The hits just keep on coming...

[merimask]

Some days, you wish you never got out of bed.  Some days it feels like there must have been a dire allignment of planets that conspired to bring you nothing but woe.  Some days, you just feel pantsed by the Universe.

Today was not that day.  

I did my second call-back...the one for that really nice gallery/store in New Orleans.  At first I got the receptionist who was all "Who are you?" with me, until I said "Merimask Designs blah blah pictures I sent blah" and suddenly she was all bright & happy & telling me how everyone was passing my pictures around and loving them and OMG yes the owner wants to talk to me.

So when I talked to Neil the owner, it was an AMAZING experience.  In my travels, I've become familiar with the ways of business & one of the rules (for buyers) is "if you love it, don't show it".  But Neil was really really excited.  When I set up the mailing with him last week he seemed a little jaded...like when I told him I make leather masks he said "Yeah we have five leather mask artists already", & when I told him mine were different he sort of laughed & said "Everyone says that,".  Today though, the first thing he said was "They really ARE different!" 

He said he's seen hundreds & hundreds of maskmakers this year, & mine are far and away the best he's ever seen.  He went on and on, saying stuff like "really incredible detail" and "never seen before" and "best leather art I've ever seen...".  

I was cool..."Oh really?  Well, thank you," but inside I was like;

"Oh Yeah!  It's my birthday!  It's my birthday!  Who's your mama?!"

So he wants exclusivity in New Orleans which I offered on the condition that the contract is a fair one.  He said an order will be coming in on Friday...possibly Tuesday (next week) and that he hopes we'll have a long & lucrative busines relationship.

I couldn't be freaking happier.  :-)  That's two for two...out of my first two mailings, both were BIG hits.  Tomorrow I'm calling Key West to see what happens there.  Not too sure about that one 'cause I never got to talk to the buyer before I did the mailing, but still...if my pics are making that much of a stir then I'm hoping tomorrow will be another great day.

Speaking of pics, here's one:


That's just some of the order that is going to Gettysburg tomorrow...I spent the weekend making those (and some others besides) for the gift shop there.  She ordered a BUNCH of masks...that's a great little account.

Suddenly I'm busy busy & my industry has a point...and it feels wonderful.

Comments

[shvetufae.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!!! *delighted*

[airspaniel.livejournal.com]

OMG awesome!! You da man! ^_^

[zannachan.livejournal.com]

Whoo hoo! This is fantastic news.

[pzb.livejournal.com]

YAY!!!!!!

That is so awesome, hon!! I'm so happy to hear things are going so well for you!! :D

*hugs*

Oh hell yeah!

[rumdiculous.livejournal.com]

"Oh Yeah! It's my birthday! It's my birthday! Who's your mama?!"

Ha ha! God that is fantastic news! You are kicking some ass.

"Let's Roll!"

[bonnietognetti.livejournal.com]

Damn! I cannot begin to tell you how good it makes me feel to hear your news! Way to go, Andrea!!!! You are on a roll!!!!

I am especially happy because as you know, when it comes to inlaw children, I have been very pleased with myself for going 3 for 3 and now this latest "pitcher" has beaned me with a curve ball. So it's great to have positive news.

Your comment "pantsed by the Universe" is hysterical! Made me laugh out loud and that hasn't happened much lately. I may have to borrow that bon mot to accompany "Holy Monkey" which as you know I have already swiped (but I give you the credit).

Your work is so outstanding and I am so thrilled for you for these successes! Bless You!

[kls-eloise.livejournal.com]

I will now sit back and look smug and knowing and say "Told you so."

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, if you're going to get involved in exclusivity, invest in a lawyer to look at the contract. Someone who works for you, who knows contract law. It's really important. Also, don't just sign away exclusivity forever. You want a term, possibly some sort of a termination clause, your renewal options spelled out, and keep an eye out for something called an FN/FR - first negotiation, first refusal. You may want to ask for a minimum guarantee, if you're giving exclusivity. They MAY just get their agreements from one of those big books of contracts you can get at Office Max, but even so you need to look out.

Sorry to be a drip hon, but this is what I DO. We can chat if you want to.

This is so cool! I just knew that New Orleans would be good for you, even post-Katrina. What you do is so much different from everything else out there that I couldn't fathom that someone wouldn't go for it.

I need to stock up on your stuff while I can still afford you. I can just see you as a successful artist and me pointing to stuff in fancy galleries saying "I knew her when she was making belts for the SCA," and the people with me saying "Yeah, right - tell us another one." ;-)

[moko-moko.livejournal.com]

ZAM!!

O, happy day, you totally freaking earned this! Am so so happy for you :D

[silverontherose.livejournal.com]

ZAM! Whoot! merimask has gone and pantsed the Universe this time. I'm so freaking happy and excited for you. *does happy dance*

You deserve lots of fame and rec for your work. It's fabulous and the care and pride you take it it shows. *drools over wolf*

Hey, we need a celebration here! *pops the champagne*

[indigos-angel.livejournal.com]

That's AWESOME darling!!! THAT'S INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFULLY HUGE!!! :)

I'm VERY HAPPY for you honey pie!!!! :)))))

All this and weight loss too... it's been a good couple of weeks for you, hasn't it???

heehee!!! :)