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An all-volunteer art alliance of more
than 100 members, founded in 2001. We are painters, sculptures and
photographers, both professionals and non-professionals over the age of 50.
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Hello, Time flies
and hopefully, The meeting on January 14th, 2012 was held at the everybody! winter will soon be on its Davis Library, as has been the
custom. The Welcome to way out. meeting was brought to order by our Co-Presidents, the first news Barry
Perlis and Joseph Giacalone.
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of the year.
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Guest speaker Jodi Walsh
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She is an
artist who relocated to Washington, D.C. from Texas many years ago. Jodi’s
talk was very informative, useful and full of ideas about the actual business
of selling your art. The ideas were gleaned from her own program called the
12 Step Program for Artists: The Art of Doing Business, which is now available on DVD as
well.
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During the talk, there was a lively question and
answer session. Some of the members, from the 55+ people at the meeting, put
forth pertinent
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questions and Jodi was more than happy to answer.
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A few useful sites are listed below:
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www.gallery555dc.com www.artspan.com (for assistance with personal websites)
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CHABRIERES.net (our guest speaker for February)
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A useful contact for all your photographic needs
(highly recommended by Jodi) is Gregory Staley. His cell number is 301 706
3889 and his studio – 202 234 5310. A couple of other names mentioned were
Collin Winterbottom and David Glick. Their information should be available on
GOOGLE.
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In closing, let me add that with such a wonderful beginning and
with so much to look forward to this year, we should all be encouraged to
believe that there will be a true Renaissance at the SAA.
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Until
next time, Vatsala Menon,
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SAA Creative Team Writer
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JODI
WALSH 12 STEP PROGRAM
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12 STEP Program for Artists: The Art of
Doing Business
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This program was designed to give artists
the foundation in marketing, sales and project management that isneeded to
become "revenue generating" artists.
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STEP 1: Setting Standards
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“The last thing one discovers in composing
work is what to put first.” Blaise Pascal Setting standards for both your
studio and your business isoften the last thing an artist thinks of and the
one thing that affects their career the most. Setting businessstandards from
the beginningdetermines how you will be treated inthe art community by
clients, family, fellow artists and the markets you sellinto.
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STEP 2: Mandatory Paper Work
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“Too much complaining and too little
work.” Georgia O’KeefeLearn whatpaper work is necessary to establish yourself
as an artist entrepreneur. Once you start to look at yourself asan
entrepreneur and a small businessowner things start to happen. Take the
proper steps, do it once and do itright. CONTRACT REVIEW: a basiccontract is
all you need but I doconsider it mandatory. Understandthe basic commission
and gallery contracts.
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STEP 3: Selecting a Look and Style
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“Nobody can be exactly like me. EvenI have
trouble doing it.” Tallulah Bankhead. Every creative person Iknow has their
own look and style. Learn how to identify your style andhow to incorporate it
in your marketing materials. Be recognizedby your style – without the use of
words.
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STEP 4: Marketing Materials: Creating Templates –
Marketing
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“I don’t want life to imitate art. I want
life to be art.” Carrie Fisher Creatingtemplates is your window to
freedom.Customize what you need andplease, please copy every template Ihave.
You will be able to customize each template to suit your needs andyour look
and style. Respondimmediately to requests for information on you and your
artwork. Learn and understand the power of the postcards as a
timelessmarketing tool.
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STEP 5: Public Relations
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“Always be nice to those younger than you,
they are the ones who will be writing about you.” C ConnollyPublic Relations
are exactly that, yourrelationship with the public. You communicate to
galleries, artconsultants, jurors, etc through your portfolio and you
communicate to thepress and potential clients through your marketing
materials. You will learn a clear and concise method of communicating with
everyone outside of your studio.
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STEP 6: Networking andCompetition
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Learn why we need to know andunderstand
our competition. No one should tell you how to create your work but you need
to be aware of what is happening around you. There are many different types
of networking, from traditional artgroups to business organizations. Discover
options that are right in front of you, learn to identifyopportunities. Both
networking andunderstanding the competition will lead to sales.
