When charity auctions go wrong
 

Hello everyone,

Over the weekend I did another charity auction, the third in 2 months. It was a high end auction with a wine tasting and finger foods (tuxes and fur coats abound). I donated a gift certificate for a portrait in a head and shoulder format, subject of the winners choice. I brought a really nice painting example, attached a sign explaining it was for display only, and a little card holder so anyone who passed by could get a business card. I was part of the live auction and even though I had hoped (and suggested) that I could stand next to the painting and sell the idea, answering questions as the artist. I had a really great response at the last (silent) auction doing this even though it was not bid on in the end. But alas, I was placed on the back of the stage, no one able to even grab a card. I became concerned when all of the tables but one were reserved for businesses that obviously paid for their workers as a group. Then I became more concerned when I noticed that almost nothing was being bid from the silent auction and tons of items were being carted away to the back, including artwork. I thought, well, even if no one bids, I guess it was free advertising. The item was worth $1,800 and I had set minimum bid at $1,000. I was pretty clear with this as I spoke with the women who ran the auction and the auctioneer (it was on the sheet she read the item from as well). They had way too many items in the live auction and they halted the wine during that time. I don't thing that anyone really understood what they were getting. So she starts the bidding at $1,000 and no one bites so she goes to 500 and then 200..ended at $400. Needless to say I wasn't very happy. I thought minimum bid was self explanatory. Was I wrong?

Of course I have an obligation to do this portrait, it is for charity and it isn't the bidder's fault. But when the painting is valued at $1,800 and it goes for $400, the service is greatly devalued. A prospective client contacting me in the future based on this event may not understand why the asking price is $1,800 when the winning bidder of this auction received the same item for the price of $400. So I now have to have a contract with the auctions I donate to. I was wondering if anyone else had to do this (I'd be happy to hear other stories) and had an example contract they would like to post.

In your opinion is a live or silent auction better? Are the ones that are high ticketed better (remembering that many of the tables were bought for workers that were obviously there for free food and alcohol)? Or is it better to be at the ones with the friendly church crowd at 40-50 dollars a plate? Also, everyone seems to be ultra-conservative with their buying, (we are offering a luxury item) is it affecting any of your businesses? If you have a waiting list are people canceling?

Thanks for sticking with the long story,

Amanda

This is a sample contract that I came up with. I am certainly not a lawyer so I would be happy to hear any suggestions on changes or any additions that I have overlooked.

Charity Auction Contract

This contract signals an agreement between the Artist, _________________, and the Charity Organization, _____________________________________________.

The Artist has agreed to donate a gift certificate for a painting of the subject of the winning bidders choice in a "Head and Shoulders" format for the ___________________________ Charity auction on _________(date)________ . The value of this item is _______. The minimum bid for this item cannot and should not fall below _________. If the minimum bid should not reach the said price, the above stated donated item shall be returned to the Artist. If the item is sold for below the minimum bid, the Artist is under no obligation to redeem the gift certificate.

I have read the above statement and agree to it

Great Idea!!!
 

Thanks for the very helpful contract, Amanda. This certainly would clarify most/all issues that could be addressed in events like these. Whether people read contracts or not, is another issue, but at least the artist has clearly spelled out what is expected and that certainly should solve most problems.

I've done a lot of charity auctions and here's what I've found:

The best ones are the expensive ones (definitely not the $50 church dinners,)

The best ones also have lots of artists and other donors competing to get in, and they turn plenty of donors away.

Being in the live auction is better than the silent auction.

Setting a solid minimum bid is a good idea and you're right that it unfortunately devalues your reputation if the item sells for much less than that. Did lots of items go for less than the price at which the auctioneer opened the bidding? These are hard times and people understand that.

Once the auction gets underway a lot of promises go by the wayside: whether you'll get in the live or silent auction, what table you'll be at, minimum bids, etc.

Even with all of that certain very high end auctions are still worth it for the advertising.

If I were you I would talk to the auction organizers/auctioneer about what happened and see if you can come up with a workable plan for next year. I'm not sure a written contract would make much difference though. If they broke it and you made a fuss, you certainly wouldn't be allowed to donate the next year. If this is the best auction in town you might not want to burn that bridge.

With auctions I think it's pretty much pick the best ones and then take your chances.

