Question: How exactly do I send my press releases and kits out?
It’s been almost a year since I finished the eBook How to Be A Press Friendly Artist. I have received a lot of great feedback and thanks for making the process less daunting and more doable. Recently someone asked this on the Art Licensing Info Facebook page:
Hey, I gobbled up your e-book on becoming a press friendly artist and I plan on following through on all it’s advice. I have a press kit all done like you instructed but I am still unsure of the procedure for sending it out to a newspaper. This is probably more of a computer question – My pdf file is too big for most e-mails to accept it. Do I zip it? When I attach it what do I send in the e-mail itself? Just a basic intro? Thank you!
I thought I’d share my ideas with the group.
Answer: There are a few ways and what will work best will in part depend on the size of what you are sending.
- If you are sending a press release and an image, and both of these files are < 1 mb in size, I attach them directly to an email. (Assuming of course I am sending information digitally and not printing and mailing it the old fashioned way!) When your files become larger than 1 mb, you risk a person’s email system not accepting the email due to size. Different servers have different limits – and remember, the larger the attachments the longer it will take to receive – you don’t want to give a bad impression before your email even arrives!
- You can use a file server that allows you send links to larger files within an email so they can click and download your information. I use YouSendIt.com* to send large files to clients and occasionally larger groups of images to the press. There are other options of course – this is just the one I use. (I subscribe for the yearly service so I can send more than one file at a time – to me it’s worth it to have clients get one email with multiple links rather than 10 or so so I can save $60/year.
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- Use your website. If you have a website, use it! Add links for the press to download press kits and press releases right on your site. You can then add the direct download link into the body of an email if contacting someone directly.
An important thing to remember is to make it as easy as possible for them to get and read your information – the fewer clicks the better. If you can get everything in your email – that’s ideal. Otherwise, keep it to one link whenever possible.
To learn more about How to Be A Press Friendly Artist – go to www.PressFriendlyArtist.com
Here’s to your creative – and well-publicized – success!
– Tara Reed
Last few days to save on The Goal Wheel for Artists – Goal Setting System That Leaves Lots of Room for Creativity!
The sale price of $27 ends on Tuesday, January 31st – have you taken advantage of this deal yet? Not only do you get an audio and transcript, you get an eBook with lots of worksheets to print out and use as well as “Goal Mail” every month for the next 12 months to keep you on track. I created The Goal Wheel for Artists™ because I needed a better way – it works for me and I think it can work for you too.
I took things that worked for me from other goal setting ideas I’ve learned and tried along the way and kept what worked. It’s not too hard. It’s easy to feel good about yourself even if you don’t quite hit every milestone you set for yourself during a given month – that’s the key you know, to feel good.
I want you to be successful too – and that’s why I’m offering the eBook and audio replay for $27 – that’s more than half-off!
Watch this quick video then go to www.TheGoalWheelForArtists.com and get all the details – you and your future are worth it!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
IRS Mileage Deduction Allowances for 2012
At the beginning of each year I double check what mileage deduction rate the IRS is allowing for business travel – and if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to pass it on!
2012 mileage deductions are the same as July-Dec 2011 – 55.5¢ / business mile.
To see the official announcement and details, go to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=250882,00.html
Keep more of your hard earned money by taking every deduction you can for your business!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
This Friday the 13th – don’t be “that” artist…
I’m going to assume that you have seen or at least heard of the Friday the 13th movies… there have been at least 9 or so of them. You know, the ones where cute co-eds go camping, open doors late at night, go for walks in the woods alone – all the dangerous things that make them fall prey to the illustrious Freddie Krueger. The stereotypical horror movies where you KNOW bad things are going to happen but they make you jump anyway… you with me?
Let’s make a pact today NOT to be the girl who opens the door to who-knows-who while wearing next to nothing in the middle of the woods on a dark and rainy night. I mean, THAT girl is just asking for it, right? Don’t be the guy that goes swimming alone in knowingly shark infested waters…
Well… sometimes we are “just asking for it” too. We want success but are we doing what we should be or are we acting as much like those crazy co-eds in Friday the 13th in regards to our business?
If there was a Friday the 13th movie about artists trying to build there businesses – what “don’t do it!” things would these artists be doing?
