’t think so.
But this is not how I want to progress and it’s not making me happy.
I’m happy to hear your thoughts about this.
xx
Stéphanie
88 thoughts on “Sooo… I cried at the SIMP miniature show”
First of all I am sorry to hear that a bitch made you feel sad and made you cry, shame on her and hugs to you!
As for the fairs, why do you do them? If you did not even had prices on some of them, you were not really there to sell more to showcase your work and maybe make contacts? You had to close your shops due to work load partly because of the fair, you were already stressed before going. Through the internet such people do not bother you much but face to face it can get to you and if you drag meeting such people, don't go! Or have someone patient represent you, s/he won't take it personally when they say something like that.
I also think that deadlines are not doing you good, they are sometimes unavoidable but maybe you should try to avoid them as much as you can.
I've quit fairs many years ago, they drain energy, often cost a lot of money and time and are just usually not wort all the stress, energy and time.
Hugs again and eat some (real) cake 🙂
*drag= dread
I appreciate your honesty and your remarkable talent. You're sensitive. You're an artist. She is rude and she was wrong. Hang in there. Your work is the best I've seen!
Renee – Kudos Kitchen
Ohhhh poor Steph, I can write a book with the comments I get at markets here, and it is not a happy one………. Try to take a distance ( I know it's difficult; it takes time, I am always upset during markets…) and please, do think, those people have no idea what they are talking about…. That's the life of a real artist.
Ohhhh poor Steph, I can write a book with the comments I get at markets here, and it is not a happy one………. Try to take a distance ( I know it's difficult; it takes time, I am always upset during markets…) and please, do think, those people have no idea what they are talking about…. That's the life of a real artist.
Hey Steph….shrug your shoulders & IGNORE! This woman obviously has absolutely no idea of the time & love that goes into creating miniature pieces whether they are a single piece or a composition. Perhaps she should try herself!! Sadly there are a lot of peeps out there who have no idea of how to behave & quite frankly, would you want someone like her to own a piece of your lovingly created art? You KNOW you are talented..so stick 2 fingers up at her & all like her! 🙂
I was at the SIMP (I bought you a so charming baking <3) and I assure you that your prices are right!!! You are a real artist, don't listen this kind of criticisms. Those people ignore the time you pass on each piece!!!!
xx
A big fan!!!
have followed your work quite some time now,and i love every piece! as many others do!!! just dont give a "sh..t" about such mindless and silly people! It is ever so understandable that you were in tears, no question!!! BUT …forget it , move on, and continue doing what your heart tells you to do!!!
there are silly, thoughtless and unpolite people all over the world…and especially a shows/fairs …:)
feeling wih you ! <3
Stupid woman, no idea how much love and time goes into these pieces. The size is not what decides the price, the artistry decides the price and 12€ is too cheap even..
Hi Stephanie, I thought I'd comment from someone who attends a few fairs and stands on the other side of the table. My guess is, and I've heard the type of comment you mention above many times, is it is from someone who has never attempted to make their own miniatures. The sort of person who associates small with a small price. If buyers really contemplated the time and effort it takes to make something, the materials, the expertise that is behind it and then the added expense of recouping a little of the cost of your table at a fair, they would have a better understanding. It is simple – if you want artisan, handcrafted miniatures, you will pay a higher price than the mass produced, poorer examples offered by large dollhouse companies. I'm sorry to hear you were so upset by it all and I can only offer your a sympathetic back pat and tell you that not everyone in our hobby is so thoughtless. Well, I'm not. If I can't afford something or think it's too expensive I tell the seller 'beautiful work' and wander off =0)
as I've already told you on instagram, what happened was absolutely horrible! people can go f*** themselves if they don't appreciate art and the hard Work that goes into making it.
Don't stop making dollhouse miniatures just because some people are a**'es. There are lots of people who love what you do.
When I'm at the fairs, probably 9 out of 10 people will be like "isn't that a bit pricy".. but once in a while a sensible human being will show up and they'll understand the hours of Work,. the dedication,. those are the people we want to talk with and then we'll shot the door in the faces of the rest 🙂
Hola Stephanie! No te preocupes por lo que sucedió. No está sola, eso es algo con lo que tenemos que lidiar los manualistas, y los artistas en general! Al igual que tu, nos ha pasado que hay personas que no aprecian las largas horas de arduo trabajo y que creen que las cosas hechas a mano no tienen valor alguno. Tu trabajo es increíble! Continua así!
