A friend of ours writes for the incredibly successful Design*Sponge and told me about a seminar that they were having in Baltimore. It's an occasional meet-up for artists and designers interested in marketing and selling their own wares, either through an actual bricks-and-mortar store, or on the web, either in an Esty shop or a dedicated website.
The event was held at the American Museum of Visionary Arts and attracted more than 150 guests. There were four mini-seminars on marketing and public relations, retail tips, legal and accounting issues, and pricing and wholesale suggestions. Everyone rotated between the four speakers, including Grace Bonney, who spoke on PR. Hers was the best presentation, mostly because she does this all of the time and has it down to a science.
All of the information has been compiled and is available here. Most of it was good practical advice, nothing earth-shattering. But if you've just come from four years at art school and want to market your art and designs, then this was probably a huge help. If you're like me, a seasoned PR professional, I know it to my bones!
I didn't take pictures during the event, but did take some of the gardens at the Visionary Arts Museum, which is an amazing place.
Sounds like an amazing event to attend - wish they had one in NC! I will check these out for sure - thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat seeing you last night, Meg!
ReplyDeleteAnne
Man I wanted to go to that, but I had class :(
ReplyDeleteI just knew you would be there - thanks for posting the info - very good stuff - I was thinking it might be good to go to the event in Boston but maybe all this info will be good enough.
ReplyDeleteMarnie... the only thing I wish they'd done was to have everyone introduce themselves and tell what they do/make. Or else everyone bring something and do a swap.
ReplyDeleteI totally missed that one so thank you for taking the time to post the notes link! Were there any hydgrangeas in the museum garden?
ReplyDeleteSD... I didn't see any hydrangeas. But then, I didn't really look at the gardens.
ReplyDeleteMy mistake, I thought you'd posted that you'd taken pictures of the gardens at the Visionary Arts Museum.
ReplyDeleteSD...I took them from the meeting room (bottom image) on the third floor. Images 2 + 3 are the garden and the courtyard between the buildings.
ReplyDeleteNow I've got it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info about the downloading! I may be in need of it in short term future!
ReplyDeleteI like that shot at the top. But then, I love skylines...
ReplyDeleteJeez, I'm having a fit just deciding whether or not to monetize my blog... .
Thanks, E&E! It's a great angle for a skyline shot. Too bad it was sooooo humid that evening!
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