AMC has a new show – officially beginning on April 30th but that previewed 4/8 and is available to watch online called The Pitch.  The premise is that each week, 2 ad agencies compete for an account.  The first episode shows two agencies vying for the business of creating an ad for Subway – to market their breakfast to 18-24 year olds.

You get to see them learn about what Subway is looking for, go back to their offices and the creative process they go through to create concepts.  You then see the pitches and the decision by Subway.

I liked the look inside their creative process – made me feel a lot better about having my own not-so-fabulous ideas on my way to things I like – because they had them too!  And they were documented on national tv.

I also thought a lot about art licensing… the manufacturers are going through a similar process, we just don’t get to see it.  They have accounts, they find out what they want, they go back and figure out what they have to offer.  Often we as artists are called upon for concepts so they have something to pitch… and hopefully land the deal.  Sadly these deals aren’t usually worth millions like the Subway account, but the process is similar.

Finally – I loved this dialogue at about minute 39 – the Chief Creative Officer of the McKinney agency says,

“this is what is so tough about this business,…”creativity”… yeah, it is great, it is creative but it’s pressure too because it’s not like go paint a picture… it’s go be creative and make sure you do this, and make sure you do it in the next 24 hours – see you then”

Hello!  That certainly sounds like what I do on a daily basis… oh, but painting pictures is part of the process.  I will admit to being slightly insulted at the way he said that – it was a little demeaning… but maybe I’m overly sensitive.  You can decide for yourself – you can watch it online at http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-pitch and if you like it, set your alarm clock or DVR to watch or record the show on Mondays at 9 pm / 8 central time on AMC.

Here’s to your creative success and finding inspiration…

– Tara Reed

Press kits can be very stressful for many people because they aren’t sure what to include.  Are their standard formats for these things?  Yes to some pieces – like a press release, not as much to the overall presentation.

Here are 5 things to include in a press kit:

1. Contact information! Don’t overlook putting your business card in the press kit. You want them to find you if they decide they want to do a cover story about you and your art, right?
2. Press Releases. If you have done any press releases that would be relevant to the press at the trade show, be sure to include them. Speaking of Press Releases, make sure you are giving good information for a reader and not just talking about yourself. You are more likely to be included in an article, etc. if you give tips that people can use (like “5 things to include in a press kit”) vs. tooting your own horn (like “I’m really great at making pretty press kits”) — see the difference?
3. Company Fact Sheet. Now that I told you not to toot your own horn, that doesn’t mean you don’t include some basics. Who are you? What is your story? What do you do? Are you an award winning artist? Put it here. Supporting charity? Write it down. New in business or going at it for 20 years? This is the place.
4. Promotional Materials. Do you have postcards, brochures or flyers that show / describe your art or products? That should be in there! Like everyone, press people are busy people. And they have a LOT of press kit choices to look at… I had the pleasure of getting in the press room when I worked with Simple Scrapbooks™ magazine, trust me, it can be overwhelming. The person needs to “get” who you are and what you do at a glance… what can you include that will catch their attention and make them want to learn more? That is the key to a successful press kit!
5. Presentation. How you present your press kit is as important as what is in it. As I said in #4, I’ve been the press person and walked the press room. Usually they have racks and racks of press kits, some are in folders, some are tied with bows, some are really ornate. (How creative the kits are depends a lot on the industry.) So you need SOMETHING on the outside to make someone stop and say, “Cool! What is this about?” Maybe it’s a catchy headline, or a captivating image. I’ve seen press kits in pocket folders, envelopes, even pizza boxes. I caution you against doing something too big (they may not find a spot for it) or too small (people may not notice it).

Here are some other resources for more nitty-gritty information about Press Kits and Press Releases:

http://www.glmshows.com/press/guidetopr.htm

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/constructing-a-press-kit.html

http://advertising.about.com/od/publicrelationsresources/a/fivepresskits.htm

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneursstartupsmagazine/2001/december/46660.html

And don’t forget about my new eBook – How to Be a Press Friendly Artist – that includes not only press kits but press releases, website additions and more.  Check it out at www.PressFriendlyArtist.com

May the press be with you!

– Tara Reed

It seems everywhere I turn I’m seeing pins and pinterest and look what I just put on Pinterest and here’s how to use pinterest…

My niece told me about it months ago, I looked at it briefly and decided I was too busy to go down that rabbit hole.  I still haven’t joined personally but I’m getting very confused, a little concerned, and want to see what everyone thinks.  So here goes…

First – Paul Brent emailed me and asked if I’ve jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon. (Not in those words but that was the jist…)  Answer – “No, I’m busy fighting a sinus infection and packing to move, should I check it out?” Yes is his reply.