Some people just don't understand, and they are not your target customers. Your work is intricate, incredibly realistic and beautiful. People think if something is small, it shouldn't be expensive! But the smaller it is, the more difficult to create. I just tell folks who have a difficult time understanding the pricing to think about the thousands of dollars that life-size sculptures sell for. Then, try to imagine making those not only realistic in form, but also in color, texture and translucency. And then, infinitely smaller. That usually makes them go "Ohhhhhh!" I hope you are able to make whatever changes in your business necessary to create deeper happiness and enjoyment for yourself, and poo-poo the nay-sayers :).
Honestly, it's one thing to be ignorant of the difference between handmade and mass-produced items, and other thing to be just downright rude. It's certainly very special of that lady to display both qualities in one package.
Like so many people, I'm always delighted by your lovely work, and very sorry to hear that you had to experience something so ugly and demotivating. I hope that all the uplifting supportive comments make you feel better, though I can totally understand how one negative experience can stick in your head and so easily blot out many positive ones, especially when you're already having a difficult time 🙁 It's unfair that the negative can have so much power.
I hope that you feel in much better spirits soon and that you find renewed joy and purpose in creating, whatever shape or form it ends up taking!
I learned a long time ago ( and I am a potter in the art fair game) several things about 'rude' customers: 1) you can't judge someones IQ by looking at them…they have to open their mouths 2) often 'outrage' at prices really translates into: "I'm mad because I, personally, can't afford it' or " I am a frustrated artist no where at your level & I'm jealous " or " I've never paid more than $5 for a piece o art in my life & I'm not starting now!" 3) They are honestly just rude & clueless & surely treat EVERYBODY that way, so it isn't personal. Accept that it's not your problem if people can't afford or your fair asking price (unless of course, suddenly nobody can, then you may have to adjust to the market, these things are cyclical & we are professional gamblers in a sense) Also, try to be ready with your prices…don't give them time to doubt,dicker or hesitate…I think some people feel like I am making up something outrageous on the spot when I get asked (if I've missed a price sticker)…like I am summing them up to see what I can get.If they are moaning about prices, offer a vague " if you make a pile I can do a little better for you" People love deals, or even perceived deals. Some think artists all have trust funds or rich spouses or just don't "work" & so can afford to & should give them a deal…. it's a fine line, pricing, it's a constant ebb & flow, and it's a hard world out there selling art. I find when I'm in those situations, the 4 agreements become very real : Be impeccable with your word Don't take anything personally Don't make assumptions Always do your best But above all else, DO continue to make what you want to make & are inspired to make & the market will find you. It truly will.
Oh Stephanie! That woman doesn't value real handmade work, you can not accept what that kind of people think about and tell. You have to keep the beautiful words that all your followers and customers say about your work, not the bad words.
Your work is fantastic, you have talent, you are a really hardworker and everyday you improve your products. Be happy with it 🙂
I am at a loss for words! I wish I could give you a hug right now. The thought of a cruel person reducing you to tears makes me both furious and very sad. Your work is endlessly fascinating to me, and I cannot imagine the skill and time that goes into each perfect, tiny creation. You've given me many smiles and much joy with your work, and all I can say is that some people should not be allowed into public venues if they don't have the good sense to keep their mouths shut. I can't erase what she said, but I can assure you that there are many people in the world who treasure your work 🙂
"Don't get me wrong, everyone can think my prices are too high (or too low) but don't tell me as if I were a piece of shit.
It is not real food, it is not your rent. You don't have to buy it.
If you think it's too expensive, keep it to yourself, say thank you, smile, go peacefully.
Make the world a kinder place."
This so much. It's sad that more people think they can say whatever they want whenever they want and not consider the consequences. Take heart that many people still think before speaking and really like what you do. I have some of your pieces and they are adorable and well made.
I wish there was something that would shock people when they talk like that to others. Too bad there was no one there to tell her she was out of line. Yes it is getting harder to sell both in person and online. But if you love what you do keep at it and remember there are a lot of good people in the world too.
