Marketing Your Studio Workshop

The Cambridge Arts Council thanks you for being part of the sixth annual Cambridge Open Studios, an event that showcases visual, performing and literary artists active in all neighborhoods of Cambridge. During one spectacular weekend in April 2014, more than 300 Cambridge based artists working in all media, will participate in this celebration of art at approximately 150 venues throughout the city. The success of every one of our Open Studios begins with you, our participating artists.

Marketing

Website and Social Media Create a buzz! Add new images and current work Create an Open Studios event on your website and Facebook tweet event dates to your network and where you will be showing Add the event to listservs feature the event in your blog, in your monthly newsletter, Tumblr, and Twitter accounts include your website, the Open Studios website, and our QR code

Marketing Add Open Studios dates, web link and logo to your signature Send eblasts through your server with images of new work For help with larger contact lists, try Mail Chimp or Constant Contact Personalize your marketing to you and your work Send one big notification of the event and another reminder closer to the date

Printed Marketing Order artist cards to hand out to visitors, other artists and interested buyers customize your own posters with images of your work, and your studio address. Add our QR code to and website address to personalized posters and flyers

Way-finding Tips for increasing foot traffic BalloonsPapering the town! Additional signage Know your shuttle stop!

Preparing your Studio In your own studio Make a welcoming setup for your entrance Set up a visitor sign in sheet or book to add to your contact list Place flowers and other inviting flourishes around your space If showing with a group, have an artist directory at the front with each artist’s photo and a listing below More tips Play pleasant music at a low volume Offer refreshments and snacks

Formatting Your Space In your own studio or at a Common Venue Create a welcoming environment Think of what visitors will experience when they come into your space Structure the space to guide visitors in their viewing Have another person on hand to assist with marketing, promoting and talking about your work

Presenting Your Work Pricing Offer a range of work at different prices Have flip,bins for unframed/unmatted work Display framed or matted work on table easels Packaging Clear sleeves, waterproof bags, paper bags with handles Add a stick with your logo, website and QR code. You can also stick an artist card inside. More tips Mark NFS or SOLD work with a sticker Leave all sold work on walls and schedule a pick up or deliver for after Open Studios

Live demonstrations are a great way to share your craft Video demonstrations playing on a tv or laptop are great for artists with intensive processes or who use dangerous chemicals or equipment. You can show step by step demos or time lapsed clips Give Demonstrations

Sales Pricelists Offer work in a range of prices Include an artist statement, and a further explanation of your process Labels Add labels to larger works Choose to include/omit prices Have them printed on cardstock or stick an adhesive label on mat board Cash transaction Have a cash box/change on hand Have a receipt system Credit Card Transactions Invest in a credit card processor for smart phones such as Square, Leaf and Pay Anywhere

Takeaways Artist Cards and oversized postcards Artist information Upcoming events Website and contact info Open Studios Card Name Include Smartphone app link Ecommerce website QR code Cards by moo.com Cards by Vistaprint

Help us spread the word!.. And have fun!