Key Differences Between Social Media Platforms
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John Atkinson,Wrong Hands
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We all have all heard that social media is changing the way artists sell and patrons buy. While I think that in theory this is true, in practice I am a firm believer in the Art Festival model of bringing patrons and artists together to create an environment of connectivity.
To foster and maintain these connections, social media is the most effective tool available to help maintain client relationships, receive feedback, keep an open line of communication, and advertise to new and existing patrons.
One common struggle for all of us is that there are many ways to connect on social media and finding the balance of designing a strategy requires an understanding of the key differences between the platforms.
This social media comparison infographic (created in December 2017) will help explain the differences between the platforms.
Social Media Comparison
For most artists and show directors the most useful platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more limited Linked-In. Below are the key factors that will help you connect your art to social media.
Facebook
- Ability to target who sees your posts
- Advertising on Facebook is undervalued right now
- Patrons are on this platform - all ages represented
- You need to be active and post consistently to build a following
- Divide your work into well-organized categories or series
- Galleries are paying attention to artists with large followings
- Drive followers to your website
Instagram
- Post photos or short videos (no text)
- Post from Instagram can be seamlessly posted on Facebook
- Advertising can be linked through Facebook
- Drives younger patrons to your sites
- Hashtags are searchable
- Use 3-8 hashtags for every post - medium, subject matter, location
- Artists can follow and interact with art dealers / curators
- You need to be comfortable with a smart phone or tablet as you cannot post from a laptop
Pinterest
- Best site for displaying art
- Over 5% of all referral traffic to websites comes from Pinterest.
- Only platform that by clicking on an image you are linked directly to the artist
- 87% of Pinners have purchased something they saw on Pinterest
- 72% of Pinners use Pinterest to decide what to buy
- Overall engagement (like clicks and view) is 3.5 months - about 1,600 times longer than a Facebook post.
Linkedin
- Build a professional network
- Posts from other social media platforms are easy to post on Linkedin
- Artists can connect their art blogs and websites on their profile
- There are dozens of art groups on Linkedin providing professional resources
We have the advantage for social media marketing.
We already know that social platforms are visual and we have for years been building up a library of images to use. It's time to open your treasure chest of work and share it.
There are several free and easy-to-use tools out there that allow you to post to different social media sites at the same time.
Buffer
and
Hootsuite
are both popular options, allowing you to auto-schedule posts and shorten links. That way you can take care of an entire week of posts (across all your social media platforms) in one sitting.
If you find social media is too cumbersome and diminishes the ability for you to have creative space, do your process, or personal time, then hiring a third party might be beneficial. Outsourcing your social media strategy to a social media coordinator might be the best option for you.
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| Application Rolling / Final Deadline: 7/31/18 |
Last Chance to APPLY:
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Daytona Beach, FL
Application Closes: 7/20/18
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Mesa, AZ
Application Closes: 8/31/18
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Jan, Feb, March
Bonita Springs, FL
Application Closes for January show on 9/1/18
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Morgan Hill, CA
Application Closes: 8/25/18
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Click HERE to view more Calls to Artists:
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Alice Collier Duke Is Changing the Art World One ArtFest at a Time
I'm a journalist by trade. I've covered everything from daily news in a tiny Midwestern town to the political campaigns of three U.S. presidents. So when
The Art Market 2018 came out, I dove right in - and it was fascinating.
Did you know collectors' top motivations for buying art include aesthetic, passion, and the desire to support artists and culture.
Or that art fairs continue to be the central part of the art market, contributing to $15.5 billion in sales and leading to twice that amount in post-fair, follow-on sales?
One thing I wasn't surprised to learn, however, is that white male artists dominate art fairs. As a passionate art lover and community developer and a woman of color, I have a long-held belief that we can inspire healthier communities by connecting people to their neighbors, which will bring about diverse art and multicultural experiences.
That's why I, along with fine art photographer Marc Duke, have created Spirit Media. Spirit Media's three festivals in fall 2018 -ArtOcala, ArtTampa, and ArtOrlando - are art experiences where each blink of the eye brings a new perspective on the visual, performance, and digital arts and echoes the diversity of the locale.
And we want you there! Spirit Media welcomes fine established and emerging artists from all backgrounds and mediums to showcase your creativity to massive audiences. Our venue in Orlando
draws more than 50,000 people daily, and our venues in Ocala and Tampa draw upwards of 30,000 visitors daily.
J
oin us this Oct. 13-14 at ArtOcala, Oct. 20-21 at ArtTampa, and Oct. 27-28 at ArtOrlando for art experiences that have the power to build community and bring you success weeks, months, and maybe even years after the show is over.
Apply for only $25 today
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This Issue's Quote:
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol
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SPOTLIGHT ON SHOW: SUGARLOAF CRAFT FESTIVALS
Last month I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Verdier, Director of
Sugarloaf Craft Festivals about what what she was doing this summer and she recommendations for artists as we get ready for the fall season.
