IF YOU ARE BRANDING YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST YOU NEED AS MUCH INTERNET EXPOSURE AS POSSIBLE AND YOU NEED TO LET PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY KNOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR TALENT.
IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY BLOGS AND CHAT SITES THAT CATER TO YOUR TALENT.
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Showing posts with label BRANDING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BRANDING. Show all posts
10 Ways To Help Brand Yourself As A Artist On Twitter.
Here are 10 important branding tips, as you build your brand on Twitter:
When I first started on Twitter I used only my real name, but I quickly added the word ‘artist’ at the end of my name and gained followers much more rapidly. It is easier for people to associate me as an artist this way—my name is much more of a “brand”—and when people search for “artist” my profile comes up.
Make it “catchy” and memorable—this will help people quickly choose whether to follow you or not.
Then again, do not underestimate the average Joe or the newbie tweeter. . . they might be your next big collectors! You will also learn how to be a better follower by following interesting people from all walks of life.
On Twitter, at times I will share a a photo using Twitpic to post a new finished painting or one in progress. This is a great way to get feedback and spark interest in your work.
I like to share my favorite quotes, knowledge and art tips. And, at the end of each tweeting session, I leave a tweet that has something of value.
Keep in mind what kind of personal information, links, resources and promotional materials you plan to post.
I read somewhere that a good rule of thumb for tweeting is to post 1 personal tweet for every 10 informative tweets. I’ve tweeted about my plein air workshop in France, and about a black bear that jumped in front of me on a dark trail. A little of this goes a long way, but it also shows a real human side to you.
You will need to tweet frequently to build your following and brand recognition. The goal is to build a small community of people with similar interests who will recognize your name and your brand.
Having said that, please do not bombard Twitter with numerous tweets and updates. You will quickly realize what works for you—and your followers will let you know if they don’t like it.
A re-tweet (which begins with “RT @so-and-so” and then contains the original tweet) is a great way to capture the attention of an art organization, gallery or someone you would like to have follow you.
Be a human being, not a marketing drone. You may be considered a spammer if you are constantly direct messaging people to visit your website or artwork.
And finally, never forget the golden rule of Twitter. . . .
1. Create a “brand” name when you pick your name
Your Twitter name (represented by the @ symbol in front of it) is the first thing that people will see on Twitter.When I first started on Twitter I used only my real name, but I quickly added the word ‘artist’ at the end of my name and gained followers much more rapidly. It is easier for people to associate me as an artist this way—my name is much more of a “brand”—and when people search for “artist” my profile comes up.
2. Write a catchy profile and bio
Choose your profile statements wisely. It’s a great opportunity to brand yourself on Twitter, and these few words will say a lot to the world about who and what you are.Make it “catchy” and memorable—this will help people quickly choose whether to follow you or not.
3. Upload a friendly, personal profile picture
Remember you are building your artist brand. It is well-known that most people relate to, and want to see, a friendly face when talking with you. If you are not comfortable with uploading an image of yourself, then pick a great image of your art that represents you and grabs attention.4. Link to your own website from your profile page:
Do not forget to add your website to your profile. Make sure your portfolio is visible. Twitter will drive traffic to your site.5. Choose the best time of day to tweet
Most people are on Twitter during the day, while at work, so that’s a good time to use it. I sometimes tweet up to 8x per hour from 8am to noon. The afternoon is usually a bit slower, but not by much.6. Follow people who deserve to be followed
Follow people and organizations that could help your art career and are of value to your business. I suggest you follow galleries, museums, collectors, art coaches, fellow artists, and others you would like to be seen by.Then again, do not underestimate the average Joe or the newbie tweeter. . . they might be your next big collectors! You will also learn how to be a better follower by following interesting people from all walks of life.
7. Post helpful tweets
Tweet, re-tweet or post high quality content that adds value for your followers. Remember, this is micro-blogging. People are looking for something of value to read and share or “re-tweet” with their followers.On Twitter, at times I will share a a photo using Twitpic to post a new finished painting or one in progress. This is a great way to get feedback and spark interest in your work.
I like to share my favorite quotes, knowledge and art tips. And, at the end of each tweeting session, I leave a tweet that has something of value.
Keep in mind what kind of personal information, links, resources and promotional materials you plan to post.
I read somewhere that a good rule of thumb for tweeting is to post 1 personal tweet for every 10 informative tweets. I’ve tweeted about my plein air workshop in France, and about a black bear that jumped in front of me on a dark trail. A little of this goes a long way, but it also shows a real human side to you.
You will need to tweet frequently to build your following and brand recognition. The goal is to build a small community of people with similar interests who will recognize your name and your brand.
Having said that, please do not bombard Twitter with numerous tweets and updates. You will quickly realize what works for you—and your followers will let you know if they don’t like it.
8. Don’t forget to use the re-tweet
Re-tweeting is the act of copying and tweeting someone else’s original tweet, because you think it would be valuable information for your own followers and other minded individuals.A re-tweet (which begins with “RT @so-and-so” and then contains the original tweet) is a great way to capture the attention of an art organization, gallery or someone you would like to have follow you.
9. Be personable and follow good etiquette
Don’t forget to thank people for re-tweeting or replying to your tweets. And don’t worry if you lose a follower or two occasionally—this happens every day and is the name of the game.Be a human being, not a marketing drone. You may be considered a spammer if you are constantly direct messaging people to visit your website or artwork.
