THE BUSINESS OF ART :: PUBLICITY & PROMOTION :: PUBLICITY MATERIALS

A basic set of materials with information about your background and your artwork lets you tell your story as you wish, with as much detail as you choose. If you are working with an organization, they can use them to prepare their promotion of your work. When you are on your own, you'll be able to spend less time on preparation and more time on distributing them to the correct audiences.

Press releases

A simple, well-written press release will help you get your project listed in calendars, "things to do" lists, and more in various media. When available, you can include photos or other images that can make good artwork for print and online media. This is also your introduction to critics and feature writers.

  How to write a press release
Some valuable tips on the basics of writing an effective press release. From Gebbie Press.

  Writing press releases
How to plan, research and write press releases to editors, writers, reporters and others. Reprinted at Artist Register with permission from Suite101.com and Cecilia H. Lee.

  More on press releases
See a sample press release and tips about formatting and submitting. Geared toward the visual arts. Reprinted at Artist Register with permission from Suite101.com and Cecilia H. Lee.

Contacting the media

Many events and opportunities compete for the attention of the media. The more specific you can be in selecting the right people to receive your materials, the more successful you will be. You will also be able to target specific reporters who might be interested in a theme or issue. This requires research, but can pay off.

  Gebbie Press
Find links to Web sites of U.S. radio stations, television stations, newspapers, and magazines. Selecting Media Links allows you to search by state.

Sending postcards

A "personal" invitation and a striking visual representation of your work can be effective in attracting an audience. Many galleries, organizations and artists use postcards as a way to reach potential attendees. Digital printing makes it possible to use full-color postcards as an effective tool.

  Modern Postcard
Creates, print and mails full color postcards.

  ADG Printing
Creates and prints postcards.

Mailing lists

It's important to keep others informed about your career accomplishments and upcoming events by creating and updating a mailing list that includes people such as friends and family, arts professionals, the media, and decision makers in your field. You can set up and maintain a mailing list in any computer using spreadsheets or word processing software. You can find simple, inexpensive mailing list programs at office supply stores. You can also purchase or rent mailing lists of groups and organizations you would like to target.

  Association of Performing Arts Presenters
Maintains lists of thousands of decision makers at U.S. performing arts centers, colleges/universities, arts councils and more.

  Media Alliance
Rents an Independent Producer Mailing List with 1,650 entries and a Media Mailing List with over 5,000 entries. Select Resources. Then, select Publications.

  Mailing Lists Labels Packages
Maintains a comprehensive and updated list of public art programs in the U.S.

  Art Network
Rents a very comprehensive set of mailing lists to artworld professionals and fine artists. Geared toward visual artists.

Art Calendar Sells mailing lists for visual artists such as Fine Art Reps and Consultants, Greeting Card Reps, and Corporations Collecting Art. Phone (410) 651-9150 or Fax (410) 651-5313.