Lesson Two - Show up
Lesson One, The Set Up, was the preparation for this lesson. Now it's time to put that to good use. You'll be deciding the best ways for you to get your artwork seen. You'll be showing up as an Artist.
Section 1 is about the ways you'll get information about yourself as an artist to your ABC list via emails and postcards. You will post about your art on social media. To do this you'll be using your photographs and studio notes.
Section 2 explores the ways you show up as an artist inperson.
Mindset: You are a creative person and you want to share the joy of it with your friends, family, and others. It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable talking about yourself and your art. The good news it gets easier the more you do it and after awhile it's fun to share your thoughts about your work with others.
There are lots of ways to show up as an artist whose artwork is for sale. Pick the ones that are easiest for you to start with and then expand into others.
Section 1
Your ABC list is your greatest asset. Here is where it comes into play. Remember to continue to add to it.
- in someone's mailbox
- in someone's inbox (email)
- online using various social media platforms
I think of the not-in-person ways you can show ups as *invitations and reminders*.
Invitations and reminders
Invitations and reminders are exactly that. You are inviting your friends and customers to places where they can see your work. You are reminding them that you are an artist and that they can view and/or purchase your artwork.
Invitations can be sent by email, posted on social media or by creating written invitations that are either handed out or mailed.
Postcards
Postcard invitations are easy to create using online platforms such as Vistaprint and Moo plus others.
Postcards with a lovely image of your artwork are a welcome addition to someone's daily mail. They will go up on the frig rather than in the garbage with the junk mail. Emails often just slide down the inbox.
A mailed postcard lets the receiver know that you care about them, that they are on the list of people who are important to you.
Pro tip:
When you design your postcard use the text function to add your name on the front of the card.
You can mail a postcard when
- You are going to be in a show of any kind
- You are hosting some kind of art function
- You are having a sale or special
- You want people to know the dates and names of the art shows/festivals in which you’ll be participating.
- You have created a new series of work.
- You want to say "thank you" to someone. You might as well send a card with an image of your work.
- You have a new studio or news your customers should know about.
Personal note: I aim to send out postcards to my mailing list at least twice a year. Even if I don't have a show or something special to highlight.
Emails
Emails are ubiquitous these day and often don't get opened. But there are times when they are the perfect way to communicate.You can entice your receiver to open the email by giving it an appealing subject line, something that is personal and let's the receiver know it's worth opening. Think of it like titling a painting. Include a photo or a graphic invitation in your email to give it some visual appeal.
Graphic invitations can be made by using online sites like PicMonkey and Canva.
I use Canva.
Canva
PicMonkey
You can send an email for all the same reasons you mail a postcard.
Emails work well if:
- You want to include a link to something online - "I have a website! Now you can find all my latest pieces with a couple of clicks!" PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't say "check it out"
- You have a piece in a gallery out of town and the gallery has a website.
- Reproductions of your work are available on one or more of the online reproduction websites such as Fine Art America, ImageKind, Society 6, etc.
- You have sent a written invitation and now you are sending a "day of" or "it's tomorrow" reminder.
Let's Get Social: It's all the rage!
You don't need a definition of social media. These days everyone is using some form of social media. Let's talk about how you, as an artist, can use it to your best advantage.
But before we go any further let's make sure you understand a couple of things about social media. Social media platforms are controlled by their owners. They can change the rules at any time. And it could all be gone in a minute.
In contrast the addresses you collect, email and postal, belong to you. You'll always have a way to connect with friends and customers if you collect that information.
Here's the good news.
The potential number of people you can reach by using any of the current platforms is amazing.
Social media platforms are membership sites. That means that when you become a member you agree to play by their rules. They can change their rules at anytime, and they do. Know the rules for any of the sites you join.
The best social media sites for artists are (my opinion):
- Instagram (now owned by Facebook)
Start posting ORIGINAL content and see which sites work for you. Which are the easiest to use? Where are you getting the most engagement?
FYI: "Original content" is anything of yours (not things you share) that you post on social sites, add to your blog, website or newsletter. "Engagement" means that people who see your content respond in someway that can start a conversation and relationship.
Question? What do you want the social media site to do for you? The answer to that question will be a determining factor in what you post and which sites do you use.
