Marketing Your Art
This insightful distance-learning course assists designers and illustrators in breaking through the competitive landscape with engaging and thought-provoking promotional initiatives that will inspire, motivate and most importantly, get response.
Branding, new business development, target marketing, integrated cross-media strategies, public relations, collaborative endeavors, social media and viral initiatives as well as entrepreneurial approaches are just some of the topics covered.
The instructor, Lisa L Cyr, will work with each student to develop promotional materials for their creative business. The goal is to not only assist students in elevating their brand but also guide them in properly positioning themselves in the creative marketplace.
The role of the designer and illustrator is evolving and this distance-learning course will inspire all to think outside the box when it comes to marketing and self-promotion. Students see this course as an opportunity to do something really extraordinary, making an impact on their careers for years to come.
Projects:
Deadlines + Reviews:
Intro Presentations:
Sat Jan 18 (everyone)
10am to 2pm EST
Monthly Individual Reviews:
(see dates below)
9:00am to 9:30amEST
9:30am to 10:00amEST
10:00am to 10:30amEST
3:30pm to 4:00pmEST
4:30pm to 5:00pmEST
Project Reviews:
About Me + Headshot Identity System
CV, Client List +
Thank You Card(s)
Saturday Feb 1
Website + (Launch Promo, Teach Pkg or Media Kit)
Saturday March 1
Video + Social Review
Saturday April 12
Final Reviews
Saturday May 10
9:00am to 10:00amEST
10:00am to 11:00amEST
11:00am to 12:00pmEST
1:00pm to 2:00pmEST
2:00pm to 3:00pmEST
3:00pm to 4:00pmEST
Appointment times will be sent in DOODLE.
Final Projects Due:
May 10 in DROPBOX
01
About Me:
Your About Me should include a head shot (photo or illustrated)
Write no more than three paragraphs about your work.
03
Personal Identity System:
Your Personal Identity System should include a business card, letterhead, #10 envelope and thank you card. Print them on actual stationery paper so I can see the color, finish, weight, etc.
Business Card: 3 1/2" x 2", 2" x 3 1/2" or create a custom size
Letterhead: 8 1/2" x 11"
Envelope (#10): 9 1/2" x 4 1/8"
Thank You Card(s): Make sure to fit inside a commercially available envelope (custom envelopes are costly)
02
Curriculum Vitae + Client List:
Your Curriculum Vitae should be updated and professionally designed on your letterhead. Include your education, work experience, teaching and speaking experience, relevant books and articles written, exhibitions, awards, press etc. In addition, add a Client list as a separate sheet.
04
Social Media:
Create a Social Media presence on the web that is specific to your business. This can include a blog, podcast, newsletter, YouTube Channel, Linked-in, Instagram, etc.
To start building a profile, include at least two entries that incorporates a pic/link in at least one social media platform of your choice.
State of Social Media for Artists
06
05
Video Presentation:
The video presentation should not be a demo but promotional in nature. It must also drive traffic to your website, announcing or launching work, projects, events, endeavors etc. that you are promoting. Music should be royalty-free or self-generated.
Planning: We we will meet as a group to review your storyboard, sketches/pics/video clips that will tell the “story” you want to tell. You will need an into title and a closer that will have your website and then copyright info as well as any credits that need to be given, if any.
Once your video is in a Working State:
Post your video on YouTube as a PRIVATE video or Vimeo with a private password for my review only, using my email lisa@cyrstudio.com for access.
A high-definition video can be posted on sites like YouTube or Vimeo after completion.
Hybrid storytelling: where sound and motion are added. The video featured to the right shows an audio and visual narration of the story behind my work entitled The Night Fury. The mixed-media painting is part of a body of work that explores an artist's journey through social, political and cultural unrest.
Teaching Package, Launch Promo or Media Kit: select one
Teaching Package: updated, targeted to each application and professionally designed on your letterhead in a electronic PDF format. Include your CV, cover letter, 15-20 samples of your work and the same of your students' work along with a teaching statement. Bio and client list can also be included. Have a cover page and closing page with your contact information.