Then I read a blog post by John R Math about how Pinterest can be a great way for artists to market their art - I’m definitely seeing lots of artists sharing inspiration with all the “I just pinned this or that” posts on Facebook.

Two days later, someone on Twitter sends me to this article -How You Could Get Sued For Using Pinterest.  Well that’s a little disconcerting, so I go to the terms of use and find this:

Member Content
We may, in our sole discretion, permit Members to post, upload, publish, submit or transmit Member Content. By making available any Member Content through the Site, Application or Services, you hereby grant to Cold Brew Labs a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free license, with the right to sublicense, to use, copy, adapt, modify, distribute, license, sell, transfer, publicly display, publicly perform, transmit, stream, broadcast, access, view, and otherwise exploit such Member Content only on, through or by means of the Site, Application or Services. Cold Brew Labs does not claim any ownership rights in any such Member Content and nothing in these Terms will be deemed to restrict any rights that you may have to use and exploit any such Member Content.

There sure seem to be a lot of things granted by choosing to use the website… and what if the “application” and/or “services” expand beyond what they are now?  I put the grant section in bold.

I like that they are very specific about not claiming any ownership rights so there is no confusion about copyright issues… or are there?

Attorney Kyle-Beth Hilfer (who recently did an Ask Call with us) wrote a post – Pinterest’s Predicament: Legal Issues Prevent Social Media Maturity

More artists are weighing in on pinterest on their blogs -

• Here is what Lori McNee has to say about How to Use Pinterest and Still Respect Copyrights
• Alyson Stanfield, the Art Biz Coach, talks about How Artists Can Harness the Power of Pinterest

SO are my concerns valid or similar to the uproar about Facebook’s usage rights to pictures and images that was hot and heavy a while back?  Anyone else wondering?  More informed?  Let’s discuss.  Would love your perspectives in the comments.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

• Have you been told that it is a good idea to show how your art looks on products?

• Have you ever spent time and money physically making product samples?  Maybe you went to a paint-your-own pottery store… or glued art on gift bags, boxes, and more…

• Have you ever scratched your head and thought, “There has to be a better way?”

Product Mock-Up Magic came from me believing there was a better way and deciding that every artist didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. These photos are designed to show how your work could look on products, that you really understand how licensing works and to get the creative juices flowing for the manufacturers – they are not intended to be used for product development – just marketing purposes.  Make sense?  I show a few samples in my marketing materials for every collection I create – they see the art and they see some ideas of how it can be applied to a variety of products.

The original was so well received that I added a Kitchen and Bath edition and a Deluxe that included everything.  Since the Deluxe came out, 99% of artists go that route. I’ve decided it’s time to clear out the remaining stock of the Original edition.

I have 9 copies of the Original Mock-Up Magic and when they are gone they are gone.  Normally $87, they are on close-out for $55 – but only while supplies last.

Here is what you get:

• 9 Video Tutorials (2 hours worth) – Over-the-shoulder instruction on how to apply repeat patterns to the photos (videos show the Photoshop CS3 environment but work in all versions of Photoshop with the possible exception of Photoshop Elements – not sure about that one.) * The video tutorials focus on applying repeat borders and patterns so I recommend you know how to create them first *

• 46 ready-to-use photographs – .png or Photoshop files – with the backgrounds removed

Watch this video to learn more about it

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

Last week in the Art Marketing Association eNewsletter, there was a post I thought would be very relevant here – it was called, BOX IT BABY! and here it is…

Think about all the mail and packages you receive in the mail daily or weekly. What really gets your attention enough that you just HAVE to open it?

I’ll tell you what it is for me. It’s a box. I might throw out some larger envelopes or possibly even a padded envelope if I don’t recognize the sender.

But what I will NOT throw out is a box. Anything that’s in box I will open. It’s just too damn intriguing. Is it a gift? is it a prize? Is it some kind of speciality item?

It really get’s my mind going. And that’s part of it’s charm. Sure it costs more to send something in a box but the reality is 97% of the time it will get opened. I think that’s a pretty good tradeoff.

As just one idea, if you want to reach a certain celebrity client or some other VIP send them a sample of your art but send it in a box. Chances are it will get opened.

