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Ask Art Slut

The Ask Art Slut Advice Column is by Barb Benson GrOb -Artist, Author & Director of the Key West Art Bar. It’s crafty advice for living life creatively, with excerpts from The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It ~ As a Visual Artist & from her on line column: www.ArtSlut.com

Q: You’re so good at marketing. You should teach a class, or write a book (already done that)! Do you have any advice for me?

A: Of course- Buy my book! Marketing is a big part of what it’s about – whether you’re talking about the arts or not, it’s good stuff. ‘Till you do that, here are a few excerpts from it to help you on your path:

Organizations like the Innkeeper’s Association, Business Guild & Chamber of commerce provide great networking opportunities. “Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening locally, and get as involved as you can.”
Create a PR list & use it regularly, without being a pest. Set aside time for promoting yourself – it’s your job, no matter what your chosen profession is.
“Learn to write a press release. It’s probably the most valuable thing you can do for your business.” Be sure to make it newsworthy – a new painting isn’t newsworthy. Selling it to Madonna is. Likewise, a new technique, a lavish gift to a great cause, or an installation in a famous location is good news.
Call to see who’s the best person to submit to & Google ‘free press release template’ to make sure you get the formatting correct before sending. It does matter!
Find out the deadlines for submissions in your local papers. Mark them all on your calendar, so they’re handy when you need them.
When you submit, include, beautiful 300DPI or greater, jpeg photos & all relevant contact info.
Set up a press kit, telling about your accolades & send it, along with potential story or interview ideas to papers, talk shows & radio stations. Be sure to include a professional head shot!
If you’re really freaked out about talking up your work, don’t do it. There are plenty of publicity pros available & if you’re a represented artist, you should let your gallery do it for you. That is their job. So, don’t compete with them by trying to sell on a personal website!
If you want me to do PR… Well, that’ll cost ya. Find out how much at www.KeyWestArt Bar.com

Free Wine
This week’s question is, ‘What’s the deal, with you tryin’ to get a wine license?’

As many of you know, I’m working on opening a wine bar in my new gallery. Just about everyone’s been super-supportive & excited about the creation of a ‘happening space’, where people can come hang out & get involved, while having a drinkie~ instead of the traditional, ‘buy art or bye bye’ theory of art sales. That’s good! Without question, a couple of drinkies helps to give everybody a nice, warm glow. As for the few, nay-sayers who think that all galleries should give freebies all the time, I’d like to say, ‘Okay. Now, it’s your turn!’, but instead, I’ll say, ‘Thank you for actually supporting the arts.”

I know. It’s all very confusing, because we all love the arts & the party & seeing our friends. It’s awesome & a great tradition. Just the same, times are not what they used to be & statistically, even then - 80% of galleries failed in their first year. So, I think it’s important to do something new & different, while following your passion.

Anyway, here’s this weeks’ excerpt from the ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It. Remember, it’s advice for artists~

‘Okay, fine. Go enjoy the free wine at openings. While you’re there, introduce yourself & look around. Yes, you can pass out a few cards - as long as you’re not a free-wine whore, who’s trying to steal clients. That’s not nice. K? Going to gallery openings is fun & free. It’s a great place to be inspired, meet other artists, scope the gallery as a potential rep and network.

This is not an appropriate place to be a drunken glutton, though. Save that for your parents place at the holidays.’

~ Lo Buhrman of DesignsbyLorraine.net says, “Wine & art just go together, naturally.”
  ~Robin Williams said, “We’re all worms, but I do believe I’m a glow worm.”

Barb blurb: Barb’s new gallery, The Key West Art Bar is a ‘Happening Space’ with fine art, classes, jewelry bar, Indy films, Art Slut Stuff & lots more to come! See it in the Flagler Station Bldg. at Caroline & Margaret, open daily 10-7 & Sun 11-5.

*If you would like to have your art featured in an upcoming column, send jpegs to bbopnbarb@gmail.com Submissions are chosen randomly.

 Ask ART SLUT
by Barb Benson GrOb with The Gallery Goddesses:

Welcome back, everybody! This column will now be a regular feature in Conch Color Magazine, in Key West. SO, check it out!~

 Everybody already knows me as the ART SLUT. So, this is the first installment of the Ask ART SLUT advice column, in print. It’s a combination of crafty advice for creative living & excerpts from my book,

 ”The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It”, along with some seriously sassy input from my colleagues at the Art Bar- The Gallery Goddesses. Our mission is to inspire & assist, artists & others, to live life creatively!

 This week’s question came from a local artist who’s struggling with the concept of making a living doing something she enjoys - over & over again- versus creating ‘high art’… Hmm, I wonder why she came to me? Anyway, she loves both, but seems to be feeling some pressure to be a “real’” artist.