For art teaching jobs, go to College Art Association online.
Launch Promotion: Develop a promotion to launch your creative business.
Media Kit (Print or Online)
Develop a media kit to have as a download or mail-away for the media.
07
Website:
Electronic Portfolio to be presented as a website, including at least 20 pieces, your bio with headshot, press, client list, exhibitions and links to your social media sites and blog, etc. Also include a contact page without an info request prompt. Make sure the site is brand-aware and is cohesive with other promotional material.
Resources:
Format: Throughout the semester, students work independently in their own studios with the assistance of the instructor. Students may also be invited to attend relevant lectures that the instructor is giving during the duration of the class.
Feedback: Formal video conferencing meetings are conducted with each student each month to discuss goals and review in-progress as well as final projects. Email and/or phone is used for project feedback at any time throughout the semester.
Please use file sharing services like DROPBOX to share your final work.
Book: You will be using Innovative Promotions that Work as your text and resource throughout the class. It will help you out a lot with your projects.
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast:
The audio series focuses on developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity to build a more creative and playful mindset.
Throughout the audio program, I explore topics such as battling the inner critic, handling creative block, working through anxiety and self-doubt and interrupting the patterns that bind. The program also covers managing fears, seeing mistakes as rites of passage, knowing when to open and close doors, riding the wave of triumphs and tribulations, avoiding distractions and coping with naysayers that keep one from seeing the light that resides within.
READING + LISTENING ASSIGNMENTS:
ASSIGNMENT: About Me + Headshot Identity System, CV, Client List + Thank You Card(s)
Innovative Promotions that Work: (class book)
Introduction pp. 9-10
Be Inspired pp. 42-43
Image and Brand-Building Promotions pp. 11-41
The Big Idea pp. 82-83
Invitations, Announcements + Cards pp. 45-81
Branding and Target Market Worksheet
Personal Narrative: Telling Your Story
STUDENT PROFILES:
A World Infused with Vibrant Color | Interview With Leslie M Ward
PODCAST:
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Rediscovering Your Backstory
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Venturing Out
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Perception is Reality
ASSIGNMENT: Website + (Launch Promo, Teach Pkg or Media Kit)
Innovative Promotions That Work: (class book)
Get Production Savvy pp.124-126
Treading New Ground pp.152-154
Campaigns pp. 155-179
PODCAST:
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Taking Risks
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Mistakes are Your Friend
Rediscovering Your Creative Self Podcast: Growing Pains
ASSIGNMENT: Video + Social Media
Innovative Promotions That Work: (class book)
Publication + Newsletter Promotions pp. 127-151
Keepsake Promotions pp. 85-123
State of Social Media for Artists
Embracing Inspiration (Feature Article in Artist's and Graphic Designers Market - North Light Books)
Book Promotion Video: Experimental Painting (North Light Books)
Supplies:
Laptop, notebook, portable drive/storage, camera/video if choose to use them in your promo work. Make sure to have available quality digital files of your work to utilize in your promotional materials. You will need a gmail to see private videos on YouTube.
Online Rules:
1. To make sure our Live sessions begin on time, please sign in a minimum of five minutes before your start time.
2. For a high-definition experience, use a regular computer/laptop for all video conferencing. Ipads and cell phones lack the bandwidth necessary to have a quality experience, as both voice and video will be undesirable.
If your computer DOES NOT have a microphone, you can use the audio on your phone while video conferencing.
3. Make sure that your camera is on and your mic is on mute when you are not speaking or presenting. This will keep background noise to a minimum.
4. Checking e-mail or any multitasking during class sessions is prohibited. We are trying to create an engaging experience for you. We need your full attention and participation.
5. Recording classes and videos is strictly prohibited. Please respect the privacy of your classmates and the content being shared.
6. Make sure you are prepared for each LIVE session. Have your coffee, water, notebook, writing utencil and all the necessary work that needs to be shown at the ready.