Someone in my family trained as a dressmaker and wound up having to work in an unrelated field because of people like that foul creature. She had too many people demanding free clothes and offering to pay her in "exposure" instead of money. One particularly obnoxious pest wanted her to draft a specific custom dress pattern, which would have been about $1000 in labor (it's more work than anyone thinks)…and said she would only pay $5 (even the mass-produced tissue-paper sewing patterns sold in stores cost more than that!). So, I hear you loud and clear.
*big hugs*
Hi Stephanie,
I have followed your work since I first opened my Etsy shop back in 2011. You've been my inspiration in perfecting the art of polymer clay. I even asked you a question on varnish, though you may not remember. I, myself, have had crude comments made about the prices of my work among other negative things. But one question you should ask yourself is: Are you still loving doing what you do? If the answer is yes, then keep going. If not, if you say you're not happy, then there's your answer. You'll find happiness elsewhere. People are always going to be negative at some point, but if you're happy and have a great audience to back you up, then keep doing what you're doing!
~ Katrina
Dear Steph, the talent that you have will never cease to exist, as long as you keep making those wonderful miniature items! Please do not give up, most likely all that fatigue had to burst at some point and that woman was the cork of the bottle. You might even consider, she herself is a polymer clay artist and is frustrated because she is not able to make and sell such perfect little things with your prices. Maybe she is just frustrated, besides the rudeness factor. She is just one fish in a huge Ocean, do not belittle your work and dedication! You know you are simply the BEST! Hugs! ♥
oh Stéphanie je suis si triste pour toi
cette femme est désagréable et aigrie
il y a toujours des gens qui aiment blesser piquer sans juste raison et ilschoisissent dans ce cas leurs cibles les gens que ça touche les gens sensibles
tu ne fais pas des sujets à la chaine made in C
on n'achète pas seulement un produit fini
il y a tout le travail de création et d'artiste derrière
le prix d'un oeuf au reso n'est pas le même que celui du supermarché
et là personne ne le conteste
pardon peux pas rester là à l'ordi et pas eu le temps de lire non plus toute la fin
en attendant de repasser mieux je t'envoie des chaudoudoux
laisse dire (oui c'est pas facile) soit sûre de ton talent
et la prochaine personne sera la bonne
courage
Your art has brought joy to my life. I am sorry you have to deal with those who do not understand. If you were not nice, more like you would have a block of clay on hand and tell the woman you could sell her one for $2.50 and offer to sell her the block of clay. Maybe then she would understand that she is being defensive about the skill and dedication you display in each creation that she obviously doesn't have.
I'm very sorry you had such a bad encounter at the fair. Some people are rude and impolite and there's no excuse for that. To show your work in a fair sounds very courageous to me! Hugs!
Steph, this is such a honest and personal post… congrats! Anyone involved in handmade, might have experienced such incidents. Your work, above all, "cries out" that it is time consuming!
Please don't pay attention to such brainless attitudes…
Maiji, every single word you wrote here speaks my mind. This is exactly what I was going to say to Stéphanie when I read the post. <3
Sending you lots of strength, Stéphanie. I have only recently discovered your wonderful work and never in a million years can I even dream of being as amazingly talented as you are. Don't let one bitter hag outweigh the appreciation and awe of so many people who love what you're doing. Hang in there and take care! <3
Dear Steph, I'm so sorry to hear what happened!! If I didn't have any experience in the retailing business and handling difficult customers (you should hear what I have to cope with at my day job), I would've been in the exact same situation. At craft fairs, I've been getting the worst comments about the prices I put on my hand embroidered pieces. One thing to note and something you have to keep in mind: customers always judge the prices and the overall value, NOT the craft. I'm also not supporting the reaction of that crazy woman, just pointing it out. 🙂
Try to have the prices set before going to the craft fair. In the past I would put my prices on at the craft fair, but visitors react very weird on it. I'd rather be sewing things together instead of having to price things. A visitor who sees you craft or a visitor who sees you debating with yourself wether to go for 20 euro or 22 euro is only going to get confused.