Here’s what the girls have to say:
-Rebecca says, “Contrary to romantic notions, no artist wants to be a starving artist. I find that paychecks have a way of fueling the creative juices I need for projects I want to work on…”
-LO says, “As a graphic designer, I make other people’s visions reality. I’m their hands & I still get up at 3AM, excited about work. If that makes me a sell out, so be it.”
-Barb says “Do what you love & the money will follow, but don’t starve to death in the meantime.”

Today’s excerpt excerpt is “SELL OUT”:
 ”Isn’t it weird how some people will talk about that ‘Poor Starving Artists’, until they get ‘discovered’ then, will call them a ’sellout’? Anyone who tells you you’re a ’sellout’ for making a living is jealous or threatened by your greatness. Think about it. They wouldn’t call a successful architect a ’sell out’. Would they? You deserve your success. Take well considered risks to reach your goals & don’t give that kind of ignorance power by acknowledging it. The biggest pay-offs come to the biggest risk takers, and the best luck goes to the hardest workers, every time.”

-Andy Warhol said -”Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.”

Today’s featured artist is: Lorraine Buhrman. Check out her fabulous graphic designs, mosaics & more at www.designsbylorraine.com

The Ask ART SLUT advice column is written by artist/author/entrepreneur, Barbara Grob and is a mix of excerpts from the author’s book, “The ArtSlut’s Guide to Makin’ It~ As a Visual Artist”. She is currently the Director of the Key West Art Bar, where she works with Art Historian - Rebecca Rex and Graphic Designer - Lorraine Buhrman. Check it out at the corner of Margaret & Caroline, in the big, yellow ‘Flagler Station Bldg.” 10-7 daily & 11-5 Sun. 305-296-0424.

Thank you!
Barb

Dear Art Slut,

My friend opened a gallery recently and I thought for sure, she would want to show my work. She’s seen it online. It sells well, but when I asked her, she said she was busy and the space is full. I felt blown off and it really hurt my feelings, especially because she’s my friend. I support her all the time and I expected she would do the same. I’m actually, kind of P.O.’d. So, do you have any advice for handling rejection, avoiding it, and/or how to handle the friend/business equation?

Thanks,

Broken hearted Photo-girl

Hey there, BHPG! Chin up, Buttercup! I think it’s really important that you try putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. For example, if she said she was busy & full, maybe she really is. Did you ask what her calendar of show was like? Also, did you treat her like you would any other gallery, by making an appointment (or at least, asking if she had the time), or did you assume you could just barge in, any old time, because you’re friends? We all make expectations of friends that can really put them/us in a spot.

As for the friendship question, I’d say get a good friend, by being one. That means, say what’s on your mind with kindness & ask her feelings or opinion on it (& REALLY listen). I’ve curated a lot of shows. I’ve also brought in some work I knew wasn’t a good fit in my gallery, because of politics or the fear of hurting someone’s feelings. That is not right & I no longer do it.

 If it turns out that she really just isn’t moved by the work, so what? Like it says in my book, opinions are like A-holes. Everybody’s got one & they’re entitled to it. I’ve even turned down work that I knew was good, because it didn’t move ME. I can’t sell it unless I feel it & my job is to sell it. That’s life. At the end of the day, if that was the dealio, she was doing you both a favor. If that is the case, try asking her how she thinks it could improve & consider her opinion for what it is: one opinion. You don’t have to take it, but you do have to thank her for it & for having the courage to be honest with you. I hope this little morsle full of my opinion has helped you, chica-sita.

For more funky fun insights like this one & better, check out my book, available right here, on this site, in our store. ‘Till next time, Live life creatively! Love ya, Babs

 The Question: Dearest Artslut,
Any advice on long distance geographically challenged relationships when attraction, lust and and basic human compatibility ie; food, common interest and sex, seem all to be in a great place??

Thanks,
Somewhere out there.

  The Answer: Hey, Out There!

 Thanks for the question. You really didn’t give me much to go on like: how did you meet? How much time did you get to spend together? Is this a committed relationship? There’s a big difference in the advice I would give to a couple that’s been together for years, versus people who met on vacation, for example.

However, in regards to relationships, I really believe that what’s meant to be will just happen naturally & no amount of pushing, trying, or anything else will matter. So, just be yourself & see how it unfolds. Know what I mean?

 Now that that’s said, if you’re looking for fun, silly things to do, I got the answers: How ’bout taking pictures of yourself in drag, in weird places & sending them, glued to a postcard. You could also set up a Wordpress blog (their often free & easy to use), to keep a running journal of your voyages. You can send area specific, specialty foods, & btw: jewelry is never a bad idea… These are just a few random thoughts, but you can find a lot more info like this in my book (available right here, on this site!). So, check it out!

