Starting Out

Frank Samos · 06-17-2002, 04:29 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm still fairly new to the business of Portraiture and to this site. This is only my first post after my introduction in the introduction section.

My question is, would you recommend advertising in the local newspaper? Would you use flyers and business cards?

I am currently compiling my portait samples for my portfolio with the completion of only one commissioned work so far.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Frank Samos

Michael Georges · 06-17-2002, 09:18 PM

I might try to get someone to write an article about you rather than advertising. Print advertising can be iffy depending on the publication, circulation, readership, etc. It might be wiser to feel your way around before spending the money it takes for an ad.

Business cards, however, are a must. Don't skimp on them. Put your best piece in full color if you can.

I print flyers and distribute them at my booth when I do shows - they can be handy.

You will probably also want some sort of website representation either through SOG or your own site.

Hope that helps!

Ramon Deslauriers · 06-28-2002, 01:38 PM

Michael,

I like the idea of having an article written up in the newspaper but, had a couple of questions.

First of all, what would the article be about? Is it just going to be about a new portrait artist in town yada yada yada? Or does some sort of interesting twist need to be fabricated? Does the artist write the article about himself and send it to the paper, hoping it will appear in the newspaper? Is this something you've been able to experience yourself?

I also have a couple of questions about business cards. Should a full color image be printed on the card itself? And what kind of printing am I looking for if the card is to be printed in full color?

I know I've just opened a can of worms, but whatever you could offer in reply would be greatly appreciated.

With sincere thanks,
Ramon Deslauriers

Michael Georges · 06-28-2002, 04:13 PM

Hello Ramon:

There are always freelance writers in the area. Look one of them up and approach them about the possibility of doing an article. Clearly, you need to have something to say and work that they can photograph, etc. I have been in several articles, but never the sole focus. I plan on moving in the next couple of months and will try for one or two sole focus articles when I get to my new place.

As for business cards, here is mine:

http://www.fineportraitsinoil.com/Ge...BC-example.jpg

I went for a full color coated card with as much pizzaz as I could get. People need something to remember you by, so my advice is to spend a little more on your card. I did mine at a place called Sir Speedy who farmed it out to a large printer out of state. I paid about $150 for 2000 cards which is not too bad for full color.

Hope that helps!

Mike McCarty · 06-28-2002, 04:51 PM

Check out the thread in this section titled "artsy business cards" at http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...usiness+cards.

Frank Samos · 07-01-2002, 10:44 AM

Michael,

I wanted to thank you for your reply to my post. I have been actively completing a portrait of my daughter for my portfolio. The portrait is in graphite since I have not yet started oil painting.

Would you advise on using a portait in graphite for my current business cards then get new business cards when I go to oil? As you have mentioned, it appears that business cards could become costly.

Again, thank you for your advice.

Yours sincerely,
Frank

Michael Georges · 07-01-2002, 03:25 PM

Hi Frank:

Use what ever you have until you get a better sample. If your first card is a black and white, then print 250 or 500 of them and go with it. Don't print too many because in the long run, you will want to upgrade your cards to match your progress.

Be sure to post your portrait in the critique forum when you get it completed!

Michele Rushworth · 07-02-2002, 08:45 PM

As far as getting an article about yourself in the newspaper, write an article and send it, along with a photo of you standing beside your best painting, into the editor of every newspaper in your area, both big and small. Send it in as a "Press Release". These need to follow a very specific format so it's well worth your time to check a book out of your local library about publicity, public relations or art marketing to understand how to write these.

Every time you launch a business, get an important commission, take a class, go on a business-related trip, it's news to at least the editors of the small local papers. The things that get published in the local papers or even the local sections of the bigger city papers are the articles and photos that are well put-together with an interesting story angle or quote. It's not necessarily just stories that contain big "news". People like to read local color about local people -- and that's you!

Good luck!

Cynthia Daniel · 07-03-2002, 08:38 AM

There are books on publicity and getting press in my art bookstore: http://fineartbooks.com/publicity.htm