These are some of the internet and email marketing tips I have learned over the years. From 1999-2005 I taught Marketing for Artists at A Carolina Gallery on an annual basis. My artwork has been showing internationally and in NYC for over ten years.
I have been on line since 1993 with a web presence since 1994 and was published in Carolina Arts in 2001. I believe having an email address and a web page is just like having a phone number. It is expected by galleries, other artists, business owners, interior designers, and many of your customers and potential buyers. I have been really surprised recently to find there are still a lot of artists that wish they had a website but have no idea how to go about getting one. It is your online portfolio. When we are in group shows and a person goes home and has 30 cards in their pockets, do you think they will remember who had what? With a website on your business card they can look and refresh their memory, who was who.
Those of you that are reading this have email/Internet access and that is a start. I have spoken to a few artists during the past two evenings at art shows that have told me they do not know how to use email or they do not type. So you guys are definitely ahead of the curve.
I thought I would forward this I-village website ilearn.ivillage.com because they currently have FREE online courses that are of interest to our group: How To Build Your First Web Page and Start up Basics for the First Time Entrepreneur. [Website note: At the time of this writing (Dec 2007) enrollment for these classes was available. Click on the link above to check on current offerings.]
Having a web page isn't enough, you must let people know of its existence and you can start by putting it on your card. There are a lot of things you can do, if someone shows you how. Something that's fun and gets your art noticed is having a slide show. For those of you that already use a digital camera, go to www.slide.com and follow the three easy steps. You can use their services even without a website: you can make one and email it to people. It tells you all about it on their website.
I have many more ideas about getting your artwork out there and making a name for yourself. I love doing search engine optimization and internet PR. Some of you know that I do art marketing consulting, and would be happy to teach you what I know. Initial consultations include portfolio, branding and web presence review and recommendations based on your goals. What that means is I discover where you are, what you are currently doing and where you would like to go and then I teach you the skills you need to do what you want to do. Or if you prefer, I handle the internet marketing for you. We can set up a marketing plan for 2008. Now is a good time to make an appointment with me.
My degree is in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. I recently earned a certificate in Web Tools at Midlands Tech. and went to Ebay University last year and am certified by Ebay as well. I also had an Amazon bookstore throughout the 90's and into the early part of this century. I currently write a blog online called ARTSAILS1 Art News.
You can find that at artsails1.blogspot.com. I also have a website at www.jeanbourque.com. So be thinking about your 2008 goals and make a plan to call me 803-546-4612 or email me at artsails1@aol.com, and let's talk. ART members receive a 10% discount.
Yours Truly,
Jean Bourque
Phone: 803-546-4612
Email: artsails1@aol.com
Website: www.jeanbourque.com
Blog: artsails1.blogspot.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/jeanbourque
Flickr: www.flickr.com/jeanbourque
