Each Arts Business Institute workshop weekend contains core curriculum pulled from these topics:
* Art Marketing
* Wholesaling to Shops & Galleries
* Product Development
* Cash Flow & Financial Practices
* Pricing Artwork & Adding Value
Specific course offerings will vary. Here are samples of our most popular sessions:
ART MARKETING ON A SHOESTRING – The best practices for marketing art are changing every day. Learn how to effectively promote your open studio, gallery event, wholesale show, or art fair appearance using the latest internet tools and printed materials. Learn our exclusive ”30 minute” online marketing plan using Facebook, Linkedin, 4 Square, Twitter, and online calendars that get republished by major media.
WHOLESALE 101 – Statistics have proven that artists who focus on wholesaling to shops and galleries enjoy at average annual net income of more than $50,000. This session will debunk the myths of wholesaling and address the questions artists need to ask themselves about product line, production costs, and studio time before making the transition to the wholesale marketplace.
PRICING YOUR WORK – The price is right – that’s the goal of every artist. Beyond the simple formula of materials + labor, this session will explore the details of cost of sale and multi-channel strategies that impact and sometimes cause conflict between sales channels. Learn to create a pricing model that supports all parts of the studio business.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - Learn about breadth and depth; design evolution; discontinuing items; your price ceiling; selling in multiples or bundles, cross-selling and popular price points for holiday and special occasions.
SUCCESSFUL BOOTH DESIGN – Display and lighting can make or break a show or exhibit experience. Booth displays need not cost a fortune—creativity and resourcefulness are what count. You will learn to design a display that complements your brand and work, while being led through the many options of pedestals, shelving, jewelry cases and lighting techniques.
NICHE & SPECIALTY MARKETS FOR ARTISTS – The craft and art show circuit offers plenty of opportunity, but is it the best outlet for long term success and profit? Explore other industry sectors where your artwork may be valued far above the price you can get at an art fair.
GOOD IMAGES vs GREAT IMAGES - All too often, show promoters and juries determine your success or failure based on the quality of your photos. Learn the difference between a “good” image and a glamour image that will take your work and business to the next level. Learn the secrets of how to get into those important shows.
PROFESSIONAL SALES SKILLS FOR ARTISTS - Being a dynamic craft seller takes practice. Learn to use the silent body language cues your customers share unknowingly. Learn the methods that will help you improve your sales with all kinds of customers.
LEVERAGING GALLERY PARTNERSHIPS - Developing a successful relationship with a gallery is a two-way street. Learn how to migrate your business from consignment to a “Net 30” model. Discover lots of great ways to help galleries sell your work effectively. Learn what galleries expect from their artists, and how to make reordering easy for them. Find out how they mark-up your work, and why. Establish every relationship as a partnership. Learn the secrets of getting your work in the sweet spot of the gallery, up front, in the best lighting where gallery owners will be satisfied with your sales and gallery staff will stay excited about selling your work.
TRENDS - How does an artist follow trends and why is it important? Learn how to identify the hottest current trends, where to look for them and how to implement them into your product line. Leverage trends to find new customers and grow your business beyond the immediate fashion fad.
PAPERWORK. FORMS & BROCHURES THAT FUNCTION – Every artist needs to maintain 6 elements of literature: images of work; image of self; artist’s statement; description of technique; bio; resume or c.v. How to develop and maintain these.
CREATE YOUR PERSONALIZED STEP-BY-STEP PLAN- How to define your goals and create a plan for success. Hear the start-up stories of other artists. Find a mentor and support system to keep you on track.
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