There are some extremely mean customers out there who seriously don't get what it takes. Handling your booth is handling a store with your own in it and that's one of the most difficult things to do. I can sell whatever product I need to sell – I don't do anything else at my day job – but selling my own product is selling myself. Selling who I am. And that makes the whole deal a whole lot more difficult. It's very brave of you to make this post. Just know there are many who understand you.
That being said, I want you to know you have to let these emotions be. Before and after the craft fairs, I cry. A lot. There's nothing wrong with that. I just hope it doesn't affect how you see what you do. You're a huge talent and the things you make are incredible. Don't feel bad about wanting to try new things or stop doing other things. Just do what you like most and the result will end up being the best because of it. 🙂
Last but not least, a big hug!!!
(and sorry for my long post)
Steph don't pay to much attention to such people. All you need to know they exist. End of story. It's hard to price items you created coz even though it took some hours for you it's easier to make it than for other people. It's hard to be a handmade artist but we are on your side and your work is just amazing! Keep going and don't pay attention to such people, they live in another reality and their reality is not yours!
Steph, I am so, so, sorry. Unfortunately, the world is full of people with no sensibility at all. I am sure that same woman would gladly pay 100€ for a cheap plastic hand bag with a huge designer logo, mass produced at who knows what working conditions and yet she finds your gorgeous and unique hand made product expensive. In Spain we have a saying “don´t give daisies to the pigs as they will not appreciate them”, you are of course the gorgeous Daisy and she is , obviously, the pig.
That insensitive woman, whose obvious priorities are herself and her money, lacks propriety and maturity. Her comments belong in the gutter. She inadvertently caught you in a moment of vulnerability after you’ve been under such a heavy workload and deadline pressure; your emotional response was normal under the circumstances. I can relate; sometimes it’s not possible to avoid the garbage that comes my way and for a moment I’ll let it get to me. Get angry and vent. Soon you’ll see things clearly. Sometimes things happen for a reason. If you can find the time in your business regimen for exploration and expansion, check it out! I'm building a roombox for the first time for a new project – new roads bring new creativity :^) xoxo
I go to a lot of fairs and absolutely LOVE miniatures!! It always annoys me when I hear people complaining about the 'high' price of miniatures. I always think 'they just don't understand that this is someones skill and art!' I am an illustrator myself so have had to contend with pricing my illustrations and having people think the prices are too high which is why I really understand what it's like to price an item that you have created. I still get asked to draw things for free sometimes. People who don't make art (any type of art! Including miniatures!) do NOT understand the years of practice, skill and time that has gone into creating even the tiniest of things. I remember this post from Pepper's blog a couple of years ago where she mentions overhearing some woman complaining about the price of things (here's the link: //mitchymoominiatures.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/autumn-miniatura-2012.html ) and I remember really agreeing with it. I hope you can forget this stupid lady's comments!
Some people are insensitive and don't think before they speak (or just don't care). We can't let these people dictate how we feel but that's easier said than done. I'd probably launch into a tirade of how long it took to make and don't I deserve at least minimum wage and blah blah blah and I don't suspect that would gain me any more customers either! I hope you keep making miniatures and making them available to those members of the public who're enlightened enough to appreciate them. Your creations are beautiful.
I am going through some very difficult emotional stuff right now and as well as agreeing whole heartedly with everyone about your oodles of talent and your generosity with other artists/artisans I thought I would add this.
If the thoughts about diversifying and moving along a different path with your art came out of others' negative opinions or comments, I believe you should try to get some distance from that, and then evaluate if the new ideas mean you are running away or are ready to change direction.
Whatever decision you make should be because you have a passion for it or for your new adventure (whatever that may be) and not be based on getting as far away from people like that as you can.
There will always be people in any environment we are in, who can be mean; clueless; spiteful, envious or just having a bad day. It can be very difficult to not take their negativity on board, but you followed your heart and passion into this arena and you should keep doing that. Be true to Stephanie, and everything else will work out fine.
Oh Steph! That was totally awfull!! I submit all supporting words above my comment. As Palomilla said: keep the beautiful words, not the bad words.
You have a lot of energy, if you are angry is because you have things very clear, and that's great, it will keep you focus on what you want 🙂
No, that's really not me.
I have been thinking for a long time how to turn what I do in a more artsy direction, but this year, I finally am trying to see how.
This just sort of confirms what I want 🙂
And best of luck with your emotional stuff!
