Arty Girl: Learn to Market Your Art

By stopnlook on flickr Creative Commons.

This can be yours...eventually.

​Attention struggling artists: On Wednesday, February 17, you can learn how to turn your talent into a business at the "Marketing and Managing Your Art Career" workshop at Tempe Center for the Arts.

Now, I understand that some creative types might interpret the integration of business practices into their art as a conduit of poison to the purity of their creations. That's an interesting viewpoint...good luck with that.

Now, for those of you who want more out of your career (like, a steady income, food on the table, and a stable future), read on.
This blog doesn't need to reiterate that times are tough out there. And when wallets are thin, people start holding back on "luxury expenses". Art could very easily fall in that category.

So, when the time comes that people can afford to spend a little extra scratch (fingers crossed), you want your art images to be fresh in their minds...allow the power of marketing to get you there.

Independent marketing and public relations specialist, Holly Harmon,  is leading a discussion that will cover marketing strategies and practices as they pertain to the visual arts. Harmon spent her career advancing in the marketing department for Ballet Arizona and worked for a variety of clients at well-known Valley PR agencies. Recently, she branched out on her own as a full-time independent practitioner, focusing on artists and arts organizations.

The presentation is part of TCA's "Business 201 for Artists". This series of workshops offers a chance for local artists and business professionals to share ideas to develop professional practices for the visual and performing arts. (It continues with another workshop on April 21 about social media).

The "Marketing and Managing Your Art Career" starts at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17 at the Tempe Center for the Arts in the 201 Lounge, 700 West Rio Salado Parkway. Cost is $5 at the door with limited seating. Call 480-350-2867 or visit www.tempe.gov.