Entrepreneurship

The Art Of Promotion by Post…

It’s been a long time since I last posted, well, all I can say I nearly never posted again after my run in with Little Miss Covid last year.

Today I thought I would turn my attention to much brighter topics. I believe that many people’s value systems have changed over the last two years. Health, wellbeing, friends, family, small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness have been the mood board of the early 2020s…well until this terrible and frightening war has broken out in Europe. I am sure some us now secretly yearn for those hedonistic dizzy hazy days at the height of the pandemic…but I digress.

I was going to write a blog about returning to a more personal approach with marketing, back to phone or zoom calls and posting beautiful creative paper art through to post to capture the attention of potential clients, and remain connected to and thanking current ones. People are returning back to studios and offices, though Covid is still very much with us. However, many are still only partially returned to workplaces and now with the new fuel crisis it is likely once again drivers will be asked to reduce journeys due to the spiralling of petrol and diesel, but also the financial squeeze of rocketing gas and electric costs.

Marketing material sent as an introduction or a thank you, must have impact, be memorable, delightful, and impressive. Designed and made by artist/designer Cintia Bertaccini

However, as they say…nothing ventured nothing gained…sending promotional materials by post is slow, its not like social media at all, but you can link it to your social media activity and content. A good example of this is Nikki Groom, known as Miss Magpie Fashion Spy on Twitter and Instagram. She often posts photographs of her beautiful creative promotional materials on Twitter. The thing about being a bit more creative, not simply dispatching postcards or packs of your work, is more importantly it demonstrates your imagination. Whether, creatively designed stationery, (Papergang) beautiful books of your work, (Blurb) or paper art, paper engineering and origami are all options. Equally, once you have checked with the art director, business, or media concerned if they would like to receive some materials, is then the opportunity to follow up. So if you don’t hear anything back after a week, you could send them an email or better still pick the phone up and call them. (Avoid Mondays and Fridays) Have some rapport building positive vibe comments ready and see if they would be willing to consider you for future projects.

Yes I know social media, films, videos, reels, podcasts, gifs are great, but perhaps it is time for that personal touch once again…take great care with your presentation and packaging. Neatly handwrite the name of the person and their role/job title. Commission a gifted calligrapher or someone with friendly handwriting, especially if your handwriting looks like anything like mine. Illustrate or decorate the envelop or box. Printed ink stamps are also popular visit Blade Rubber Stamps or Craft You can have your own images, drawings or designs made into ink stamps. Never send anything precious or expensive through the post if you are not sure if they will be there to pick it up. I have heard that some publishers have simply binned promo packs as most of their staff work form home, and there is no one to look at it on site.

I thought of writing lots of words…but instead…I think it is better for you see for yourself. So I have included links to various creative specialists in this field, people who know how to paper engineer or create original origami. I’ve include some sources of inspiration, and if you are looking for a complete list of printers, photographers, etc. then take a browse through Artquest Equally in my book The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers in chapters 7 and 8 I have included a range of marketing resources and creative printers you can contact for sample packs and quotes.

Cintia Bertaccini (Super Star) is also on Instagram

The Paper Artist Collective (Constellation of Stars) are also on Instagram

Rob Ryan (A Supernova) Fantastic paper artist and produces beautiful screen prints and cards and is also on Instagram

Paul Jackson, is a bit social media shy, though the genius is on Facebook

Paul Jackson has produced over 40 books inspirational books with Laurence King.

http://www.origami-artist.com

https://www.laurenc eking.com/product/superstars/

Alison Branagan (A twinkly star) is also on Instagram

Always delighted to be invited to write for this very famous publication.

Please read my contribution – How to Make a Living: Money Matters, pages 488s – 491 Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2022

Available from local libraries if a bit skint. You can also download this as an eBook or subscribe to the material online

AOI Business Vision and Growth Webiner

Hi there everyone, a couple of days ago I gave a webinar for The AOI about business planning, vision and growth. We covered a lot of ground in forty-five minutes or so, and I hope the content will help illustrators seeking to scale up their enterprise some ideas.

There is an awful lot to know about new and growing markets in illustration, beyond the traditional markets of editorial, publishing and advertising. In print media and publishing is declining and its very difficult to grow in shrinking markets. We covered eight new expanding areas of trade and talked about some brilliant trailblazers in these genres. I also mentioned the importance of trends, and its possible to find some information on trends for free if you know where to look, but much has to paid for. Getting this type of insight can be vital to help you think more commercially and make more informed decisions.