As an added bonus, have fun designing your box. Give it a bit of personality. Draw on it, write on it, color it, make it fun and distinct.

Sending something in box will really make it stand out in today’s cluttered world. It’s smart marketing so try it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Doug Farrick
President, Art Marketing Association

Is there a specific manufacturer that you really, really, REALLY want to work with?  Having trouble getting their attention?  Maybe if you create a custom marketing package just for them and mail it, in a box, it might be the thing that gets their attention.

Or maybe you want to tell your current clients just how much you value their business.  Maybe you want to box up a little treat and send it their way – make them feel appreciated. (I just thought of that as I typed and believe I may be adding it to my to-do list!)

How can you do things a little different? Make your art stand out?  Maybe it’s time to think INSIDE THE BOX…

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  Want to learn more about the Art Marketing Association and what it might add to your business?

Click here for access to 3 free months of membership – no strings attached!  Just enter code: taragift

Then I look forward and I think about what I want for the coming year – what things do I want to keep from 2011 and what things could be changed and improved?  And if I want changes – what do I need to do to make them happen?

Here are four tips for making 2012 your best art business year yet…

ONE – Don’t do things the way you always have just because.

Look at how you do things and decide if they are working at an optimal level.  Is there anything you can improve upon?  For example, what did you do last year to let manufacturers know about your art – or to let agents know you were looking for representation if you’d rather not do your own marketing?  Were you happy with the results or would you like to make them even better?  What can you try differently?  Make a list of ideas and then track the results on any new ideas.  Trial and error is often the best way to determine what will work best for you and your business.

TWO – Look for ways to reduce your expenses.

Hopefully you act as a business and keep track of all of the expenses you incur for your art business, separate from your personal expenses.  Take a look at how you spent your money in 2011 and then decide if it was worth it or if the expenses could be changed in any way.  I changed from using Paychex for my payroll processing to Intuit Payroll.  While I spend a little more time each month on accounting and submitting the information each month (maybe 45 minutes a month) – I’ve saved about $900.  Well worth it!  Where can you trim your expenses by changing the way you do things?   Are you spending money on things you don’t need to anymore?

THREE – Maintain the relationships you have built.

While it is easy to always go after new business to build your business, often the best business is with your current clients.  They know you, you know them, hopefully you have a good track record together.  Spend as much time – if not more – fostering the relationships you have as you do trying to build new ones.

FOUR – Don’t forget what makes you unique.

What makes you and your art special in the very competitive field of art licensing?  Don’t try to be a “me too” artist if you see something that seems to be working for others.  Instead, always search for a way that you can bring something unique to the table – that is where you will truly find success.

Every business, like the economy, goes through ups and downs.

It is important to stay positive, stay focused and never assume that what seems to be working is the best way to get something done.  By regularly looking at your business you just might find ways to make things work faster and better!

Wishing you much success!

– Tara Reed

Do you feel like a talented actor with no publicist your website is sits alone when it should be networking and building relationships to help you sell your art.  You can do better!

I was so excited when Daniel Tardent – the expert from the Ask About SEO for Artists call – emailed me a few weeks to tell me that they created a version of this fabulous system for WordPress!   (SEO means Search Engine Optimization and is how websites are ranked when someone searches a term on Google, Yahoo, Bing or any other search engine site.)

I worked through the General Edition a while back and was able to make improvements to all of my websites SEO, WordPress websites and non-WordPress websites.  It’s an easy to follow, no-fluff guide that helps you get better ranking on search engines without stealing all of your creative time.

You don’t need (or want) to pay the people who email you and say they can get you top rankings for $500.  No one can understand your art, your business and your goals AND optimize your website for that.  Not to mention, they simply email everyone with a url – I get emails all the time telling my that this blog isn’t ranking well and they can make it better.  Umm… it’s regularly in the top 5 when you search “art licensing” so they obviously haven’t don’t their homework!

The best person to set up your SEO is you.

• YOU know your art.
• YOU know who you want to find your website.

• And with the SEO System for Artists, YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO DO IT.

Bring the most powerful economic force on the Internet to your artist website with the complete do-it-yourself SEO system for artists, “21 Days To Bring Search Engine Traffic To Your Artist Website”.

Created exclusively for artists by our partner and Beautiful Artist Websites co-founder Daniel Tardent, the Artist SEO Success System solves the big problems that confront artists with SEO and delivers powerful results.

