Here are my "Ten Words of Encouragement" For You. #Wisdomkey #CAPAdmin #Joassycanpro
The Perfect Press Release for Art Events #CAPArtistetips
Press releases can help anyone, especially an artist to not only bring attention to their art, but to generate traffic to their website and also to assist with the branding of the artist and their art.
Just exactly is a press release? A press release is defined as “a prepared statement, of something that is deemed to be newsworthy, that will be distributed the news media in order to gain attention to said newsworthy event”.
The following are the elements of a good press release and should be followed when an artist writes their press release.
Headline
Headlines are a line of text at the top of the press release that in a single line will describe and bring attention to the event or the news that is contained in the press release.
In the past (prior to the digital age) headlines were created to not only draw the attention of the reader, but especially to draw the attention of newspaper editors, in the hope that they would use the release in their publication. Today, this is still true, but now the headline is also written and used for keywords and SEO (search engine optimization) as it relates to generating page views and traffic back to the source of the press release. (Keywords are used by search engines to locate information that viewers have requested).
The headline should be descriptive and concise. If at all possible, try to limit the headline to no more than 120 characters. Each word should be formatted with the first letter being capitalized (not all caps).
Summary
Besides the headline being very important for SEO purposes, the summary section also allows the artist to expand the use of secondary and additional keywords. The summary should also be very descriptive of the event and why someone should want to read the rest of the press release. It is a selling opportunity for the artist to sell themselves, their art or their art event.
The summary is a single short paragraph and if it is too long the artist may lose the reader. Therefore, it is extremely important to write and rewrite this section in order to insure that it gets the important points across why someone would want to read the full press release. Any sentences in this summary should be in sentence case, with only first letter of a sentence being capitalized.
The rest of the press release is considered the body of the release and it will contain the following components:
Dateline
The dateline contains the date of the press release and this is a very important component to the reader to see if the news is old, new, even newsworthy or still valid. This section also contains the city of origin of the release for location purposes.
Introduction
The introduction of the press release is the paragraph that should answer the following questions for the reader; of who, what, when, where and why?
Details or Body
The details or what is also known as the body of the press release will provide explanations for, provide background and detail the thoughts contained in the introduction section. This may consist in several “body” paragraphs, until all pertinent thoughts are set forth.
The body (details) should be made up of at least two paragraphs. The paragraphs should contain 5 to 10 lines of copy. All body copy and event details should be provided for in a descending type order (most important details of the press release nearest to the top, to least important details at the bottom or lower body paragraphs).
About
The about section is a short paragraph which provides background information on the company or organization who is issuing the press release.
Contact Information
The contact information section contains the name of the issuing individual, their telephone number, their email address, the company postal mailing address and the company website URL. The contact information section is also an invitation from the writer to the reader that they can provide additional information, if requested.
Helpful Hints
A press release should be written in the third person, as if someone else is writing about this event or news, other than the writer.
Always send any supporting images or graphics that will be used or was a part of this event or news. An editor is more likely to not only look at the press release but will tend to use the press release if it contains interesting pictures.
Study press releases of major companies or other artists who you would like to emulate (all of their websites usually have a press section) and see how they have structured and written their press releases. There is nothing wrong with this and by following the best, it will increase your chances of having more and better publicity, if the press release is in an acceptable form for the industry.
Finally, there are hundreds of free press release distribution companies on the internet, locate them and use them to your benefit the next time you have an art event, art exhibition or something that is newsworthy about your art. Your press releases will help you draw attention to your art and will also bring additional traffic to your website.
What You Should Have in Your Press Kits "To Become a Successful Artiste" #CAPArtistetip
Successful artists should always have a press kit available to hand out or mail. This kit should also be accessible on their website for interested parties. Just what is a press kit and why should an artist have one? A press kit is just what it sounds like, as it is a group of documents presenting the artist’s background, education, experience, past exhibitions, publishing achievements, competition awards along the artist’s current and future shows, etc. Electronic press kits should be part of an artist’s marketing and branding program. In addition, a press kit should also be included and made a part of the artist’s printed collateral materials.
People who would have an interest in an artist’s press kit are editors of both print and online publications, gallery owners, art reps and prospects who may be considering purchasing your art. This may sound like a challenge to perform and extremely difficult to compile this information but in reality, I will show you that you probably have the bulk of the information already. This information just has to be compiled, formatted and packaged correctly.
Here are the main components of an artist’s press kit:
1. Biography – As part of any press kit, website or collateral materials, an artist should have a well written biography and most artists already have this information. It should be updated and closely edited.
