Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Tourists actively seek local art as meaningful souvenirs — 'San Juan Islands' themes command premiums
• •Limited gallery competition — a few established galleries dominate, but there's room for differentiation
• •Seasonal population swing affects sales timing — summer is for tourists, winter is for local collectors and holiday gifts
• •Shipping originals off-island is expensive and risky — prints and local pickup work better
• •Strong local art community supports open studios, art walks, and collaborative events

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Develop 10-15 pieces in a cohesive collection before selling anything

   • •A body of work looks professional; a few random pieces looks like a hobby
   • •Collectors buy from artists with a recognizable voice, not scattered experiments
   • •Having options increases the chance of a sale at any given showing
2. 2
   Create prints of your best sellers before investing in originals-only inventory

   • •Prints turn one painting into unlimited revenue at accessible price points
   • •Original buyers often start as print buyers who want an upgrade
   • •Test market demand before committing weeks to a new original
3. 3
   Show work locally (cafés, restaurants, galleries) before building an online store

   • •Wall space in local businesses is often free and reaches foot traffic daily
   • •In-person viewing sells art better than photos on a screen
   • •Local reputation builds word-of-mouth that drives online sales later

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Display in local businesses for free instead of paying gallery commissions — cafés and restaurants often welcome rotating art
• •Use print-on-demand (Printful, Fine Art America) for online sales — no upfront inventory or shipping hassles
• •Buy canvas and supplies in bulk during mainland trips — art supply stores have better selection and prices than island options
• •Scan your own work with a good phone or tablet — professional scanning is only needed for large originals
• •List on a local marketplace for free — reach buyers without website costs or gallery fees
• •Share booth space at markets with complementary artists — split costs, draw more browsers

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Original sales are lumpy — you might sell nothing for weeks then sell a $500 piece
• •Prints provide smaller but steadier income — $25-50 sales add up
• •Commission deposits (50% upfront) ensure you're not fronting materials for custom work
• •Summer tourist season is peak — build inventory in spring, sell through fall

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with prints and small originals while keeping your day job — art income is unpredictable
• •Canvas, frames, and supplies all have resale value if you pivot
• •Test new themes with prints before committing to large originals
• •Build an email list through shows and markets — direct connection to buyers costs nothing
• •Join the local arts council or artists' guild — insider knowledge on opportunities and shared resources
• •Consignment in gift shops reaches tourists without you staffing a booth

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Tourists actively seek local art as meaningful souvenirs — 'San Juan Islands' themes command premiums
• •Limited gallery competition — a few established galleries dominate, but there's room for differentiation
• •Seasonal population swing affects sales timing — summer is for tourists, winter is for local collectors and holiday gifts
• •Shipping originals off-island is expensive and risky — prints and local pickup work better
• •Strong local art community supports open studios, art walks, and collaborative events

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Develop 10-15 pieces in a cohesive collection before selling anything

   • •A body of work looks professional; a few random pieces looks like a hobby
   • •Collectors buy from artists with a recognizable voice, not scattered experiments
   • •Having options increases the chance of a sale at any given showing
2. 2
   Create prints of your best sellers before investing in originals-only inventory

   • •Prints turn one painting into unlimited revenue at accessible price points
   • •Original buyers often start as print buyers who want an upgrade
   • •Test market demand before committing weeks to a new original
3. 3
   Show work locally (cafés, restaurants, galleries) before building an online store

   • •Wall space in local businesses is often free and reaches foot traffic daily
   • •In-person viewing sells art better than photos on a screen
   • •Local reputation builds word-of-mouth that drives online sales later

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Display in local businesses for free instead of paying gallery commissions — cafés and restaurants often welcome rotating art
• •Use print-on-demand (Printful, Fine Art America) for online sales — no upfront inventory or shipping hassles
• •Buy canvas and supplies in bulk during mainland trips — art supply stores have better selection and prices than island options
• •Scan your own work with a good phone or tablet — professional scanning is only needed for large originals
• •List on a local marketplace for free — reach buyers without website costs or gallery fees
• •Share booth space at markets with complementary artists — split costs, draw more browsers

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Original sales are lumpy — you might sell nothing for weeks then sell a $500 piece
• •Prints provide smaller but steadier income — $25-50 sales add up
• •Commission deposits (50% upfront) ensure you're not fronting materials for custom work
• •Summer tourist season is peak — build inventory in spring, sell through fall

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with prints and small originals while keeping your day job — art income is unpredictable
• •Canvas, frames, and supplies all have resale value if you pivot
• •Test new themes with prints before committing to large originals
• •Build an email list through shows and markets — direct connection to buyers costs nothing
• •Join the local arts council or artists' guild — insider knowledge on opportunities and shared resources
• •Consignment in gift shops reaches tourists without you staffing a booth