Michelle,

Yes, I think most of the items went below the minimum bid during the live auction portion but I was bothered by the fact that it was SO far off from the original value. I emailed the woman in charge to explain that I was a bit upset that the minimum bid had been disregarded and explained that I was happy to help the organization but I viewed this as advertising opportunity in exchange and devaluing my service doesn't help. You are absolutely right, you can not burn bridges which is why I was careful with my wording. However, whether I decide to work with them again will depend on their response. I hadn't considered what I would do if the contract wasn't followed (thus burning a bridge if they don't comply and I refuse the portrait). But that certainly is a fine line as to when you are "flexible" and when you are a "doormat". Fortunately there do seem to be quite a few auctions in my area but I am not sure how many are considered "high end" yet since I haven't been at this for a full year. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Michelle. It is good information to hear that even experienced portrait artists still confront these issues.



Amanda

The auctioneer is a big part of it. I have been at auctions where they would not feed people until the bids came in. A good auctioneer will work the room and name names and TELL people to bid.
I DON'T believe you are obliged to do it, the auctioneer should have known to say, NO SALE if the bid did not come in.

One of my first requirement of doing anything for charity is to PLUG MY EARS and never look at the bids. I do only certificates for small paintings and some never come back... some have bidding wars! It all is dependent on the mood of the group and MY salesmanship.

As a participant in the auction part, I am there to pass out information and recruit. The two live auctions I did participate in BOTH had me there as a participant, either photographing (these were pet charities) the potential clients and/or working on a different piece in progress. That let them KNOW what I would do and how it would be done. Because one was a pet rescue with a lot of active patrons and the other was a specialty dog group the auction was run by a very vocal well known MEMBER of the charity. I was actually amazed that the pricing went so high!

BUT... I would do the piece for whatever I got if I believed in the charity. IF you have a minimum bid, the charity is the one responsible for getting you that price. PERHAPS you could have the charity call the winner and explain that their error was not your problem and offer to do a smaller piece or perhaps a charcoal for the price.

I too, participate in auctions, a handful a year, and always get some business from it. This week I have been searching for some new, more upscale auctions and don't know where to begin. Can anyone suggest how to find the high end auctions in the Cleveland or Ohio region?

Thanks.

Contact the most expensive private schools in your area and ask if they have an auction.

I had to laugh at that because I don't know where I "go" but something makes me tune out as people are bidding and I end up turning to my husband and asking, "what happened, what was the final bid?"
I also have not been contacted by the winner from the first auction I did. Thank you for your thoughts, Debra. And you certainly do have to be a salesman and very social for this job, don't you?

Michelle,

I got the impression from reading some earlier threads that you have quite a few commissions that are out of town. If this is correct, what percentage would you say this is (out of curiosity)? Have you called about private school auctions (as you suggested to Patricia) in other towns or did you happened to get one commission and you got more from word of mouth in that area? I am assuming that you are not compensated for that drive to the auction or the subsequent portrait commission since it is a donation. Isn't this a risk considering that from some of the other posts on this thread, auctions aren't a sure thing or a safe bet?

Almost all my commissions are out of town these days and I haven't done an auction in several years. My out of town clients find me through the portrait agency I work with, through word of mouth, or on the web.

I would love some of your views on attending the auction. Do you insist? Do you pay for the event or does the event let you be there gratis? This has always troubled me, because I often cannot afford the expensive tickets. Usually a family member or friend commit to taking care of my portrait and talking me up.

Another frustration you will find with auctions are the ones who never call for their portrait. Seems hard to believe but I have had three go that way in the past three years. It's a shame because usually when I get a client from an auction they end up purchases portraits of the family, not just one person. Right now this is how I get all my business!

Patricia, I'm figuring that that was a question for Michelle but I wanted to add that for one of the auctions the ticket was for a dinner and I was able to attend for free by assuring the people running the auction that this was a business engagement for me and I had no intentions of eating dinner or drinking. I was attending to simply answer questions and sell the idea. I also hinted that it was best for me to be there with the portrait example for insurance purposes. That worked well.

-Amanda

good idea!

Hi Patti,

Yep, those auctions can definitely go wrong. When possible I want to go do my own set-up and take-down. I want to be sure that everything is displayed properly, that the picture light is on, and that my display stuff doesn't "disappear". Most importantly, I want to review the bid sheet in advance. I have resrictions that I am very clear bout -on the auction form, on the bid sheet, an if someone doesn't see them, I also put up a placard telling exactly what the gift certificate is for - a credit toward, and that the price to the winner to redeem the certificate is to put in the difference.

