Tuesday, September 16, 2014

WAA September 16, 2014

Volunteer Opportunity for Artists:

Hello,
I am a high school Art Teacher at Wallace Rose-Hill in Duplin County, although I know that my school a small trip away, I was wondering if there where any Artists in your Association that would like to come and talk to my classes. I currently teacher a Ceramics course and I am introducing Watercolor to my advanced students. In the spring I will be teaching Into to Art and a Photo class. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Shannon Gehen 

sgehen@duplinschools.net 

Visit us on the web at www. <http://www.ncpublicschools.org/>
duplinschools.net


This is a great way for members to participate in outreach and support the education programs of the region. Contact Shannon if interested.  



Liz Hosier's Workshop:

Registration is now open at http://wilmingtonart.org/index.php?c=learning 


Register Soon for Art in the Arboretum


Attention Artists  

Only a few more days to register for the Art in the Arboretum Show. Friday, September 19th is the cutoff date. You can find the Prospectus, application and the ability to sign up to volunteer to help with the show at www.wilmingtonart.org <http://www.wilmingtonart.org> .

If you have any questions email Anita Jacques at: anitajacquesart@gmail.com <mailto:anitajacquesart@gmail.com>   Call: 910.343.4370 


Brad Carter Demos at WAA's First Fall Meeting of the Year!




Q&A with Brad Carter - Part II of Thursday's Meeting Program

When Education Coordinator, Kirah Van Sickle, invited Brad to present his abstract acrylic skin technique to the membership, they discussed how he could share some insights on his marketing plan and use of social media. Thanks to Brad for a fantastic demo! Our apologies that the meeting went longer than expected. The following is a Q&A between Kirah and Brad:

K: One of the most important aspects of marketing art is to have a body of work ready to show and sell. What kind of studio schedule do you have?
B: I paint about 6 out of 7 days a week.

K: How many paintings do you complete in a week/month?
B: I usualy complete about 2-3 paintings a week. Also will complete about 6 books (wrapped sketchbooks) a week.

K: How do you discipline yourself to get into the studio?
B: I have to do it. Period! Even when I was working full time I made myself paint every night after my kids went to bed. It's practice, experience, and investigation.

K: What social media sites do you use and how often with each?
B: I am on social media daily. I post on Facebook and twitter everyday.

K: Do you recommend a good website builder for artists? How often do you update your website?
B: I've used Go Daddy in the past but currently use Weebly and find it's must better and professional looking. I update my website about once a week with new work or show updates.

K: If there was one social media venue to choose, what would you recommend to a fellow artist?
B: A Professional Facebook page. Please separate your art from your family post. Using Facebook is probably the easiest but I would put twitter right behind it.

K: Any general marketing advice you'd give emerging artists or anyone looking to grow sales and visibility?
B: It's a constant battle to get your voice heard. Don't be afraid to post...People's Facebook & Twitter feeds fill up so fast, a lot of times your work is never seen. Don't be afraid to do multiple posts at a time. Ever see the exact same commercial run back to back or go to a commercial break and have the same commercial open the break and then close the break? These are all strategic advertising plans, not mistakes. Be confident in yourself and put a face to the work. Knock on doors and talk to people. Emails are easily ignored.

K: Anything else to add?
B: When posting your work, don't always do the perfect cropped picture for your social media. Take different angles, show the details, let the viewers see the work as you see it on your table.
Also, don't always post just your art. Share other things on your page that are art-related that you feel give definition to who you are as an artist.

K: Bottom line, artists need to take charge of their marketing plan. Just because you build it, doesn't mean the buyers will flock. You have to show that you have a unique and consistent art voice.
B: Indeed!!

K: I will add, one of the best aspects about Facebook or any social media site, is the ability to share and support your artist-colleagues. It's building an online support network and community.

In addition to Brad's suggestions, Alyson Stanfield, from www.artbizcoach.com, has 6 additional strategies for increasing your art sales:

1. Show off your personality! Let buyers see what makes you and your art unique. Your website, Facebook page and twitter feed should show that special aspect that makes you you.

2. Use more and bigger images! We are artists, show off the work, post daily. Take the time to get good images of your work.

3. Claim Credit! When you post your art on social media, include your name and ©, title, medium, size and price/purchase info. Always!!!

4. Exhibit! Exhibit! Exhibit! There are lots of opportunities to exhibit in our community, juried shows, paint outs, restaurants, salons, etc. You can't sell if people can't see it. Propose an exhibit, solo or group to the Arts Council gallery space, WHQR, your neighborhood florist shop, dentist.

5. Get on the radar of your dream galleries! Create postcard campaigns (moo.com or vistaprint.com), schedule physical meeting with gallery owners, have a consistent body of work and online presence - all will get you noticed. Always make sure your style and process is in line with the mission of the gallery. Do your homework!!

6. Make it easy for others to sell your art! Be clear to yourself, your family and friends what exactly it is you sell (paintings, portraits, workshops, etc). Ask for help, to pass the word, share on their Facebook/Twitter/Instagram accounts. Reward those that help and ask how you can return the favor.


Call for Artists
The 33th Annual Juried Spring Art Show & Sale - Poster Art Contest

The 2015 Spring Show Committee announces the Poster Art Contest for the 33st Annual Juried Art Show & Sale (Show).  The winning artwork will be featured on:  a framed poster to be auctioned off at the Show; posters available for sale at the Show; smaller posters, cards, and invitations; and other publicity material for the Show.   
Entry requirements
·       Current membership (2014) in the WAA
·       Artwork in any 2-D media and on any non-offensive subject
·       *New Submission Option High quality resolution images of 3-D work.
·       One piece of artwork per artist
Submission requirements
·       Entry must be emailed to bcarter.art@outlook.com.  Your entry should include artwork in .jpg format as well as artist’s name, address, phone number and email address.
·       Signature on the artwork must be blocked.
·       Submittal of entries opens October 1, 2014
·       Deadline to receive entries is midnight, Saturday, November 29, 2014.
Selection
The Show committee will select the winning artwork on Monday, December 01, 2014.   The winner will be contacted immediately and announced on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the WAA Holiday Banquet.  
Selected Artwork
 The selected artwork may not be entered into the Show.  The artwork will be displayed at the Show and may be offered for sale; however, it is not required to be for sale.  If the artwork is sold either prior to or during the Show, the standard 30% commission will be due WAA.   A framed poster will be on display and auctioned off at the Show with proceeds to benefit WAA. The artist will be asked to sign posters during the Show reception on Thursday, April  9, 2015.   All proceeds from poster sales will benefit WAA. 

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