Its also important to understand such matters as money management, viability, profitability. The size of your game can change quite suddenly when you are an illustrator or other creator, e.g. winning a large cash prize, big advertising licensing deal, commissions from luxury brands, etc. These unexpected opportunities can have tax implications, so to understanding how companies work can be advantageous for higher earners.

If you are a member of the AOI one-to-one consultancy is available with me for £35 per one hour session via Skype.

Equally I am available for one-to-ones directly, but its much better value to to talk to me once you have joined as you gain over 70% discount. My full rates to non-AOI members are here one-on-one or via Skye.

Header image kindly supplied by Mike Lee-Graham Mike Lee-Graham on Twitter Mike Lee-Graham on Instagram

In article image also kindly supplied by Josephine Dellow Josephine Dellow on Twitter Josephine Dellow on Instagram

You may be interested in my book The Essential Guide to Business for Creatives

Business Start-up for Creatives Weekend Course at Central Saint Martins

Entrepreneurship for Creatives Term Time Evening Course at Central Saint Martins

Book News: Latvian Translation & English Version Reprint December 2019

With the help of the Latvian Patent Office and the Latvian Designers The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers has been translated and published in Latvian.

Jumava have published the work and you can buy copies from their website. I spent a couple of days in Riga after the launch event, I posted some of my photos on my Instagram feed of some of my adventures. Walking around the old town this wonderful place reminded me of the UK in the 1980s. Interestingly English and American rock music is really popular in Latvia and its played everywhere, on the radio, in bars, cafes and restaurants.

It’s interesting to see the pages translated into the Latvian language. This is an image from the Fold organisation’s website.

On 18th October 2019 I made a speech and gave a talk at the Latvian Design Fair, Design Isle In Riga. I also talked about entrepreneurial skills and Intellectual Property. I also had the honour to meet Andrejs Broks President of the Latvian Designers. I posted a link to my speech below and other useful links. I also met designer Inese Lapiņa, you can see some of her fabulous innovative lounger sofas/day beds via Facebook #Dusis

The Latvian Patent Office Plan to give copies of the translation of the book to all the art schools and elementary schools in Latvia. To help prepare talented teenagers and art students for setting up an arts practice, design studio or creative business. The book is also available to purchase from Igramata.

New December 2019 reprint of the English second edition

There is a new slightly updated reprint of the second edition of The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers now available. Published by Bloomsbury Visual Arts and reprinted in December 2019, please not this version has a new ISBN number 9781350153899. If you go to the Bloomsbury website you will find they are offering a 30% discount that’s £8.40 off the marked price. An excellent guide for yourself or a creative friend or relative.

The British Museum’s Missing Exhibit

Here are a couple of photographs of the infamous Tan Hill Inn Mobile Phone Pickle Jar I took a couple of years ago. Folklore has it in the 1990s the landlady became so fed up with the number of her patrons staring silently at texts and emails she introduced a severe but obvious deterrent…shall we say.

Yes I know we all love social media, watching our favourite vloggers, whirring around our device from texts to emails, ridiculous google searches, games with no conclusions, app tapping, etc. People are becoming more aware about how damaging this activity can become, as it moves towards unfettered dopamine release, are inability to concentrate, focus on anything, continually distracted, never fully present, stress, forgetfulness….and….ah I can’t remember….sorry, did I say something?

The exciting chaos of Christmas will soon be upon us, yet a month from today and it will be all over. So I urge anyone who should stumble across this short blog post, to turn their phones off and fully tune in to the present.

Pop into Paperchase, Cards Galore, or Clintons Cards and purchase some beautiful cards or if you have time make some of your own. Put some time a side to consider friends, family, work colleagues, clients, patrons or customers who have supported you in recent months or for many years.

Avoid sending multiple Happy Christmas texts, to people you have never met, worked with or even know. Phone people, take some time to slow down, go down a gear and catch up.

On January 1st 2019 I have a New Years Resolution, though my mobile isn’t quite ready for the pickle jar just yet, but its important to spot addiction and the invisible isolation it brings with it when it comes.

