Marketing...what a challenge for many artists. The ability to create beautiful work is not often matched with the skill to find customers and to promote the sales of the artwork.
This it a topic that is very obvious to me right now as I have spent several hours during the last few days working on a set of CDs on the topic of Marketing developed with the artist and craft producer in mind.
There are a few things that all successful marketing campaigns have in common, regardless of the service or product or art work being offered for sale. The first is the simple fact that there is a development and documented plan. An attempt to logically develop how and where the items or services will be offered, the methods that will be used to tell potential customers about the opportunities available and details of the benefits of making a purchase.
The second common item is the development of a budget to plan when and where advertising and promotional expenditures will happen.
The third common thread is the review and revision of the marketing plan to reflect new facts or circumstances as they become available.
This aspect of a business may be difficult for some but it does become easier with practice. It is important and essential if the artist or craft producer wants to increase sales through new customers or venues.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pieces
Yesterday morning I finally dragged out the bits of material, cut the funny little shapes and handsewed the first, of what I hope will be several, quilting projects. The ideas for designs and shapes and colours tumble around in my mind and sneek out when I am not paying attention. I will be driving to work and realize that I am thinking about the combination of colours that would make an interesting quilted insert on the front of a knee length vest. I have several ideas for wearable art and as the designs finalize themselves in my jumbled mind the job of actually creating these items will become easier...at least that is the theory.
We made the opportunity to visit the craft centre in the Hostel building in Port Mouton yesterday afternoon. Interesting place. Some of the work is beautiful, some not so much. They were holding a bake sale and they have used books for sale and they have an indoor flea market. A jumble of new and used, unique and common, bargains and valuables. We were invited to buy tickets on a quilt made to assist with the finances of the centre. The draw will take place just prior to the season's close in December.
Pleasant activities for a cold rainy Saturday.
We made the opportunity to visit the craft centre in the Hostel building in Port Mouton yesterday afternoon. Interesting place. Some of the work is beautiful, some not so much. They were holding a bake sale and they have used books for sale and they have an indoor flea market. A jumble of new and used, unique and common, bargains and valuables. We were invited to buy tickets on a quilt made to assist with the finances of the centre. The draw will take place just prior to the season's close in December.
Pleasant activities for a cold rainy Saturday.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Great Show at Wildwood Cafe
A very good friend and a terrific artist, Christine Marin, is have a showing of her interpretive paintings, etchings and other works in Bridgewater Nova Scotia. What beauty and what a great experience to see all the beauty and intricate delicate shapes and shades.
If you have the opportunity to visit the cafe sometime in the next month or so it is worth the time. A chance to have some good food while enjoying the beautiful pictures. Great job Christine!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Art Show at a Golf Club
What a great idea! I read an advertisement that the local nine hole golf course was having an art show in their club house before the close of golf season. They have invited local artists to participate and are hoping to make more people award of both the art available and of course the golf club's facilities and course. A good partnership.
Where could you display your art work. Is there a business that would be suitable for you to exhibit. Of course there are several cafes and coffee shops that have been hanging art work for years. Have you approached your local cafe and asked for some wall space?
Where could you display your art work. Is there a business that would be suitable for you to exhibit. Of course there are several cafes and coffee shops that have been hanging art work for years. Have you approached your local cafe and asked for some wall space?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Nature's Beauty
This is the best time of year. But oh how I wish I could paint. However I guess photos aren't so bad. This picture was taken along the Medway River in Queens County. A dark cloudy day that I think adds character to the picture.
The colours don't seem to be quite as vivid as last year but they are still colourful and beautiful. You will see a tree that has completely turned against a backdrop of green, either trees that haven't started to turn colour yet or evergreens.
The temps today were in the mid teens. Cool but not yet cold.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Simple but Beautiful
In preparation for a gala dinner for 260 people last evening, the organizing committee members discussed and debated what the centrepieces should be. The hotel would provide mirrors in the centre of the table and three tee lights on each mirror. But what else.
After considering a few options we decided on a round glass container about six inches high, some pebbles and small rocks, seashells and a few flowers. We placed about two inches of rocks and shells in the bottom and then added individual glad blooms...beautiful dark burgundy. A few of the 38 arrangements had three or four buds in various stages of bloom. We also added some Queen Anne's lace that is growing wild in the ditches at this time of year. And what compliments we received.
The flickering candle light reflected in the mirrors and highlighted the simplisity of the arrangements. The leftover flowers were grouped in a dollar store basket and was given as a door prize. The arrangements were awarded to the person at each table that had a birthday handiest to September 24th the date of our event. There were a lot of compliments from happy people.
The absolute joy is that we prepared 38 centrepieces and one large floral arrangement for the door prize for less than $100. All supplies were purchased at a local dollar store and most of the flowers and greenery were either gathered locally or donated by flower shops.
After considering a few options we decided on a round glass container about six inches high, some pebbles and small rocks, seashells and a few flowers. We placed about two inches of rocks and shells in the bottom and then added individual glad blooms...beautiful dark burgundy. A few of the 38 arrangements had three or four buds in various stages of bloom. We also added some Queen Anne's lace that is growing wild in the ditches at this time of year. And what compliments we received.
The flickering candle light reflected in the mirrors and highlighted the simplisity of the arrangements. The leftover flowers were grouped in a dollar store basket and was given as a door prize. The arrangements were awarded to the person at each table that had a birthday handiest to September 24th the date of our event. There were a lot of compliments from happy people.
The absolute joy is that we prepared 38 centrepieces and one large floral arrangement for the door prize for less than $100. All supplies were purchased at a local dollar store and most of the flowers and greenery were either gathered locally or donated by flower shops.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Appreciation for things past
We had the opportunity to visit a working museum over the weekend. The Sherbrooke Village Museum in, of course, Sherbrooke Nova Scotia. The old village buildings were all open to the public and there was even a tea room/cafe that was serving home made soup and sandwiches for lunch. Yum good.
The volunteers at the museum were all in period costume, long skirts and bonnets for the ladies and work clothes of the day for the men. There were rides offered in horse drawn work wagons and the visitors were offered a glimpse into the past. Very nice and interesting.
There was also a show and shine taking place with close to 200 old cars entered. At least were old cars, some were newer but unique in some way. But our preference is always the beautiful old restored vehicles.
One thing I took away from the trip was the understanding of where so many of our "crafts'' of today got their origin. Out of necessity in the days gone by. People couldn't run to the supermarket, or the department store everything they needed something, they made it themselves or they made do with what they had. Very resourceful people.
The step back in time was appreciated and interesting but boy am I glad I didn't live then...too much hard work:-)
The volunteers at the museum were all in period costume, long skirts and bonnets for the ladies and work clothes of the day for the men. There were rides offered in horse drawn work wagons and the visitors were offered a glimpse into the past. Very nice and interesting.
There was also a show and shine taking place with close to 200 old cars entered. At least were old cars, some were newer but unique in some way. But our preference is always the beautiful old restored vehicles.
One thing I took away from the trip was the understanding of where so many of our "crafts'' of today got their origin. Out of necessity in the days gone by. People couldn't run to the supermarket, or the department store everything they needed something, they made it themselves or they made do with what they had. Very resourceful people.
The step back in time was appreciated and interesting but boy am I glad I didn't live then...too much hard work:-)
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