Marketing Your Studio Workshop

1. Marketing Your Studio Workshop

2. The Cambridge Arts Council thanks you for being part of the sixth annual Cambridge Open Studios, an event that showcases visual, performing and literary artists active in all neighborhoods of Cambridge. During one spectacular weekend in April 2014, more than 300 Cambridge based artists working in all media, will participate in this celebration of art at approximately 150 venues throughout the city. The success of every one of our Open Studios begins with you, our participating artists.

3. Marketing

4. Website and Social Media • Create a buzz! • Add new images and current work • Create an Open Studios event on your website and Facebook • tweet event dates to your network and where you will be showing • Add the event to listservs • feature the event in your blog, in your monthly newsletter, Tumblr, and Twitter accounts • include your website, the Open Studios website, and our QR code

5. Email Marketing • Add Open Studios dates, web link and logo to your email signature • Send eblasts through your email server with images of new work • For help with larger contact lists, try Mail Chimp or Constant Contact • Personalize your marketing to you and your work • Send one big notification of the event and another reminder closer to the date

6. Printed Marketing • Order artist cards to hand out to visitors, other artists and interested buyers • customize your own posters with images of your work, and your studio address. Add our QR code to and website address to personalized posters and flyers

7. Way-findingTips for increasing foot traffic Know your shuttle stop! Additional signage Balloons Papering the town!

8. Preparing your Studio • In your own studio • Make a welcoming setup for your entrance • Set up a visitor sign in sheet or book to add to your contact list • Place flowers and other inviting flourishes around your space • If showing with a group, have an artist directory at the front with each artist’s photo and a listing below • More tips • Play pleasant music at a low volume • Offer refreshments and snacks

9. Formatting Your Space • In your own studio or at a Common Venue • Create a welcoming environment • Think of what visitors will experience when they come into your space • Structure the space to guide visitors in their viewing • Have another person on hand to assist with marketing, promoting and talking about your work

10. Presenting Your Work Pricing • Offer a range of work at different prices • Have flip,bins for unframed/unmatted work • Display framed or matted work on table easels Packaging • Clear sleeves, waterproof bags, paper bags with handles • Add a stick with your logo, website and QR code. You can also stick an artist card inside. More tips • Mark NFS or SOLD work with a sticker • Leave all sold work on walls and schedule a pick up or deliver for after Open Studios

11. Give Demonstrations • Live demonstrations are a great way to share your craft • Video demonstrations playing on a tv or laptop are great for artists with intensive processes or who use dangerous chemicals or equipment. You can show step by step demos or time lapsed clips

12. Sales Pricelists • Offer work in a range of prices • Include an artist statement, and a further explanation of your process Labels • Add labels to larger works • Choose to include/omit prices • Have them printed on cardstock or stick an adhesive label on mat board Cash transaction • Have a cash box/change on hand • Have a receipt system Credit Card Transactions • Invest in a credit card processor for smart phones such as Square, Leaf and Pay Anywhere

13. Takeaways Artist Cards and oversized postcards • Artist information • Upcoming events • Website and contact info Open Studios Card • Name • Include Smartphone app link • Ecommerce website • QR code Cards by Vistaprint Cards by moo.com

14. Help us spread the word! .. And have fun!