Happy trails, Babs

 The Question: Hello darling, I have to start by saying I love the work you are doing and Im planning to build a monumnet to you.
I have been working feverishly non stop for the last 10 years on paintings and sculpture, its all I do, had a few shows, and keep busy with comissions coming in from all over the world.. lots of press too(see my website) Sales from my studio are enough to live comfortably on, but its basicaly word of mouth.
Im living and working here in Bali where I built a 10,000 sq ft studio by the sea years ago, and being so out of the scene there doesnt help.
I have been to all the top galleries and its impossible to get anyone to even just look at the work. Ive gone thru the channels they reccomend, and sent out a lot of submissions and nobody has gotten back to me. Its not that Im starving, Its just the hotels that seem to keep comissioning me only want expensive looking decorations and dont have the balls to show my real stuff.
I guess Im lucky to be living well from it but the commerical work and the fine art are miles apart.
Its time to kick it up a notch and try and move into
the market that appreciates it (and pays its real value…) This step is where IM stuck. Selling work for 5gran that is resold for 20 in NY doesnt make me feel real good!
My family live in Florida and I usually go and see them around Christmas, I will drop by Key west looking for you guys whenever I get down that way. In the meantime if you are planning to come to Bali you are welcome as a guest. Im on a small estate loaded with sculpture and paintings and theres a lot of studio space here.

The Answer: Okay, let me start by saying, ‘Dangit! I can’t get the pic resizer to work.’ That’s why we have sucha big pitcher here… I just wanted to show more pics of the grand opening party. Holy Stars!! It was amazing!

 Anyhoo, Gosh, thanks for the compliment & you’ll be the first one I call, when I hit Bali, for sure!

To answer your question. I think the answer lies within you. I mean, consider why you do what you do. Maybe you do it for money, social accolades… there is no right or wrong answer. In my world, they are all equally valid - except the ones that are lies. What I mean is, when somebody says they do it ’cause they have to & they don’t care if anyone likes it, they’re full of crap, unless they’re keeping it in their garage, their looking for a response - monetary or otherwise. Get it? On the other hand, if they truly ‘don’t care if it sells’ they should also leave it at home, ’cause galleries do care.

Sounds to me (& I saw on your site, that you are a very talented creator & that is lovely. I would be very grateful that the hotels want what you do & you can afford such an amazing studio in a beautiful place - fantastic! At the same time, I do understand, that the human condition is to strive for more & perhaps you’e looking for a bit of recognition, ego strokes, self expression… It sounds like you are on the right path, doing a ‘line’ if you will, for commercial works & another for self expression. I guess, I’m just saying you should consider what you want out of each. At the end of the day, if you’re selling works outright & not on consignment, they have the right to sell them for whatever they can get - in fact, it’s their job & there are tons of hidden costs involved, like shipping mammoth pieces internationally, insurance, the risk of them not selling or the time they take to do so. So, that doesn’t bug me out too much. On the other hand, if $5k isn’t enough for you, or you’re willing to wait it out & consign like most artists, that’s a different story.

 As for your more personal work, do you need to sell it at all? You’ve clearly prooven your technical prowess & ability to make a living. I’d like to know what it is that you are truly searching for, in order to be of more & more specific assistance. I do hope you’ll write back. Thanks Hon! Oh yeah, I forgot to ask you: send us some of your work at the Art Bar! It’s so friggin’ beautiful here, I can’t stand it - except I’m so tired, I really can’t stand it. Talk soon,

Barbarella

The Question: “Where the Hell have I been?”

The Answer: I’m sorry to have kept you at bay, my ArtSlutty Sweethearts… I’ve been making my new magic at The Key West ART BAR!!!! See pics below of the new space. It was an empty box 3 weeks ago… Not anymore! The ArtSlut’s got this one goin’ ON!

I’m so excited! It’s just gorgeous! The location’s fabulous & it’s gonna be amazingly successful! So far, we’ve got a GORGEOUS fine art gallery, the ‘Jewelry Bar’, in-house graphic design, & the ArtSlut Store. Soon to come, are custom framing & ltd. ed. art prints on demand, classes, demonstrations, independent films, live music, Island of the Arts tours, events & yes - this Summer, we’ll go for a beer & wine license. We’ll even have Happy/Pretty Hour!

It will be the coolest hangout in the Keys & maybe, the world!

Yes! We are looking for artists + interns + help & a few dood-dads, like an answering machine… Anyhoo, the Grand Opening is next Thursday, May 1st from 6-9PM & it’s gonna be incrdeibly fabulous - with a band featuring Raven Cooper, playing above the crowd (we have a loft in the 20ft cieling), 2 caterers, a living sculpture… If you’re not ther, you’re nuts! So, COME JOIN US 5/1/08, 6-9PM

AT 901 CAROLINE ST. KEY WEST, FL!!!

