Fine Art Prints at the Bookstore

An enormous gap exists in campus bookstores. I am here to help you fill it. 

I am a 53 year-old University of Richmond alum. My office used to be decorated with my diplomas, art from my kids, and random pieces that I used to fill the walls, just so that I didn't have to look at "institutional beige."  

Turns out, I wasn't the only one. Several of my friends asked if I did pictures of Richmond. As middle agers, we were all looking for ways to update our offices - to add color and new life to our workspaces.  

And that's why you're here. 

Campus stores have opportunities such as graduation, reunion weekends, homecoming, and parents weekends, to provide tremendous gifts for their alumni, parents, and students. 

My fine art prints are high value, high profit margin items which serve as reminders of their time on campus. 

Let's get started!

How does this artwork help the college and its stakeholders? 

In addition to being a high value, high profit margin item for gift shop merchandise and donor appreciation gifts, fine art prints provide: 

• New revenue stream from alumni, students, parents, and donors

• Institutional branding asset that highlights campus pride and heritage

• Long-term art investment with resale and appreciation potential

• Exclusive, customizable themes (historic buildings, athletic venues, student life landmarks)

Sales History:

My art has sold as $125 unmatted prints (12” x 16”) and as $250 framed prints (12” x 16”). College and university bookstores can sell 12” x 16” prints at a minimum of $125 (recommended $125-$135). Other options include matted prints and framed prints. 

Prints are signed in pencil with a one-inch border.

Graduation and reunion weekends provide captive audiences who want and need amazing gifts for their friends and loved ones. These occasions and others like it (homecoming, parents weekend) provide a high likelihood for sales. Additionally, bookstores have websites which provide a similar captive audience.

Financial Details:

Fine art prints are sold at wholesale prices in units of 25 prints.

To provide an example of a typical wholesale investment, I’ll use my painting of Old Main at Penn State:

 

 

The process:

1. We work together to agree on ONE campus building to be painted that will be sold at the bookstore. This is typically the most iconic building on campus and the one that the bookstore is almost certain will sell. Watercolor and Mixed Media paintings are 18”x24” in size.

2. Once we agree on the building, we will agree on the reference picture before I start the painting. This includes consulting on point of view, angles, etc. 

3. I complete the painting according to our agreed upon reference picture. 

4. Upon completion of the 18”x24” painting I will have it scanned (if the image is new, there is a $215 setup and scanning fee) and printed at Brilliant Graphics in Exton, PA. 

5. I receive the prints, package them for presentation and ship them directly to the bookstore. When they arrive, they are ready to be presented in the store. 

I have simplified this process to the best of my ability to ensure ease of use throughout the process. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read this information and I look forward to speaking with you further. Please schedule a video call using the link below so we can get started!

RICH MITCHELL CREATIVE CALENDAR