June 9, 2008

A publication of ArtBizCoach.com



 

 Start Promoting Your Exhibit Now, Part 2: Break Down Tasks

We’re continuing the series on how to promote your art now rather than waiting until the last minute. If you missed Part 1 last week, find it here. You’ll need to read it and do the homework before you can begin promoting your art exhibit or event, so don’t miss that critical step.


Kathleen Fisher, Three Dummies. Photograph.   (c) The Artist
http://tinypurplefishphotography.blogspot.com

Now it’s time to make a list of everything you’d like to do to promote your exhibit. As you’re making this task list, keep your audience in mind. Who needs to know you’re having an exhibit? Whom would you like to show up at your exhibit opening? What magazines or newspapers should cover it?

Here’s a list of 22 tasks to get you started promoting your art exhibit.

Write solid description of the art and contents of the exhibit (from Part 1 of this series)
Post title, photos, and dates on Web site
Update mailing list
Update media list
Mention on blog, and then mention frequently on blog
Refer to it in your newsletter
Write press release
Post press release
Send a “save the date” announcement
Create and post flyers
Pitch to arts writers and critics, and to local or Internet radio shows
Create a podcast or two
Make a video and post on YouTube
Pitch to other bloggers
Order postcards or invitations
Tweet about it on twitter.com
Give a talk at a local organization
Add to Facebook page on facebook.com
Send invitations
Announce on craigslist.org
Make phone calls to extend personal invitations to certain people
Send last-minute email reminder

Take each of these tasks and expand on them as much as you like. Break them down further, add specifics, or delete them. Make them your own!

In Part 3 of the series, we’ll look at executing these tasks.


Know This . . .
Promoting an exhibit seems overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller tasks makes it more doable.

Think About This . . .
You can’t expect too much if you wait until the last minute to create enthusiasm about your exhibit.

Do This . . .
Start promoting your art exhibit now. This week’s homework is to break down your promotions into individual tasks. Your list may not look exactly like the one above. It has to be the right fit for you, so take time to personalize it.

What does your list of tasks for promoting your exhibit in advance look like? What have I forgotten? Tell us and listen in on the podcast on the Art Biz Blog.
http://www.artbizblog.com 
 


You are welcome to use this article on your website, blog, or in your newsletter as long as you include this complete credit line: Copyright 2008 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.


 
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