Last Saturday, I joined tens of thousands of others to walk the length of Moss St. in Victoria, to check out the work of over 150 invited professional and emerging artists. The event is called a “Paint-In”. I call it an Artist’s Market.
The Moss St. Paint-In is in its 25th year. The Art Gallery of Victoria happens to be on the same street. It’s a community event, to be sure.
Marketing your art
The artists set up shop at the edges of the road. The crowds walk down the middle of the road. There is a lot to take in; a lot of ground to cover, literally. Walking along, some artists got my attention more than others. I would stop for them. Here are a few reasons why:
- I felt invited; I interpreted the artist’s (and/or their helpers) presence, expression, words, gestures, as an invitation to have a closer look
- the artist’s work aligned with my interests; the content was dear to my heart
- the artist had a focus, a niche; e.g., landscapes, dogs, nudes, dystopia, I knew what they were about, I was not confused
- I knew the brand; the artist was well-known and I wanted to have a bit closer look at their work
- something different caught my eye; their presentation, the colours, unusual shapes, imagery, we’re wired for novelty
- an artist at work; a number of artists were using the opportunity to create something, in addition to displaying/selling their wares it almost felt like co-creation, participatory, standing along side them as they worked
- an artist teaching; a few artists seem to be holding mini master classes, sharing their craft, educating… removing barriers, mysteries revealed
And then there are the takeaways; a purchase, a business card, a pleasant conversation, an I’m going to have to learn more about him/her… the beginning or end of a relationship?
How about you
Maybe you want to make a connection, to collaborate, to resolve differences, or to sell something. You want others to appreciate your value.
How are you marketing your value? How do you and/or your organization get people’s attention, for your product or service? Are your actions initiating, or ending, the relationship with that person?
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