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