Despite my being very specific, I occasionally still find an error on the actual bid sheet once it's placed at the auction table, so I want to be sure it is corrected before I leave for the evening.

Still, there will people who don't read it, and think they are getting a giant oil painting of everyone in the family, sigh.

Sometimes I have to depend on the auction committee to handle the display, and I hope for the best.

I have had only one really awful experience - an auction where none of the restriction were stated, and the bidder won a certificate for which she was not eligible. When I called the auction chair later, she said that the auction catalog bid sheet was new, and make a mistake but that she expected me to honor the certificate anyway, because the winnning b idder was important. ( Seems to me that regular donors are pretty important too.) I refused to honor the certificate and suggested she award it to the next highest bidder. The auction chair was very angry- at me. Needless to say, I never again paritcipated in any event the woman chaired.

Regarding the starting price: every auction handles things differently. Some set an opening price at a percentage of the retail value. Some start everything at a common price, say $50 or whatever. Some don't seem to have any plan at all. There are some auctions that look at the event as a way for rich people to get good stuff for next to nothing. Others see auctions as way for rich folks who have a charity donation in mind, amont ito find a fun way to spend it - and , yes, that a charity auction's purpose is to raise money for the charity.

If you give a credit toward purchase, it doesn't matter - (at least to me) if the certificate sells for $10. If you are donating a whole gift - a completed portrait, then it matters much more.There's an advantage to having a lot of completed portraits in homes, but if the family can't afford to really buy one, then it's less likely that their social circle will be in a vastly different economic state. You just have to figure your own market and placement strategy:)

Very good info Chris. I specify what they are bidding on, a one person head and shoulder drawing in graphite with a value of $$$. I have been pretty fortunate to have had the top bidder willing to pay me to do portraits of multiple family members.

I think when it gets up into a higher price bracket, as with oils, it is a whole new ball of wax.

I have had the most luck wth private schools, in wealthy neighborhoods..

This whole thread brings up an issue I heard addressed at a function of what I remember to be the "Arts and Business Council" or something with ABC as their initials. They pointed out that artists often subsidize the arts by the amount of freebies they offer without thinking.

I WILL contribute freely to charities I believe in. Usually, as Chris does, a certificate of finite value TOWARD purchase. But I am beginning to ask a cut of the take. The first time I offered to give 15% of sales back to a charity I opened a huge ball of worms. They called it a "kickback" and said it would be very sticky. I finally said I had a set price and they could write my deposit in two checks half to me and half to the charity. They got the deduction and I got enough money to make them understand they were going through with the commission. It covers cost of stretchers, nails and canvas! After only ONE taker, I stopped offering the percentage. Nobody cared!

Most of the charities I donate to, understand I am not doing it completely out of the bounty of my wealth! I explain why. I say I have found that word of mouth is my best advertising and that I can't actually deduct any of this as the tax laws are screwed up. When I get a good organizer, they work hard to get me the proper position and visibility.

I was approached to do a few rescue groups (like I said, I do equal animals and people portraits) and I am asking them to take the orders on site if I do an adoption event and PAY ME as an expense. Much like charity bazaars which sell merchandise as a not for profit. THEY can write the final product off. When the painting is done, I bill them the cost, which is half, and they reimburse me . If it is never done, they keep the donation. I don't work, I don't make money, but they could conceivably come out way ahead.

Like I said, I am ASKING. Nobody has worked out the logistics but I think it is a great plan, especially as I am doing a pretty good Christmas miniature business. It elevates it from street art and I am doing a very reasonable quantity income.

I've only participated in two auctions and neither experience generated further commissions.

One of them was at a private school with many wealthy families. The school had a silent auction to raise money to help a teacher pay for her medical expenses because she had run through the maximum allowance on her health insurance. I had a sample portrait up on an easel and was right there answering questions. Lots of people expressed interest. I had a reserve on the portrait--half my normal fee. During the auction, the art teacher came up to me all excited. She said a parent had offered her 1/4 the reserve. "Should we accept it?" I was annoyed, but I thought, "Well, it would go to the teacher, and it's better than nothing." But then I thought, "Wait a minute! This woman knows the money is for the teacher and she's trying to bargain me down--that;s not right." So I said "no" and then someone else bid the full reserve bid! The people were very happy with the portrait I did of their daughter--but nothing else came from it.

