So, let’s refresh, we have talked about defining your passion, and developing your brand (which isn’t gross after all….)  and now, my favorite part, Sharing your work!  

It’s true, your work can speak for its self – I mean, that’s why you created it, right?  But maybe you want to reach more people so that your work can speak a little louder?  I totally get that.
So let’s talk about sharing your work boldly, cleanly, and beautifully (this is technically called marketing, but it’s not gross and dirty – I promise!)

1. First, be known in your own city.  Your biggest fan club and support structure are the people that know you the best.  Invest time and love into  your community and allow the people close to you to champion and support you.
2. Your audience wants to hear from you, the maker, the one who poured their thoughts, creativity, and emotions into the art.  Find your voice and be consistent in that.  Use each post as a way to share your story – the daily highs of creativity, your process, thoughts, finished work, and events worth celebrating.  Make sure everything fits within your brand (remember what we talked about yesterday?)

 

3. Invest in your network.  Having the ability to reach a million people with your work is a powerful  gift!  It’s worth investing time – every day- into this gift.  Even though your audience probably isn’t that big (yet) you are reaching people, individuals, who are taking a moment out of their time to focus on you.  Cherish those moments and don’t waste your opportunities.
4. Share the best and never the worst.  I am talking about business branding here – not your personal life.  It is wonderful to be open and vulnerable with your friends, but use caution when publicly showing the vulnerable sides to your business.   Appear polished and professional as much as possible.  It is better to say nothing at all than to say something gross, far off-brand, or disagreeable.  Think like an editor and be a little picky about what you publish or share.

5. Image is everything.  We work in a visual world creating a visual “product”.  So it stands to reason that artists should be the best of the best when it comes to visuals.  Take time to learn about photography and work daily on improving your standards.

 

6. Don’t speak badly about your work (especially online).  If you genuinely cannot speak beautifully about something you create then don’t show it.

 

As for where to market yourself, that is up to you!  These principles apply across the board and over ever media outlet.   Pick a couple different avenues of networking (online and off) and really work at excelling in those arenas.  You can grow and shift, of course, but start somewhere.  My personal favorite communities are Instagram and Twitter.

Artists, makers, and creative people that are totally rocking social media and marketing:
(check them out, enjoy their goodness, and follow in their footsteps)
Hannah Ferrara (Another Feather)
Karen Mordechai (Sunday Suppers)
Ian Nigh (Maritime Supply Co)
Moorea Seal
Emily Reinhardt (The Object Enthusiast)
Jeff Sheldon (Ugmonk)
Courtney Hamill (Honeycomb Studio)
Jenna Rainey

This list could go on and on and on.  There are so many inspiring and creative people active and producing good content!  Who are your favorite makers and artists?  What are they doing right?  Please share!!  I love meeting new creative people.  

Check back tomorrow!  We’re going to be talking about opening yourself up to growth – how to enlarge your creative business in a healthy and beautiful way.
Until then, if you have any questions or would like any more info, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below!