Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Lecture


What fun! Such a great couple, so sweet…even in those costumes, in the hot summer!!
If anyone in Honesdale remembers; get me their card! Or have them contact us, I would love to have them back, especially during the Historic Homes Tour!

I hope everyone is doing great, I’ve been having the time of my life. Going to try a few new things….I am so grateful for all the support!

This week I am in the middle of writing an article for the new artists… In which I will be doing my first speaking engagement! SCARED!!

Hope you won’t mind, I am going to post them here first; each night I hope to work an hour on this! With high hopes for feedback, especially with the topics I forgot!
Hopefully I won’t make too much of a fool out of myself… Just passing what I have learned along.

The final version will be on the gallery’s new website, available to the new artists, and our finely aged ones too!!!
Those not so familiar with all the changes the internet has launched;
I will be offering free photography and help with creating there sites!
I am starting with the basic beginnings…Something like “From Dreaming to doing”…

You must first Prepare Yourself;
Learn a few basics about the internet and computers!
Many of the local schools have night programs!
(Get phone number to the schools)
There are many of free how to programs out there!
Libraries and the local small business centers offer start-up courses!
They also have great literature too!
You can check online!! at the library for FREE!
(No excuses about not having internet!!)
Search for free information or programs in the areas you need help with!
In the search bar type:
Free Marketing!! I received 61,800,000! Responses on Goggle!
(Add your zip code! Gives you everything in our community!!)
` Artists are Entrepreneurs!!! You must treat yourself as a business.
Marketing yourself should become second nature, loose the fear and let go!
YOU ARE THE PRODUCT!.

I understand everyone has time restraints but getting from dreaming to doing; is going take an extra effort, which won’t happen with big leaps, but mainly, small steady steps!!! Get yourself a game plan and start! And start anywhere, just do it! “thank you NIKE!!! he he”
Once you make that first step, the momentum builds and each step becomes easier. Have faith.
Remember how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

For those of you familiar with the computer…
Check online for free information or programs that can help you, a lot of the forums and communities have how to’s.
(attach links for resources page)
Great Websites to start with are Etsy.com and Zazzle.com!! These are great sites for beginners!! You don’t need any fancy software programs or have to spend tons of money on fees, these websites walk you through the steps in creating your image and shops!!

Just spend a little time searching for the people who are similar, become friends! If you’re a painter find other painters, not someone who is sowing bags!! Be sincere!! this is a community, made up of real people! They can smell a fake person a mile away! We understand that everyone starts somewhere, and the online artist community is one of the most friendliest and helpful around! Just be real! And please don’t STEAL other people’s work!
First take the time to look and find what you like. Decide what image you want to portray to the world? Pretend you’re the customer, what do you like about others websites, what don’t you like, what really catches your eye? This is the starting point!

#1. Get business cards! Online there are great offers; Vistaprint.com offers free business cards, and with a price like that; FREE!; you can give them away like crazy!
Type in Artist in the search area, follow the instructions…
I believe they have over 25 designs. 400 professional ones, all different types!
Make sure you have all your vital information on the card. Address, phone number, website, email address!

Give them to family & friends – even if you’re shy about promoting yourself, others might not be, mom is likely to brag too much!

When your out and about, craft shows, galleries, grocery shopping, business meetings, hand them out!!! When someone asks for your phone number, voila hand them your business card!
Oh you’re an Artist? Lead way into a sales moment...
Oh yes I am: here are a few of my paintings…

#2. Always carry photos of your work with you!
Get a small photo album, the dollar store has many types to choose from! Take a ton of pictures, and pick the best ones!
And place inside a small envelope with more of your cards!!

Remember the difference between a professional photographer and an amateur?
A hundred photos!!

Enough for one night!!! I have laundry to do!

4 comments:

  1. hey its alexs soccer blog i thought it was a cool blog...i like soccerr but i want to right other stuff:(

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  2. And yes i do feel offended:( thanks...thanks alot:(

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