2. Artist Statement – An artist statement is necessary to allow any interested party to help them understand why you are creating your art and what you are trying to achieve with your art. See link below to our article on how to write an artist statement. How to Write the Perfect Artist Statement.
3. Exhibitions & Shows – All past group or solo exhibitions and shows should be listed from newest to oldest. What if you have not been accepted into any shows? Say so. Many artists without any exhibition experience skip all of this information as they are embarrassed that they do not have any exhibition experience to show. To me, by not presenting any information will say to the reader “I am inexperienced and I do not want anyone to know.” Remember, every artist had to start somewhere and if you are good artist, that is more important than anything else to other people.
4. Exhibition Awards – All past awards (no matter how important or not) from any exhibitions should be displayed and shows should be listed from newest to oldest.
5. Past Publicity – Any brochures, exhibition postcards, news releases should be made a part of the kit and embedded into the package.
6. Current Shows – This would be a list any shows or exhibitions that you are currently a part of, at the time that the press kit is being sent out. Have links to that gallery exhibit as part of this section. Make sure that this information is always up to date.
7. Future Shows – This information would be about any future shows or exhibits that you have been accepted in to, at the time that the press kit was sent out. Include links to that gallery show (if any or the current competition if any) as part of this section. Make sure that this information is always up to date.
8. Current Press Releases – These would be current press releases announcing your current shows, awards, appearances, sales, talks and any future shows. Again, same as 6 and 7 above should be kept up to date and current. See our article on how to write a press release. How to Write a Press Release for Art Events.
9. Contact Information – This information would include name, mailing address, telephone and email address or any other way that someone can contact you.
10. Website – Include a direct link to your website, portfolio and blog. If you do not have a working website (Facebook, My Space and Flickr do not count) I can direct to you several online artist websites that are free and very easy to upload to and to administer.
Now, all of this information should be compiled and formatted in a way that makes it easy to read and clear to understand. I suggest having headings for each page or section. Try to have each section one page in length only. Pick a plain text such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. The idea is that you want this press kit very easy to read, such as an editor, gallery owner or art rep as they do not have a lot of time to read. However, a buyer of your art will take the time to read this information.
Finally, have someone (other than yourself) proof read your press kit very carefully for you. Save the press kit in a PDF file or at least a non-editable word.doc. In addition, have the press kit in printed form for any events and have the electronic version available online and part of your website too.
With a well designed press kit, will make it easy for someone to learn more about you, your art and how to contact you quickly too. Good luck!
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How to Write the Perfect Artist Statement #ArtisteTips
Have you ever read someone’s artist statement and said to yourself “what the heck does all of that mean” or “those are some fancy words that I just do not understand?” If you were having a personal conversation with the artist and you were asking about their art, would they talk like that, in those terms? Probably not and neither should the artist when composing and writing their artist statement.
Here are some tips and ideas for all artists to think about when composing a new statement or revising their current artist statement.
1. You Statement Simple: What I mean by this is that the artist statement should be written both clearly and concisely for a wide range of people who will read it. The artist is neither speaking down to someone who is uneducated with fine art, nor are they talking up to that person trying to impress them. The best way to write the statement is to do this as if you were speaking to someone in person. Basically, an artist statement is an introduction of their art, without the artist being there.
2. Your Statement Should Tell Why: The artist should explain why they create this kind of art. This could be in the form of an explanation of the artist’s motivation, subject matter or maybe someone who inspired the artist to express their art. In addition, the “why” could also discuss any artistic or personal influences. Overall, the artist is telling the reader the personal reasons why they create their art.
3. Your Statement Should Tell How: Explaining to the reader the “how” can be a short sentence or two about the artistic process or describing if there are any special techniques that were used in producing this art. The artist should not get technical or provide a step by step guide on how to create their art. If there are any unusual materials used, that can be mentioned too.
4. What it Means to the Artist: Overall, this a personal statement of the meaning of the art for the artist. This may be the most difficult thing for the artist to write about as it will reveal something personal about the artist. It is very difficult to write about yourself, especially when you need to keep it short. For this, think Twitter and try to write this with 140 characters. It is tough to do but try to do it in at least 2 to 3 concise sentences, maximum.
5. You Must Keep it Short: Remember that people’s attention spans are quite short and that if the artist statement is too long, too complicated or poorly written people will just not read it! Avoid big, flowery and complicated words. It just does not work. You are not trying to impress anyone, you are trying to communicate to a very wide audience what your art is about.
Here are some other things to consider and incorporate into an artist statement:
• Avoid using I and me throughout the statement.
• Do not say “I want to…” or “I am trying to…” Just say it and be precise.
• If you have multiple bodies or work, materials or techniques, have multiple artist statements for each.