NOW AVAILABLE IN A NEW WORDPRESS EDITION

In recent years, WordPress has developed a huge following with artists around the world because of it’s ease of use and flexible design and extension options. It really is an incredibly powerful website platform which offers evolved SEO capabilities out of the box.

Learn how to turn your WordPress Artist Website into an Art Marketing Machine with the new “Artist SEO Success System For WordPress”. This new WordPress edition of the BAW SEO Guide includes very specific instructions on exactly what to install and exactly what to do to get your website ranking well in search results.

I had the chance to interview Daniel last week.  We reviewed some of the basics of SEO and then talked about what was different in the WordPress version.

In a nutshell, if you have a WordPress website, you will learn:

– How to decide what key words are being used by the people you want to attract to your website
– How to organize your website for optimal results
– What plugins to install and how to install them – to get great SEO results for your site
– Step-by-step instructions – including screen shots (love that!) – showing you how to enter your information
– and more…

Listen to the 30 minute audio online by clicking the play button below or download the mp3 and listen on your iPod or computer at your leisure.

If you choose to download the audio, please remember these IMPORTANT NOTES:

• If you use Internet Explorer and have trouble with the download, try using a different browser – Firefox and Chrome usually have no issues.
• Also make sure pop-up blockers are off if you have trouble – the link you get will prompt a file download.  Thanks!  My goal is to have fewer customer service emails so I can keep working.

Buy or learn more about the WordPress Edition*

Buy or learn more about the General Edition*

Unconditional Money Back Guarantee.

Here’s to your creative – and high ranking – success!

– Tara Reed

P.S. If you haven’t already, you can get a free hour-long Ask Call replay where Daniel answered lots of questions about SEO submitted by artists like you.  Head to www.AskAboutSEOforArtists.com now!

By wandering the aisles of a variety of stores and looking at the products with an art licensing mindset, you can discover:

1. If your art is similar to the types of art you see on products
2. The artistic elements that are required to create different types of products and
3. Get an idea of what types of products could be a fit for your art.

So what is the art licensing mindset required to do “Shopping Research”? When you are shopping to find something to buy, you look for designs that appeal to you, that fit your home, the occasion or the purpose of your purchase. When you shop for research, you take your likes and dislikes out of the equation. You are looking at the types of art on products being sold in the stores.

Let’s say you do landscape art and you want to see if it might work or where it might work for licensing. You go to a mass merchandise store and start in the paper party goods aisle, because it is closest to the entrance. Do you see any landscape art on paper plates or napkins? If so, start your research. If not, go to another aisle with another type of product.

The Seven Steps to Art Licensing Shopping Research

1. Find a product that may use your style or theme of art.
2. Turn the product over and make a note of who the manufacturer is. If there is a website, be sure to make a note of that as well.
3. Go home and get on the internet. Enter the website or do a search for the company and find a website.
4. Look for “Artist Submissions”, “Art Submission Guidelines” or a “Contact Us” page. Some companies give artists all the details for submitting designs for consideration online, others do not.
5. If no submission guidelines are online, call or email and find out who to talk to about art needs.
6. Ask if they license art. Some companies use only in-house designs, others only buy outright. You want to find the companies that license.
7. When you find the right person to speak to, introduce yourself and ask how you can show your art for consideration.

If you get in the habit of looking for potential manufacturers to contact every time you go to a store and researching and contacting the companies when you get home, you will be well on your way to licensing your art.

Here’s a video demonstration to show you just how easy it is…

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

Regardless of when you created your website, when is the last time you looked at it to make sure it was all that it could be?

I like to review my art website 2-3 times a year.  I always go through it with a critical eye in February – a few months before SURTEX to make sure what manufacturers will see before, during and after the show is as good as it can be.  Then one or two other times a year I go through and make sure things are good.

Here is a quick checklist of what I look at:

• Home page – is the look of the page giving a good first impression?  Can people tell what I do quickly?  Is the text as strong as it can be from a marketing standpoint and is it relevant – or can it be changed to be even better?
• Visuals – are the visuals on my site up to date and do they represent my best work?  Do they appear current or are there some that look dated and should be changed out?
• About page – is this up to date and does it give people a better sense of me as an artist and of my business?
• Speed – is my website loading quickly enough and if not, what can I fix or change to make it better?