And finally, never forget the golden rule of Twitter. . . .
10. “Tweet others the way you want to be tweeted”
(view source - emptyeasel.com)Branding for Artists: How to Create a Strong Brand for Yourself.
ARTIST BRANDING 101
To create an effective brand you must first define the type of customer you have. Second, you should create and refine your brand to as simple an item or phrase as possible, and third, you have to promote your brand constantly.
Assuming you already know your customers, or who you’re trying to appeal to, let’s talk about the second phase: creating and refining your brand.
1. Define your key core competency or best thing you offer
Take some time, sit down and really apply yourself to defining the single best thing that you do. Often this will be what people already mention when they discuss you or your art—after all, it’s what you’re good at.
Other times, what makes you unique is the reason you create your art, or the life experiences you’ve had which have shaped you as an artist. There is no wrong answer. Simply find that unique element that is you and move on to step two.
2. Create a key phrase built around your core competency
There will probably be many ways to describe yourself and your unique abilities, but remember that a key phrase should be short and very concise. Work towards that.
Don’t ever use ambiguous statements like “The low priced leader.” Of what exactly? For whom? Compared to whom? Do you see the problem?
Look around and see what statements are being used by other artists and learn from them. Learn from their mistakes or successes, and then when you create your own key phrase, be different!
3. Draft a symbol or logo to reinforce the message visually
Sometimes having a symbol or visual identity to go along with your branding statement can be very effective. . . but it isn’t always necessary. However, if you feel the need for a logo to reinforce your key statement, then create one, or perhaps adapt one.
What I mean by “adapt one” is that logos are often created simply by consistently using a unique font. Stick with one type-face every time you use your statement, and that will become the symbol you are known for.
For example, the old UPS label wasn’t fancy at all, but through simplicity and repeated use, it became widely recognizable.
Perhaps your hand-written signature is the symbology you’re looking for. Is it a strong, recognizable mark? Does it reflect the rest of your art? Norman Rockwell used his signature as a logo. . . could you do the same?
Large companies with deep-pockets can launch massive campaigns utilizing every form of media. Most of us will not have the resources for that, so each piece of information we produce must be effective. Consistently using your brand statement and/or brand symbol wll help you get the most bang for your buck.
This means putting your brand on everything you create. If you send e-mails, use your brand phrase or statement below your signature line. If you produce postcards or flyers, place the statement prominently. Also, don’t forget to put your brand on your website and business cards.
Ideally you’ll have a well-balanced mix of online and offline promotion, and through repeated use you will begin to forge an identity based upon your defining statement. You may even become “one” with the brand, like Nike has with “Just Do It.” You know when this “oneness” is achieved by the fact that people know instantly who you are when your symbol is displayed or your phrase is written or spoken.
(source: emptyeasel.com)
How to create a strong brand
To create an effective brand you must first define the type of customer you have. Second, you should create and refine your brand to as simple an item or phrase as possible, and third, you have to promote your brand constantly.
Assuming you already know your customers, or who you’re trying to appeal to, let’s talk about the second phase: creating and refining your brand.
1. Define your key core competency or best thing you offer
Take some time, sit down and really apply yourself to defining the single best thing that you do. Often this will be what people already mention when they discuss you or your art—after all, it’s what you’re good at.
Other times, what makes you unique is the reason you create your art, or the life experiences you’ve had which have shaped you as an artist. There is no wrong answer. Simply find that unique element that is you and move on to step two.
2. Create a key phrase built around your core competency
There will probably be many ways to describe yourself and your unique abilities, but remember that a key phrase should be short and very concise. Work towards that.
Don’t ever use ambiguous statements like “The low priced leader.” Of what exactly? For whom? Compared to whom? Do you see the problem?
Look around and see what statements are being used by other artists and learn from them. Learn from their mistakes or successes, and then when you create your own key phrase, be different!
3. Draft a symbol or logo to reinforce the message visually
Sometimes having a symbol or visual identity to go along with your branding statement can be very effective. . . but it isn’t always necessary. However, if you feel the need for a logo to reinforce your key statement, then create one, or perhaps adapt one.
What I mean by “adapt one” is that logos are often created simply by consistently using a unique font. Stick with one type-face every time you use your statement, and that will become the symbol you are known for.
For example, the old UPS label wasn’t fancy at all, but through simplicity and repeated use, it became widely recognizable.
Perhaps your hand-written signature is the symbology you’re looking for. Is it a strong, recognizable mark? Does it reflect the rest of your art? Norman Rockwell used his signature as a logo. . . could you do the same?
Effectively promoting your brand
Large companies with deep-pockets can launch massive campaigns utilizing every form of media. Most of us will not have the resources for that, so each piece of information we produce must be effective. Consistently using your brand statement and/or brand symbol wll help you get the most bang for your buck.
This means putting your brand on everything you create. If you send e-mails, use your brand phrase or statement below your signature line. If you produce postcards or flyers, place the statement prominently. Also, don’t forget to put your brand on your website and business cards.
Ideally you’ll have a well-balanced mix of online and offline promotion, and through repeated use you will begin to forge an identity based upon your defining statement. You may even become “one” with the brand, like Nike has with “Just Do It.” You know when this “oneness” is achieved by the fact that people know instantly who you are when your symbol is displayed or your phrase is written or spoken.
(source: emptyeasel.com)
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