Thursday, May 31, 2012

Website Gone Easy

Painting by Robert Martinez
If you are like me, you would prefer to create artwork than code HTML and CSS for your website. Fortunately, there are many ways to create an online presence that do not require you to code. We will start with some social media sites that are not websites but will still help with your online presence.

1. Twitter – Update your followers via short messages.
2. Photosharing – You can use create a photoblog or use Photobucket, Flicker, or Smugmug.
3. Create a Blog – Blogs are simple and offer an informal space for you to discuss your artwork. Blogger.com and Worrdpress.com are two places to start.
4. Start a Facebook business page – See 5 reasons why here.
5. YouTube.com – You can post videos of your work and tutorials here.
6. Friend - You may know someone who is a graphic designer. He or she will be able to offer you more options than a DIY website builder. This service will not be free.


Here are some more traditional website builders. There are many more out there.
1. Wordpress.org – Free
2. Carbonmade.com – Free
3. Flavors.me – Free or $33/year
4. Cargocollective.com – Free or $66/year
5. Otherpeoplespixels.com - $160 or $260/year
6. Squarespace.com - $144 or $240/year

If you would like to learn even more about building a website and gain other skills that are crucial for art sales be sure to attend our Shameless Self-Promotion Workshop this summer.  You can learn more about our workshops and/or register on the Works of Wyoming website.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Art Biz Coach Quick Bio

Debby L Williams and Alyson B Stanfield lead the 
Art Biz Lift Off workshops.
Alyson B. Stanfield, of Golden, Colorado, is an art business consultant for artists, galleries, and organizations. Her work is distinguished by extensive experience working with viewers of art, in addition to working with art and artists themselves. She founded ArtBizCoach.com in 2002 to help artists promote themselves and build their businesses.

To learn more about Alyson be sure to check out her website or visit WOW's website.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

MORE VIEWS With linksPricing


Pricing your work is often a touchy issue when it comes to the art world.  I recently spoke with a University of Wyoming professor about this topic.  She teaches a class meant to prepare art students for the real world.    I asked when we would talk about pricing in her class and she said that she avoided the topic (in class, but was welcome to individual inquiries)  because there is so much discrepancy among those in the art world.

There are theories, formulas, charts, rules and guide lines floating around out there.  Here is one artists thoughts...

Lori McNee's thoughts
Alyson B. Stanfield's commentes - There are around 30 posts on the Art Biz Blog website.

If you would like to continue this discussion further and have some help pricing your work WOW does offer a workshop on this topic.  Feel free to come in to WOW and we can talk about some other options.  We are located in the Laramie Plains Civic Center in Suite 271.  You can contact us at 307.742.6574 or on the WOW website.

Monday, May 21, 2012

13 Great Sources for $$$Art$Money$$$

Not all artist create their work for money or need it to be a steady income; however, as a professional development center for artist our goal is to help those of us who want to make money, and more importantly a living from of our art.  Here are some sources for those of us who would like some money for specific projects or materials.  Are there any other organizations that offer money to artists or for specific projects???

1. BNSF
2. Creative Capital
3. First People's Fund
4. Indiegogo
5. Pollock-Krasner Foundation
6. Target
7. United States Artists
8. Walmart
9. Women's Arts
10. Wyoming Arts Council
11. GoFundMe
12. KickStarter
13. Wyoming Arts Council
14. Wyoming Women's Business Center

Selling your art may be difficult but if this is you goal be sure to join us for out Shameless Self-Promotion Workshop.  You can register on our website.  The workshop will include several ways to boost your art career.  It will take place on Saturday June 23, 2012.

Friday, May 18, 2012

12 Alternative Art Venues

One important factor about being a successful artist is finding ways to get our work out into the community.  Of course there are art galleries, but there are many opportunities outside of a traditional gallery or museum.  One term for places such as these is an alternative art venue.  Some alternative art venues include but are not limited to restaurants, hair salons, coffee shops, vacant business windows and other small businesses.  

1. Coal Creek Coffee Company
2. The Grounds
3. Flux hair salon
4. Local Farmers Markets - Farmers markets often have specific requirements and fees but some do enjoy having artists and crafts people.  The Laramie LOCO Market is just getting started and looks like a fantastic opportunity for Wyoming Artists.
5. The street - This is not for everyone, but some artists enjoy going to a downtown area in a large city to create and sell work.
6. Laramie Main street - Organizations dedicated to the beautification of a town or city and the promotion of local businesses may be on option.
7. Arts guilds or clubs - Artist organizations often have relationships with businesses that lease, sell or hang work.
8. Fabcebook.com - Here are 5 reasons why you should have a FB page for your art.
9. Artist Cooperatives - Many large cities have Co-Ops set in place.  I believe Northern Front is considered an Artist Collective.
10. Find an artist you are friends with and have a small show in their workspace or rent a loft for a month.
11. Put it on the front of your house, your garage, fence or car.