One answer : money.
And I don't do "fairS", I just do that only one in Paris 😀
Usually I just shake those comments off, but well blabla, this time I was a bit weak so to speak.
I don't mind deadlines so much actually, what I do mind is having too much work, which is the case this last Christmas. And the main reason it's time for me to rethink it all and find a better balance 🙂
Thank you Linda 🙂
You know sometimes I get those comments too "I will try it myself then" or "I tried to sculpt these but… i don't understand, they don't come out like yours…" duuh!
So yes, it gets frustrating at times.
yup, dollhouse market, or where you sell art cheap.
Of course they are not all like this! Luckily!
But in a way many are and many will just tell you in your face "well then I have to learn to make it myself" or "I tried it, but oddly enough it's not as good as yours, I don't understand why".
So of course it's not the majority, but it's a solid 30% I'd say.
Add to that the 50% buying only single items and not compositions and you have a frustrated artist. 🙂
But thank you for your support 🙂
Gosh so many? I'd say about 30% of mine tell me it's too pricey, maybe I should raise my prices hahaha 😀
gracias 🙂
thank you 🙂
yes fairs just s***
no wonder I'm participating at only one.
And thank you 🙂
Yes!
And paintings of nature morte, go for around 1000€ when I will sell a nature morte composition at around 40.
For food they sometimes tell me something along the lines "but a real croissant is cheaper than your croissant sculpture!" …
Next time I'll take the nature morte painting example.
And thanks 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Usually I ignore those comments (it isn't the first and it won't be the last, I go other nasty ones during the fair but just smiled politely) this time I just was tired and sensitive.
great words of advise, which I usually follow, but I suppose sometimes everyone can break 🙂
best of luck with your pottery!
Thank you 🙂
haha! "not allowed into public venues" that'd be a bit extreme 😛
and thanks 🙂
Some artists get "rude" following such comments.
I usually try to explain or politely smile.
In this case, she ran off so I couldn't do much.
Well I could have run after her like a fury and throw water in her face hahaha, the drama queen 😀
Some people! …
Actually the happiness question is always a tough one.
I'd say I'm happy in my life about 80% of the time (roughly) so there's 20% of the time that suck and I'm in such a phase, so if I ask right now if it makes me happy I'm not sure. I know I like to sculpt, I don't feel it right now.
The "are you happy?" question really is a big scam, life s***s sometimes, you are sad, that's ok, it'll go up again.
But thank you 🙂
thank you 🙂
merci 🙂
Well… some people tell me they tried but don't understand why it's not as good as mine and still think my things are too expensive…
But thank you for your support 🙂
Usually I shake it off, but yes nasty people out there.
🙂 thank you!
Thank you 🙂
Change is good! 🙂
Oh yes I heard the world of illustrations is really tough in that sense.
Thanks for the post, will read it once I'm through all the lovely comments 🙂
Thank you 🙂
thanks Alicia 🙂
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Bonjour Stéphanie, moi aussi je suis triste de lire ce message, triste pour toi, ça a dû être un sacré choc.
Il y a des pistes de réflexion pour l'avenir dans ce que tu évoques.
Par exemple : est-ce que les salons sont si importants au niveau financier ? Est-ce que la vente en ligne ne peut pas suffire ? (du coup elle évite les confrontations avec ce genre de clients, et personne ne discute les prix).
Une autre idée : je trouve tes photographies de daily veggy absolument magnifiques, peut-être que tu peux ouvrir une rubrique "posters" ! Je vois bien ça dans ma cuisine !
Peut-être que les gens qui parlent comme ça n'ont jamais essayé d'en faire eux-mêmes, ne savent pas imaginer le temps de travail, et aussi le côté expérimentation-recherche préalable.
Dans tous les cas, c'est dommage de s'arrêter à ce genre de personne : pour une comme elle, combien vont t'acheter avec plaisir une pièce, et la ramener avec plaisir à la maison, la disposer avec bonheur dans une maison miniature ou sur une étagère, ou se l'accrocher au cou… Ces personnes-là sont plus silencieuses, mais peut-être plus importantes !
