Since I have been working so hard on my promotional materials, I thought I would show you what they look like. Usually, I like to leave digital printouts with gallery owners and managers. I know that a disk with images is more the norm, but my concern has to do with calibration. Computer screens are calibrated a certain way to show color, and what I see on my computer screen in terms of color may not necessarily be what someone else sees when they put the disk into their computer. Plus, I like to take out the extra step of having to put the disk into the computer and wait for the images to pop up. There is something very immediate and basic about opening a folder and seeing the images right away. I want it to be SOOOO easy for people to see the art.
You can see that I have devised two different portfolios: one is for the abstract art, and one is for the figurative art. I am marketing each separately, so that what I present is a cohesive body of work. Even though most creative people work in different styles, it can be confusing for someone seeing the art for the first time if it is all combined. I must admit, I spend a lot more time and energy marketing my abstract art. I found that when I had my gallery in Colorado, it was primarily the abstract work that sold steadily. In fact, it's my abstract art that finances my figure art! The figurative art is the art that seems to get into juried shows and convinces people that I actually CAN draw. I enjoy doing both, but for different reasons. That is for another post, however.
It might be hard to see, but I have created a sticker for the front of the folder with a black and white photo of myself on it. (The photo was taken by my talented photographer friend, Padgett McFeely.) I also usually put any postcards I have from shows of my art in the portfolio. If I am mailing the portfolio to a gallery, I also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It is big enough for the whole folder to fit into, and that way, if the gallery is not interested, I can request my materials sent back to me, at no cost to the gallery.
Most of the ideas I have for the portfolios were based on suggestions from Alyson Stanfield of artbizcoach.com. For any of you who are wanting some advice and guidelines in your art career, I highly recommend her. You can even go to her website and sign up for a free weekly newsletter to be delivered to your email box each week. She is awesome. She is also the person who got me started with my blog, so if you are enjoying my blog, you can thank her!!! (Thanks, Alyson!)
I also have these little business card cd roms that I like to include. I have created a slide show of my art on them. Aren't they cute?? I have one that shows the figurative art, and one that shows the new monotypes. They only work on PC type computers, so I am teaching myself how to use powerpoint, so that I can create one that is a little more universal. (It's one of those tasks that has been on my "to do" list for a while now!)
Anyway, that is what my materials look like. What do you think? I am getting there, aren't I?
7 comments:
Thanks so much, Karine. You've done a great job! I am interested in knowing how the biz-card CDs work for you.
karine, thank you so much for sharing this information on your blog. it is most interesting and useful to read about all that you have written. your portfolio looks very impressive and professional. it seems to me that you already 'are there'! i wish you the very best.
Nicely done, Karine. Everything looks very professional...I think you're already there!
Thank you for the encouragement, everyone! I think I have looked at these things too many times - with nothing but a critical eye. I hope they do their job! ; )
Wow your figurative art looks awesome as well. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about being an artist. It's really interesting to see what is really behind being an artist. Really appreciate it!
PS: And of course in my point of view your portfolio looks really professional...keep on going!
Wow, your so organized, I am so taking notes on your work here. Thanks for sharing. Often time an artist will show there work, but there is a disconnect with the business of art. Your blog helped to bridge some of that gap for me, thanks.
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