Creative Resources: Self-Promotion

12 months ago 3 months agoEllie IsaacsInsights, Insights for Creatives

Creative Resources: Self-Promotion

“There’s no shame in helping others see your value.”

Many creatives shy away from self-promotion fearing they’ll be branded arrogant, but their fear is misplaced. If you don’t tell people about what you do – and why you do it – how will they know? If you want to create a sustainable business then you’re going to need customers, supporters and champions. Self-promotion will get you there.

Do an event and benefit from its marketing!

Handmade in Britain

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.

Affordable Art Fair

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

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.

Work in a supportive environment

Cockpit Arts

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.

Wimbledon Art Studios

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

Need further help? Do a course:

University of the Arts London

There are many courses available in the art of self-promotion. This online course is run by Central St Martins.

The Design Trust

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.

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!

Twitter

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.

Behance

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

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!

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