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Apprehensive
Hi!
Well, I've been observing some things and I've been thinking about some questions -
Do you buy art? I don't mean all the time, but have you ever? Would you rather buy a product with the same art on it, instead of a real piece of artwork?
like, say you saw a new artist selling his/her work (insert any artist of you choice here), and has original works for sale as well as products of his own design.
And, for example, for argument's sake, say that you really liked a drawing of his/her. BUT you also really liked a shirt with another awesome design. AND they both cost the same (ex:$100), and it's all you have to spend. Which would you chose? The art work or the product?
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Getting a cute mug or notebook with the art can't be compared to owning the original piece.
But it depends on the buyer, of course.
HOWEVER... it depends on the artwork. A small minority of art pieces are really well-suited to be a T-shirt, or coffee mug or whatever, and in that case I think the product might actually be the "true" piece of art, if you know what I mean.
Real Life Example: I have a tie with a picture of a Soviet spacecraft on it. I think this tie pulls off the difficult balancing act of being kind of artsy and interesting, but also conservative enough that I can wear it to a serious meeting without looking goofy. This tie gets way more positive comments than any other item of clothing I have ever owned. There is no way I would trade this tie for just the same spacecraft picture to hang on a wall.
I tend to be more likely to buy art if it can be used as both an object (a postcard I can mail), *and* art I can hang (a postcard I can hang)... So I guess I like both...
I'm more drawn to the idea of spending a lot of money on original art, rather than a lot of money on something with someone's art plastered all over it, like an ipod case or something... Because I'm more likely to buy that thing (a phone case, a t-shit, etc) without art all over it because that's just my taste preference... If that makes sense.
I think it's good for artists to offer both. But I get excited at the prospect of buying original art, though I've never had the money for it. Also, commissions are very exciting!
Hope this helps.
I paint on little canvases myself and in an attempt to sell them, people have told me over and over again that they like the paintings but they find it a pity that they can't actually do anything with it. Like wear it, put a picture in it or drink out of it.
Firstly, because I do not like wearing shirts with pictures/logos/slogans and secondly I do not have many places where I could wear them.
Furthermore an original work lasts longer and can get more valuable, whereas a shirt will get torn or will loose colours etc.
But on the other-side if it were a bag or if the art were a print on the fabric, or if it is on a scarf I may be tempted. But very probably not if the original work and products costs the same.
It also depends on what the product is. Between a shirt and an original, I'd get the original; a shirt can wear out. A bookmark, I might buy. I would buy phone/laptop skins and cases, if they are affordable. It depends on the product quality as well, since if I buy a product, it usually means I actually need it.
Art also just doesn't feel as.. connected to me, if it's a product. To me, drawings are meant to be appreciated by the senses and to stimulate the imagination, not to use for physiological function/daily use. I fear that seeing the artwork too often might numb its effect on me (though if the art's good enough, that shouldn't happen--and that's a whole 'nother topic).
The art itself could also be the product, such as jewelry, a custom-bound journal, or a piece of furniture. However, I understand you are mostly referring to drawings and such.
And in the end, it's all about getting your money's worth to your own personal desires.