Thread: "Hot Rod Art"...What sells?

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I have a question for those of you who might collect, or have an interest in, pieces of art produced for this hobby.

I know that for most enthusiasts, 100% of the budget goes to "the car", or attending events. My own biggest investment in art is an occasional T-shirt. I also have been around the hobby since '58, and I know there are a percentage of people who are involved, who do buy art pieces.

Here is my question:

I am a custom painter, designer, fabricator, bodyman, doing all art styles and all types of custom vehicles. I have been full time for about 25 years. I am thinking of producing some collectibles during my slow spells ...which seem more often the last couple years. {:-(

I know many artists produce 2-D panels of pinstriping or illustration, but I am thinking more of three dimensional "scupltures" that would suggest auto styling and bodywork combined with heavy custom paint designs.

I am thinking that I should produce low cost pieces, that would be primarily wall-mounted, shapes, painted in "hot rod art" colors and styles. These would be in the $500 and up range. On the other hand, I can produce more artsy sculptures and 3-D forms, painted in more complex schemes in the $1000 to $3000 range, or lastly I could build custom furniture from body parts, like couches, bars, desks, headboards, or extremely complex scultures, that would be in the $5k-$15K range. I know that most of this will not appeal to the average enthusiast, but I also know there is a limited market out there.

What are your thoughts about ...or experiences with.... any of these ideas?

Best of luck to you. I made the pieces you see here, and was asking a hundred a piece for them. All hand made out of poplar and hand finished. Unfortunately, they didn't sell. It would seem that most people have a Walmart value system, they think that unless they can get it for $1.99, it's overpriced. I gave my stuff to friends.

Nice designs. I would think those would look good on someone's wall!

I think I have some fairly good stuff lined up. I will have a surfboard, toilet seat (which have been popular here for trophies and such), and a '32 grill shell. I'm going to probably start with a metalflake base, and do some semi-serious art on them. I don't need to make a lot. I just want to recapture part of the lost hours, when things get slow.

Your entry price point is key -- blame it on the economy, people being cheap, etc. Your buyers will want to feel they are getting the deal. Best to start in the very affordable break even range and build up a following then slowly raise prices instead of never selling anything.

By building a following you will also open yourself up to accepting custom piece projects which is where most of your money can potentially be made.

Just my two...

I assumed I would be selling to my existing customer base, but you bring up a good point. What you would suggest might introduce me to more of an "art collecting" group. Thanks.