Posts Tagged ‘Sculpting’

In this final session of “You Inc., the Business of Art,” lets talk about press releases and getting published.

For most of us, every little bit of extra publicity is welcome.  After all, good press ususlly means more art sales or commissions down the road.

By now, you might ask, “Where can an artist get that kind of free publicity?”  One good way, is to write a press release;  (really it’s just an article) and send it to the “lifestyle editor or a free-lance writer of your local newspaper.  The best time to do this is when you have an upcoming show, or just completed an outstanding new piece that you want to showcase.  Even if it seems commonplace to you, remember, that not everyone is as used to your work as you are.  So let’s get started.  Here are 7 tips to help yo write an attention grabbing press release:

1. If you are not a good writer, you really need to find someone to help you.  Think about it, newspaper editors are busy, and they’re always on deadlines.  Your story may not get into the paper if it means reassigning someone to write an article.  However if you can come up with an article that’s well-written and error free, newspaper editors are more than likely to just print it as-is.  And Wallah…You’re in the paper.
2. FACTS FIRST…Above the article, in either the upper left or right corner, include the title of your show or event, your name, and the date and location of the show.  In other words, basic information.  You can also include the words “for immediate release” if your show is coming up soon.
3. Grab attention quickly when writing the article.  Grab as much attention as possible in the first sentence.  This is where you make or break the entire article.  Ask a pointed question; make a strong (perhaps controversial)  statement, do whatever it takes…then once you have their attention, tie it in with your art.
4. Write in 3rd person. Write about yourself, not AS yourself.  Never use “I” or “me” unless it is a direct quote.  And quotes, by the way, are great for a little added color as long as you make sure to attribute the quote to that person.  Don’t feel weird about quoting yourself…since your writing in third person, no one but you will know.
5. Be Brief. Keep it short.  Three paragraphs is fine.  The first to gain attention, the middle one to talk about your art, and the third to wrap things up.  If the newspaper wants more, they’ll assign someone to write a longer article.
6. Include a Bio. and contact information.  Include a short bio after your three paragraphs, as well as current contact information.  Usually an e-mail address and website are enough.  Readers can use that to contact you.  The newspaper might also ask for a photo of you and your art.  Have both ready just in case.
7. Leave no errors behind.  Spell-check, Spell-check, Spell-check!  And while you’re at it, look for grammatical errors and factual errors too.  The last thing you want is to give a wrong date, place or time for the event.

Now a few words about getting national publicity in magazines etc.  This is definately more tricky or difficult, but it is possible.

• Find a publication that is right for your work.  (probably not Mechanics Illustrated if you are a fine artist.)
• Don’t contact the editor unless you’re told to do so.  It’s usually best to contact an associate or assistant editor.  They are always looking for something fresh and new to present to the editor.  A free-lance writer is also a good place to go.
• Begin with a compliment on their magazine, or an article that you’ve recently read.  Be sincere!  No “Snow-Jobs” here.  They will immediately cut you off if you don’t know what you’re talking about or if you are insincere.
• Let them know you are an artist.
• Give them an angle that will catch the eye of their reader.  This is what they will need to present to the editor.
• Ask for the article.

It is possible to do this yourself, but if you have a qualified person (agent, gallery owner, museum curator, collector etc.) that you can count on to do it for you, all the better.  This type of person can often have more creditability than you, unless you are very welll known.

Lastly, Don’t ever forget the “THANK-YOU” business.  This is most essential for future business.  Do it for your collectors, gallery owners who show your work, art show promoters, writers and editors.  Anyone who has helped you market your business.  Sometimes a simple handwritten “Thank-You” card is sufficient, but when someone goes the “extra mile” for you, do something special for them.  This one simple thing is often forgotten.  It is an absolute necessity if you wish to grow your business.  It is the one thing that will set you apart from  other, less than professional artists.

I’d like to leave you with two quotes:  the first, a Greek Proverb

“Success is doing what you like to do, and making a living at it”

The second is from an unknown author…“Find out what you love to do and do it better than anyone else can.  That way, You’ll never work a day in your life.

Thank you for your participation, and “Good Luck” with your new business in 2010.

Well, a few weeks have passed since my last post, where I discussed the challenge of sculpting the base for my current project; a Charro Saddle.    As indicated, I spent several hours sculpting a model in clay. I payed particular attention to “‘artistic movement”  to make sure the base would complement the saddle, and lead the eye of the viewer.  After I was satisfied with it, I enlisted the critique from a very accomplished bronze artist.  By sculpting it in clay and then with the critique I had received, I was ready to reproduce the base in black walnut.    I must admit, I had a few moments of doubting whether I had the ability to complete what I was attempting to do.   I knew however, that it wasn’t going to get done, if I was going to question myself. 

Numerous pieces of walnut were glued together to obtain the bulk I would need.  Then with the clay model setting beside me, I began.  The process was slow at first, as a great deal of mass had to be removed from the block of wood using an electric grinder.    Soon however, I had the basic shape I needed.   I frequently used a caliper to make sure the size was equal to the clay model. 

First, the base was cut into a concave form, with numerous rocks and tree roots carved into place, to duplicate the pictures I had previously taken in the field.  Next the tree base was carved in an “S” shape to add interest and movement to the sculpture.  Branches were strategically placed to accommodate  the placement of the saddle when it was completed.  Particular attention was given to the texture of the bark, and the smooth areas where the bark was missing on the tree. 

The completed tree trunk, was then permanentely attached to the bottom part of the base to complete the look I was after.  It was now time to paint the tree, rocks and roots.  I used several washes of artists oil paints to accomplish the look I wanted.  I then put a satin finish over the bottom portion, being careful to maintain a good balance of shine and matt finishes. 

The carving of the saddle and base are now complete.  My next challenge will be to capture the weathered look of the leather through my painting techniques. 

Some 4 months ago, I looked at a Charro saddle, with a great deal of apprehension & doubt.  Did I have the ability to carve it?  I questioned my abilities again, when I attempted to sculpt the base.  Now I have only one hurdle to cross -  PAINTING THE CHARRO SADDLE. 

Stay tuned, I’ll update the progress and hope to have the sculpture completed within the next two weeks.