Showing posts with label Teach painting Classes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teach painting Classes. Show all posts

Monday, January 22, 2018

Home Painting Parties



I recently was asked a question about taking painting classes into people's homes. I think this is a great business model for your wine and paint business for two BIG reason's I'll explain below.

Q: Thank you for providing so much helpful information about starting a wine and paint business. I am a retired art teacher, who also worked part time at a Muse Paintbar so I am already at ease with the instructional part of the business. I purchased materials, easels, aprons, canvases, paint, brushes, etc. I thought I might like to do this in private homes (I come to you), but I am not sure if people are comfortable with painting in their homes. I could do small groups in my house but I have crazy dogs that jump. So, I am not exactly sure how to go about it.
 

A:  Yes, teaching in homes is totally doable and a great business model for two reasons that I love.
  1. There is no overhead to pay for the space, which saves you money.
  2. The Host does recruitment of students for you which saves you both the time and expense of promoting the class.

Here are a few things to consider when teaching in people's homes:

Space:
Hosts need to know what to expect as far as space considerations, tables, chairs and flooring concerns (you don't want to get paint on a pretty white carpet for example.) I typically set up in people's dining rooms and that works out well using the table top easels and plastic table cloths. Hosts will need to know what YOU provide and what THEY need to provide, so make sure this is clear. (A written agreement is always good for this.)

Pricing and Supplies:
I charge a per person rate for home parties, the same as if I'm hosting them in a public venue. My rate is $35.00 per person and I provide all of the art supplies needed including easels and aprons. I also have two 6-foot tables that can be used for seating or art supplies.

You may want to charge more if you have to travel longer distances, to account for the extra time and mileage expenses.

You may want to consider a deposit to secure the date, especially if you're booked solid and rely on the income from each party.  Be clear about what happens to the deposit if the class is cancelled by either party.

I require a minimum number  of guests to run the class and insure I cover my costs.  As far as maximums go, the host needs enough space to comfortably seat all of the guests so that can vary based on the house you're teaching in.

Getting started:
A good place to start is by having a friend host your first party and then work to build more parties from that first class. Once people attend one and have a great time, they are more likely to book a class. That's how I started.

If you ever attended a Pampered Chef Party or Lia Sophia or Tupperware even, you can take some cues from them as far as marketing goes. You want to give incentives to people in your first class to book the next class. Bring a calendar with you and if they sign up for a party in the next 2 months, they will get a special gift on the night of their party, as well as getting a free class themselves.

I also do a giveaway to sign up for my mailing list. This can be a small prize, like wine charms, a wine stopper or a bottle of wine, but the idea is to get all of the students onto your mailing list so you can contact them again in the future.

I take photos during the party and send out an email to the group following the event to keep the excitement going. You can also ask for permission to use the photos on social media or your website to promote your home parties.

I teach in-home parties for both painting and jewelry making and in 2017 these were one of my biggest money-makers. I would definitely encourage you to give it a try.

If you're not interested in hosting classes in people's homes and need more ideas about where you set up shop, visit this post.

I hope this gets you thinking about the possibilities of hosting your own in-home events. As always, if you have questions, just reply to this email and ask away!

Happy Creating!
Kelly

ps: if you're ready to start teaching your own sip and paint classes, you can get your parties started ASAP using my quick-start guide. Grab it below and join our group of merry art makers.



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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

15 Free and Low-Cost Places to Host Workshops


I've been teaching art and jewelry classes in Syracuse for a few years now and I've learned to be creative about finding space to host classes and workshops. Keeping the cost of the space low, helps increase your profit for each class.