Je suggère, si tu poursuis, un étiquetage à l'avance avec des prix bien visibles, et peut-être une banderole ou des petites affiches derrières, avec des photos de toi en train de travailler et des mentions du style "5 heures de travail pour ces petites oranges" etc (tu peux tourner ça de manière plus informative et amusante, peut-être avec la progression du travail sur une pièce, les étapes, avec des petites indications de durée à certains endroits). Quand on s'en rend compte, on n'a plus la même appréciation de l'étiquette du prix, je pense, on compare avec le taux horaire de son propre salaire, on réfléchit. Peut-être qu'il faut juste le montrer et l'expliquer ?
Si je n'étais pas moi-même sans travail, je peux te dire que je dépenserais beaucoup pour avoir tes créations. J'ai toujours aimé les miniatures, et les tiennes sont vraiment très très belles, à la fois bien réalisées, bien présentées, les photos sont très belles et les mettent bien en valeur, et puis tu proposes vraiment des choses très diverses et très originales.
J'espère que nos messages te font du bien, et que tu te sens aimée et admirée, parce que ton travail et ton imagination nous offrent beaucoup de plaisir. C'est très difficile de réconforter quelqu'un qu'on n'a jamais vu, mais j'espère que nous y parvenons un peu.
Ohh Stephanie! Hugs from me too! I find this people so sad.. 🙁 They only think and act negative in their lives, so please be joyful because you are an amazing artist and a positive person! I am amazed by your art, the process and the amazing amount of work you put in it, so I think you should be proud and leave the "bad" aside!
Kisses! :*
I will join in! What a dick! The thing about rude people is that you can be sometimes rude back 😉
I am so sorry you had that dreadful encounter 🙁 It's appalling how people act at these types of fairs. She'll never be able to find a miniature squash anywhere else like yours. You devote care into each piece and price accordingly….if she can't understand that, she can shove it. Sometimes I feel down when I have slow sales and am tempted to lower my prices…..but I refuse to cheapen my work.
I'll continue to support you no matter what direction you choose, your special creative touch is evident in everything you do.
ils sont ridicules avec leur vrai croissant
et puis les tiens seront encore là dans50 ans pas celui avalé na!
ben tu aurais fait la une du journal du soir !!!!
mais elle n'en valait pas la peine
et aurait même porté plainte (j'ai un ami qui a eu ce genre de mésaventure)
je rigole hein !!
elle n'en vaut pas la peine (re)
Hi Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear about what happened at the fair. I make food miniatures as a hobby and from observing my own progress at it I can only imagine the time, dedication and hard work needed to reach your level of skill! Your work is beautiful and complex and some people just don't understand the work that goes into a) creating each individual piece and b) developing that skill level in the first place. There is so much more to the value of a piece than how big it is, and I hate how people just dismiss the quality of something because it's so small. I agree with a previous commenter about the comparison to life-size sculptures selling for $1000s, and in a perfect world I think miniature pieces of your standard deserve to go for a lot more than just 12eur. But I know, you must price competitively with the rest of the market to make sales.
You are right that the miniature and art markets are very different things and it saddens me that some people lump together cheap mass-produced miniatures with handmade ART pieces and expect the same prices.
I really hope there were some kinder and less ignorant folk at the fair who gave you the respect you deserve, and I hope you don't give up miniature making because of people like that woman, as it would be a great loss to those of us who follow and love your work. You must do what makes you happiest though. Best of luck,
Paige
Some people are so rotten. I'm glad she stormed off because she doesn't deserve to own one of your pieces!!! You are brilliant, so so talented.
Courage, Stéphanie! N'abandonne pas une passion pour une ou deux réflexions qui de toute façon sont inévitables.
Je comprends ta frustration (un jour, on m'a demandé deux personnages-chats pour le prix d'un, euh… sachant déjà que fixer un prix sur des heures de travail et tout ce que l'on y met de soi est extrêmement difficile, en plus, quelqu'un arrive pour te demander de brader ton dur labeur en ajoutant « ce n'est pas pour moi, c'est pour faire des cadeaux… » o_O… bref !).
J'ai refusé et mes petites chatonnes ont été adoptées plus tard par des personnes qui les aiment et c'est une très belle récompense. 🙂
Il ne faut jamais céder et continuer à créer selon son rythme, ses profondes envies et sa philosophie de vie, ne pas se laisser déprécier, surtout !