The other experience was at a major charity benefit. The people there were dressed to the nines and there was news coverage, etc. I brought a portrait of my son, and my son came in person so people cold see the likeness. He helped talk to people before the bidding started. This was a live auction. Most of the items were things like a week at a private resort, season tickets to the baseball games, and expensive luxury items like jewelry and cars. I wondered if anyone was going to be interested in art. The bidding went up beyond the minimum to about 2/3 the actual price. Not bad.

But the people who bought it didn't want a portrait of one person--they wanted me to paint their four children, at the same price. They had several conversations with me about it, trying to figure out ways they could get around paying more. Could I put the children in the background? Yes, but it would cost more. Etc. Finally, after a year, they decided that the wife would have her portrait done. There was only one problem: she didn't want to have her portrait done! Finally I said to her, "Look, let's make this fun." She went out and bought a dress and began to get involved. The portrait turned out pretty well. The husband and wife both were thrilled with it. They had an unveiling party. But guess what? I wasn't invited! They just happened to mention the were having one. I said, "Let me send you some business cards." They said "Oh, sure," very offhandedly.

In both these cases, I could have done more follow-up. This is not something I'm very good at. I'm kind of slow at thinking about what I could do (or should have done). But I also sensed, in both of these auctions, a lack of interest in art, or at least spending money on art. I think, to be successful, you have to aim for an auction where people are interested and expecting to buy art.

Hi Everyone

Charity auctions and I go way back, albeit not all of them good. Overall, I consider them a necessary endeavor, kind of like art competitions and more positively- my yoga practice. I'd much rather try a handstand in the middle of the room than be in attendance during a live auction. Kudos to you Amanda for being there with your ears unplugged!

Overall, my experience has been good. I have donated a full-head and shoulders twice, both times they generated more work. Most often, I offer a discount that is applied toward their total commission. My worst experience there was the winning family thought the entire portrait was worth that much. NOT. Once they fully understood, it went to the competing family.

I had a client in Chicago ask me to donate for a fundraiser she was chairing. I sent along a portfolio, my brochures, and she talked me up to people there. It became an intense bidding war thanks to her efforts- and a bunch of good wine I suppose. That was nice. I usually do not ask to be in attendance. I show up to set up, and run. Otherwise, I'd be hanging out at the bar with my eyes and ears shut, a nervous wreck. I'm sure I'd even smoke a cigar if offered.

Its frustrating to understand that our heart and soul efforts are competing with hot air balloon rides. People don't get that after the big event, we go and MAKE the donation. Alex is right, trying to find a charity that appreciates art is important. Otherwise, we are competing in an arena that is looking for something for nothing.

Not to mention the whole tax -deduction issue. Don't get me started on that one...

I've had mixed results.

The first auction I ever participated, the winner was a grandparent who wanted her grandchild painted. But mom apparently didn't. End of story.

Recently, I've had a grandma buy one 25% certificate at an auction and used it towards an oil painting. And then she put money down on a second painting because I told her my prices were going to change considerably at the beginning of the year. So, she got two bargain paintings, but that's okay, as I'm starting out and want portfolio pieces.

Usually, I do a head and shoulders certificate at the Christmas event I do every year. It's a silent auction, and there is no question about what is being auctioned, because a sample is available to see.

Be aware that your art could get damaged and try to do the setup and take-down yourself. I had a frame ruined due to carelessness from one school.

I was asked twice to donate a portrait for a school raffle. The first time, a few years ago, the prize was won by the mother in law of one of the best art dealer in antique and modern portraits in town, she didn't bother getting in touch with me.
Last summer the prize was won by the mother of two boys whom I had already painted, and she was already on my waiting list for the third brother. Not only I did not aquire a new client, I also lost a commission !
I know better now.

Thank you everyone for the responses so far. It has been very interesting to hear these different experiences. It is a little hard to know what to really take away from them (other than getting a little depressed). You can get work IF it a high ticket auction, IF they appreciate art, IF the organizers and auctioneers are helpful and well-organized, IF those wealthy art lovers feel like bidding that night and understood what they were bidding on correctly, and IF the stars and moon line up correctly, falling on the third Saturday of the month.

AND, there is no guarantee that if they bid that they will call you to complete the commission or that any of those little business cards you passed around will generate any work.