Here is a list of places I have held classes, to get your own ideas flowing.
  1. Skype or Zoom-You can use these platforms to teach live classes to people who don't live in your area. It makes it a little trickier than actually being in the room with someone, but totally do-able.
  2. Private Lessons in Student's Homes-I offer private lessons and will travel to people's homes to teach. I used to offer 1:1 classes, but now I just do groups, as it wasn't cost effective to do private lessons.
  3. In a Library-I currently co-host a Mixed-Media Art Exchange Group in a Public Library. We use the space for free and are on their calendar too, so sometimes we get walk-ins from the public who saw it on the calendar.
  4. In a College Activity Center-I teach a class once a year for graduating seniors at a local college. I could also approach local colleges, particularly over the summer, to see if space is available to host a class. Some have space that is available to rent to the public.
  5. In a Non-Profit Agency-I host a local class at a non-profit agency. If you're offering a fund-raiser for a group, they often have space you can use for your class.
  6. In a YURT in the woods. OK, so these aren't generally available, but I'm lucky enough to have friends who have an outdoor classroom, called a Yurt, that they let me use for classes. We host an annual Yurt Yoga and Painting class there and I've also done kids classes there as well.
  7. In a Restaurant-I stumbled on a restaurant/gift shop that has an adorable little cottage and patio in the back, complete with plants and shade-the perfect Artists Cottage. I asked if I could host an event there and we worked out a deal for a 1/2 day painting workshop that included lunch, tea and dessert.
  8. In an Art Co-op. If you're a part of an art co-op, chances are they host classes or have considered it. Start a conversation and see where it goes. I host MANY of my classes in art co-ops I belong to. The added bonus is that people can see the work you sell and the co-ops help to promote the class and take registrations.
  9. In a Church-They often have community rooms available for public use for free, donation or low cost.
  10. In your own home-I have offered small classes and private lessons in my home every now and then. This can be a good place to get started.
  11. In a Field or Park-Set up a tent in a field or rent a pavillion in a park and teach outside  in the fair weather months
  12. In a Gift Shop-I teach art classes in a small gift shop. The owner moves items to the side and sets up small 2 to 4 person tables to make for a cozy teaching space.
  13. In a Community Center-I've rented space in a community center for very low cost. Lots of parking, accessibility and space.
  14. In a High School Art Room-I teach through a local Adult Education program offered by my school district and we use one of the Art Rooms for our class. This is actually ideal for our class and works out great.
  15. In a garage-I've both taught and taken classes held in garages. This is not unusual for jewelry making with torches or painting with messy splashing and spraying. I've also used a friend's driveway, come to think of it, and the neighbor's dog stopped over and peed on the paintings while they were drying..good and memorable times!
If you found these ideas helpful, you may be interested in my latest project, "Teaching Creative," my new website. I'm gathering posts on teaching, interviewing creative teachers and providing tons of information for creative entrepreneurs (like you!) who want to add classes, workshops, courses or retreats to your business.

You can grab the free worksheet: "32 Ways to Earn Income Teaching What You Love" and get more tips and info. on teaching your own courses, right to your inbox. Sign up below to be the first to see Teaching Creative it when it goes live and to kick-start your own classes.


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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Toying with the Idea of Buying a Sip and Paint Franchise?


If you've been thinking about teaching Wine and Paint Classes, then the idea of purchasing a franchise may have crossed your mind at one time or another.

Businesses like Painting with a Twist, the first and largest paint and sip franchise in the US, have good track records of success. Painting with a Twist has maintained  its spot as the nation’s top franchise in the industry. It ranked as the #1 Paint and Sip Studio in Entrepreneur magazine’s 38th Annual Franchise 500® edition, for the fourth year in a row. (Read the full article here.)

The support and success can be tempting, but is a franchise right for you?

A few years back, an artist friend of mine started talking about opening a franchise for kids art classes, and with all due love and respect to her, I thought it was the WORST idea possible for her and here's why:


She is one of those people who never actually stops creating and just about everything she makes is spectacular. Having to limit herself to a franchise that tells you what to paint and how to paint it, would be like caging a hummingbird. She needs to fly and she needs to be in constant creative motion. It's my belief that a franchise would be too limiting to her creative spirit. Having to teach something a certain way (that isn't her way) is not something I can see her doing for very long-pretty sure she would go rogue and start spray painting the kids.