What would be obvious pitfalls to the 3rd party observer that might seem like a good idea to us? Just for fun, here’s are a few things l I came up with. If you have some other fun ideas – add them in the comments – let’s see if we can get to 13!
1. Talking about what they want to create but not taking action. Talk is cheap but it doesn’t put art on the canvas, repeat patterns in the computer or connect you with manufacturers who license art. Are you taking action to get where you want to go or still in the “dream and discuss” phase?
2. Not following up. If you get an email inquiry or phone call, are you following up in a timely fashion or putting it off for fear of rejection? You want to be the artist with the reputation for being accessible and responsive – that’s what gets you business!
3. Not considering feedback. If you receive the same feedback from at least three sources, I highly recommend you give it some serious thought. Your way might not be the best way and if the manufacturers ask for something different, you are more likely to get the deal if you give it to them. The licensing contracts go to the artists with the art that fits a need the best – not the artist who digs in their heals saying, “This is my vision for the art and I’m not going to change a thing!”
4. Forgetting to put contact information on your website. It happens, I’m telling you! You spend so much time with all the details and the look that you forget that little list of info that lets someone contact you. Don’t be the artist with no phone number or email on your website!
5. Focusing on all the reasons you will never make it. The people who sit around and blame the economy, the industry, the decision makers, their dirty bathrooms that take all their creative time (you get the idea) will rarely be the ones who achieve their goals. Focus on what you want and figure out how to get there – within the parameters of the current state of affairs.
What other “obvious” mistakes or habits might be leading you right to dear old Freddy?
Here’s to your creative success! (without any crazy encounters in the woods!)
– Tara Reed
P.S. Here’s some Friday the 13th nostalgia for you… it’s only 29 seconds so it won’t distract you for long!
P.P.S. Want some help with your mindsets and staying focused on building your art licensing business? Check out the Art Licensing Mindset Series – a 24 week audio postcard program for only $1/week! www.ArtLicensingMindset.com
What is in your art business library?
Another thing I do towards the beginning of each year is review my business library and decide what areas I want to learn more in the coming year. Do I want to take a painting class or learn more about money management? Am I in need of personal growth motivation or some new website skills?
I have a library of books – both physical and digital – that I have learned from and that I turn to to build my business. Do you?
Obviously, if you want to learn about art licensing, I highly recommend any of the eBooks I have written or have co-authored or that I promote through ArtLicensingInfo.com (there is a list just to the right in the “Learn About…” box – see it?)
In addition, here is a list of books I highly recommend any artist have or have read. (You can always find these on the RESOURCES page which I update from time to time – have you ever checked it out?) Many of these are affiliate links so if you learn about them here, click and buy, I earn a few cents to a few dollars that helps me make time to keep on blogging. (therefore – clicks are greatly appreciated.)
Regardless – it is important to not only have the art skills but the business and personal skills to truly be happy and successful in your life.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Watch your postage pennies and hopefully the dollars will take care of themselves!
The Price of Stamps Will Increase on Jaunary 22, 2012
That is less than a month away but you still have some time to plan and save a few hard-earned dollars.
Here are the price increases, according the US Postal Service:
- The cost of Forever stamps will increase by 1 cent. But if you stock up on a supply now at 44¢, you can still use them for letters after the January 22nd price increase.
- Letters (1 oz.) will cost 45 cents. This is a 1-cent increase.
- Additional ounces for letters will remain unchanged at 20 cents.
- Postcards will increase 3 cents to 32 cents.
- Letters to Canada or Mexico will cost 85 cents. This is a 5 cent increase.
- Letters to other international destinations will increase 7 cents to cost $1.05.
Prices also will change for other mailing services, including standard mail, periodicals, package services, and extra services.
SO… if you are considering a postcard mailing, you might want to schedule them to go out before January 22nd. While 3¢ might seem insignificant, you’ll save yourself a cup of Starbucks ($6) if you send 200 postcards on the 21st instead of the 23rd. Sending more? Get coffee for a friend!
Here’s to your creative savings plans!
– Tara Reed
A penny saved is a penny earned. – Benjamin Franklin
Who else wants to understand how to get into illustrating kid’s books?
