Getting Recognition
Creating For A Reason
By Victor K. Pryles


Many artists think they already know all there is about 'creativity' others feel they know hardly anything about it. Fortunately this week's topic is not so constrained. Most artists freely admit to being poor promoters of themselves and their art.




Some have publicists; others do all the 'marketing' themselves. Some have elaborate and beautiful web sites while others put a few bucks into 'promo cards'.

However, almost every artist I've worked with says he/she 'hates' this side of the art world. It's not only foreign to them but often seems too crass and commercial. They tell me they didn't get into art to become a salesman!

And who can blame them. In changing perceptions for the world (that is what you do, isn't it?) there is little joy in 'selling your wares' or 'developing an audience'.

But, again I'm going to make a shocking statement.

Make selling your work/art your number one job!

Why?

Because that's the only way it is going to affect the world and possibly change it! Ever think of creating your art without a client? Remember my admonition to go directly to a deserted island? If you only perform for yourself-it's the best place for you.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work".
---Thomas Edison


Let's get our hands 'dirty' and work on this vital aspect of our art. Here are four tips that will point you in the right direction and a web site I found that will help you 'market' yourself and your work.


1. Write a job description for yourself and list sales and marketing as your most important task. Make it Job One! Realize the value of having a paying patron in your life.

2. Start using positive self-talk instead of negative self-talk about this. "It's a valuable asset to have an audience for my hard won work! I'm more than willing to assign much more time to telling the world about it."

3. Do what successful sales reps do. Attend sales classes and seminars, read sales magazines (I subscribe to 'Selling Power', www.sellingpower.com) invest in audio and video sales training and network with other artists.

4. Pretend you work for someone else. Set up goals, deadlines, quotas, and most important, rewards. It is critical to motivate yourself to do the sales activities that will bring you results.

A very good website that can introduce you to this field is http://www.get-free-publicity.com where you can sign up for a free five day e-mail course full of terrific ideas on how to sell/promote yourself and your art. Or you can write to them at:

The Academy Of Marketing and Advertising
11843 Abbottswood Dr.

San Antonio, TX 78249 Tel: 210-696-7292


I've developed 138 tips for promoting your art, as well. If you would like to be placed on the mailing list send me an e-mail here at The Authors Den put the word "art tips" in the subject column. You'll get a new tip each week to work with.

You deserve a wider audience. Isn't it time to create for a reason and get recognition?

Victor K. Pryles is the author of "The Secret Creator Within"- 23 Ways To Awaken Your Creative Genius. His books, newsletters and consulting practice create new technologies that act like 'alarm clocks' to the soul.

For information about his work and programs visit: Http://www.creativepops.com