She doesn't want a "job" and she says she is not cut out for a job. She's an artist and she works when she feels like working. To have to show up at a studio and teach kids on a schedule, could quickly begin to feel like a job. In fact, franchising has been described as "buying yourself a job." All of the things she enjoys about her current lifestyle, would be gone.

She was tempted by the "proven system" and the marketing support. She was tired of always having to work hard to drum up students for her (very unique and inspiring) classes when she did hold them. She wanted really, to be able to show up and teach and run a successful business that would support her financially. And maybe it would, but my concern was that it might just crush her free-spirited-art-loving self. I would not want to see her make a huge investment, only to feel imprisoned in a year.

I suggested that if she wanted a franchise, she should start one herself and be the franchiser, the parent company, not the franchisee. She's an original and she's someone who could figure it out and then teach others how to do it.

So, what about you? Do you like a lot of structure, guidance, rules and systems? Do you want someone to tell you exactly what colors to paint your walls and what to paint during each class? There can be comfort in that. When you buy a franchise, you pay the franchisee to help you every step of the way and you exchange a great deal of control (and money) for this support. I've never owned a franchise, but I expect it's like having a business coach who keeps you on track and guides you so you succeed.

It's perfect for some people and not so good for others, like my friend. If you're thinking of buying a franchise, do your due diligence:
  • Find out if there are openings (or territories) in your area
  • Ask for a list of other owners you can talk to. Have a list of questions ready for them and talk to at least 3. Try to get a good sense of what a day in the life of an owner is like.
  • Visit a location and take a class with one of the franchisees
  • Get the structure and the vibe before you commit and make sure it's a good match with your style
  • Know the full costs, both start-up and ongoing
  • Decide if you want a location based franchise, like Painting with a Twist or a Community Based Option like Paint Nite. Each type has their pros and cons.
Ready to dive in and do some research? Here are some of the top franchises in the industry from the 2017 Entrepreneur Magazine. Each link will take you to a summary of the franchise.

Painting with a Twist
Initial Investment $89K-$143K


Pinot's Palette
Initial Investment $77K-$197K


Bottle and Bottega
Initial Investment $97K-158K


Wine and Design
$46K-$95K


If you're more like me, you would rather earn extra income on the side teaching wine and paint classes in your community or your own studio than run a full-out franchise business. You want to do it your way and you might do other things as well. These classes can be easy to get going on your own, you don't have to commit your life savings to buy a job you might not enjoy.

Trying it on your own first, might be a good way to test the waters to see if you even need the support of a franchise. Maybe what you are able to book and fill with happy students on your own, is all you actually need.

If you want to quickly get started with the do-it-yourself version contact me right here for a free, 20 minute, laser focused coaching call (no worries, I'm not selling anything and I could potentially save you 100K.) We'll review where you are right now, answer any questions you have and brainstorm ideas to get your class out of your head and onto the calendar. Getting that date booked will get you into action mode faster than anything else can.
or
If email is more your style, grab the free worksheet and start working toward "Getting Your First Class Booked in the Next 30 Days" and start making it happen!



Happy Painting!


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

7 Hacks for Teaching Wine and Paint Classes


I sometimes teach BIG classes of 30+ students eager to paint. That's a lot of canvas and materials to transport, so I've devised ways to save time, money and the amount of stuff to haul.

I am not naturally organized, so this process has evolved from trial and error over the years. Here are some things you may find helpful as you set up your own wine and paint classes:

#1: Bring help for larger classes. Have a friend or older child join you to help with set up, tear down and assist students during class. It typically takes me about an hour to set up for a larger class, including bringing things in from the car, laying the tablecloths down and preparing each station with easels, canvas, paints, brushes, water cups and paper towels. 

Having an extra set of hands is needed to keep this to about an hour as well as to assist students during the class with extra paint, getting fresh water and answering questions. You may want to ask your assistant to take photos during and after class too.

#2: Pre-dispense the paints based on the sample. I prefer to pre-dispense paints on paper plates because it saves time and paint but I also love when people get creative. Students who want different choices can come up to the table and add their extra choices to the pre-dispensed options. This is not exactly a money saving option, but I love when people get really into it and want to branch out.

