“Season 2013/14”  is coming to a close and the barrage of Art Fairs, Opening Exhibits and Art Shows will lessen.  The Rickie Report would like to share some observations.

 

 

“2013/14 Season”: Some observations

 

 

We are particularly aware that a LOT of us stay here, year-round and therefore, sharing your creativity ( visual or performing arts) is a constant. For those who are snowbirds or snowflakes, we expect to hear from you while you are away!

 

Life and Art and Creativity Happen Year-Round!

 

What we love:

 

Emerging artists who are trying to find a path to share their work.

Artists who are eager to help others in their community without fear of ownership.

Artists who relish sharing ideas!

Artists who understand that though they may not SELL on the internet, they NEED to have a web presence (simple website, landing page or splash page)!

 

What makes us cringe:

 

An artist with no business cards.

Artists who have paid BIG money to be part of an Art Show and have no signage (but DO have a sign saying they accept credit cards).

Entering artwork that does not meet the requirements of the exhibit ( i.e. no wire to hang their painting, no price or NFS indication, work that is still wet).

 

Waiting until the week (or 2) before your event to contact us, to help with your publicity campaign.  In the real business world, we have deadlines ( just like rent and car payments).  We want to tell the world about your event, but we need your cooperation to do it in a timely way!    Contact us as soon as you are accepted.  Your event will have a publication date.  Then, you can send us your information and jpegs. (We’ll remind you).  If you’re reading this and wondering if we want to know 6 months before the event actually takes place – the answer is “yes”.  At the same time, we understand that sometimes shows “pop-up” at the last minute.  Email us and see if there is an opening for publication – you never know.

 

 

This is a good time to take stock – not just of your physical inventory.  Take a look at HOW you go about doing business.  If you are part of an art exhibit or show, if you are paying for a space and you have price tags on your work… you are running a BUSINESS.

 

 

This is the bright spot of entrepreneurism  – Palm Beach County, in particular is a GREAT place to accomplish your goals.  And just as having a home demands certain responsibilities, so does having a business. We’re sharing a short list of the necessities for you and your business to flourish.

 

1. Professionally printed business cards that are legible (fancy fonts are artistic, but once reduced to the size of a business card, are often too difficult to read).  Please include Your Name, Business Name, Phone Number, Email, Website address.

 

2.  When you are taking part in a Show or other venue, have a legible sign with your name, business name and give us a hint about what you are selling ( how can someone remember to come back to your booth later?)

 

3.  Is everything priced?  Do you have a small card explaining the product, the process?  Good practice idea: polymer clay artists show a package of clay, a slab of conditioned clay and then a project midway.  NOW your viewers can better understand that you really didn’t paint those tiny little lines – you blended and stacked and cut until your artistic creation became what you are selling in your booth.  We’re not suggesting that you give away any of your secrets, just helping educate the public so they understand the effort that went into your product!

 

 

4. Attend local artist-oriented events (Artists of Palm Beach County, Artists Association of Jupiter, Boca Raton Museum of Art Artists’ Guild, Delray Beach Art League, Lighthouse ArtCenter, National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), Plein Air Artists of Palm Beach, Wellington Art Society just to name a few).    Go to other artists’ events.  Mingle. Network. See what is happening around you. Support other artists!

 

5. Send your name and email address to be added to the Think Tank, so you can become involved in Art Synergy and MORE  (send to Rolando Barrero:  rolandobarrero@me.com ) .   Attend a Think Tank meeting.  Meet artists of other mediums, styles and locations.  The ideas that are born there incubate into MAJOR events!

 

6. Do you have a Facebook Page? Here is the place to let everyone know your newest project or event!  Some artists show photos of newly sold artwork ( jewelry, paintings, etc) with their new owners – we LOVE this idea – it shows real people purchasing your artwork!

 

7.  Try something new.  Are you in a slump? Go to a demonstration, class or workshop that gives you the opportunity to try a new medium without making the initial investment of new materials.

 

8.   Read The Rickie Report.  Send us your suggestions for topics you’re interested in learning more about.

 

 

9. Let us know your good news – we’d love to share it!   What is the first thing you should do once you’ve been accepted to a gallery, exhibit, art show, art fair or other venue?  Send me an email with the “Who, What, Where, When”.  Let’s talk about   how you can use The Rickie Report to market you and your event.

 

10.  Not sure where to find a resource?  Send us an email.  We’ll help you network and find a solution.

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

 

561-537-0291