As for the British Museum, you are missing one of Yorkshire’s most remote and hidden treasures from your collection.

Reflections on the Future….

About 17 years ago, on the evening of the opening night of the Tate Modern, I was one of the protesters standing outside. For those of you who don’t know there were many artists demonstrating about all sorts of issues, from the the dramatic change in the direction of British Art, the unwelcome influence of Saatchi, the vast expense of the project, to the poverty of many artists living and working in London.

Then one day soon after, I popped in and still found myself in there at 10pm at night, and I witnessed a long queue of visitors, in the beautiful well stocked Tate Modern bookshop, clutching armfuls of books about art.

It was a stand still moment, as I stood there, awestruck in my jumble sale clothes, and worn-out shoes. What an earth was going on? After being used to wondering around the old Charing Cross Road Foyles’ bookshop, with its dormant slient floors devoid of life and dusty chaotic negleted shelves.

As I was passing through London last month I decided to pop in to the Tate Modern bookshop once again, one of many frequent visits over the years, and I discovered a couple of copies of my latest book on the shelf. Again I had one of those moments.

Over recent weeks I’ve spotted art students with copies of my book borrowed from libraries and also received a written note from a student after a recent lecture, letting me know they had ordered the book from Amazon during the break…

So thank you, and hope you both find a bright and fantastic future…

Alison Branagan’s Entrepreneurship for Creatives’ Summer School is running this July, for more info and to book please touch through to Central Saint Martins

Hello to The New! Out Soon in 2017!

This is to let everyone know the exciting news that the second edition of The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers ISBN 978-1474250559 will be out soon and is available on pre-order. At over 95,000 words this is what the manuscript looked like a couple of months ago…

This new publication, published by Bloomsbury Academic has been fully revsied, with three additional chapters on websites, blogs and social media, innovation and trends and ideas for growth. With new illustrated mindmaps, resources, exercises, photographs, diagrams, and profiles of artists and designers. As you can see from the beautiful renders by BVN Ceative the book has a new from cover by Tumanyan.

This publication has started to become core reading on many degree and post graduatecourses, and this super fan movie was made by Rebecca Skeels who is subject leader for the Postgraduate and Masters Programmes at UCA Farnham demonstrating how students have made good use of their inhouse copy.

This book is ideal for a wide range of artists, designers, makers, photographers and illustrators. The second edition embraces our new world of globalisation, digitalisation, and connectivity. It has been written to embrace readers from different starting points, whether you have studied at Art College or not, are just thinking about it, have got started or have been going for some time.

Stop Press: Artquest has just published my revised business start-up guide for artists, makers and photographers The 7 Steps to Business Start-up

Central Saint Martins: Routes to Succcess

If you are looking for a way to launch your art, craft practice, or design business than look no further. This summer there are a number of popular business, entrepreneurship and self-promotion Summer School courses which I run at the Central Saint Martins Kings Cross Campus in Granary Square, which are also available online.

Students who have attended these courses in the past have gone on to set up innovative, experimental and commercial companies. Each course has a number of guest speakers, including one of the team from Silverman Sherliker LLP a top London Intellectual Property firm.

To read more about the success of profiled students from all courses I run at Central Saint Martins please visit the blog.

Hey! Don’t Be Grey, Have…Impact!

Hello everyone…I just thought I would tell you what I’ve learned from teaching my Business, Entrepreneurship and Self-Promotion Courses over this summer at Central Saint Martins in London. The theme of presentation, packaging and impact reoccurred in several ways, as mentioned in talks by speakers such as Alex Brownless from Arts Thread, ‘don’t be grey’ he said, in the creative industries you have to stand out and have impact. Alana Pryce Tojcic, arts marketing specialist from The October Gallery, Matt Dowling founder of The Freelancer Club and Kathleen Hills, a leading ceramic and lighting designer, talked about the importance of stunning photographs, and the different types of images you need to commission to gain paid work or attract attention in the media. Interior designer Audrey Whelan showed how to communicate design ideas to clients remotely. Billy Jenks, a talented IP solicitor from Silverman Sherliker, who also sponsor the course, showed screen shots of trademarked colours and most of the students instantly knew which brands they represented.