#3: Set up drying stations with regular old hairdryers, to speed the process between layers. Students can take their painting over and dry the layer they just finished. Make sure to put something down to protect the surface of the drying station as well. This keeps the class moving, especially if you need something dry before you can move on to the next stage. I like to paint in layers and my students love this too.

#4: Make it easy to see the finished painting. I print out mini-versions of my painting on my computer before class and place one at each station. In larger classes the students may not be able to see the example you have on display, so this way they have it at their seat to refer to. I got this idea from a class I attended myself and my students seem to really like it too. 
Another option is to ask the students to take a photo on their phone to keep at their station. Certainly less work on your part to achieve the same result.

#5: Consolidate Supplies. I transport my loose supplies in 2 plastic bins with lids. Aprons and easels go in one bin. Paints, brushes, cups, paper plates, towels and tablecloths in the other one. The canvas are separate. 

I always pack extra supplies, just in case more people show up or something happens to a canvas. Extra paint, paper towels, paper plates and canvas will keep your mind at ease and you won't stress about running out. 

Wondering where to buy supplies? Here is a post on where I buy everything.

#6: Make Clean-Up Quick. I take large, gallon-size ziplock plastic bags for quick clean up. The paint brushes go in a zip-lock to clean at home after class. The paint water gets dumped and the plastic cups go into a plastic grocery bag to also be washed at home. I take trash bags to make garbage removal easy. Depending on the condition of the tablecloths when your students are done, I may keep them or toss them.

#7: Collect aprons before students leave. I ask students to take off their aprons and put them on the back of their chairs. It's best to do this before photos. Aprons have a tendency to walk out during the larger classes, because people forget they have them on and get very caught up in the excitement of sharing their work and taking photos at the end of class. It's good to issue the reminder to insure you get them back.

Ready to start teaching your own classes? Grab the free worksheet "Get Your First Class Booked in the Next 30 Days.


Saturday, May 28, 2016

Tips for Teaching Wine and Paint Classes


Here's a Question I received this week:
Q: "We are doing a "Paint 'n Sip" in our church basement as an appreciation event. I am not planning to make this into a business because I already have a day job.

Do you have any tips?"

A: Why yes, yes I do:
  • Have a sample painting prepared and know how to break it down into easy steps. Keep the sample visible throughout the class. I keep mine up on an easel.
  • Practice ahead of time as if you were teaching it. Note how long it takes you to paint and add lots of extra time as your students will move more slowly as a group.
  • Have enough canvas or painting surfaces and paint for each person. Bring extra-always have more of everything than you think you will need.
  • Use paper plates for palettes and plastic cups for water and paper towels are a must.
  • Use paint brushes appropriate for the painting you're doing and have enough for each person.
  • You may need a hair dryer or two set up to dry the painting in between stages. I typically use these in my classes to keep things moving along.
Check out my post here for more detail on what I usually bring to class with me. If you're not teaching for your business, you won't need to get so fancy with supplies, but it gives you the basics like a pitcher to fill up the water cups, a camera, etc... 
Keep the steps simple and continue to focus on the fun-it doesn't have to be perfect, just an opportunity to relax and enjoy.
Let me know if you have any specific questions and good luck! I'd love to see pictures of your classes! 
Please post links to them in the comments. Let us know where can we find you on Instagram or Pinterest? 
(Those are links to my sites, come and join me!)



Monday, November 23, 2015

5 Teaching Mistakes I've Made


I've been teaching art and jewelry classes for a while now and I've learned a few things that you can now avoid as you're getting ready to start teaching.

1) Calendar Planning Skills-Double check your calendar before you commit to anything. I've been guilty of saying yes before I checked what else might be going on that day.  This led to booking a class on Super Bowl Sunday and double booking myself with two classes scheduled at the same time. It helps to have a calendar you can access anytime, anywhere like Google Calendar or the Calendar on your phone.

