!CORE is a Web site devoted to art collecting. PJ (Pamela) Trayser started the site to bring together information about art, and to educate collectors about what type of art they are buying. PJ created the site in March and is an artist herself. "I not only sell my own art on eBay, but I collect it as well and know how confusing it is trying to decipher what is what." She also offers a special service to compile information on pieces of art that a collector already owns.
I interviewed PJ about the site to learn more about the site, which includes a searchable database by style, medium, subject, art definitions and history.
AuctionBytes: When and why did you start the site?
PJ: !CORE was started in March of this year to create a community filled with education and information about Art. While we do have artists, our focus is mainly on the Art Collector. Being an art collector as well as an artist, I felt the need to have a place where the art community could go to find all the Art resources they need. We are geared towards both new and veteran collectors as well, and we run a contest every month with free giveaways to our collectors.
AuctionBytes: How would someone look up a painting on !CORE?
PJ: !CORE contains an Art Guide where you can search by style, medium, or art movement with direct links to eBay auctions containing the keywords. Each page has a definition of the movement or medium as well as links to sites pertaining to it. By using the art guide, we have allowed ourselves to grow as large as we want without having our searches too overloaded and making it easier and faster for the collector to find the piece of work they want. http://www.coreartists.com/artguide.htm
AuctionBytes: What kind of information is available on the site?
PJ: As well as the Art Guide, we have a directory of artists that are registered with !CORE, a free research service (for paintings that you would like to find out more about), and a monthly E-zine that is released on the 5th of each month. Our !CORE News takes an up-close look at styles, mediums, techniques, and literature. We have also just kicked off our first monthly themed show "Coffee at Midnight." Our themed shows can be found by putting !COREx in your eBay search.
AuctionBytes: Is there a charge for using the site?
PJ: Our group is based on volunteer work (you are not required to volunteer time to become an artist or collector). We have our own eBay ID search!core where we will start selling !CORE t-shirts and accessories in July. We do not charge dues or commissions to our artists. Our artists make their money by selling via auctions and their Web site.
AuctionBytes: Is it for all kinds of art?
PJ: !CORE welcomes artists of all backgrounds and styles. Our only requirements are to have a linked logo on their eBay About Me page (or Web site if they do not sell via auction) and to use the keyword !CORE in any auctions they choose.
AuctionBytes: How much repeat businesses to artists get from their association with !CORE?
PJ: We have quite a few repeat buyers that have emailed to say that they only search the !CORE artists auctions.
AuctionBytes: Is this a sort of "information co-op" where artists can market themselves while providing useful information to art shoppers?
PJ: Yes, I would definitely say we are an information co-op. Our goal is to grow as artists and to continually educate the collector and ourselves as we grow.
You can find !CORE on eBay under the USER ID search!core and on the Web at http://www.coreartists.com. PJ sells on eBay under the ID pjsworldstudio.
