self-promotion

Black-and-white painting of a dog by Elizabeth Petrulis

The Art Biz ep. 63: Pitching Your Story to My Podcast or Anyone Else’s

I’m always on the lookout for artists with interesting business stories to tell.

I consider it my good fortune when I find them from one of my students or clients, and am equally happy when the story appears from beyond my immediate circle.

But I know there are hundreds and thousands of more stories out there that are waiting to be told. Not just to this podcast and blog, although that would be lovely, but to other podcasts, blogs, and media.

Make The Argument

I’m not crazy about the word “pitch” but I’m going with it. I use it in the sense that you are making an argument for something. You’re making an argument that I should pay attention to who you are and the art you make.

I specifically say “pitching your story” rather than “pitching your art” because most artists could benefit from massaging the stories they tell about themselves. You might not call it that, but it’s something that you’re constantly doing.

I’m more likely to pay attention to your art if you have a compelling story than if you ask me to buy, buy, buy.

  • You’re pitching your story when you post about your art on social media.
  • You’re pitching your story when you send an email to your list.
  • You’re pitching your story when you submit to an exhibition.
  • You’re pitching your story when you ask for gallery representation.
  • And take a minute to let this sink in. You’re (hopefully) pitching your story when you tell anyone you’re an artist. Anyone. At any point.

What I’m sharing will not only help you get featured on the Art Biz Podcast, but will also serve you when you pitch to other podcasts, bloggers, writers, and publications.

The more interviews you do and the more experience you get, the better you become at telling your story. You will also grow your audience and maybe even sell some art or attract new students and social media followers. You never know who is listening. Here are 5 steps for pitching your story.

The Art Biz ep. 63: Pitching Your Story to My Podcast or Anyone Else’s Read

22 Social Media Updates That Won't Bore Your Followers | Art Biz Coach

22 Social Media Updates About Your Show That Won’t Bore Your Followers

You’re having an exhibition of your art. Congratulations!

The promotional postcards are designed and ready to be sent. Check! You’ve planned a couple of emails to your list. Check!

Now … what can you share with your friends, fans, and followers that is more interesting than “Come see my show!” but relates the message that they’re really going to miss out if they’re not there?

How do you tweet, post, shoot, and pin your exhibition without boring your followers and yourself?

22 Social Media Updates About Your Show That Won’t Bore Your Followers Read

Jenny Wilson's fine art studio in Denver

Art Marketing Tip: Share, Don’t Sell

If you are struggling with the thought of marketing your art – if it seems unnatural to you – I’m going to relieve some of the pressure for you right now.

Stop thinking about selling so much!

You don’t have to be a salesperson or do anything that isn’t natural. All you have to be is confident in your work and enthusiastic about sharing it with others.

You have to believe that what you have is of value to others, even if the value is pure delight.

Selling Suggests Pressure

Think of all the anxiety around sales and selling:

Art Marketing Tip: Share, Don’t Sell Read

Too commercial?

What does it mean for an artist to be “too commercial”? Is it possible for an artist to be “too commercial”? Do you envy people who are bold with their commercial-ness? What is the upside of commerciality?

Too commercial? Read

Joey Frisillo, Cloud Races. Oil

Increase Business with Testimonials

Artists publish testimonials in brochures and on websites to share the experience clients have had with them. A powerful testimonial is particularly effective for artists who work in the following realms: Teaching classes and workshops Accepting commissioned work such as portraits or custom jewelry Competing for public art projects Testimonials are valuable in these three

Increase Business with Testimonials Read

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Your Artist Mailing List: Rethinking + Assessing

Get a transcript of episode 182 of The Art Biz (Rethinking Mailing Lists for Artists) followed by a 3-page worksheet to evaluate the overall health and usage of the 3 types of artist lists.

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