New Promotional Tool

Last February, I found an invaluable resource: ArtBizConnection.com. Developed by Alyson B. Stanfield, the site is a wealth of information for artists on marketing their work, organizing their lives, and becoming more productive. One of her suggestions is to form Art Marketing Salons with other artists, to explore all of this and more. I took on the responsibility of launching one , and being the Salon Leader for my group, and it's been a very interesting, challenging and eye-opening experience. Our group members are engaged in different facets of the art world, and are at different stages in our creative journeys, but we always come together in a supportive, respectful way to encourage, critique and help each other.

As part of this effort, I've created a publicity postcard to send to my mailing list for upcoming shows. The design is the same as one of four "giveaways" I use at shows instead of pricey business cards (a good tip I picked up; why give people a business card when all they'll likely do is throw it away when they get home from the show? Give them the same thing; an image of your work, and a way to contact you, but in a cheaper--but still good-looking form--a paper handout). I think the text on the front will make people want to turn it over: "Invites me to what?" On the back, I'll affix a label, printed with the upcoming show information, an offer for a percentage off your next Jordan's Treasures purchase, and my website's URL. I'll also hand write the address--something you don't see very much any more, like the handwritten thank-you note (yes, I am a bit obsessed about that subject!) I've also ordered U.S. postage stamps with one of my Ancestresses on it--how cool is that?!

I'm hoping the postcard will be a successful promotional tool. I'm using it for the first time now, sending it to people who are on my mailing list from the show I did in April, in Charlotte, NC since I'll be back there next month for the 43rd annual Festival in the Park Artist's Walk. I'll let you know how it worked.

Comments

Lori said…
Sounds and looks good to me! Your feelings about business cards mirror mine when it comes to book marks (smile).

I have a friend (a fellow scribbler) who keeps bugging me about making book markers. He loves to tell me how every time he passes out a marker he feels like he's "planting a seed." I'm this close to telling him, "Yeah or killing a whole bunch of trees . . . "

Nothing personal against book markers (smile), I just feel like the majority of them are going to end up misplaced if not in the trash.

I think you've got the right idea. Folks are less apt to toss something that has the appearance of an invitation (or a keepsake) and is personalized. Also, I've been trying to figure out how best to make use of the personalized postage stamp thing . . .

So, thanks for sharing. You've given me plenty of food for thought.
Anonymous said…
Michelle, thanks so much for posting about your artist salon and promotional postcard. I do hope you'll write more about what is going on in your group. I love to hear about them.
Michelle said…
Hi Alyson,
Thanks for your comment! My group's had some fits and starts but I think we all feel it has been a good experience so far. Our next meeting is on 8/31--details to come.