2) Setting it and forgetting it. This happens when you book a class and then neglect to properly market and promote it. ALL classes need to be promoted, no matter how famous you get or how large of a following. If people don't know you're having a class, they're less likely to show up.

3) Not planning enough material for the times when students move quickly.  Sometimes you get a group that surprises you and flies through in record time.  Be prepared for this with extra add-ons so that you're keeping people challenged for the duration of your time together.

4) Time Zone Changes. I recently set up a Skype class and neglected to consider the time zone change.  This resulted in me showing up for class 2 hours early.  Make sure you're studying your time zones prior to booking.

5) Giving way too many choices or way too much information that results in overwhelming your students. I love giving people choice and lots of good information, but when I bring too many fun beads and materials, the students get too caught up in trying to decide and it can cause frustration. This is also true with bombarding people with too much information all at once.  Break it down into easily digestible pieces.  Clean and uncomplicated.

Whenever we're beginning something new, we're going to make mistakes and learn from them.  I've worked to correct these things and continue to grow and evolve as a teacher and so will you. If you're already teaching, If you're already teaching, leave a comment below and tell us where things didn't go exactly according to plan.

ps: If you're looking to learn some basic jewelry making skills, I've just recently added 2 project classes that you can find more information on here.

 

Monday, August 10, 2015

4 Different Ways to Earn Income through Teaching


If you've been thinking about teaching your craft, you may be wondering what type of teaching is right for you and will get you closer to building the life and business that you want.  

Which of these most closely aligns with the vision you have for your business and your life?

Do you dream of your own light filled studio filled with the energy of aspiring students?  Where you can make your art, sell your products and  that serve as a home base for your business? Artists like Alena Hennesey, Donna Downey and Kelly Rae Roberts have such studios where they  build real-life artistic community. You might choose this path if you want physical space to make your art, sell your art and teach + have control over when and what you teach.  

The financial upside: You have the opportunity to offer as many classes as you want each month on whatever topics that you choose.  You can have guest teachers, partner with other artists to rent space from you or have a co-op store within your space that helps pay the overhead.

Would you rather travel and spread your creative light world-wide? You can make a successful living and fund your travel this way. You can teach nationally or internationally if that is the way your heart leans. Artists like Tracy Verdugo and Flora Bowley support their passion and their wanderlust through teaching in drool-worthy locations like Bali, Italy, France, Greece, Australia...you might choose this path if you don't mind being away from home for long stretches of time, or maybe you opt for an annual retreat in another country. 

The financial upside: Getting paid to travel. Exchange rates in other countries may make venues and accommodations much lower than in the US. You can charge higher rates for an extended class in a desirable locale.

If you prefer staying closer to home, a great way to get started teaching is right in your own community (or even your home!)  In person classes are a perfect way to dip your toe in the water, practice your content and delivery and get immediate feedback from your students. Many of the students in my classes say they prefer hands-on learning from a real person who can show them exactly what to do.  They don't have to watch a video and then try and figure it out for themselves.  Another bonus is a limited investment for students-they don't have to go out and buy all of the tools and equipment before they even know if they like something.   
The financial upside-Keep overhead low by utilizing community spaces such as library's, cafes, boutiques and community centers. You don't have to make rent, pay utilities of have the lawn mowed and driveway plowed.

Rather teach from your pajamas? Online teaching might be just the thing for you.  Online classes are exploding with artists inspiring and educating others in everything from marketing your business to healing through art.  The options online are virtually endless.  I've taken "online" classes where all of the content was delivered via group conference calls and other classes that were exclusively videos and PDF's.  You get decide how you want to connect with yours students. 

The financial upside: Online classes can have low overhead costs and you can teach many more students at once. Your income possibilities are exponentially larger here.

When you're deciding how you want to teach, ask yourself:

What do you want your life to look like?  Do you dream of traveling, prefer being home every day when your kids get home, or looking for a little more connection with the outside world? Do you want to work nights and weekends?

How do you want to interact with your students?  Do you prefer to be showing them hands on in a class-type setting or do you prefer to guide from afar?