12. Be Creative

WOW is another wonderful alternative art space for artists looking to show their work in a public space.  For information about applying for a solo show or to be apart of a larger exhibition, be sure to contact us at 307.742.6574.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Opportunities to Show Your Art in Wyoming


Image by Jerry Glass Artist Member of Works of Wyoming Professional Development Center

Works of Wyoming 2012 Annual Member Show
Opens This Saturday the 19th with a reception from 1pm-3pm. The show closes on June 23rd.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

5 Reasons to Wholesale Your Art

Wholesaling your Art

Alyson Stanfield Workshop with Carolyn Edlund

If you have ever been intrigued by the thought of wholesaling your art, you won't want to miss my seminar with Carolyn Edlund. Carolyn has 27 years of wholesale experience that she is itching to share with you.
Tomorrow - May 16, 3pm ET HOW TO WHOLESALE YOUR ART OR FINE CRAFT http://www.on2url.com/lnk?RwE24dq2Flw%3D

 In this program, Carolyn will share:
 + 5 reasons to wholesale your art or fine crafts
 + How to wholesale if you make only originals
 + How to move from retail to wholesale + How to price your art for the wholesale market
 + How to build relationships with retailers who can sell your work
 + How wholesale buyers think and what they need from you

She'll also share the 5 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make When Wholesaling Their Art or Fine Craft.

 This 1-hour, info-packed seminar is just $27. Reading this too late? No problem!
You can listen live and/or download the audio and transcript later.
CDs are also available.

Read more about Carolyn and register for this seminar:

http://www.on2url.com/lnk?SAE24dq2Flw%3D
If wholesaling is an option for you,

I hope you're able to listen live or later.
 Alyson

PS The details for this seminar and the RETAIL SALES seminar are at  http://www.on2url.com/lnk?SQE24dq2Flw%3D

Monday, May 14, 2012

6 Tips for Creating your Artist Statement

Christopher Amend
Anima, Connate
Dennis Fonfara
Illuminati
Artist Statements can be a huge challenge for an artist and we have all been forced to write them.  If you are like many artists, you have probably wondered something similar to "why do I have to do this, no one cares? People want to see my art not read about it"

The simple answer is that you cannot always be everywhere your work is to explain it to people and as much as we may want our art to speak for itself, it doesn't  Your artist statement should help others understand you as an artist and your work when you cannot be there.  Here are some tips that may simplify the process and help you find the correct words to describe your work.

Jerry Wood
Wind Dancer
Jennifer Howdshell
Sun Goddess
1. Free Write - Sit down for at least 5 minutes and write about your work.  Don't stop writing.  Most of this will be garbage, but if you are like most people there will be one or two good words and maybe even a good sentence.

2. Talk out loud - Talk to a friend or family member about your work and have them take notes.  Often times you will use different language when you speak than when you write.  Again most of this will be garbage, but there will likely be something worth salvaging.  I tend to have my husband help with this task.  He is an engineer so he is intelligent but not necessarily familiar with art jargon.

Mack Brislawn
Alison as Gunslinger
3. Ask for Help - Another technique is to allow a friend to write about your work.  You can give them as much or as little background as you would like.  Do not forget to have a friend proofread your statement.

Felicia Follum
Phenomenal Woman
4. Reduce Reuse Recycle - In the past I have written individual statements for each show.  More recently I have started focusing on a more general statement about large bodies of work and my work in general.  A more diverse statement can be altered for shows but can save you a significant amount of time in the long run.  You can alter this statement to describe a specific piece or a process but also have a short version for a journal or other publications.

5. Sleep on it - If you have time, let you writing sit for a couple days between proofreading sessions.
Alanna Reid
Legs

6. Education - Be sure to join us on June 23rd for our Shameless Self-Promotion workshop and learn how to "Differentiate yourself with your artist statement."  You will also learn what it is, how to write it, and why you need to have one.

For more help writing your artist statement come on in, check out our Facebook page, or give us a call at 307.742.6574.  For more information about our workshops be sure to check out our website.
PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL THE ARTISTS YOU KNOW
Works of Wyoming is hosting an art-marketing workshop for artists in Laramie

Early Bird Registration ends May 23rd, Save 25$!

 SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION A No-Excuses Art-Marketing Workshop All Artists, All Media

Saturday, June 23 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Laramie, Wyoming

http://artbizblog.com/wow

Workshop leader Alyson Stanfield is the author of I'd Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion and founder of Art Biz Coach and the Art Biz Blog.

