How to Promote Yourself 2

Part 2 - IN PERSON / VERBAL PROMOTION

Our goal with these interactions is to get your point across effectively, create a great impression and desire to interact further with you and your work from then on.

There are other things like the personality you portray, your social circles and choosing places relevant to where you want your work to be seen to attend private views and events at, but working on a well worded and natural 'pitch' can have you ready for any scenario.

Pitches - try to work on 3 versions; 1 sentence, 3 sentences, long story:
- 1 sentence - quick and summarising what is integral to you work. 'I am a abstract painter who explores texture and colour'
- 3 sentences - possibly add in a bit more background; is where you are from or where you studied important to your practice? Have you had a recent exhibition?
- Long pitch - The longer pitch will be a two-way conversation (a chance to question them, listen and focus on what they like/connect with when looking at art. Do they like form, colour, certain themes... If they sound interested in your work ask to connect with them over email. DON'T force them to see your artwork there and then, hopefully you describe your art in a way that makes them curious enough to ask...

Pitch's might include:
- Summary of your artist statement/bio (describe your artwork briefly)
- Elements that might connect with a listener (commonalities)
- Examples of our past successes/exhibitions

Example:
“I’m (your name), I’m Italian-Albanian and was raised in Trieste, that creates abstract artworks through layering things like raw pigment and limestone on canvas.

I quite influenced by the processes used by artists like Rothko/Kandinsky/Pollock/Twombly - I like the elements of control and chaos they use.

I had an exhibition recently with Oaktree & Tiger Gallery it was exciting, I collaborated with a violinist.”

Notice details, in the above, that the listener can find reasons to connect with (countries/cities, renowned artists), be open to further questions, don't go overboard and give too much info; aim to create a desire to see your artworks from what you say, try to exchange contact details as much as possible.

Post meeting in person: build those meetings into relationships by keeping up interactions through newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, direct email... Build trust in your work. Make sure you keep your website and social media up to date so that when people look you up they see you as active in the industry. Keep in touch and follow up with a message soon after meeting, this is vital with important interactions as the enthusiasm that they had at the time usually disappears soon after.

Conrad Carvalho - Gallery Director for Oaktree & Tiger Gallery. Works closely with early emerging artists, using his experience in finance and business to help develop their own careers.

Continued Next Week: How to Promote Yourself: Part 3 - WRITTEN PROMOTION