It sounds like many of you have had luck offering up drawings instead of portraits. My concern is that although I may get some more business I won't get to do what I really want to do (and what I think I am the best at), which is paint. I am also concerned that if I can't get a response from a full head and shoulders portrait being offered, a gift certificate for a percentage off won't really help especially when they have no idea what my prices are during a live auction.

Well, I have every intention to keep keep pursuing this avenue.
Thanks, and I'd be happy to hear any more suggestions if you have them.

-Amanda

A raffle, as you found, Illaria, might not be the best way to go. In the first case you mentioned, not everyone in the raffle is interested in a portrait. At least with auctions, presumably everyone who signs the bid sheet is interested (though some don't follow up.)

A way to prevent the second scenario from happening would be to specify that it is for "new clients only".

My auction experiences have been mixed. Of the 10 or so auctions that I have participated in about half have been worthwhile. The worst one resulted in a damaged frame, having the sample set up in a very out of the way corner, being in the silent auction as opposed to the live auction as I was promised, and no bids.

The best auction experience I had led to one of my very best clients who has since gone on to commission five three-quarter length oil portraits, and also led to a contact with an art school where I teach an annual workshop.

All in all, I would still highly recommend participating in auctions for artists getting started with their careers. It gives you exposure (if you choose the right auctions), experience working with real clients, and portfolio samples -- and often, you do get income from many of them.

I include several restrictions;

Certificates may not be combined.
One certificate per family.
Not valid with broker-arranged commisisons.

What is the consensus on expiration dates on the gift certificates? I wouldn't want to discourage people if they are saving up for the second figure.

Amanda

Amanda,

Hang in there. I know its hard not to be discouraged. This economy is really tough, especially when you're trying to get started. I've been painting like a fiend, but they are not commissions. In some ways, I'm happier just pleasing myself. So, that's what's happening now. It could mean a 'change is in the air' for my world too...

Anyway..

I guess the answer is there are no surefire ways to 'break into' the portrait market. Results will always be different for everyone. Keep trying, and stay open to new opportunities.

Gift certificates..I usually say that they need to contact me to schedule within 6 months. Time frame to begin can be negotiated..

All the best,
Stanka

Silent auctions . . . not for me
 

Hi Amanda,

I just found this interesting thread. I'll just share my auction experience. Our church has a silent auction every year, I have donated a landscape every year for 4 years. That goes well. Last year I decided to donate a portrait, as you did, in exchange for "advertising". I painted a beautiful demo to hang of a 3/4 ballerina, one of my daughters' friends modelled for me. The bidding started at $1000 and I got a number of bidders, you could almost call it a bidding war, BUT, here is where the mistake was, I think the bid increment was $10 or $25. All that furious filling in the blanks and by the end of the 2 hour auction period the bid was only up to something like $1175. That was disappointing to me. Of course I was glad to raise the money for our church but disappointed it was only $1175.

My husband was sure that I would get lots of calls after the auction and after many people saw my portrait. Not a one! I just don't think that many people saw the painting and there was no light on it, next time I suppose I need to supply my own light.

And before anyone says . . .oh, it was a church group. . . .this is one of the wealthiest churches in Houston and the members give millions each year to the church. It's the same church where I had a show and almost sold out - but these were landscapes, still lifes and figuratives. Actually, I got 2 commissions from the show just because people saw my figuratives.

The good news about that silent auction last year was that I sold the my portrait sample (of the ballerina) to her parents for full price. But still . . .

So, I won't be donating a portrait commission again. In 2009 I am going to PAY dearly for a booth at some of the holiday shows at the best country clubs in town. I'll display 3 or 4 portrait sample (which I haven't painted yet :) ) just to get my name out there. We'll see how that goes.

I will comment on how commissions are going with respect to the economy. I just sold a gift certificate for a double portrait, it will be a Christmas gift for someone. Things are actually busier than they've been, but I'm fairly new at portraiture, only doing 3 or 4 a year, right now I have a waiting list of 7. Not sure how that compares to someone who paints portraits full time, but for me it's the busiest I've ever been. A lot of it is by word of mouth and it makes sense that each year I get more commission, but word of mouth does take time. I also sold more paintings (landscapes and figuratives) in this last year than I ever had.

Hope this is encouraging, it just takes time.
Joan

You might want to try a private school auction. Most artists I know have had the best results from them.

