Procedures for Art Commissions with Sema Martin (#68)

By now you may have picked up on the fact that I am a sucker for a
reliable system. My signature program is called the Art Business
Success System for a reason — systems work. They provide you with a
framework that, once in place, you can return to repeatedly and
update to match where you are at any given moment in your art
business. I love figuring out systems, maybe even more than I love
following them because systems are always there to support my
progress. And my guest today has proven that a clearly defined
system can take your art business to the next level.

Sema Martin is a full-time artist living in the French Riviera.
She currently has a four-month waiting list for her pet
portraits, which is due in part to the flawless 8-step system
that she has developed that keeps her organized and keeps her
customers satisfied.


In our conversation, Sema shares the system that she has in place
for her commission-based business. We walk through the eight
stages of commissioning work from her, which are clearly outlined
on her website. We discuss how she standardized her sizes, how
she makes it easy for clients to buy from her by offering
multiple currencies, and how social media serves a dual purpose
to both promote her work and to share her progress with clients.
You’ll hear how she stays organized and at the end of this
episode you can find out how to get a copy of her system
spreadsheet.


Highlights




Sema shares the journey that led her to becoming a full-time
commissioned artist. (2:11)




Income streams and the percentages of Sema’s income that
comes from commissions. (5:50)




Developing the stages of the commission process, starting
with sizing the art. (7:32)




What should be included in your pricing? (12:15)




A comparison of Squarespace and MailChimp. (14:18)




Contact forms and how to make sure you have proper
communication with clients. (16:03)




The importance of collecting money before you start drawing.
(20:46)




Handling a waiting list and details of a payment plan.
(22:09)




Guidance for helping customers choose the details of the
piece. (26:54)




Sema’s workflow and how she works in the drawing zone.
(30:03)




How many social media posts should highlight your current
piece? (34:24)




Final approval ensures that the customer is happy before the
piece is shipped. (37:00)




Mounting, packing and delivery of the final piece and how
each step ensures you will have happy customers. (37:56)




The bonus stage and how many customers take advantage of it.
(42:08)




How do people find Sema? She maintains a focus on SEO that
really pays off. (43:52)




Staying organized and implementing the systems that will keep
you straight. (46:11)




A glimpse inside Sema’s current project. (49:06)




 


Mentioned




Sema Martin




Art is My Career — How to Start an Art Business by Sema
Martin




Guide for Photographing Your Pet




Sema Martin on Instagram




 


Resources




Photos and full show notes




Art Career Success System




Art Biz Success Community




Art Biz Success Planning Sessions




Intro and outro music by Wildermiss