You can use social media sites to:
- make friends with people who have the same interests as you, i.e. groups and forums.
- reconnect with friends to let them know what's happening in your life. People who know you from the past (high school, places you lived before) belong to the group of people who "know, like and trust" you.
- post photos of your artwork to gain recognition as an artist and bring your friends and followers on the artistic journey with you.
- share your artwork with the intention to sell it.
I encourage you to research the other platforms on your own and decide if they are right for you as well.
What to say? What to show?
What to say:
Tell short stories about your art experiences in classes and workshops.Answer questions you've been asked, such as, "Have you always been an artist?" Did you go to art school? etc.
Talk about which artists have inspired you, where you find inspiration.
Tip: keep it short and casual, like a converstation. If it gets to long viewers will have to press the *read more* link and they very often don't. Any important info should be given first.
What to show:
Show Images of
- The painting, remember to crop out the crap :D
- The painting on the easel
- You in a class or workshop, or the classroom with all the students.
- You in an art discusision group, such as a critique
- Your materials
- Your outdoor gear, your outdoor gear after the wind has knocked it down.
- You with customers
- Sold work hanging in customers' homes
- You recieveing a prize, other artists receiving a prize. It's good to share the love.
I think you get the idea. If you still need help here are some Social Media Prompts. Do the social media prompt exercise and you'll have several things to get you started when you are ready to post on Facebook or Instagram.
Want to see my approach?
See my social media plan
I've created some tutorials for Facebook and Instagram. I've included links to some articles that have been written by experts. #iamnotanexpert
Let's Look at Facebook
Let's Look at Instagram
Section 2
Show up inperson as an artist in these ways:
- as a guest at an art opening.
- as an artist at the art opening of an art show that includes your work.
- at outdoor or indoor fairs or festivals.
- as a member of art organizations.
- at classes and workshops.
- when someone asks you about yourself, don't hesitate to say, "I love to paint, or I make jewelry, I'm a potter."
- by teaching what you know.
I think of the in-person ways you can show up as *opportunities*.
You have the opportunity to be seen as an artist and to make a favorable (or not) impression on people.
People who organize shows, and have opportunities for artists are looking for artists who are easy to work with as well as creative. They often have demanding jobs and don't need an extra layer of work. They'd rather work with an artist who respects what they are doing, than with one who seems to not care.
How you show up matters!
Here are some do's and don'ts
As a guest at an art opening DO
- introduce yourself to the featured artist(s) and say something nice. You can ask questions about the work that are not related to technique. They are there to encourage sales, not give an art lesson.
If you are an artist at an opening that includes your
work DO
- Follow the rules of the show. Get your work to the gallery on time, finished and ready to hand
- If at all possible attend the opening.
- A one-person show demands your attendance
- Circulate and move around the room and talk to people, even people you don't know.
- Accept compliments and criticism with the same gracious, "Thank You".
- Know what you are going to say about your work.
- Refer questions about prices to the gallery owner/show organizer.
- say disparaging things about your paintings or about other painters or their paintings.
- be upset by criticism, thank the person for taking the time to look at your work.
At outdoor or indoor fairs or festivals
Do
- Have an attractive and professional display
- Follow the rules
- Engage with the shoppers
- Have a positive attitude at all times
- Demand special treatment from the organization
- Make disparaging comments about the show, your work, the art of other artists.
- Don't whine
As a member of art organizations:
Do
- Be an active member
- Follow the rules
- Engage with and support your fellow artists
- Have a positive attitude
- Demand special treatment from the organization
- Make disparaging comments about the show, your work, the art of other artists.
- Don't whine
At classes and workshops:
Do
- Show up on time with the required supplies
- Remember you're there to learn something new,
- Keep an open mind and heart.
- Demand all of the instructors time
- Whine about your work
- Make disparaging comments about other artists, the organization, or the instructor.
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Creatives are known for their often ditzy or slacker behavior. If you want to create opportunities for yourself. Don't be ditzy. People who organize shows, and have opportunities for artists are looking for artists who are easy to work with as well as creative. They often have demanding jobs and don't need an extra layer of work. They'd rather work with an artist who respects what they are doing, than with one who seems to not care.
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