Private school auction
 

Hi Michele,

Thank you for your suggestion. My kids go to a private school here in Houston and we don't have an auction, I guess maybe that's why it's not something that comes to mind immediately. Too bad, if I were going to donate a portrait I would want the $$ to go to my kids' school. Something to think about,

Joan

Back to the business of Auctions
 

It has been good for me to reread this thread on auctions. I am always trying to fine tune my "circuit". Historically, I have been fairly lucky with auctions. I auction off a head and shoulder drawing, valued at $$. The Certificate states that they may use it for a single subject head and shoulder drawing or they may apply the full value toward a multiple subject drawing or an oil painting, etc. I also state in the Certificate that they must contact the Artist within 30 days.

This past year I have had a fortunate rash of families winning the portrait who have more than one child so I have been busy and making money. Unfortunately, I have had a recent run of auctions where the winner only uses the certificate for the single head and shoulder, thereby leaving me with empty pockets and out a mat and frame! Ouch!

I am thinking of changing my format and offering a Certificate of a DISCOUNT towards portrait artwork of their choice (i.e. drawing, painting, multiple subjects, etc) I'm trying to find a clear way to state exactly what they are bidding on.

Anybody have any suggestions?

I still believe donating at auctions is a great way for your art to be seen in public. To date, it has been almost the only way I have gotten any business. I did get one commisison from a framer handing out my card when a customer asked if she knew a portrait artist. And I have had one commission from my website, but that is all.

Tough economy, tough times...

I do a lot of animals. This weekend alone is a dog rescue and a zookeepers association. I have been doing miniature portrait specials before the holidays. 5x7" under $100 which I do whip out, but so far very little success.

So I offer a mini certificate of $25 or $50 TOWARD a painting, in the grab bag gift baskets. Some events get misc. donations and throw a pedicure, a dinner and hair products,etc. in group prizes for raffles. I do my small (8x10" watercolor or pastel) donation in the silent auction and ALWAYS be sure I get to demo at the event. And I demo a piece twice the size of my auction piece.

It is good for them to see me at work, and imagine their image in my painting. A small painting that they want is fine advertising, but I have a chance to meet so many potential clients, it is my only real advertising.
dj*

Debra,
You are amazing because you have gotten so comfortable painting in public. I am so private with my work that it is hard just to attend the auction much less "perform". I'm really impressed with your work, too!

Hi Patty,

Think about offering a ceritficate worth a certain amount toward a portrait. The least expensive option you offer.

I have found that some auctions won't be interested in anything other than a complete "product" but some are willing to go with the "x toward" concept.

Hi Patty-

Sounds like you're doing well!

I totally echo what Chris suggested. Please be sure the verbage is clear enough... That they are bidding on the discount certificate only, and that your prices are considerably more. People start drinking and there's all kinds of confusion.

Thanks, Chris and Stanka,
I think I am going to give it a try, work on a good clear gift certificate...

There is one thing that clears up a lot of the problems I see:

When I donate they always ask the value. I always, right on the certificate (and it doesn't take much to make a pretty nice little certificate, just your promotional images with this headline on front and INSTRUCTIONS on the back) I say the certificate entitles the winner to, say, a $XXX value 8x10" oil painting of a single subject. and that the amount may be applied to a piece with more subjects or greater size. Having it right on the front helps. Also, I have expiration dates. I have literally had hundreds of dollars of purchases disappear because they were jolly enough to overbid at their auction. Another reason to care about the charity you participate in. Don't take their not redeeming it personally.

I used to try to track down the winner but have had the charity tell me they could not give out the identity of the winner! I stopped fighting and started putting expirations on. Just a week ago, the winner of a small portrait crossed right through the bids and purchased me for 10% above the value. Face to face I asked her to please call me in the morning or email me her information so I could remind her that it would expire. She said she knew EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED and I have heard nothing.

It is not as hard as it sounds to do a demo. Just bring something you are working on and talk to people. Silent auctions usually run only two hours, sometimes less. At my last demo, the person bought my piece so early, I had nothing to schmooze, so I passed out my mini portrait cards all evening and barely made a stroke. When you tell the charity you are donating SPECIFICALLY for cross marketing, and make it clear that this is a win-win, the organizers can hardly flinch. Even if you don't get your name in the sponsor book, you are allowed to leave out cards, but handing them out is even better.

It is great for getting your face out in the community. I have not gotten any large or serious work from most of mine. But I have set up networks and am meeting more and more potential clients. I have made an deliberate decision to work smaller and affordable because I can work fast. Just a good way to keep busy.
dj*