Comments on: You Say Customer, I Say Collector

By: cecelia

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:58:16 +0000

i like this answer a lot!:))=+Sail Art!+ Sari thanks!

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By: Margaret Almon

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:52:36 +0000

Coming from a previous life as a librarian, I’m accustomed to using “patron” but since I’ve had a lot of commissions this year, I’ve been using “client” most often. I like Mckenna’s “enthusiast”–that captures some of the energy that comes from people who promote my work, whether or not they buy anything. And finally, the word “advocate” popped into my head–those who encourage others to buy my work, or suggest it, or refer people to me.

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By: Carol McIntyre

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:30:39 +0000

McKenna – thanks for the words Fan and Owner. I like them. Here are some words I gleaned from my trusty Roget’s Thesaurus: accumulator, connoisseur, gatherer, enthusiast, collection agent, pack rat, wannabe, addict, devotee, zealot, visionary, groupie, booster, fan club, fanatic, eager beever…. As you say, words can be fun!

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By: Mckenna

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:38:34 +0000

I love the word, but it must be justified. Collector is as much a verb as anything else. That is not true of customer, client, or patron. So while it may be important to “elevate” a person’s sense of worth by using collector within specific phrases, ie: Are you an art collector? or What kind of work do you gravitate towards in your collection? or Have you collected (abstract, plein air, watercolors or whatever) “this” in the past? or I have started a new series and my collectors are wildly enthusiastic. or I just emailed all my out of town collectors about this newest piece, but you have an opportunity to see in in person at my unveiling tonight.
So while the word can be used in many forms and situations, I caution that in some circles and within some statements, it may be intimidating. One might want to consider what the person’s “experience” levels are before tossing the word at them and making them feel awkward instead of elevated.
Another word that I have used in the past is “Enthusiasts” and I also like to use the word “Fan”. Those words can work in place of collector when talking with people who are more down to earth and might be intimidated by collector.
And finally, I also often replace collector with “owners”, ie: people who own my work have said… or do you own any (fill in)? Ownership is a softer word that most people can relate to especially if they own a few things that they feel good about – a house, a car, a boat, a vacation home… etc. It implies success and a successful feeling person thinks they can own your work!
Gotta love words…So much power…
Thanks for bringing us (“collectors” of Alyson’s GRAND wisdom) a chance to scrutinize this important concept.

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By: Lisa Penz

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:37:27 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

Thanks Alyson! It’s a question I’ve been struggling with indeed over the past year. If a contact purchases a print — do they fall into the ‘Collector’ category or the potential Collector category and what do you call them in the interim?
Would be a good Deep Thought Thursday, agreed : )

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By: marcie

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:32:26 +0000

As important as buying art is, displaying the art you buy is just as important. This is an interesting blog… http://blog.custommade.com/2011/11/the-art-of-displaying-art-some-custom-approaches/

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By: liza myers

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:13:05 +0000

Definitely collectors! It celebrates the past and opens the door widely to the future!

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By: Carol McIntyre

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:44 +0000

I admit that I do stumble when it comes to using the word collector around people who have not purchased any of my work. Client sometimes feels too much like I am a consultant/therapist/counselor — my hang up?? Given the discussion above I am going to try to just use the work ‘collector’ all of the time. Once it becomes a habit then I won’t hesitate hopefully.

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By: Wendy Edsall-Kerwin

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:42:23 +0000

I usually use collector or patron. I sent out VIP valentine cards last year to my “Very Important Patrons.” I like the idea of a patron supporting the arts, in this case by buying art, and I think it gives a bit of cache. I always think of collectors as people who have more than one piece, so I think of my repeat buyers as collectors.
I don’t think customer is necessarily bad, especially since many of my sales are at craft shows. But it is a commercial way to look at people who buy your work. If your work is very commercial in nature, this would be fine. I just think it makes someone feel a little more special if you call them a patron or collector. Anyone can buy something, but a collector is someone with more of a vested interest in who they are buying from.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:20:19 +0000

In reply to Tracy Wall.

Tracy: Good point, though I do believe that some artists have true patrons that are different than collectors. It’s a much different meaning and intent.

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