I have received your tally list from Susan, but I do need your inventory lists - I'll be in college tomorrow, so please have one person collect them and hand them to me. If I can't be found, ask a porter to kindly put them in my mailbox in the staff room.
Many of my colleagues have been very complimentary of the quality of your work. The standard has been raised yet again. Innovative presentation and packaging really enhanced the visual appeal of your products, and I'm sure helped to make sales. One of the emails I received was particularly touching, and I asked her permission to publish it here:
No problem, I really love my piece, I had been looking for something for a while to me from my dad. Something that I could remember him by & when I (saw) that piece I knew that was it. So it is very special to me.
Please let me know of any future events, as I like to support the students & love to see their beautiful work - a credit to your team in the arts block!
Thanks again & Happy Christmas.
You couldn't wish for a higher compliment. I do require one last thing from you before we break for Christmas. In the comment box below, write a brief statement on your thoughts from your experience. What did you learn that may have surprised you; what are your thoughts about the chosen venue; what would you do differently if you had to do it all over again; what advice would you give to future students; what did you gain from the experience? When you're finished, simply click the 'Publish' button.
Again, well done to all, and have a Happy Christmas - I'll see you in the New Year!
The Ferocious Mingle Market was a good experience and we got to meet other stall holders, its always good to get to know them and pick up tips and advice. I definitely think another market place could be tried next year, in a local school or library maybe, were there would be more footfall. Presentation and packaging is really important as there is so much competition at markets now that you really have to stand out. The whole presentation of your table is key. Its also really good to have different priced goods from say €5 upwards to attract a larger audience. Well done Adele on that lovely feedback, that is more valuable than any money you made!
ReplyDeleteSue
I think it is better pay more but for better place, where possible will be more potential customers. Dont choose a dark market! I mean lighting on the market should be bright enough. As Susan says should be variety in pricing and good presentation of cause.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas !!!
Nataliya
I enjoyed the Ferocious Mingle on Saturday Dec 14th.The chosen location was quiet, but our products really suited the style and atmosphere for this Bohemian indoor market. When I arrived at 4, it was great to hear that two of my notebooks had sold :) They looked fantastic on the tables and surrounding areas. Yes I definitely agree, a busier venue next time sounds like a good plan. I would advise the future students to pay more for a different venue and to make sure that they have made enough stock for the college market.
ReplyDeleteWell done everyone!
Merry Christmas :)
Laura
We had great stock but not enough customers on the Saturday, a mix of bad weather and a new location for the Mingle did not help! I would recommend spending more money on a stall in a better location for 2014 market .There was a great buzz around our stall in the Arts Block, BCFE staff and students very supportive!. We had a good mix of products, ceramics sold very well, A few males took a look at our stall and walked away, next year a product or two for the male market!
ReplyDeleteWell done everyone!
adele
Okay, so the consensus seems to be in favour of spending a bit more on a venue with more footfall, and maybe even a market with a reputation of being a Christmas Market - any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteNote: all posts are moderated; when I receive them, I will publish them, so don't worry if your comment doesn't post straight away.
It is a pity that The Ferocious Mingle Markaid has not got established in the new location. The premises is beautiful inside and I could spend all day their but for next year you should look at the xmas market in botanic gardens. Really proud of how the market at the college went.
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a very useful exercise to make a product for a real market and to consider the pricing in terms of materials and labour etc. I was glad to spend some time at the market to experience the place, the other sellers and the customers. Unfortunately there were few customers, due to the weather. Regarding the venue, I thought it was too dark and it wasn't great to be placed at the very back. Also, I imagine that the Mingle Marcade appeals to a particular customer demographic and I would like to see us in a marketplace with broader appeal. Perhaps the Botanic Gardens Christmas market would be good. On the plus side, I thought our products and our display were great, and as professional as other stall holders. A well worthwhile process. Ina
ReplyDeleteI found doing the Christmas market an amazing experience.I felt there was a great rapport with everyone involved ,the whole atmosphere was electric.I worked from the main building and although the sales were not great at least we got ourselves out there.The standard of the items on sale were very high, the Tutors and staff were very complimentary and I believe overall the financial gain surpassed all our expectations.Well done to Gwen again for the motivation.I trust you had a pleasant experience. Thank you.....
ReplyDeleteI thought a different place for the stall would have been more beneficial to make more sales. How about the Smithfield Christmas Market for next year. The stall has to be rented over the whole weekend but when Textile Design, Illustration and Graphic Design students rent it altogether for one day each it should be fine. Apart from that the sale in both buildings of the college was well worth it and people were very interested in the pieces. Ceramics were selling very well. I agree with Adele - one or 2 products for the male market would be great.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed doing the Christmas Market, The Ferocious Mingle was a lovely Venue but unfortunately the weather on the day did not help I agree with the other guys that it would be worth paying a little more for a higher profile market There is a big Christmas market at Punchestown outside Naas and it gets a great write up when it is happening the artist are mentioned and their work. This could be worth looking into for next year I have details if you are interested Gwen. We got great support from the college and the work sold very well in both buildings . On the overall it was a great experience and delighted we made record sales.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making the product for the market and better still makings sales. Thanks to Gwen and Olga for the motivation. Well done everyone, great display.
ReplyDeleteAnne
I feel I learned a lot from this exercise about designing, making and pricing a product to be sold at a market. Though we didn't sell very well at the Ferocious Mingle, I think we all gained from the experience of selling our work. I agree that it would be worth paying extra for a better established market in the future. After the disappointment of the Saturday market, I was surprised at just how well we did with the stalls in college, particularly in the Art Block. It was great to get such a practical, hands on experience while still at college and I think we will all benefit from it in the future.
ReplyDeleteAlice