Guest Blog: Why I represent Paul Creedon, Fine Artist

In 2010 I started a freelance graphic and web design business called Pat Creedon Design, Inc. I came up with the name (mine) and had it incorporated. The plan was to market my extensive abilities at branding and creative concepts to help small businesses grow. I got quite a few clients once word got around. I designed a menu, several business cards, several websites, postcards, PowerPoint templates, Social Media graphics, and logos. I also signed up with a few creative staffing agencies that placed me at area corporations for onsite stints. And I worked freelance for my previous employer. I even did some work for non-profits. Overall it was a sucessful company and still is nice to have as a sideline and back up to the fulltime employment I was offered in May 2012.

So why did I change my business model to focus more on Paul Creedon, Fine Artist? First and foremost, he’s my husband! But beyond that I am a great fan of his work. I always have been. But his recent work in pastels is really fulfilling his potential in my opinion. I want everyone to see it. To see it is to love it. Though many art collectors are drawn to a more abstract style and Paul may never achieve trendiness, he produces consistent, high-quality art for the lover of colorful, recognizeable still lifes and landscapes. If you fit that bill then welcome. Paul has a wonderful personality that really comes through in his blog and his art. Get to know him here and on Twitter, @pecreedon. I will be designing his branding and promoting his art to galleries and by entering local art shows. So look for his work on a wall near you or better yet, purchase a Paul Creedon for your own wall! To do so, simply email me, Patricia Creedon. Samples and pricing will be sent away!

3 Top Social Media Marketing Tips for the Artist by Lorraine Duncan

I have been doing Social Media Marketing for a while now. The way I see it Social Media is crucial when it comes to marketing your art online. Social Media gets your name out there in a big way. It gets you noticed. Getting noticed can boost your art business to success. 

As I sit here and write this post I want to share some of my biggest tips that will produce engagement for artists. 

Use Facebook

My first tip is that utilize Facebook to your advantage. The cover photo and the profile and the tabs are some great pieces of real estate on your page. Your artwork is your product. Post your artwork in such a way where you are marketing to your gift.  

It’s all about content

My second tip is that it’s all about content. You want to focus on your target market or your ideal client and give them quality content. You want to share stuff that others can learn from. You want to share some of your artwork and something personal about it to make the connections. The bottom line is that audiences engage with content that they find interesting. They usually do this by liking, sharing or retweeting. Keep your content fresh by posting some inspirational stuff. You will be amazed at the relationships that begin to happen online.

Let them get to know you

My last tip is let people get to know you. My experience with art is I make my art buying experience based on more than just a pretty drawing but the decision is made on who the artist is. I want to know about the artist. We do business with who we know, like and trust. Use your Social Media Platforms to give potential buyers frequent glimpses of you and your creative personality. Use your professional pages on Facebook and LinkedIn with frequent posts about your artistic activities. This will let people get to know you. And don't forget Pinterest, another way to show your followers more of your unique gift in art. There is over 650 million people using Facebook, 160 million members using LinkedIn, and nearly 20 million people using Pinterest. What a great way to get would-be art collectors to know you through social media.

Lorraine Duncan is a guest blogger this week. She’s a colleague whom my wife met at BNI. Now she manages my social media for me. Lorraine started out as a business coach but has swiftly moved into the social media angle of the business. You can learn more about her at www.footpathbizcoaching.com ENJOY HER WRITING