In addition to these basics, I also do a quick SEO (Search Engine Optimization) review.  Checking keywords and descriptions for each page.  I look at Google Analytics to see what keywords they see as most relevant to my website and see if I agree…

I just reviewed my site and dusted off my copy of SEO for Artists* by Daniel Tardent.  You might remember him from the Ask About SEO for Artists call we did over a year and a half ago.  It was a great reminder of the basics and I used some new tips that I hadn’t implemented the first go round.

If you don’t have it already, I recommend you go to www.AskAboutSEOforArtists.com and register to get the free mp3 replay of the call I did with Daniel. It is full of great information – he answered questions submitted by artists like you so chances are, you have some of these questions too.

If you are serious about optimizing your website, I also encourage you to consider his eBook – SEO for Artists*.

Here’s a video I did before the call that is still relevant today – and now closed captioned! – How SEO for Artists is Like making a Google Field Goal.  Enjoy!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to your creative website’s success!

– Tara Reed

Multiple Streams of Income: An Online Course
Runs July 10-20, 2011

Attention Artists and Crafters!

• Are you struggling to make a living doing what you love?
• Do you feel like you are working all the time and getting nowhere?
• Do you feel overwhelmed and confused about all the ways artists and crafters can make money?
• Are you always jumping from one idea to the next without following through on anything?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this online course is designed for you!

Laura Bray, an artist with an M.B.A., will teach you how to create income by doing what you love. Specifically designed for the creative personality, this online course will teach you how to develop a successful business and how to have fun while you do it!

In this course, you will:
• Learn that creating multiple streams of income is the fastest way to reach your financial goals while making a living a doing what you love.
• Learn how to leverage your artwork and projects to make money for you over and over.
• Learn how to create passive income. You can be independently employed, go on vacation, and still make money!
• Find out the many ways an artist or crafter can make money from their art. You probably haven’t even thought of some of them!
• Learn from experts in creative income areas such as, getting published in magazines and books, working as a professional craft designer, using print-on-demand websites like Café Press and licensing your artwork.
• Create a personalized work plan, outlining your income choices and the steps you need to take to make your plan a reality.

You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!  Here’s what’s included in your online course:

• Access to the private, online community on the Ning network. The website will be the main hub and will be updated daily with:
• 7 Lesson Plans about the various income choices you have as an artist/crafters
• Expert articles, giving you information about various income streams from experts in:
• Professional Craft Design with expert Ana Arujo
• Getting Published in Books and Magazines with expert Jenny Doh
• Licensing with expert Tara Reed
• Print on Demand (Café Press) with expert Jen Goode
• The course website will be active from July 10-20, 2011, but you will have access to it until September 1, 2011. Work at your own pace and when your schedule permits!
• The opportunity to make new friends and brainstorm with like-minded, creative people in the online, course forum
• And much more!

This ecourse is being offered at only $39. This is an incredible deal that you don’t want to let pass by.

To sign-up for the class go to: http://bit.ly/j157s1*

Once your payment is received, via Paypal, you will receive an attendance confirmation (within 24 hours) and information about accessing the ecourse. If you have any questions, contact Laura Bray at laura@katydid-designs.com

About Laura Bray
Laura Bray is an artist with an MBA. After 18 years as a Controller and HR Consultant, Laura rediscovered her creative abilities and began her career as an artist, designer and crafter. Her artwork is collected internationally, and can be found in numerous books and magazines. Laura uses her business background to help others make a living doing what they love. You can learn more about Laura and see her work at www.katydiddys.blogspot.com.

Here’s what alumni students have to say about my online courses:

“Many thanks Laura for an excellent course. Your eClass was EXTREMELY helpful and your “voice” was one I could relate to. I will be back to take future courses with you!”
-Vicki O’Dell

“I am so pleased to have signed up for this course. Prior to signing up I was somewhat reluctant because I did not know if taking the course would help me in my artistic endeavors. I am happy that my reluctance did not prevail. This course has helped me learn and see opportunities I did not know were available. Plus, it has given me a direction/path to follow and has allowed me the chance to develop new goals. And I’ve also met a new community of artists during the course.”
-Christine Lehto

“I was already on my way to enjoying multiple streams of income, but before this course my approach was scattered and uncertain. I felt overworked and overwhelmed by the enormity of organizing my methods to grow my business, and I knew I needed help. The tips and techniques I learned from Laura, other experts, and the other class participants helped to provide the focus and information I needed to achieve my goals.”
-Kelly Pounds

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed