How to Start and an Artist’s Support Group
By Kate Harper, Product Designer
All Rights Reserved © 2010 K. Harper
Smashwords Edition
Do you work in the “Art Cave?” You know that cave. It is the place you might go, to be alone so that you can create art. There are wonderful things about the cave: No interruptions, great intensity, messes that don’t have to be cleaned up. You can perform primal acts of drinking from milk cartons and not combing your hair.
However, there are also compromises: You might work methodically on calligraphy all morning, only to find out later you misspelled the word "Conra-D-ulations."
Artists often speak the same language and understand your same challenges. Until you mingle among other artists who experienced the same things you have, you might not realize how helpful it would be to have a support group. You will be able to expand your artistic skills, share design struggles and possibly meet some new friends.
At your first meeting you might draw a mix of people: Some experienced, some not, some with a lot of great advice, some a little nervous to show their work, and some might travel over an hour just to be there.
As a meeting grows, you might consider inviting guest speakers, such as copyright attorneys, art agent or other professionals. You might also set goals for the group to learn specific skills, get feedback on new designs, become aware of trends, protect your copyrights and learn how to do an elevator pitch, even if you are shy.
An art support group can also help people who are very serious about making a living from their art. While we all have different styles and viewpoints, one thing a group can do, is help everyone move forward very fast.
A support group does not have to limit itself to being hand holders, in order to care about each other. You can share basic skills, such as how to get promotional materials together or write press releases. It can be as simple as that.
WHY START A GROUP?
I would encourage any artist to seek out other artists on the same path. Even if you only know one person, you will be surprised at how much more you will accomplish by meeting with them once a month.
HOW TO FIND OTHER DESIGNERS
Here are some tips for finding other designers who might be interested in being in a support group:
-If you have taken classes or met with a consultant in the past, contact them & ask if they know other artists in your area.
-Know any agents? Perhaps they are representing an artist near you.
-Post a message on craig's list to start an art support group.
-Go to a trade show; look for artist booths from your area.
-Post a message on Art of Licensing Yahoo Group and see if anyone lives in your area.
-Post a message on the Art of Licensing Linkedin Discussion Group and see who lives near you.
-Search on google for "artists" and the name of your city.
-Look on Meetup.com or start a meetup group.
-If you only know one other person, start by meeting one-on-one.
SETTING UP A GROUP
When setting up a group, it is important to keep things loose in the beginning, in case you want to change things later.
-Create a name for your group and register it on Yahoo Groups. Try to avoid one person being responsible for all communication or sending out emails.
-Communicate all information through the yahoo group, such as when and where to meet.
-Ask for RSVP’s ahead of time so you know how many people are coming. You need to make sure there are enough chairs.
-Write a meeting announcement and send it out to everyone. The announcement might include: Time, date, location, agenda, homework, things to bring, videos to watch before the meeting.
-Choose a public place to meet, such as a cafe, so there is little prep or cleanup required. Get permission from the cafe and remind them a few days ahead of time that you are coming. Some places of business will even reserve a table for you. Always request that all members purchase food or drink from the establishment. If you cannot meet at a public place, and choose to meet at someone’s house, be aware that this may not be a long-term solution if the host becomes ill or leaves town. Also, be sensitive that it is not a good idea to leave a mess for the host to clean up or dispose of. It is a nice gesture to bring snacks for the group, but limit it to finger food that does not require prep. Do not expect the host to provide plates, silver, and napkins.
-Bring nametags and markers for every meeting.
-At the first meeting, determine how often you want to meet and what day of the month it will be. The first Saturday of each month is easy for people to remember, and a 2-hour session an ideal length of time. That gives people some chatting time after the meeting also.
-Try to make the group a "free event" so artists with all budgets can attend.
HOW TO RUN A MEETING: NUTS & BOLTS
-Remind everyone that the meeting is private and all information discussed is confidential
-Use a timer, go around the group and give each person equal time to speak & show their art. Depending on how many people show up to the group, limit this time to 3-10 minutes each
-Ask member to come to the meeting with a "burning question." What is the question they need answered from the group that day?
-At the end of each person’s sharing time, ask him or her to set an individual goal to accomplish by the next meeting. This could be something like: Call an art agent, create a press release, design 5 greeting cards, submit art to a company.
-Use the second half of the meeting to discuss a specific topic, such as marketing, design techniques. Also, consider having a member do a presentation for the group on something everyone else would like to learn.
-Periodically, invite volunteer guest speakers such as agents, attorneys or well-known designers. Prepare a list of questions for them ahead of time so they do not have to worry about putting together a lecture. Have each member bring a simple gift (cards, candy, etc) for the speaker and put them all in a goodie bag as a thank you gift.
GROWING
Once you start growing to 15-20 people, it is important to start sharing tasks. Some of the things that benefit the group are:
-Set up a facebook page (not a facebook group) and encourage everyone to join and share art or local event announcements. Ask two people to moderate this.
-Try to limit the yahoo group to personal conversations and the facebook page to public items. Ask two people to also moderate this. Do not allow people on the yahoo list who are not local members, in order to avoid spam.
-Consider creating a website that represents all the members, and include art and contact information.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, GET A PLANNING BUDDY
If you find the task of starting a group to difficult, or if you can’t find enough members, at least find a planning buddy you can meet with. The idea is simple: you and a friend meet once a week and work towards both of your individual goals. You team up and exchange support and resources.
How do you pick a buddy?
-They can be a close friend or roommate, a new acquaintance or a neighbor.
-Find someone who also has a goal they want to work toward: Going back to school, starting a business, going on a vacation, buying a house, getting a new job, having an art show...anything!
-Their goals do not have to be in the same as yours.
-They are someone who can offer support for you to reach your goal.
-Don't be afraid to ask people. Most people are just dying to do something like this.
-They must be someone whose values you respect.
-Pick someone who is an equal, not a mentor.
I have used this system by Barbara Sher for over 20 years and I have found it can move your art career forward quickly and dramatically. You can also download free copies of Barbara’s book that explain detailed instructions on how to start a buddy meeting.
~
If you want to move your art life forward, find another artist. Magical things can happen. You might find yourself becoming a thankful recipient and great giver of many wonderful things.
With enough commitment, you can make a living off your art, and you can expand your possibilities beyond the cave.
Remember, art matters. Whether you are painting landscapes to inspire others, or designing uplifting Easter napkins, the entire economy depends on designers.
Next time you view a website, a children’s book, a plate, a cup, a brochure, a calendar, and millions of other items we interact with everyday, you will realize how almost everything has art in it.
You contribute an essential skill to the community and economy. May you enjoy your journey of pursuing your life as an artist, and may you create the conditions and opportunities to succeed in doing what you love.
~
About the Author: Kate Harper has designed over 700 gift and cards for over a dozen companies. She is inspired by the merging of art and technology, is active in new media, art licensing and the DIY community and is currently working on a Berkeley street art map project. Visit her website at http://kateharperdesigns.com/ and blog for artists and writers http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/
Have any feedback, tips or questions? See any errors? Contact Kate at mailto:gcdblog@gmail.com
Other Booklets by Kate Harper
20 Steps to Art Licensing
20 Steps to Art Licensing are suggested steps for licensing your art to companies that publish greeting cards and gifts, including coffee mugs, magnets, wall hangings, kitchen items, and dozens of other gift items. This booklet covers how to prepare your art, find agents or work for yourself, where to take classes and what trade shows to attend. Also include over 100 companies that accept design submission and pay artists royalties. There are extensive resources on social media, licensing community groups, and lists of interviews with professional designers. (5,700 Words).
7 Mistakes Greeting Card Writers Make
A booklet on 7 Mistakes Greeting Card Writers Make tells you what to avoid when submitting greeting card verse to publishers. Learn how to create trendy verse that reflects the contemporary culture and how to use our own personal experiences to come up with ideas.
Topics include: How to avoid limiting the market of who could buy your card, when to use adjectives, how not create card for enemies, how to write like people talk, and a list of why card sentiment submissions are often rejected.
Special Section: Includes a list of card publishers and their guidelines, links to writer interviews, and exercises for creating good verse (4,100 words and card sample images).
Unusual Ways to Market Greeting Cards
Unusual Ways To Market Greeting Cards, and 22 places to get your designs featured is booklet on how to get your cards noticed in non-traditional ways. Everything from why you should send cards to your dentist, to how to get featured in national giftware trade publications. Great tips for designers who are starting out and want to get their cards into the hands of people beyond friends and family. Special Section: A list of 22 Gift Industry Trade Publications who seek out new greeting card designs and feature artists (5,400 Words with sample card images).