Once again we're going to look at conventions! This time we're going to be looking at workloads - a critical issue for the working artist.
There are various ways of handling (or not handling) your convention commission workload, each with various pros and cons. Here's some of the more common ones.
Day By Day
Some artists choose to take commissions on a day by day basis. This means that they'll only take enough commissions that they know they can finish on that day, then close commissions till the next day.
Pros:
Customers get their work quickly
You don't need to spend too much time taking orders each day
Less evening work
Cons:
The first day of the convention is always the biggest selling day. You may not get enough orders to fill your queue on other days.
Enough Work For The Whole Event
This method is probably the most popular. It involves opening for commissions on the first day of trading, and filling up spots for the entire convention.
Pros:
Can take advantage of the high volume of orders in the first day
Allows for flexibility in working hours and thus for interruptions (you can finish 4 one day, 6 another etc)
Cons:
Requires some experience to gauge how many commissions you can finish in the timeframe required, thus you may end up with take-home work
Remember you can always set up a sign that says you will accept take home commissions only when your queue is full.
Continuous Commissions!
This is the method that I personally recommend LEAST! It's not particularly good form, or particularly fair on your customers. It involves continuing to take commissions without thought to how many you can finish at the convention. Unfortunately, it is strikingly common among some artists.
Pros:
Maximizes earnings
Allows you to work at whatever pace you choose
Cons:
Commissioners will be left waiting till after the convention to receive their work - some may be unhappy with this arrangement
You will have to mail out the artwork to your customers
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The most important part of managing your workload is to work out two things - how much time you want to spend on commissions (work out how much social time you'll want, as well as time for a good night's rest and meals), and how long it takes you to make each piece of artwork.
Most customers will not mind if you have to take home a piece of work to finish it, but it's still not an ideal practice. It's always a good idea to offer a refund to anyone who's commission you have not started but would have to take home. Remember to get email addresses for all your customers!
Next time we come back to conventions we'll look at Merchandise! What do you offer for sale at cons?
