Hello all!
I have a couple of questions... I am new to the art show world. I had a small store front studio/gallery (of sorts) up until 2 weeks ago. I converted one of our empty bedrooms in to a nice, convenient studio, which has me very motivated!
I am trying to figure out ways to promote my art and to market myself. I don't want to sound 'over bearing,' cocky, conceited and such.... Anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate hearing from you!
Thank you all!
~Crystal
Comments
Hello Thomas,
VERY kind of you to pass this on to me. I really do appreciate it. I am getting better about the whole talking to people thing. Your ideas are going to be put to work for me!! Again, THANK YOU!!
~Crystal
There are a number of aspects to marketing your art and yourself. There are things you need to create so you can stay on course on your journey from where you are now to where you want to be. Here are some things that you need:
- a business plan which should contain your marketing plan
- the Marketing Plan should consider all the ways to let people know you and your art exist.
- Website
- Social media (Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and so on)
- Brochures
- Postcards
- PR Plan
- Art Fair and Sales Plan
Lets start with Sales:I think sometimes artists think "selling" is like selling used cars. Selling your artwork and yourself is something completely different. Most artists are fairly passionate about their art. Most art is sold because the buyer feels that passion expressed in a particular piece of art. No passion expressed...no sale. It is simple as that.
When I sell my work at an art show or in a gallery I talk to the prospect about what it was like the day I created the art. The weather, how I felt, why I needed to make this image. I share my passion with them. They learn the "story" behind the piece of art that has their interest. When they make the purchase and go home they will share the "story" with anyone who sees the artwork on their wall. You need to develop a story for all your artwork and practice it so that when you are at the Art Fair it flows naturally from you.
Now here is the hard part.......you have to ask for the sale. Yes....ask for the sale. Most sales are lost because the person selling did not ask for the sale. See my blog on Art Marketing for an account of a recent Art Fair I attended. You will be shocked. My blog can be found at http://www.thomasdeanimages.com/Marketing There are many ways to close the sale and ask for the order. One of the simplest I have used is to ask the prospect where they see your artwork in their home. Now the prospect visualizes your art in their home. Once they tell you where they would put it. Just say, "lets wrap it up. Will that be cash or charge."
The Business Plan:
Having a business plan gives you the map to use to get from where you are to where you are going. It is not set in stone. You will need to make course corrections along the way just as you would with a regular map on a trip when you encounter a road closed for construction.
The Marketing Plan:
Within the business plan you need to create a Marketing Plan. This will give you direction on what you need to do to market your art and your self. Social Media is an extremely effective way to get your message out. Establishing an account for your self and your art business on Twitter and Facebook are a great start. There is also a site called Linkedin that connects people of like minds together. There are forums on Linkedin about marketing art. It can be a great way to connect with other artists and get great advice. (www.linkedin.com)
You need to create your own website, not only to attract new prospects but to communicate with previous customers. It is also a good idea to have a blog if you like to write. Blogs are less formal than websites and they let the reader get to know you. On your blog you can show your passion for your artwork.
PR is another thing you need to focus on. If you are doing anything, send out a press release about it. It may not get attention at first but if you constantly send info to local newspapers they will eventually pick up your information. A friend who owns a gallery and a meet the artist day. She sent out press releases to a number of local newspapers. One of them resulted in a feature story about the gallery. Leave no stone unturned!
That is about all for now. Check out my b