During the summer I was also coincidently reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink where he discusses several related stories about packaging and impact, he discusses for instance the Christian Brothers and E & J bandy story. Christian Brothers found they were losing sales to E & J and couldn’t work out why, as all their research demonstrated in taste tests that brandy drinkers prefered their beverage over E & J, yet Christian Brothers were losing market share fast. It transpired that, even when the Christian Brothers put their own brandy into E & J bottles, people still said they preferred E & J. It turned out that customers actually just liked the look of the E & J bottle more than the Christian Brothers one. Solution, new bottle design, C B regain their market share.

He also outlined the fascinating research by the highly respected psychologist Sheena Iynger, Google her ‘Jam Study’ to find out more. But in short, in a jam selling experiment, when she displayed 24 different jams, of which 3% of passersby purchased jam, but when she displayed a selection of only six jams 30% of passersby bought jam.

This year I also had a rebrand by my designer Alana Biviano of BVN Creative, cards printed my Meltoma Designs on 600 gsm card. Some snaps below shows a comparison between the old and new cards. The new design has a more limited, though richly coloured palette, with integrated contact and social media icon design. I believe this new design with a slightly revised logo has a more memorable contemporary look and feel.

If you are looking for a live and online Business Start-up Course, (starts this month at Central Saint Martins) then please enrol on Business Start-up for Creatives. If you think you need to learn more about self-promotion or wish to revamp your current marketing strategy then there is another specialist online course running this term, Self-Promotion for Creatives (also starts this month). Equally I am available for one-to-one advice sessions in person or via Skype. You are most welcome to email me at alison@alisonbranagan.com if you wish to book a session.

Entrepreneurship for Creatives

Hello and welcome to my new shiny website which has been designed by one of my fantastic entrepreneurship students Alana Biviano of BVN Creative who I met last year. Over the last couple of days I’ve been beavering away on my own, polishing and tweaking links. The image above is of the fine set of individuals who came together from all over the world on the Entrepreneurship Summer School, at Central Saint Martins in July.

I have always had total faith in any of my courses whether at Granary Square or online that a group can form a community. Which is a resource, that can, even if for a short time contribute to launching or moving your arts practice or design business on to the next level. When aspiring creatives form a group, for a couple of hours or weeks, e.g. a workshop, exhibition or conference much is learned which can be intelligently applied to their next project. With the advent of social media, free real time global communication and payment systems it is possible for the first time in history to network and trade on an international footing from the first few minutes of setting up in business.

If you wish to strike out on your own or with others, as the old African proverb goes…

‘If you want to move quickly, go alone…If you wish to go far go together’

Avoid the old trap that you can do it all on your own…you can’t. Its only possible with the support and involvement of others*. This new website won’t exist I think if I had not met Alana for instance.

*Scottish Referendum, voted no and the Scots have decided to maintain the union by staying together.

Wild-goose Chase Anyone? Entrepreneurship for Creatives Online at Central Saint Martins

Apologies for the continual generally poor format of this blog, which I plan to sort out in the next couple of days. Contrary to public opinion Alison Branagan is not an large plush office staffed with loads of slightly plump ginger haired ladies and gentlemen continually nibbling biscuits and making cups of herbal tea for one another, though one hopes it is only a matter of time.

The trouble with wild goose chases is no one really wants to go on one, its not really top of anyone’s list of desirable activities. You don’t wake up and think hell what I really want to do today is waste a load of time, money and energy. Alas at the moment we are in difficult times and extraordinary changes are occurring daily to the way we not only run our art practices or design businesses but in our personal lives.

It’s really difficult to know if you are just starting out or have been going awhile and find a brick wall has been hit or you find you’ve been talking to one for sometime. Often its a matter of persisting with something until a break through occurs or you just have to realise…look this isn’t going anywhere any more is it? Change is never easy, but shoving yourself in another direction might prove more fruitful.

My course ‘Entrepreneurship for Creatives Online‘ hosted by Central Saint Martins, is designed to help you think differently about where you are now and what other options there might be out there for you. The course is broadcast live, but if you miss a class they are all recorded so you can catch up during the week. Handouts are provided and the course includes a special course extra in the form of a probono UK/EU business and trade mark search by city law firm Silverman & Sherliker

For more information about the course and enrolment please visit the new Central Saint Martins website.

Cheerio for now…working on a blog post for Arts Thread at the moment…so stay tuned!