Over the years I’ve had people ask me about illustrating kids books. I’ve heard different terms thrown around Twitter and scratched my head… like any industry, there are terms you might not know (at least I didn’t!) if you haven’t been educated in the lingo of the illustration market. Many artists who license their work aspire to illustrate kids books. Many illustrators aspire to license their work.
Until now I’ve been able to offer little help or direction since I have little to no experience in this arena. But if you have $5, you can get your own copy of How To Make a Picture Book Dummy In 9 Easy Steps – an eBook by Wendy Martin.
This 22 page eBook covers the following:
- What a picture book dummy is and who should create one
- How to choose a winning project and put your own spin on it
- What to keep in mind while drafting your story
- What makes a good picture book
- What kind of illustrations to present in your dummy and what to include in those illustrations
- How other published author/illustrators work from in-depth interviews (quite a few “Tara’s” – interesting… )
So… if you’ve ever wondered about writing, illustrating or how to prepare something to submit to the Children’s market, you should definitely invest $5 in this book!
(I received a free copy to review but don’t earn any commission if you choose to purchase it – really, how could I ask for part of $5?)
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Learn more about Wendy Martin on her website at WendyMartinIllustration.com or follow her on Twitter @WendyMartinArt
P.P.S. If you want to be a part of a 25 week online group challenge to make a picture book dummy – it starts 1/9! Get all the details here >> http://kidlitart.blogspot.com/2012/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html
Ready to join the revolution? Check out the Hello Soul – Hello Business class by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls
I am quite honored to have been asked to participate in the newest online course (I hate to call it that because I really believe it is going to be so much more than that!) by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls. When I look at the other people involved I pretty much pinch myself and say “Really? Little ol’ me gets to do this?” It is so exciting to be a part of something that says “Yes! You can have your art and your cake too! No need to starve! No need to sell your soul! Find your passion and find your way…”
This isn’t just about how to license your art or how to figure out if art licensing is a fit for you and your art – this is about finding that “fit” between earning a living and doing what you yearn to do. I fully expect to be blown away, inspired, and left speechless at the end – I can assure you I’ll be there at every one of these soul sessions!
That is me paraphrasing… here is how they describe the Hello Soul – Hello Business
The Business Soul Sessions is brought to you by internationally-renowned mixed media artist and author Kelly Rae Roberts, and award-winning entrepreneur Beth Nicholls, founder of Do What You Love. This collaboration was born out of a shared vision to revolutionise the way entrepreneurs approach business. We want to inspire a new generation of business owners who build businesses with soul, infuse them with beauty, and have a positive impact in the world. And we want those business owners to flourish, embrace abundance, and make more money than they thought possible doing what they love.
photo credit: Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon
This revolutionary online course consists of nine powerful Business Soul Sessions, delivered over nine weeks from January 16 2011. Brought to you by the entrepreneurial powerhouse of Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls, this experience will be rich and deep, fulfilling and inspiring. Each Soul Session focuses on a particular aspect of building your business. Sessions consist of:
- Thought-provoking posts that will have you thinking about business in completely new, inspiring ways – ways that will get you excited to breathe more life and soul into your business model, so that more joy and profit results
- Juicy audio discussions between us – Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls – where we spill the beans on exactly how we have grown our businesses (never-before-heard, in-depth sharing of best mistakes, worst mistakes, actual $ figures and more)
- LIVE webinars where you get to ask us anything you’d like – insightful advice and commentary will be shared as part of this conversation
- Real life case studies – where we dissect and offer growth strategies for the actual businesses of a handful of students from the class
- Interviews with highly influential business and thought leaders sharing invaluable insights and advice
- Prompts to spark lively discussions with other entrepreneurs in the class
- An abundance of mini-masterclasses to solve those burning practical questions (see below)
- Challenging and insightful exercises to help you dive deep, dream big and plan properly to enliven the soul of your business while making more money than you thought possible.
Together we will create a soul + profit roadmap for your business, resulting in more beauty, more profit, more joy and a real positive impact in the world.
All this PLUS a private community space to connect and share with others from all over the world
Class starts Monday, 1/16. To learn more, head to HelloSoulHelloBusiness.com.