People are stupid. Forget all comments like this, shame on them!!! You're very talented and that person had no idea how special You and Your creations are.
I think you summed it up nicely, "the dollhouse market is not a nice place" 😉
Big hug.
♥
j'espère que ça va mieux
bon dimanche ☼
bonne semaine
Coucou, moi aussi je viens voir si ça va mieux… ?
I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Non-crafters/artists often don't realize how much skill and hard work goes into making handcrafted items. However, that is no excuse for being rude and obnoxious! I swear, these days people have no filter when they speak. I know it's hard to forget hurtful experiences but I hope you're able to put this behind you and remain confident that your work, time, and skill are valuable. What does this lady know of the work you put into your art? If she knew anything, she never would have made such rude comments. Your work is so beautiful, unique and inspiring. I always look forward to seeing what amazing things you'll make next. Sending you nothing but encouragement and happiness!
I've been saving my pennies so I can get 3 of your cookie bracelets all at once. They are so cute and I can't believe you sell them for such a reasonable price. Poopoo on that lady, she wasn't your target market anyways.
You are a piece of shit .. 400 fucking euros for a miniature table? You think you are an artist? Like who? Michelangelo?
Just so you'll sleep with a bit more knowledge tonight, Michelangelo artwork sells for hundred of millions. This one sold for 300 million $ //www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/8057148/300m-Michelangelo-painting-found-behind-sofa.html
I think there's quite some difference between the 400€ I'm asking and the 300 million of an iconic artist.
And no I'm certainly not considering I'm as good as Michelangelo ever was, as he was a scientist on top of it.
That doesn't mean I don't take a lot of time to make what I do. I'm sure you are paid for your job as well.
I sure would like to find a Michaelangelo for 400 euros…
Ha, an anonymous idiot piece of no-good trash, who possibly is just feeling miserable and wants the rest of the world to be so as well…
There's nothing good I can say, besides: try it out, and make something better, or at least the same quality, and see how much it will be worth. Much more fun and more satisfactory than feeling miserable and leave anonymous remarks.
I'm sorry you felt that way! Negative bursts of energy can really suck the life out of anyone, no matter what the context. If you were already feeling depressed or overwhelmed, I think anything would have set you off; that is not weakness, it's nature. Your work is solid, I'm sure you don't question that. Perhaps the incident was a sign that your work is too elevated for that market? Maybe you need a new scene where people appreciate your work for what it is – art. Your artwork is not a hobby, it's not a novelty, or a craft – it's your life, right? I show my miniatures in art galleries as fine art- maybe you should too? It will sell if you choose the right venues.
Othterwise, maybe you could try changing your subject matter, adding story elements or use techniques &/or media outside of your comfort zone. Only as needed! You may feel refreshed and remotivated if you flex those creative muscles. I may be totally speaking out of turn here, but I think I've been in the same place once. Hopefully you're feeling better either way! Good luck!
This post here is about 1 month old and since then I've been focusing on talking about what is important to me (right now it's the environment and the impact our food habits have on it) I have yet no clue how to market it but yes I wish to pus it in the art market.
I blogged a lot since this post and my work is starting to fall into a place I enjoy a lot and with which I can talk about different things.
Right now I'm just "going with the flow" as I know that's what works best for me, so my idea is to work on what is important in my own life at the moment and go from there.
Basically, no pressure, let the creativity go its own way and I'll see 🙂
Once I have something really marketable I'll try to contact art galleries and art magazines.
Exciting and scary at the time!
And thank you for your input!
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Bonjour Stéphanie! Je suis une fan de ton travail, tu as un énorme talent. La vente directe est très difficile, je te comprends. Je vendais des lits pour chat en laine feutrée dans des expositions félines autrefois et j’ai eu droit à tous les commentaires désobligeants que l’on puisse imaginer! C’est pour ça qu’aujourd’hui, je ne fais plus de vente directe, tout passe par Internet. Et je n’offre aucune possibilité de personnalisation. Il y aura toujours des gens méchants et mal intentionnés, mais aussi beaucoup d’admirateurs qui comprennent tout le travail que représentent tes pièces! Bon courage et bonne continuité!