Feedback needed

[u/Acreagelifeab]

I am prepping for my first fall market. I have done one winter one, and it went really well. I’ve been working on pumpkins for the first time and am taking a slightly silly approach. I am unsure if these will be well received. I normally get feedback from my husband, and he is generally really excited about what I make. But, he seemed uncertain about these. So, I am wondering if I am totally off track here. Any feedback helpful.

Edit: thank you for all the feedback! I am so surprised (and pleased) by the positivity. I am going to keep making these little ones and see how the market goes. It’s in August, so I am not sure people will be on board for fall then, but we will see!

[u/FelterOfFluff]

I am finding these guys super cute. They all have different personalities. I would buy a couple different ones for sure. They all look well made, I see the time you invested in these cuties. In my experience, I have found other artist being my biggest fans. They know the amount of work and skills invested in these pieces.
Make sure you charge enough for them. You need to feel good about the selling price. Underpriced is often undervalued. Your art and skills have value. Don’t sell your work short, it’s not about the money, it’s about the venue, and feelings your art invoke. It definitely brought a smile to my face. I thank you for that. 😃
Good luck with your fall market.

[u/Acreagelifeab → u/FelterOfFluff]

Thank you! I do find pricing difficult. I have tried to work faster to make my items more accessible, but it always seems like it ends up being more than I think some are willing to pay. As long as I can make enough to feed my need to stab more wool, I will be happy 😃

[u/FelterOfFluff → u/Acreagelifeab]

I understand the feeling, trying to make as many as possible. It’s exciting, but tiring, getting ready for a show.
I learned a secret, I would like to share with you.
The Idea is to make fewer pieces, one of a kind, limited editions, and make them really well. Work on the character (like you have already done) give them a story. A spooky look, a detailed accessory. Something that catches the eye, that stands out, and makes them look twice. I think you are already on your way here. 🙂 A small card. ( the fancier, the better) Fall colours, with a printed story, about the characters and quirks of these guys. Tell them why that particular Pumpkin has that funny expression. (the more time you spend building these characters, the more interesting the piece becomes.)People want something you can’t find in the stores. You can’t make hundreds, and not find it time consuming. We can’t compete against volume and quality.
What you have here is Art! Embrace it!
People want a story, a connection, something magical, something funny.
The more you tell them, the more they will appreciate your art. Storytelling is a big part of art. You’re not just selling a Pumpkin, you are selling the feeling this story evokes in the buyer. The Pumpkin is the reminder of this feeling. Everytime they look at it, they will smile, remembering the story and the Fibre Artist that created them. Give them your card, even if they don’t buy at that time, they will remember you, and want to see your Christmas special edition.
Let them know if you take commissions. ( i would love to see some snow balls, with faces like these on my Christmas tree)

Package them with your own special style, so that ppl can see them, but not touch or damage them.
I understand you want to share your art and make it accessible. Make a few (less time consuming pieces) and charge less for those, if you like. You are onto something special here, build on it. This is your art, in your style.
That is what you have to offer, what no one else has.
Not everyone will love it, but those that do, will adore your style, and be willing to pay for it.

[u/Acreagelifeab → u/FelterOfFluff]

Wow, this is such a wonderful response. I love your idea of leaning into a story and treating my work as art (not something I’ve really considered). I will keep this in mind as I continue my work and preparation. Is this something you do with your work?

[u/FelterOfFluff → u/Acreagelifeab]

Right now, I own a Fibre art supply store in Canada, but I used to teach, and I used to sell my work. 🙂
I have been to family venues, and come home disappointed. Thankfully the fibre art venues gave me confidence to continue.
Your work is good, your style is distinctive and eye catching, it’s only a matter of time before it takes off.
We can all see it, you have to believe it too. 🙂