What are your financial goals for your business?  How much money do you want to earn from teaching each month? What type of teaching will help get your there? 

These answers will start to lead you in the right direction when it comes to building classes into your bigger plan. Have questions on where to begin?  I'd love to help, just contact me.




Wednesday, April 15, 2015

7 Ways to Be a Great Teacher


I've taken lots of classes and have been lucky enough to have a few very gifted teachers. From their greatness, I learn not only the content of what they're teaching, but also what gives them that  certain something that makes students want to keep coming back again and again.

What I have found is that you don't necessarily have to be an expert at what you do.  You don't have to be perfectly polished and 100% together. Your students are not seeking perfection, they're looking for information, inspiration, connection and maybe a little entertainment for good measure. 

So, how can you create classes that get your students fired up?  Here are seven qualities I've gleaned from my teachers that you can consider for yourself:

1) Great Teachers are genuinely interested in your growth.  They can set aside their own personal issues, self-consciousness and "need to be right" to truly reach you.  They are passionate about their craft and want to share that enthusiasm with you. They want you to truly get it and become as excited about your own possibilities as they are.  They see you as a person with the potential for growth and help you to see it too.

2) They inspire you to think in new ways and make new connections.  They create a shift in your thinking and a sense of possibility for what you can create yourself.  They get your mental gears cranking so that you're eager to run home and try what you've learned on your own.  They give you the skills you need and encourage your belief that you can do it.

3) They seek to connect with you, often by sharing personal stories that show they are a real person too and not just a talking bobble head. They can be entertaining and humorous which makes learning fun and engaging.  They understand that making it fun helps people learn better.

4) They are confident and project confidence. They speak with belief and assurance, which builds your confidence in them and your trust in them as your guide. There is no wishy-washy indecision. (As a student, be wary of people who may just be confidently projecting crap-you should always question things that don't seem right no matter how convincingly offered.)

5) They use their powers of perception to "read" the class.  They are in tune with where each person is and what they might need to slow down with or revisit. They adjust accordingly and often offer extra support outside of class to those who might have trouble keeping up.

6) They're clear and concise. They make the outcomes of the class known ahead of time and move you toward those outcomes. In the hugely popular B-School, Marie Forleo outlines exactly what you'll get over a 6-week period and then adds bonuses on top of that.  For each segment she delivers, she outlines precisely what you can expect to learn and gives you action steps to take after each segment to implement in your own business.

7) They create an environment where everyone feels open to share.  This can be done by laying "ground rules."  In Dirty Footprint Studio's "Ignite" Teacher Training Class, we called them "Lodestones" and they were actually rules of engagement with your fellow student's.  The Lodestones helped members of the group to know how to give feedback and respect where each person was on her own journey.

Don't let these qualities scare you. None of us starts out great-it's something we aspire to. Teaching is a practice which means we might trip and fall on our faces before we improve, but it's worth working toward if you want to establish yourself as a trusted teacher in your craft.  

Over the next few weeks, think about who you've learned the most from. What stood out about your greatest teachers that you connected with or appreciated? How did they make you feel? How can you incorporate a little of what you loved into your own classes?  

Also think about the not-so-good learning experiences you've had. What do you want to avoid?  How did you feel as a student in these environments?  I think it's as important to explore what not to do as it strengthens your practice. Steer clear of that which does not serve your students well.

Your teachers are all around you.  They're in the blogs and books you read, the posts you follow, the people in your life. Be investigative and notice who and what speaks to you.  
They are little gifts on you own teaching journey.  

Come explore your own potential to teach.  Join our free email list below:



Sunday, December 14, 2014

Thinking About Teaching a Wine and Paint Class?


Teach Your Own Wine and Paint Class
Have you ever been to a wine and paint class and thought, I could teach these? This looks like a great way to make a living?

Teaching wine and paint classes is both fun and profitable. You can earn between $200-$700 per class depending on the class size and your pricing structure and have a blast doing it.

So, how do you get started?

