Social Media: Good for an Artist?

Well, surely the only answer is yes? As an Artist myself I find the internet to be a large and interesting space full of people with common goals and dreams… It is also a place for information and inspiration.

When you go out and meet new people, you network. The development of the internet has made this possible for anyone, wherever they are. Allowing you as the Artist, to showcase your talent, voice your thoughts…and possibly even gain paid work!

The internet has grown vastly since it began, with over 80% of the population now using it. The rise in social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow creative people the chance to show their work to a wider audience…bigger than any Gallery viewing. Your creative peers are also able to follow your progress through these sites, helping you gain inspiration from each other. Perhaps even developing your work into something greater…

Twitter and Facebook in particular also enable you to follow establishments you admire or wish to (one day) be a part of…for example, Artists may follow Galleries in the hopes that they take a look at their profile and like their work. Illustrators may hope to get noticed by a publisher looking for someone to illustrate a children’s book. It works both ways too; you may find a Gallery following you because they like your style…or persona! This doesn’t necessarily mean they wish to stock your work, however any contact is good contact.

Having your very own personal website as an Artist is seen as quite important nowadays, it acts as a digital portfolio. Something you can refer back to without carrying round a heavy folder full of work.

Don’t worry though…we aren’t all HTML geeks who know how to create a website from scratch, and that includes me!

If having a website really seems like the end of the world, there are many resources for creative practitioners on the internet, including many listings... such as Creative Boom. Or for those in North Yorkshire: CNY (Creative North Yorkshire). These sites act like a creative directory, where you can list your name and creative details...including your website address.  It’s easy! So if you’re not already on there think of the possibilities you could be missing!

Remember; always refer people to your website or social media page. Have a business card with the links. In today’s world of technology, you will find more and more people LOVE to correspond via emails or texts rather than speaking face to face. Gone are the days of the written letter from a special friend you haven’t seen in years…

What do you think? Do you spend all your free time promoting your work & business online? If so, do you see any results?


Until next time,

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Craft Fair vs Gallery

As an Artist and general crafter I am lucky enough to have work in Galleries around Yorkshire. I also manage to find time to promote and sell my work via Fairs... This got me thinking. Which is better?

Whether selling via a Gallery or a Craft Fair you need to have a fair idea of the profit margin for each of your creations. You will need to think about how much you would have to make (sell) in order to break even…..and then, hopefully make a profit.

Merino Wool Felt Sheep Painting.

For Craft Fairs, you also need to consider the costs of transport and any packaging you may use when selling.

Extra costs could be added if you wish to use electrical items, or other displays... each fair is different, and this is something that needs to be looked into.

.....and what about Child care? Many Craft Fairs are held on a weekend.

Due to all the extra costs to consider when exhibiting at a Craft Fair it may mean that you have to re-think your prices! But will they sell??
 
Craft Fairs can ultimately be an excellent way to promote your work, and business. Perhaps you have your own website, or Etsy/Folksy shop? These can be mentioned with each sale that you make. Plus, these events are a great way to network with Galleries and other Artists.

So what about showing and (hopefully) selling your work through a shop?

When showing your Artwork and Craft through Galleries remember the Gallery is doing a lot of the hard work for you! There are no hidden costs, no childcare to arrange.. a simple exchange of work, and should it sell… you can reap the rewards.

Galleries generally charge a Commission on every piece you sell, which can range from 30 to 50%, so this needs to be considered when pricing your work.

Whether showing your work via a Craft Fair or within a Gallery consider all costs before you sign on the dotted line. You need to be sure and fully happy with the contract. I've heard many stories of hidden costs, and been caught out myself!
Personally, I like having the opportunity to do both, but I do like having the interaction between people who view and compliment my work. Each "Aww" and "Ooh" makes me smile....
 
What are your thoughts? Have you had a good experience at a Craft Fair? What advice would you give?

Until next time,

The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Darlington Sunday People's Market

I just wanted to share a fantastic new venture, brought to you by the people of Darlington. A local town, close to where I live.

The Darlington Sunday People's Market is a brand new Sunday market in the heart of Darlington's town centre. The Market which starts on August 5th promises to be an exciting event, with a variety of stalls. There will also be live music, balloons and even face painting for the children.

The Darlington Sunday People's Market is an ongoing event, initially be held on a monthly basis but the potential for that to be increased is there.. so who knows!

The Mucky Pup Gallery is lucky enough to have a stall, where we will be selling all types of handcrafted products. 

Felt Flower Brooches, available on The Mucky Pup Gallery stall. 

Many Darlington shop owners will also be trading on the day, including the friendly folk at Guru Boutique. So there really is something for everyone.

These types of Markets really help build communities, and more importantly they promote and support local business people.


So, if you happen to be around the North East on August the 5th, pop a long to Darlington's Town centre. The Market runs from 11am till 3pm.

 Image: Courtesy of The Darlington Sunday People's Market.

For more information about the Darlington Sunday People's Market head over to their Facebook page, where you will be able to find out more information, and perhaps take a peek at the other stalls available.

I hope to see you there!

Until next time,

Gemma - The Mucky Pup
#Woof

Pinterest?

Lets dive right in…

Last night, after seeing the 20th update of people mentioning Pinterest, I decided to bite the bullet and see what all the fuss was about.

We’ve probably all heard the negative stories surrounding Pinterest, and whether it infringes on Copyright, which in part is quite likely true. However, sharing fellow Artists work doesn’t have to be a bad thing... Why can’t it be a fantastic thing?

After asking for some opinions via Facebook and Twitter, I saw the response was pretty positive. To set up a Pinterest account you have to be invited. So by the power of social media I was able to gain an invite pretty quickly, & so my adventure began.

I soon saw Pinterest was a place where anything could be Pinned, for whatever reason. When people Pin items, they are all linked back to the original source. So in theory, if someone Pins an item from Folksy, Etsy or alike, then the Artist will always get credit. If lucky, this will result in a sale. Promotion. Another positive point to the Pinterest argument.

Pinterest however is also a personal place where you can Pin your likes, hopes and dreams… As dramatic as that sounds it‘s kind of true. From people Pinning Cupcake ideas, to anything Wedding related. People are clearly using Pinterest as a social media Mood Board for ideas. 

 

I myself have taken to using Pinterest as a place for inspiration. With most of my boards featuring colour themes. These boards include objects, clothes, picturesque scenes & more… all in one colour. Like an Online colour wheel. 

 
Having only just started using Pinterest I know there is still a lot to learn. If you want to check out my Pins, you can find me by searching MuckyPupGallery. 

 
So what do you think about Pinterest? What type of images do you collect?

Is Pinterest a good or a bad idea?

Post your thoughts below. Or feel free to leave a comment via Facebook & join the debate.

Until next time..
#Woof

The Mucky Pup.