I'm writing now because early registration ends on May 23. Artists will save $$ if they register now. Click Here

Thursday, May 10, 2012

4 Tips to Help you Properly Follow a Page

Poster created after surveying on FB.
Felicia Follum
11x17
Black Hair
Following someone’s social media site is not really helping you to network, if you don’t some basic social media strategies.

1. Interaction vrs. Information

The goal of following a page is not just so that you can get information. You are missing out if you are not taking advantage of interacting with artists and other people you may never get to meet in real life.

2. It is Better to Comment on than to Like a Post


Making an actual contribution to the conversation or sharing the post shows your expertise on a given topic.

3. Do Not Spam

The goal of following a page is not to spam people, but to socialize.  If people go to a page they follow, they want to know about the page not you (unless it is your art page).  If you post on another page, make it relevant and feel free to post as your art page rather than using your personal profile.  Ask questions about other people's art on an art group page.  If your art focuses on landscapes in Oregon, go to a page dedicated to Oregon and ask where their favorite landscapes are located.  There are many ways that your can go about this, but do not post links to your art in every comment.

4. Feature the Page in Your List


Read more about creating lists on FB here.

5. Personal Success Story

One of my most successful was when I was conducting research for my a past art exhibition.  This specific research did not show up in the show, but I did create some work in response to the topic.  When I was researching for some social issue posters talking about black hair (this really is a significant topic in the African American community), I asked people in groups such as Black Women with Real Hair, and My Black is Beautiful to take surveys about black hair and their experience.  When I completed this poster, I posted it to these pages.  This technique was mot spamming because these groups are focusing on the same subject my work was focusing on and I was posting information that those on the site would find relevant.  I was also thanking them for their input and rewarding them with some artwork.

What are some social media marketing strategies you have used?  Show us the work you promoted and tell us why it was not viewed as spam but welcomed.  If you would like to brainstorm ways to involve groups on Facebook be sure to stop by the Gallery and gift shop.  We are located in the Laramie Plains Civic Center in Suite 271.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Get Answers about Self-Promo

Alyson B. Stanfield will be leading a workshop on shameless self-promotion on Saturday June 23rd. For more information on Alyson, check out her websiteblog, or our recent posts.  To learn more about this workshop registration and payment visit WorksofWyoming.org.


Would you like to sell more art?

Are you ready to be recognized for your work?
Join us for . . .

A No-Excuses Art Marketing Workshop


Alyson talks with workshop participants
at workshop in Philadelphia.
Photo by John Pitman Photography
Saturday, June 23
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

You’ll Learn:

1. How to write a better artist statement
2. How to organize and expand your mailing list
3. Email secrets that produce better results
4. Do’s and Don’ts of artist websites
5. Why you need a blog right now
6. How your online marketing components work together to bring you traffic

In addition to learning these 6 tips for selling more work and "shameless self-promotion" you will meet a room full of like-minded artists and go home motivated to sell more art.

The conference is just $75 until 5pm Friday May 23 and $100 after until noon on Friday June 22

Space is limited! Register now by calling Gayle at 1-307-742-6574 or e-mailing wow@uwyo.edu . We use Paypal to charge your Credit Card

About the workshop leader

Photo by John Pitman Photography
Alyson Stanfield is the author of I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse to Self-Promotion. She is also the founder of ArtBizCoach.com (2002) and ArtBizBlog.com (2004). She has taught artist workshops and been a keynote speaker in 23 (now 24) states.

Remember WOW Members get 10% off workshops

For more information visit the WOW website or Facebook page.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Videos of Your Work

Using videos of your work, can be an excellent strategy if you are interested in sharing your work with a diverse audience.

Basic Tips to Keep in Mind While Creating Your Artist Video.

Keep the video short.  I would suggest around or under 2 minutes.  The more varied, the longer people will engage.

Use top quality video and photographs.  A combination of both is often ideal.

Keep the basic principles of art in mind, such as unity and variety.  Include a variety of textures, colors, people, to create a unified video that shares your work.

Post them online.  YouTube is the most common place to share your videos online.  YouTube makes it simple to share your video in other places such as your blog, website, Google+ and Facebook as well.

Here is a sample video that WOW helped Alice Freeman create to promote her harp playing business.

Here is a

Another sample of an incredible artist video that we can learn from.



Have any of you from WOW created videos of you work?  What was successful?  What would you improve?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Early Bird Registration

Denise Patton
Saratoga, Veteran's Island Watercolor
9x12" Private Collection
Early Bird Registration for Alyson B. Stanfield's workshop on June 23 has been extended. Early bird registration will end at 5pm on May 23 (not the 15th).  Check out the Works of Wyoming site to register or for more information.

This workshop will offer tips to help you turn you gorgeous works of art into a business.

To learn more about Alyson, be sure to visit her blog or website.