1. I always recommend that you start with the art. Create sample paintings of your work that can be shared with potential customers, venues and on your website. A good place to start with deciding what to teach is Pinterest. Search for wine and paint classes and create an inspiration board.

Some wine and paint classes teach the classics like Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.  Others teach their own style.  Whatever you decide to teach, you will want to prepare a sample painting that will entice your target people to join

2. Speaking of which, who are the people you want to teach? Couples? Bachelorettes? Ladies on a Night Out? Red Hat Societies? Seniors? Restaurant Patrons? People who are serious about art making? College students, non-profits or a combination of these groups?

When you're planning your classes, figuring out who you want to teach is important in marketing your classes and getting them filled up with happy students. You will want to target certain groups and promote your classes to those people.  

If you want to teach wedding parties or Bachelorette Parties, then teaming up to promote your classes in Bridal Stores and Bridal Shows would be a great way to reach that group.

If you want to connect with non-profits, looking to host fundraisers, then contacting them and determining places where you connect with them will be very different than bachelorettes.

3. Once you know who you want to teach, you can find  venues that cater to those groups. Approach places you'd like to teach with a sample of your work and emphasize the benefit your class will bring to them

Will it give them more exposure, sell more wine, bring in potential shoppers? Focusing on what they can gain will help when contacting sites in your community.  Remember, many business owners are looking for unique experiences to offer their customers so you may be just what they were waiting for.
 
4. About the wine part... States can get funny about serving alcohol to people. You'll want to check the laws around alcohol service and consumption in your State. If you are holding the class in a bar or restaurant that has a liquor license they will cover this for you. If you're holding the class in a boutique or similar setting, you'll want to check on what the law allows in your State or region.

5. Charging for your classes. Comparison shop what the prices are in your area. In Central New York, prices range from $30-$45.00 per person with higher prices typically charged for smaller class size or longer duration classes. You may want to consider setting a minimum number for the group (to make it worth your time) and a maximum based on the space and what you can handle.  You'll also want to really keep expenses low and consider buying in larger quantities to make the most of the time you'll put in. 

Here's a breakdown of some of prices in my area if you want to see what others are doing:

Paint, Drink and Be Merry
Locations Vary. Up to 32 people, $38.00 per person, locations vary

Paint Nite Syracuse
Locations vary, up to 40 people, $45.00 per person

Painting With a Twist
Has two studios where they host classes, one holds up to 40, the other up to 20 guests
2 hour classes $35.00, 3 hour classes $45.00, family friendly classes $25.00

I charge $35.00 per person for a 2 hour class and offer discounts for non-profit agencies.
 
Ready to start teaching sip and paint classes of your very own? Grab the Free Worksheet to get your first class booked in the next 30 days.


 

For more posts on teaching wine and paint classes, you may want to check out:
Create Your Own Classroom
Where to Buy Supplies for Your Classes   

 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Is Teaching in Your 2015 Plan?



As much as I keep pushing it away, teaching keeps boomeranging back to me as something I feel called to do. I'm a perpetual student-in love with learning.  Teaching is one of the best ways I know to truly push your own learning to new and deeper levels. 

When you share what you love, you have the opportunity to genuinely empower others with tools they can use to create and even build a source of income. These two things are vital to me: sharing my enthusiasm and giving women real power they can use to change their lives if they choose.

I recently had a chat with another artist who was noticing that many artists who are building sustainable businesses, teach. Offering classes is a great way to build consistent income over time, if you can pull all of the pieces together well.

So, my artsy friends, what is stopping you from teaching your craft? Are you ready to include teaching in your plan for 2015?

I've been teaching over the past two years and I would love to help you get started, so here is where we'll begin.  Over the next few weeks, we'll dive into these topics on the blog:
  • How to design classes that are a perfect match for you
  • How to find and land places to teach
  • One of the biggest mistakes new teachers make and how to avoid it
  • Nervous about teaching?  I'll share a secret to make it much easier.
If you're teaching in 2015, you won't want to miss any of these, so sign up for my email list below and you'll get them right in your inbox.