Time to Reflect

This time of year is often one that rushes by with events, obligations, time spent with family and friends and although those are great times - there is often lost the opportunity to reflect.
Reflection can mean many things - but one that I am focused on today is the reflection on the work we do that is meaningful to us.
It may be a time to look at that with new eyes, consider new opportunities and reach for higher goals. I am just passing on my thoughts and I hope to be able to take time in the next few weeks for that type of reflection - to look at my "busy work" with new eyes - open to possibilities, changes and new adventures.
A joyful Christmas wish to all of you!

Notes on Self-Promotion

"Serenity" - Courtesy of Island Art Publishers and Andy Everson - Canadian Artist

Many artists find self-promotion difficult, yet today this can be a necessary part of the job to let people know that you and your work exist in a world flooded with imagery of all types and qualities.

Again, some very basic logic applies:

• You cannot be all things to all people - have you assessed where your work fits and narrowed your promotion to the websites, galleries, publishers, retail outlets, shows etc. that are the best fit for you. Example: If you specialize in Equestrian Art - would you want to advertise in a publication that is solely for lovers of fine wine? Unless there is a definite correlation that you can identify - you need to narrow your focus.
• Self-promotion is no more than telling people what you do. When you find the areas of focus -don't be bashful, but don't feel you need to do more than let people know who you are and what you do.
• Be yourself! One of the worst things you can do is try to copy other artist's approach. The most important thing about you is that you are unique! So just be yourself and let that and your art speak.
• Lastly in this little logic grouping is to be consistent. When you have found a focus - just keep the message going. People don't always notice when you talk the first time - or even the second or third - but they do notice when you are consistent. One example: When I owned a gallery a few years ago and was accepting artist submissions, I often came across a good artist but did not have time or space to include them at the time. The ones that kept coming back or kept in contact and let me know what they were up to were inevitably at least granted an opportunity to meet and discuss the work if not invited to show.

Keep up the great work - all of you!

Art Submission Tips

One of the things most asked by Artists is how to submit to a publisher or company and not be immediately rejected. A couple of common tips will certainly help:

1. Do your research. Are you approaching the right publisher - what are they looking for - is your work right for them. Check their website, ask for guidelines and look at other art they are offering. If your type of work is not there that could be a sign they don't publish work like yours - but dig deeper and you might find that your work is what they are missing. Either way - research is indispensible.
2. Don't send everything you have. Narrow down your submission to one or two themes or styles and provide at least 6 images on each theme or style along the lines that your research has pointed you in. If you are very prolific or divergent in styles - send a couple of single examples of other styles as an addendum. Don't try to present everything at once.
3. Follow submission guidelines. If the publisher provides them - follow the guidelines. If they ask for a CD of digital images - don't send a packet of photocopies. Each publisher will want to save time in selection and if they can see every submission in the same format that will help. Also pay attention to whom to send the submission to, deadlines, times of year and any other pertinent bits of information.
4. Send a "brief" biography and business card with your website address. Again, the temptation is to list all your accomplishments, shows, galleries and the titles of all of your paintings. Keep the initial info brief. Think of it in the same way you would introduce yourself to someone you have just met and then invite them to get more information by way of your website.

Remember the best submission is the one that actually gets viewed. Good Luck.

Art Market Resources

Today I was pleased to see the feature that our company - Island Art Publishers - has received on the back cover and inside the 2008 resource book, "Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market". This is a book and website www.artists-market.com, that I have often recommended as it lists publishers and companies who are looking for or accepting submissions from artists for work ranging from creative for advertising to fine art publication.

Just reading through the publication is an education as it will highlight the current market situation by advising artists and graphic designers of what companies are looking for, what they expect in the way of submissions and often what they will pay. By visiting many of the listed company websites you will also find key resources and information on the market, where other artists are selling their work and how to approach and make contact with key industry professionals.