Custom Mini Model Horses

Here I tried a new art supply. Model not for sale. As an artist, I enjoy sharing my work. And if I get a little positive feedback, it feels nice. Maybe a model I painted won a ribbon at a show, was given as a gift to a loved one, or was purchased by a happy customer.  But sometimes there isn't any feedback, positive or otherwise. Sometimes a model in my shop ( https://sarahtregay.com/shop.html ) doesn't sell. This can be a learning opportunity. Is the color wrong for the breed? Are the markings too plain? Has everyone already seen that mold in that color? So the next time I reach for a model to paint, I can choose a different mold, a different color, a different pattern. I can try again. It can be easy for artists to fall into the trap we see with OF Breyers in the wild—that palomino Family Arabian Stallion with no ears and so may rubs you can't tell what is yellow plastic and what is the paint—for $100! It's a Breyer! It must be worth money! Or in the artist's case...

If you have tried to sign up for one of the live shows hosted by Breyer during Breyerfest, you know about the technical snafu that postponed the registration date.  This got me thinking about all of the websites, video channels, Facebook groups, and Instagram posts that I frequent in the hobby. Not to mention the live shows I love to attend. From Identify Your Breyer to Model Horse Place to Model Horse University these passion projects are huge undertakings. Hosting a live show takes months of planning. And unlike the big guys, these projects are operated by a few people if not a single individual. Hosting a website, recording a podcast, writing a blog, taking photographs, and filming videos all take skill. Some of these projects have affordable subscription options, live shows have entry fees, and some websites are free. There's not a lot of money flowing around. No one is making a living doing these things. Yet, as an artist selling model horses, I have piggybacked my sales onto ...

Even the title here, In-Person vs. Online Sales, has a little bit of tension implied. This year while at Breyerfest, I caught a social media comment or two that echoed this feeling.    My simple set up in my Clarion Room for in-person sales  As an artist, I value every hobbyist who enjoys my work. That's why I create models—to share, to make someone smile, to bring a Stablemate-sized moment of joy.  As a itty-bitty business, I create models to sell. I use the money I make to take care of my horse, Mr. Pots. He is 29 this year and needs medicine, special food, a farrier, a vet, and a dentist. He isn't living in my backyard any more so what I used to spend for a year of hay is now spent every month on board. I'm going to be honest. I prefer to sell models in-person.  As an artist, I want every customer to see the model before they decide to make a purchase. I want them to pick it up and turn it in the light. I want them to ask questions: what mold is this? wh...

       Everyone loves a beautiful model at a price that fits our pocketbook. It's quite common for a potential customer to ask the artist if they will take a lower price, or pay for postage, or both.      Let's do a little math to see if a hypothetical artist should take an offer that is lower than her asking price of $100 postage paid. To simplify the math, let's say the model is a repainted Breyer Stablemate (in bay) without any customizing. We'll look at the costs of the model, supplies, the time it takes to create the art, and the costs of doing business online as an individual not running a business. I'll use Michigan's 6% sales tax, 4.25 state income tax, and 12% federal income tax. Stablemate:                    $3.99 plus .24 tax = $4.23 Cost of the Stablemate (let's assume they didn't have to pay shipping) Prepping supplies: Files (Harbor Freight):     $6.99 + .42 ...

Cascade, a custom mini gelding that sold quickly. As the holidays come closer and the emails from Breyer fill my inbox, I've seen an uptick in artists asking the question: Why aren't my models selling? It might be timing. Or price. Or potential customers not seeing your advertising. Or potential customers not having money to spend. It might be the photography. Or the background. Or the angle. Or the lighting. Or the number of photos. Or the location/website hosting said photos. It might be the model. Gasp! I know. It sounds rude.  But not every model I sculpt is perfect. Not every paint job glows. Just like not every novel I write is a New York Times Bestseller. And not every meal I cook tastes great.  Peter Pan (and Shadow), a stallion I just finished for my collection As an artist, I choose to create models that I want to create. I don't take commissions, just ideas I love and that inspire me.  This can be a problem when it comes to selling my art. Maybe I have chosen...