Be sure to look at the amazing group of people Kelly Rae and Beth have assembled for this event here: http://hellosoulhellobusiness.com/whos-incontributors/
Enough of my babbling – check it out and decide if it feels like a fit for you.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you decide to sign up, I’d appreciate it if you say you heard about it from me at registration – there isn’t a formal affiliate program but I get some props for helping artists find their way to this very cool concept!
Start 2012 off with a defined plan to achieve your goals – The Goal Wheel for Artists is more than half-off in January!
Yup! It’s that time of year again… the beginning of a brand new year. Clean slate. A time when many people look back at what worked and what could be improved from the last year and look forward to what they want to create and achieve in the coming year.
2011 was pretty life-altering for me in many ways. I got engaged (and yes – I told many people I would NEVER get married again so the old saying, “Never say never…”? I’m a believer!) My fiance and I bought a house that we are doing some serious remodeling on. The college search is in full-swing for my son who will graduate in 2012 – this year! My brother had twins – big surprise there! You get the idea…
So now I’m turning my attention forward to 2012 – what do I want to do, be and have in my life in the coming year? And how will I stay focused longer than the average person who makes a resolution to “get to the gym more” each and every New Year’s Eve?
I will be using The Goal Wheel for Artists to help me stay on track for my business, home renovations, college process and some misc personal wishes.
I know that this goal setting system works – I designed it and I use it. I took things that worked for me from other goal setting ideas I’ve learned and tried along the way and kept what worked. It’s not too hard. It’s easy to feel good about yourself even if you don’t quite hit every milestone you set for yourself during a given month – that’s the key you know, to feel good.
I want you to be successful too – and that’s why I’m offering the eBook and audio replay for $27 – that’s more than half-off!
Watch this quick video then go to www.TheGoalWheelForArtists.com and get all the details – you and your future are worth it!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Do you document your systems?
We all have systems for many, many things – even if we don’t really think of them as “systems”. We’ve been talking about systems in my house a lot lately… my fiancé is living with me for a few months while we get the new house we bought remodeled. The kitchen seems to be the biggest source of discussion – apparently my systems are feeling a little too complicated for him and I don’t understand why. (Isn’t it always the way?)
Let’s use the dishwasher as an example. I have lived with this dishwasher for 7 years and know the most efficient way to load it. I have my son 80% trained on how I like it done – Craig is at about 50% but trying… You simply get fewer glasses falling over and breaking if the tall glasses are on the right and the short on the left. You fit more plates if all the dinner plates are on the left and salad on the right on the bottom. I’m not being anal-retentive, I just understand my dishwasher.
Craig was a bachelor for 16 years. His way of dealing with a dishwasher is to throw things in where ever and when it’s getting full, organize it better, get a few more things in and then turn it on. My brains says “you are doing extra work if you have to reorganize – why not load it efficiently the first time?”
We won’t even get into the “active” and “inactive” food system in the fridge… 
Basically a “system” is a way you do things when you do them more than once.
So have you stopped to consider the systems you have in your art licensing business? There are more processes than you probably realize. There is a way to log onto the internet and check Facebook, LinkedIn and any other social media sites you frequent. There is a way you go about creating your art and getting it ready to send to manufacturers. Maybe you have a system for your book keeping – every Friday you open QuickBooks and enter your expenditures and income. How do you update your website?
Most of us are what people call solo-preneurs – we do everything in our business on our own, or, solo. It becomes hard to delegate tasks when how they are done are all in your head.
When I went through the eMyth Group Mastery program I started documenting how I did things with the idea that I could hand it to someone else to do. Maybe I’d hire an assistant or heaven forbid, what if I got really sick and someone had to help me out?
I discovered that by documenting my systems I made myself more efficient.
I didn’t have to wrack my brain to remember how I did something that I only do from time to time – I could refer to my notes. When you write things down you also see ways to make things go more quickly – if you do, update your notes!
I encourage you to look at what you do regularly and take the time to write it down. It can help you in a multitude of ways! To read more about systems, read this blog post by eMyth called 5 Steps for Documenting Your Systems.
Wishing you much success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. I have no plan to document my dishwasher system – the ridicule that would ensue from my teenager and Craig would be more than this artist could handle!
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