It has been another interesting year at the Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair Festival. One of the things that made it interesting was the fact that my marketing efforts are starting to pay off. This is the first year that I can directly attribute a large percentage of my sales at this 9-week long art show to my email list.
And, it was the first year that I have ever heard the following comment: “I’m bored.”
Not the kind of thing you want to hear. So, here’s what happened: I was talking to a woman and her young daughter. I was explaining how I create my art. I showed them both the work in progress and the parts and pieces that go into it. As I always do, I made it a point to include the child. When I finished, the mother turned to her daughter and asked, “So, what do you think?” In a loud and obnoxious voice, the girl brayed, “I’m bored!”
Her words reverberated through my section of the show causing the other patrons to look in our direction. The mother was apologetic, but it was clear that the girl simply did not want to be there. (Unfortunately, I did not have a good comeback prepared. Only later did I think to say something like, “Oh, you poor thing…Is your imagination broken?”)
That one comment grated on me.
Not only was it insulting to me, but to my artwork as well. But, is was uttered by a girl who wasn’t old enough to know better. But, it was still bothersome. But, it really wasn’t directed at me. But, it stung. But… but… but…
Here’s the thing…for every one of those comments, you will get many like this: “My son and I attended the festival and yours is one of the select number of cards I actually did pick up. Thank you for sharing your art talent with us. We really enjoyed it… So thanks again. I wanted to express my appreciation for the way you beautify the world.”
This lovely gem of a compliment showed up in my voicemail yesterday. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I touched someone enough that they felt compelled to let me know.
So, the next time you hear a rude remark about your art, think of all the wonderful things other people have said about your work. They’ll help to soften the blow of those negative comments. Focus on those positives, and keep beautifying the world.
And, it was the first year that I have ever heard the following comment: “I’m bored.”
Not the kind of thing you want to hear. So, here’s what happened: I was talking to a woman and her young daughter. I was explaining how I create my art. I showed them both the work in progress and the parts and pieces that go into it. As I always do, I made it a point to include the child. When I finished, the mother turned to her daughter and asked, “So, what do you think?” In a loud and obnoxious voice, the girl brayed, “I’m bored!”
Her words reverberated through my section of the show causing the other patrons to look in our direction. The mother was apologetic, but it was clear that the girl simply did not want to be there. (Unfortunately, I did not have a good comeback prepared. Only later did I think to say something like, “Oh, you poor thing…Is your imagination broken?”)
That one comment grated on me.
Not only was it insulting to me, but to my artwork as well. But, is was uttered by a girl who wasn’t old enough to know better. But, it was still bothersome. But, it really wasn’t directed at me. But, it stung. But… but… but…
Here’s the thing…for every one of those comments, you will get many like this: “My son and I attended the festival and yours is one of the select number of cards I actually did pick up. Thank you for sharing your art talent with us. We really enjoyed it… So thanks again. I wanted to express my appreciation for the way you beautify the world.”
This lovely gem of a compliment showed up in my voicemail yesterday. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I touched someone enough that they felt compelled to let me know.
So, the next time you hear a rude remark about your art, think of all the wonderful things other people have said about your work. They’ll help to soften the blow of those negative comments. Focus on those positives, and keep beautifying the world.
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