What do you think about posters as a way to break into selling prints?

[Miss Honey]

A photographer wants to do a shoot with me but wants to sell posters from the shoot.  He thinks we can make a killing, but I told him I don't want to be cheesy about this seeing as it would be my first time out as a print model.  Thoughts???

[Harlean Carpenter {★}]

Unless your photographer has some sure-fire method that has managed to elude the rest of the world, I will say this about selling posters, prints, or anything else; keep your hopes high and your expectations realistic.  I've been selling posters for three years, and I sell enough that it's worth doing, but not so many that I can rely on it to pay the rent.

 

That being said, I don't think there's anything cheesy about it, I've certainly had a lot of fun with it and it helps pay for new outfits to wear for pictures to make into more posters :)

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Do it! if you make a little money off it, great. If not, it'll feel good knowing that there are a least a few people out there who think you are so fab that will pay to look at you. Talk about an ego boost!!

[John at My Favorite Pinups{★}]

I would say if the posters aren't going to cost you out of pocket then go for.

 

if the photographer is going to charge you then you may want to consider the ROI of it

[Betty Red {PL Team / Madam}]

TOTALLY agree! 

Roxy Tart {PL Team / Madam} said:

Do it! if you make a little money off it, great. If not, it'll feel good knowing that there are a least a few people out there who think you are so fab that will pay to look at you. Talk about an ego boost!!

[Manu C. Photography]

Totally agree with John... If not going to cost anything to you... come on! 

Some money always are welcomed. 

 

[Edson Carlos]

I personally think it's a great idea, just remember to price yourself accordingly. If the photographer is taking on the cost of printing and he sees you as a worthwhile investment you have nothing to lose regarding production costs. This doesn't really mean you have nothing to lose. If someone else is selling your prints unless there is profit sharing you're losing a possible revenue stream.

 

Soooo first things first, think about what you think you could sell prints for, see if his production cost leaves space for profit for the both of you. If his intent is to split profits onto step 2, calculate the split. Depending on how the prints will be sold and where, his cut may be larger due to misc operational costs such as online store hosting, show booths, constant marketing etc...

 

I sell prints that I feel are appropriate to my style and profit share with the models: http://www.PinupSnapshots.com . Personally I feel only the best work, work which crosses over into being considered art is worth selling as a poster. I think to myself, would I want this up on my wall in my own living room? I don't permit models to sell our work as posters, fair is fair, if I'm selling i'm sharing, it's only correct that the deal goes both ways. 

 

-e

[WolfmanJack1959]

Well, I love the idea. In fact, I have a poster idea in mind. Check out my page: http://www.greywolfgrafix.com/bomberbabes.html . What I am thinking of doing is having models dressed and posed like the pin up girls on the aircraft, and producing posters and / or a pin up girl calendar. All I would need is a publisher willing to go the distance to produce the final work and get it on the market.

[Demain66]

First off, I have to say that I am not a photographer or anyone directly involved with the pin-up culture. I run variety shows that feature burlesque and my waitresses dress in various modes of pin-up styles. That being said, the posters that I design for the shows are incredibly popular and I have been asked by many customers to create posters or calendars featuring the waitresses and/or some of the acts. The event posters themselves have proven to be so popular that it is hard for me to keep them posted up without someone stealing them. I even ran into one of the "thieves" who told me that they loved the posters and were decoupaging a large amoire with the posters and handbills. I personally think that it would be a moderately inexpensive way to get your image out there on a larger scale. While posing for photo spreads in magazines would get you out to those who are already fans of the culture, posters would be a way to convert new fans. With a lot of media outlets offering different objects to print on, such as coffee mugs and even blankets, it may be a way to instantly brand yourself. Here is an example of of my more recent posters

[nickcharles]

sorry for posting twice, its too early in the morning :)

Posters are the gateway drug to art... :)

But seriously, my thought is that posters are a great way to gain exposure.  However, having said that, I would not suggest full size poster-size posters.  My favorite posters are alternate sized ones.  Some of my favorite posters are the ones that are 11X17 even 8.5X14.  They make great decoration without overpowering a wall.  Even smaller ones 5X7 are great as they can be framed and displayed.  For me, an personally autographed 8.5X14 would be a great thing to display! Ross

Posters are the gateway drug to art... :)

But seriously, my thought is that posters are a great way to gain exposure.  However, having said that, I would not suggest full size poster-size posters.  My favorite posters are alternate sized ones.  Some of my favorite posters are the ones that are 11X17 even 8.5X14.  They make great decoration without overpowering a wall.  Even smaller ones 5X7 are great as they can be framed and displayed.  For me, an personally autographed 8.5X14 would be a great thing to display! Ross

[Paul White {★}]

I would go for it, sweetie. What have you got to lose? And don't expect too much. Posters have to be exceptional to sell at all unless you are well known in the pinup world. Just don't get duped and do it for free. If the photographer thinks it will sell then he should pay you a stipend and then agree on a percentage of the sales or some other financial arrangement. Hope this helps. Paul G. White, KodaMaX Enterprises

 

[scooby0u812]

i think it would be a great idea. but first you should ask around and see what other models do in cases like this. and above all discuss the royalties . if you have a certain name you want to use get that name copy righted. figure out some sort of trademark.

[2pyk0ji0nj90e]

I say go for it. I am in a WWII style retro calendar that is now being submitted to printers to get them out into the kiasks in the mall. Not billions but its fun and get my work out there. You have to have that entrepranuer (sp?) spirit and go do great things for yourself. The economy makes things more challenging but that just forces one to be more creative to get their career/passion out their. You have to start somewhere. Enjoy and have great success!!