305-296-0424

Dear Barb,

 The Question: Everywhere I go lately, people are asking me about the new gallery. So, I thought I’d just address it once & for all…

  The Top ArtSlut (that’s me) is SUPER EXCITED! As of last night, we finally got approval on the lease for the new location, at 901 Caroline St. in Key West. It is awesome! The building is big & beautiful, in a fabulous location, with tons of foot traffic, right by the ferry terminal, tour train stop & the new Steamplant & Seaport condos that will be opening up soon.

Here’s the plan: The Key West Art Bar will be a fine art gallery, with a gift section that leans heavily toward jewelry as small sculpture. As we grow, I plan to incorporate custom framing & print on demand services, art tours, demonstrations, film, performance… It will be amazing & as soon as we are legally able (late June), I plan to add a wine bar to the mix. The point here, is to create a ‘happening space, where the community can hang out, have fun & really get involved in the arts, as well as that old standard, ‘purchase’ them. The concept is ‘Emerging Art for Emerging Collectors… Intoxicating beauty’.

 I’m currently in the process of licensing & collecting funds from our investors, while I source art, create displays, buy insurance, signage… Yes! We are looking for new artists!

I’m in the process of setting up the site now & should have it ready in a few days. On it, I plan to document what we’re going through to get it open. You’ll be able to follow along at www.KeyWestArtBar.com Hope to see you there!

The Question: Today’s question came from my friend Kate. She said, “I just read your book and I absolutely love it! I’m going to buy 5 more copies to give as gifts to my other artist friends. Thank you. You did a really great job!” She went on to tell me that she and her husband have a small sailboat that they take tourists on sunset cruises with (they live in Key West) and that she would like to make it into her studio/gallery during the daytime. Apparently, her house is over run with paintings and art supplies. Her question was basically, ‘how do I get people to come and shop my boat’?

 The Answer: Miss Kate you’re so crafty! I love the idea of a floating, boat gallery. Now, since I’ve never been your boat, I’m not really sure what you mean by small. I’m wondering how much wall & display space you have? Anyway, I think the concept alone will make people come. The big deal is letting them know that you’re there & how to find you. I’m not sure exactly where your boat is, but I do know the docks can be confusing for land lubbers to navigate. I assume you’re in a high visibility local? That’s key. Once you’ve got that taken care of, try some of these ideas to draw attention and clients:

1. Use the mast for your signage: Order a banner or two, with grommets & text on the vertical, saying ‘Gallery’ or, ‘Whatever name, Gallery - come on aboard’, for example.
2. If there’s a regular art event in your area, hop on-board with them for the promotional bit of their art walk or whatever it is they do. If not, try to create one.
3. Get some easles that won’t tip over in turbulence and put another with a sign and/or a painting up on the dock, if they’ll let you.
4. Write a press release about the uniqueness of what you’re doing. Be sure to send pics of your art at 300dpi or better. If you need help with that, templates & tips are easy to find, by Googling ‘press release template’, for example.
5. If you can afford the space, try to show or feature other artists’ work as well. People have a tendancy to assume that once they’ve seen an artist’s work, that all new works will be the same. It’s important to give them fresh reasons to come back, continuously.
6. Be sure you have the appropriate licensing, insurance and merchant services. Also, if you’re going to run the art biz under the other biz’s name, be sure to do a DBA - that’s ‘Doing Business As’ it’ll only cost about $50 and keeps you legal. Call the city for instructions. I’m sure you probably already do have your legalities in order, because of the sunset sail biz, but I can’t stress this enough… An oversight - well, audits are bad. You feelin’ me on that?
7. Consider painting things that are appropriate to your audience, in order to increase sales. I’m not saying change who you are or anything, just that you will now have an audience of boat people. Ever painted boats? Hm. It’s a thought.
8. Printing postcards is way cheap these days, even though mailing them is not. You can find 500 postcards for around $100. I suggest you do that, using a pic or two of your work on it and leave stacks of them at appropriate nearby businesses - with their permission, of course.
9. The last thing that I can think of, is combination advertising. I imagine you already do some sort of advertising for the sail biz? If so, be sure to add a little blurb and hopefully, a pic about your art and the floating gallery. The cache of it’s uniqueness is sure to be a boost for both businesses - “Oooh! A sunset sail aboard a floating art gallery!” …. Sounds Awesome!

I hope this has been helpful to you, Miss Kate. I love what your doin’ and thank you for the kind words about my book! Be on the look out for my new column, coming ou tnext week in Conch Color, too. It’s called ’The Back Side’ It’s all about the good side of Key West locals (I love ‘em) and it sort of combats some of the complaining that we hear on our delightful little island (r u kidding??). It’ll be available online  too, at : www.conchcolor.com I hope you like it!