Replying to your first message

Someone has written to you through your page. This is the moment most artists overthink, rewrite four times, and then send something that reads like a cover letter. You do not need to be impressive here. You need to be quick, human, and specific about what happens next.

1. Answer within a day

Not because there is a rule, but because interest has a short shelf life. Somebody who wrote on Tuesday evening was in the mood on Tuesday evening. By Friday they have looked at forty other things.

A short reply the same day beats a beautiful reply three days later, every time. If you genuinely cannot answer properly yet, send one line saying when you will.

2. Three replies you can copy

When somebody says they like your work

Hi [name], thanks for writing. Good to hear that piece landed with you. It is part of a series I made last winter, all worked the same way.

If you ever want to see them in person you are welcome in the studio, I am in [neighborhood]. Easier than photos, the surface never comes across on a screen.

Either way, thanks for taking the time to write.

Note what this does. It answers, it adds one piece of information they did not have, and it opens a door without pushing anyone through it. Three short paragraphs. That is the whole job.

When somebody asks the price

Hi [name], that one is [size], [medium], and it is [price]. That includes [frame or stretcher, whatever applies].

If you want to see it before deciding, you are welcome to come by. It is a different piece in person.

Let me know if you have questions.

Say the number. Do not pad it, do not apologise for it, do not explain how many hours it took. A price with an excuse attached reads as a price you do not believe in, and people notice.

When somebody wants to visit

Yes, very welcome. Does [day] around [time] work for you? I am usually here between [x] and [y].

The address is [full address]. It is the [description of the door], buzzer [number], [floor]. I will send a reminder the day before.

Say if another day suits you better.

Propose one concrete moment instead of asking when suits them. “When are you free?” makes them do the work, and that is where these conversations go quiet. Give a date, they either take it or counter it.

3. What not to do

• Do not write a wall of text. Nobody reads six paragraphs from a stranger. Three short ones.
• Do not attach your cv. They asked about a painting.
• Do not offer a discount before anyone asks. This is the most common mistake and it costs real money. You have just told them the price was soft.
• Do not apologise for anything. Not the price, not the reply time, not the state of your studio.
• Do not ask them to move to another platform. Keep it where it started until you actually have something to arrange.

4. If they go quiet

One follow up, roughly a week later, and then let it go.

Hi [name], no pressure at all, just checking whether you still wanted to come and see the work. Happy to leave it if the moment has passed.

That is it. A second follow up almost never works and it changes how you come across. People go quiet for reasons that have nothing to do with you.

5. If they ask for a discount

Decide in advance so you are not deciding under pressure. A workable position: no discount on a single piece, ten percent if someone takes two or more. Then you have a real answer ready.

I keep my prices the same for everyone, so I would rather not go under on a single piece. If you are interested in two, I can do [x] for the pair.

Consistency is worth more than one sale. The person who paid full price last month can see your page too.

6. If they ask you to make something specific

Commissions are between you and them, we are not involved. Two things to sort before you agree:

1. Price and deposit. Half up front is normal and it is not rude to ask.
2. What happens if they do not like it. Agree it out loud before you start. Usually: they keep the deposit arrangement, you keep the work and are free to sell it.

And you are allowed to say no. “It is not really what I do” is a complete answer.

The short version

• Reply within a day
• Three short paragraphs, never more
• Say the price plainly, no excuses attached
• Propose one specific day instead of asking when they are free
• Never offer a discount before it is asked for
• One follow up, then let it go