• Do not “tell” the reader what they “must” see in your art. That is what the artist sees and the viewer may see or interpret something else.
• This is not a biography. Do not get that mixed in with the artist statement.
• If the artist is unsure about the end result of the statement, then the artist should have other people read it, comment on it or find someone that will help the artist.
• After it is completed, the artist should reread it and make sure that the sentence structure and spelling are perfect.
The artist should then put the statement away. In a few days, they should look at it again and follow these steps all over again! At that point, the artist will see how a phrase, sentence or a word can be changed in order to make the artist statement clearer and overall better.
Finally, if the artist is happy with the statement, then it is good to go. If however, the artist is still not completely happy with the statement, put it away again and reread in order to fine tune and communicate the artist statement clearly.
Remember: The artist statement is speaking to the viewer in the artist’s absence. Therefore, the artist statement should be short, concise and well written in a conversational language.
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5 WORDS YOU NEED TO REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WORK
A great relationship doesn’t just happen overnight. They are cultivated over many years and through hardships. They are born out of mutual respect and admiration. People with great relationships have them because each person in the relationship puts their partner’s well-being and happiness above their own. They take the time to learn each other’s needs and wants. They understand that they may give and receive love differently than each other. They respect boundaries that their partner sets out for them. They live their lives together by doing things together and spending time together. They laugh together and at each other. There are five things, five words that encapsulate what it means to have a great relationship with your partner.
If you want to have a great relationship that lasts, remember these five words
1. Learn
You have to learn what makes your partner tick. Learn the little things they like, don’t like, hate or love. Spending a lot of time with your partner will help you learn some of these things organically through your interactions with them. Some things you have to ask about and probe deeper into your relationship to uncover the hidden meaning behind some of their behaviors. If you take the time to understand your partner, then you can see their side in an argument and really get where they are coming from. Things that they do or say don’t just come out of nowhere but are a logical progression from their personal history, thoughts, emotions and beliefs.
2. Lines
Every person and every relationship has boundaries or lines that you just do not cross. Learning where these lines are and why they are there is critical to a long-term relationship. Couples who have great relationships know where their partner’s lines are and respect them by not crossing them. Respecting each other’s personal boundaries is an extension of your love and respect for your partner.
3. Live
Live your lives together. Great couples have great relationships because they are really choosing to live their lives together, hand in hand. This sounds kind of obvious but some people are so wrapped up in their own profession, business, family and hobbies that they spend more time away from their partner than with them. People have great relationships because there is nothing that they would rather do and no one they would rather be with than their partner. They do things together, they engage in conversations more substantial than small talk and the routine “how was your day?” People need time to do their own thing and that is not only understandable but to be encouraged. People who have great relationships always return to their partner, though, because they truly enjoy each others company.
4. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine and being able to make your partner laugh is a key ingredient to a great relationship. Couple who are happy laugh together. Whether the cause is a silly inside joke or a witty observation about something serious, it doesn’t matter. Getting your partner to laugh when they are in a crappy mood or had a rough day can burn away stress that otherwise might accumulate to unbearable levels. Couples in great relationships are also very good at laughing at themselves. They don’t take themselves or each other too seriously. They don’t hold onto old hurts or get bent out of shape over little things. They let them go and laugh them off.
5. Love
Everyone gives and receives love differently. People who have great relationships understand this and seek to give their partner the type of love they need from them. They also understand that they are different from each other and what works for one person probably doesn’t work for the other. They learn how to love each other in a way that makes the other person in the relationship happiest. They are also dedicated to loving each other even when they don’t like each other very much. Couples are going to piss each other off at some point or fight about something important. It happens to everyone. What sets the great relationship apart is that both people understand and forgive each other and love them even when they disagree.
Dont give up... The right people will come to stay in-respectful of your present condition. Joassycan Pro
For real..... Keeping every relationship on lowkey is the key to make it a successful one.... Thats what i just discovered, Dont blame who do not put you in the position you put them, Its f**cking crazy though when you discovered that the person you put as number one is just making use of you as an option... Never blame anybody for their actions towards you... All you need to put on you mind is this, With or without them you will surely achieve you dreams But only when you dont give up... Dont stop even when you think you not getting enough, keep pushing, Any idea created or services render to people who do not appreciate it or people who think they are just making use of you is not wasted, but becoming part of your great profile and also building a better sample of what you can do to a better audience and the right people. Have faith the right team we surely comes your way, Dont stop the good fight of faith. When you feel like you are alone always remember that you have and also serve a living God, Awe Olushola Stephen slogan and motto says: With God all things are possible, Note: The right people will come and stay with no complain in-respectful of your current position, with God Yes you Can..
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