Hi Alex. Yes, he has paid for it through Paypal (not sure how I get paid yet). Thank you for your advise about opening a can of worms... it was my initial thought too.
J.R.

Bill,

As always, your advise is invaluable! I guess, for now, my style is unfinished work... mainly because I am not yet schooled or experienced in all things "finished." Actually, I really do like a natural, weathered, oiled rust-bloom look. It looks so natural, so metal... so artmetal. I will do as you suggest, and give him the "oiled or waxed" options. What ever his present, or future desires may be, I'm willing to occomadate him. He's my first customer... his dollar is the one I'll have framed and hanging in my studio. I'll also enclose a letter with care instructions.

And you're right, figured per hour I'm practically giving this piece away, but as I said in an email to him:
I give my heart and soul to my metal art. It is my passion. For the time I spent on the torso, I'm really giving it away... but what's important to me is that my art is out there with someone who appreciates it.

Thanks again, J.R.

Bravo on your first sale..I ended up buying my first sold piece back..for more money than I sold it for. Mom drives a hard bargin..She only bought that natural look until I got a buffing machine. Darf

Thank you Paula, I agree, I'm very excited. I'm about to ship it off now. He sent me another email, and he asks some stuff that for a "Newbie" (not mention my first sale) is difficult to answer (mainly refering to an artist bio/resume'). He writes:

"Dear Mr. Tamayo,

Hello. Just to let you know, I collect torso sculptures. I have about 14 in my collection. Most are raku or other forms of ceramic. This will be the first metal torso I have collected. Your art will be part of a very good collection.

Are you any relation to the famous Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo?

Is the sculpture signed? On the inside?" (yes, I siged inside)

"Do you have a CV or info sheet concerning you, your art, where you have showed, etc, that I can have to document the piece?"

I want to give him a professional response, and who better to seek counsel from than the "real" artists of artmetal.
J.R.

Definitely agree with u about getting info from the more experienced artist's on this site.... Education is sooooo difficult on your own... i always look for advice from more seasoned artists....

Just think. If this person likes what u've created enough to purchase it. There are definitely more people out there looking for just what u have to offer!

Keep on keep'en on....

Paula

J,R.
Not at this time, is a professional responce. Ask him if he would like to be included on your mailing list..to your news letter. Create that just after you create a bio sheet. Then create your business card, the company logo , to go on the letterhead and your receipt books, create them too. Get a sales tax permit number. Get a stamp made with your signature on it. Hallmark..get a rubber stamp made with your signature. Incorporate your new business..Rent or buy more studio space. Hire more people, you need a staff of people. contact ups. you need a pickup account. Signage is very important. keep up that professional image. or just make excellent sculpture. Darf

Darf, I get the message.

By the way, why don't you stop being a visitor, and join up. Maybe you can show us your stuff.

Thanks, J.R.

By the way, what you said about your mom driving a hard bargain was funny!

I would send along a couple of things.

1- A letter handwritten to him with a little information about the work, including your inspiration, how the piece came about, what part of a series it is, the materials, title. He will feel connected to the artist (you) and will value the piece even more now that he has more knowledge of it.

2- A bio. If you do not have a lot, be sure to include college, places you learned information and skills. You'll see, it will add up and you will impress even yourself.

3- Something about the care, or any other pertinent info. You can include this in the letter.

4- And it would be good to do this all on your studio letterhead as well. If you don't have any yet, just do up a quick one in a program like Appleworks, you do not need to commit, and can always change it later.

5- An artist statement if you have one as well.

I think all of the above will make him doubly happy with his purchase...

Alex
************
www.custompeturns.com
"a special place for a special pet"

Alex,

Thank you so much for all your good advice. I just needed a little direction, and you really helped me out. That's what artmetal is all about... at least, that's what I get out of it.

Thanks again, J.R.

PS: Oh, and, I guess a little tongue and cheek (like Darf's [man, what kind of name is Darf?]), to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, is okay too!

I know it may be a bit juvenile for me to post this, but like I said, it's my first metal art sale, and my first sale on ebay, and this is my first comment/remark from the Buyer who's recieved my torso:

"Beautiful sculpture, fast shipment, perfect, a true artist, thank you."

Get a load of that!

J.R.
I can see your grin from here. wooooooooohooooooo cyber beer all around.
bill

JR, Congradulations on your sale. Even when you undersell yourself, there's
nothing like the feeling of making a piece from your heart and having someone love it. That's why we do what we do. You've inspired me to figure out how to use e-bay. I've been alittle too busy to chat lately. Getting ready for a show of new works this May. I'll post the e-vite when it's completed. Again congradulations. Your hooked now! JanetR.