Ask Art Slut

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

5 Responses to “Ask Art Slut”

1. georgecrosby Says:
   July 26th, 2008 at 9:37 am

   sure enough…googled art slut and found this very professional site!…i met barbara grob @ an ann mackee auction/benefit in ‘98…watched her brand grow while i was busy w/ various projects in key west. i am planning to return to key west next winter…my 32nd year of painting/exhibiting in key west. I f you have any interest in showing my work…i’d be happy to send you some files..of past ongoing paintings. thank you, george crosby

2. Regan Held Says:
   August 14th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

   I met Barb at Artbar a couple of weeks ago when I was in Key West. I bought a recycled wine bottle necklace from the store. We had a conversation about artslut.com and art. I told her that my father was an artist but couldn’t remember his new website address. She told me to email it to her. The address is www.gfpaduch.com. Please take a look at it when you have time and let me know what you think.

   Thanks,

   Regan Held

3. georgecrosby Says:
   August 29th, 2008 at 8:13 am

   artbar???!!! can’t wait…..

4. Richard Says:
   October 17th, 2008 at 7:51 am

   Seen the ad in Colors:
   So whats the deal with the booty party? is it a swingers party or? what night is it? Time?

5. carolyn smith Says:
   January 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am

   Hello, I am an artist from Islamorada in the Upper Keys. It is my job to acquire donations for our art guild. Our 40th annual judged show is March 6, 2009, and I would love to present an ‘art slut’ award to one of the lucky winners, or at one of our workshops, your choice. Maybe we could have an annual ‘art slut’ award! I love my ‘art slut’ shirt and bag. It was the only thing requested for Christmas a couple years ago! So, will you please reply with a big ‘yes’, or a name and mailing address so I can send a proper request?
   Thank you, Carolyn Smith, Show Committee Member, The Purple Isles Art Guild

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