Written on May 12, 1990 [Permalink]

May 11

A letter came today from the Robinsons in Canada, the people who were the first customers to buy a set of last years prints, last February. They have sold everything, and want another set. This is quite a surprise, as least to come so soon, just three months after they took the prints. Of course I'll be pleased to send some more, but I'm certainly curious as to who is buying them, and for how much. I think I'll give them a ring in the morning and see what they have to say ..

Sheila Phalon also called from the Foreign Correspondents' Club, and asked if I could come tomorrow morning to pick up the prints, as she was hanging the next exhibition then. As I have an interview in the morning, I had to ask her to put them in the back room until I would be able to pick them up next week. I guess the prints have been there the best part of a month, but without attracting much attention. I suppose that to most people they're just part of the wallpaper. All was not lost though, as Sheila herself asked if she could subscribe to this year's set. I think she intends to use them as gifts, and perhaps she's doing it through the club budget or something. I'll take the first few down to her when I go to pick up the prints.

Later in the evening she called back, with the news that a couple in the bar wanted to take them all - along with the frames, and what kind of discount could they get? I told her that the frames could go for my cost, about 6,000, and that the prints could be dropped to 9,000 each, as there would be no case or folder costs, etc. I guess she went off and tried to haggle with them for a while, but when she called back an hour or so later, she just gave me their number and suggested that I call them myself in the morning, as she hadn't been able to strike a deal. If this turns out to be real, that'll make two sets and a new subscriber, all in one day!

Today was of course the colour printing day for Nakamaro [2-3], and this didn't go much better than the black yesterday. Controlling the moisture in the paper has really been difficult recently, and I think it's time to get myself a decent brush and learn how to use it. I should also learn something about how the real printers store the stack, as I don't think they use plastic garbage bags, as I have been doing for the last nine years or so!

May 12

Interview in the morning with a couple from a local magazine who want to feature me on a page in their next issue. It seems to be a small 'green life' type of publication, with articles of interest to housewives, etc. I don't see much connection with my work and ecology, but I suppose it's just a matter of general interest. They chatted for an hour or so (without taking any notes!), and then spent more time looking at our toys than at the prints. They were interesting people, and we'll probably drop over to their house/workshop on a nice day soon to see their stuff. He apparently makes his living as a sculptor and toymaker, which is actually not much different from what I do.

The Robinsons in Canada were surprised to get the call. They tell me that the prints sold in two's and three's, and that it was mostly the presence of the background information (the Hyakunin Isshu books, and my blurbs) that made the sales so easy. They found that having something there to use to explain the prints, and to keep a conversation going, really helps. I arranged to send another set Monday morning, and for them to make payment into my Canadian bank, just down the street from their shop, when the prints arrive. When I wrap it, I'll include a couple of freebies, copies of Koko Tenno, and Sei Shonagon. They deserve something extra, and I'd also like them to get familiar with the new prints.

The call to the gentleman from the bar last night was not so productive. Sheila had mentioned last night that it was the wife who was mostly interested, and that the husband could take it or leave it, and I guess he wears the pants because it's 'no go' this morning. It wasn't even a question of price, but of 'We have no wall space, etc. etc.'. I mentioned that most of our customers didn't hang them anyway, and got his address so that I can send them a pamphlet. He never let me get enough words in edgewise to actually describe the subscription concept, but perhaps if his wife sees the little brochure and the photos I included, she will subscribe. I'm not really excited about signing up people who are less than enthusiastic about the prints, as I'm sure that they wouldn't continue for long anyway.

I also called up the Moritas in Osaka to see what was happening to the newsletter package. She says that they have been away in the States for a while and haven't even looked at it yet, but 'not to worry', as they would study it and get back to me early next week. I sure hope so - it took me over a year to get it this far, and I want it done 'right now! (at least this year sometime!).