How do you spend your summer months?
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| Jacqueline Verdier with Sugarloaf Crafts Founder - President Deann Verdier |
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Summer! The best and most productive season of the year. We use this time of year to plan. When the Sugarloaf Crafts Fall Tour starts in October, we work the plan developed over the summer. Once we're "in season" the 6 shows come quickly. The time is now to perfect layouts, jury last minute applicants, and prepare content for fall advertising. Summer planning ensures ensures the most successful fall events possible. And, we start to jury the Spring 2019 Tour - deadline July 30!
What are your top 3 tips for artists to get prepared for the busy fall season?
Fall is always a busy time. No surprise - it happens every year! With a little time and effort now, we can all set ourselves up for a success fall season. Plan ahead, get to work, and it'll all get done. My top 3 tips for artists looking to make the most of the summer:
 Create Inventory: Take stock of what you have. What is selling? Make more of this. What's new? Always have something new that you're proud to show your customers at every show. Sugarloaf Crafts brings in shoppers ready to buy. Don't run out of product at the most crucial time of year. Prepare now and stockpile!
Pictures & Social Media: The time is now to
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artist Elaine Thompson |
connect with your shoppers. Build your relationships by sharing on social media. Take lots and lots of pictures. Smart phones camera are great - and convenient. Get in the habit of taking photos everyday. Images of your work, your process, in your studio, and at shows with customers. Support other artists by liking and sharing their posts. Stockpile images to use this fall, just like your product inventory. The more you do during the calmer summer months, the better prepared you'll be for a successful fall.
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| Mark Mowen Leather |
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Merchandising and Booth Display: How you present yourself and your product is important. Think about what makes a shopping experience fun. You only have a few seconds to catch the eye of a prospective customer. Products that are easy to see, easy to browse and have pricing clearly marked are easy for shoppers to buy. Take a hard look at your booth display and ask your friends for constructive feedback. A fresh update to your booth display will even draw in your loyal collectors. More tips here. Try it!
What's new at Sugarloaf Crafts?
We are so excited to announce a NEW Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this October in Chantilly, VA. Located in affluent Northern VA, you'll want to be a part of the fun. Great things are in the works to bring the shoppers to you. Join our free sales seminars this fall and learn new skills to build your business. Spring 2019 applications are now being accepted - jury deadline July 30.Keep in touch with @SugarloafCrafts on Facebook and Instagram, watch for more announcements soon!
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From the Directors Chair: What does the Judge look for?
I have been in this industry for over 25 years, as an artist, show director, and a juror or judge at fine art festivals. All artists understand the difficulty of showcasing your work for the public, but it is harder to get into the mind of the show's judges. Below are the three aspects every artist should have and what I look for as a judge in choosing an award winning artist.
- Speak in a synced manner about your work and your process
- Be prepared to deliver your 30 second spiel, judges must visit each artist
- What is unique about your story?
Presentation is key
- Professional set-up - invest in clean lines and professional looking display
- Present the work that was submitted to the jury
- For small work have enlarged posters/photographs of the art
- Best work highlighted - Not too crowded
- Presentation includes the price tag, have professional price tags on your work
- Don't have additional items in your booth that detract from your work
- Ensure your product is clean
- No matter the weather - be there!
- Have your weights tied down and safely secured
Wow Factor
- Is your art completely unique?
- Is your body of work a cohesive message?
- Only present your best work
Wishing everyone a great summer, fantastic shows and safe travels
Robin Markowitz
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Created for Art-Linx by Carol Sher
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Rolling Application
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Show Directors and Producers
What Can Art-Linx Do For You?
*Increase applications to your festival
*Create a positive impression of your event
*Tell artists about important developments
*Expand your pool of loyal artists
*Create a focused, cost effective marketing program to potential exhibitors
*...and much more!
At Art-Linx, we focus on a single goal: connecting artists with art festivals and art festivals with artists. Hundreds of festivals have found our services highly effective ...and very cost efficient.
Call or email us today for a no obligation consultation on your artist marketing needs!
Click HERE for more information
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Summer Safety
Dehydration: The Warnings & Creative Alternatives to Prevent It
This summer is posed to be one of the hottest on record and it is important to know the signs of dehydration and the precautions you can take.
Extreme Thirst
Rapid Heartbeat
Dark-color urine
Fatigue
Dizziness
Confusion
We all know to that hydration and
electrolyte balance is the key so we looked into some healthy alternatives that you can bring to the shows to fight dehydration and naturally replenish water and electrolytes.
Bananas
Beet Juice
Cantelope
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber Water
Coconut Water
Mangoes
Pomegranets
Tart Cherries
Watermelon
Let us know what topics interest you and Art-Linx will work to include them in the next Art Festival Newsletter - Published September 12, 2018
Contact Robin at
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information on festivals?
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Need
updates on festival participation trends?
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