CMV Talk Notes:
• The retail scene is struggling a bit so focusing on the gallery space, meeting new people and general enjoyment of what we do.
• Gallery is the main space, reinstating kitchen and sink, looking at self-publishing own-brand products, exclusive.
• We love relationship-building, connecting dots between a client and artist and working with emerging talent from Leeds Arts University.
• We love making exhibitions happen and using the gallery space
• When we set up we did look at what out competition was and just went for it, Had a bit of money, wanted to do it, to make it a reality. If I'd have known how hard it would be I would have taken it in another direction
• Started with pop ups. Andy is a librarian and Becky has a design background
• We only stock what we ourselves would buy. Well produced nicely made, nicely finished, with integrity, quality.
• We are not sales people and the same goes for shows. We genuinely love art and design.
• A store dog definitely gets people in. We try hard to be very welcoming but sometimes people are shy.
• Why we take a commission, we have to pay rent and bills and VAT comes out of that margin. £20-£60 usually the cost of prints.
• Best selling items are things that are spooky or occult, there seems to be a real hunger for that, A magazine called Weird Walk is our best seller. Pencil cases, ceramic ghosts sell well too.
• Self-publishing will hopefully take us in a different direction.
• Bit of a mixture of us hanging work or the artist displaying t. We work with them to exhibit how they want to.
Exhibition
In reflection, I feel genuinely proud of exhibiting at Colours May Vary. Admittedly, I was pretty nervous to display my print as it's a very personal experience of mental health. It was something I wanted to hold onto a keep just for myself. However, I want to be able to connect with an audience and what is illustration if not a personal narrative? I let go of my self-doubt and displayed it proudly. I had compliments from my tutor Amy on tackling such a personal subject and was even approached by a peer who told me they feel exactly the same way. Could this be something to consider for the future in my development of my practice? Do I want to continue personal illustrations trying t understand mental health - to educate and connect? What applied illustrations could I create in response to this? A self help illustrated book, my own illustrated journal, posters and leaflets for seeking help? I have identified this as being something I feel quite passionate about and want to continue to pursue as a therapeutic tool for myself and as an informative tool for others.
