There’s no shame in helping others see your value.
Do an event and benefit from its marketing!
Handmade in Britain has fast become a leader in the craft field. High end shows with a primed audience built over a decade and a half, with the addition of a permanent online selling platform. Its shows are highly revered, and every event is underpinned by extensive marketing.
With shows that stretch across the globe and yearly visitor numbers of around 185,000, this is a great place to be seen! This organisation can boast the sale of 485,000 pieces of original work in the 24 years it has been active. Affordable Art Fair also has a great website to sell work.
Top Drawer takes place twice a year in London and encompasses everything from art, to homewares to jewellery to fashion to food … It is a one-stop trade event and a great way to show the world what you do and why you do it. Customers are vital, but so are those industry professionals who will share your work with the world.
Top Tip: Tell your story!
Your story is unique to you and it is your greatest asset. Your work only exists because of you, your experience and what inspires you. Share it, share it and share it again! Your story will resonate with others.
Work in a supportive environment
Cockpit Arts is a leading light in the creative community: a home for artist studios, a business incubator, a support network, a standard bearer for the industry. Cockpit Arts is revered for good reason.
One of the largest single site art spaces in the UK and home to 270 artists, makers and designers, Wimbledon Art Studios is a community and a support network. It holds two events a year to celebrate its inhabitants and it is a rich source of talent for those looking to buy original work.
For more workspace ideas, see Creative Resources: Studio Spaces
Top Tip: Connect with likeminded people and organisations
Whether it be in the real – or virtual – world, connect with those who share your passions and your creative outlook. Foster a world that inspires, supports and celebrates your business and your creative life and journey.
Need further help? Do a course:
There are many courses available in the art of self-promotion. This online course is run by Central St Martins.
The Design Trust is a fabulous organisation run by Patricia van den Akker, who is a force of nature! The Design Trust is a limitless – and endlessly positive – resource and I cannot recommend it enough.
Top Tip: Generosity
Generosity works wonders. If you support and champion other creative people, they will reciprocate in kind.
Apps and Websites
Social media soaks up minutes like a sponge! Devote a small amount of time to social media every day and stick to it. Then get on with your day!
While not the most popular tool for creatives these days, Twitter is still a great way to connect with likeminded people across the globe. Use Twitter positively and it can pay dividends.
Another popular resource where creatives can share work, accrue followers and follow others. An extra perk: every project on Behance has a unique URL which can be shared!
Instagram, it’s become a go-to for creatives. Use it to share your process, what inspires you and of course your finished work. Follow people with the same interests and others will follow you. Ensure your images are tagged so your work is linked to you, and others can find it in searches.
See here for alternative social channels and tips on navigating social media!
Top Tip: What to share
Share what you want, just make sure that whatever you send out into the world is truthful and has a direct connection with your business and what it stands for.
And finally…
Here is a helpful article from 99Designs that goes into more detail. It is geared towards Graphic Designers, but the points raised here are very pertinent:
Marketing yourself as a designer
And if you feel the need to study further, here are some very helpful books:
Marketing for introvert creatives – Pete Mosley’s book – “The Art of Shouting Quietly”
Brag Better: Master the Art of Fearless Self Promotion
Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead
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