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STEP 7: Portfolios
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“I don’t believe in art, I believe in
artists.” Marcel DuchampCreating a portfolio is one of the mostimportant
steps in presenting yourselfand your artwork. It is the firstimpression and
speaks for you when you are not in the room. Learn three different types of
portfolios you will need to succeed. As gallerydirector for many years I have
seen everything, you have seconds tomake an impression. From the moment it
arrives in the mail you need to set yourself apartand rise to the top.
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STEP 8: Web Site and Mail Lists
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Web Sites: Explore different types of web
sites; evaluate the type of site that is best for you and realisticallywhat
you should expect from a website. Understand how to grow as yoursales
increase from one type of site toanother. Mail List: Mail lists and database
lists are the unsung heroesof generating revenue. Learn where tofind them, how
to use them and how to pick the correct list for your artwork. Your mail list
is the foundation of your business.
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STEP 9: Vertical Markets
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“When bankers get together for dinner,
they discuss art. When artistsget together for dinner, they discussmoney.”
Oscar Wilde Vertical Market; a market that you sell into. You will learn how
to sell into traditional and non-traditional art markets. Understand how to
identify andselect specific vertical markets topromote your unique type of
artwork. Once you learn how to identifythem the opportunities are endless.
Having the correct pricing ispriceless; you need to get it right. Learn how
to approach a gallery andhow to present your artwork to a jury.
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JODI
WALSH 12 STEP PROGRAM
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STEP 10: Commissions
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“I never got a job I didn’t create for
myself.” Ruth GordonThe commission process should be enjoyable for the artist
and the client. Review several contracts and why weneed them. Get it in
writing. This isthe first step in a successful commission. One thing leads
toanother, one commission leads to many. Learn what to do when it starts to
go wrong.
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STEP 11: Exhibit
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“All art has this characteristic. It unites people.”
Leo TolstoyIt doesn’t matter what stage you are at in your artistic career
you will needto show your artwork to the public. You need to know your
options andunderstand a few basic guide lines onpresenting your work.
Timeline,
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selection of work, presentation, promoting, hanging and
lighting are just a few of the componentsin a successful show. Understand
what galleries expect from their artists.
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STEP 12: Follow Up and Momentum
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“There are some days I think I amgoing to
die from an overdose of satisfaction. ” Salvador Dali Follow up and follow
your artwork whereverit goes. We all understand the traditional “Thank You”
and understand its importance. Now it’s time to take it a step further andbe
prepared for the momentum it creates. Creative, inexpensive
marketingmaterials create momentum and future sales
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APPOINTMENT
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Studio:
301-519-1628 Cell: 240-447-6071
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The Senior Artists Alliance (SAA) is an all-volunteer alliance
of more than 100 members founded in 2001.
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We are painters, sculptors and photographers, professionals and
non-professionals over the age of 50. Members frequently exhibit their work
throughout the Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland area. Check local
calendars and listings to follow the group’s diverse activities.
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All are welcome! VISIT OUR WEBSITE: seniorartistsalliance.org
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SENIORARTISTSALLIANCE.ORG
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Senior Artists Alliance (SAA)
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January 1, 2012 –
December 31, 2012
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Membership Application YOUR DUES and
PARTICIPATION are ESSENTIAL. YOU CAN
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR SENIOR ART COMMUNITY
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SAA has openings in the following areas, please volunteer:
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□Officers □Board
of Directors □Committee Chairperson or Co-Committee Chairperson I WOULD SERVE ON A COMMITTEE: □ Membership □ Newsletter □ Web
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□ Art Exhibits □ Monthly Programs □
Public Relations
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□ Creative Team: Graphic Artists, Writer, Web Designer
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Please
print. Return this application with check. Make payable to SAA. DUES: $25.00 Mail
To:
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Senior Artists Alliance 9604 Windcroft WayPotomac, MD
20854-2864
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My medium
is: □ Painting □ Sculpture
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□ Photography □ Other______________________
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Name:
_______________________________________ How can you help the Senior Artists
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Alliance achieve our goals?
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Address: _____________________________________
________________________________________
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Email:
_______________________________________
________________________________________
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Phone #: _____________________________________
________________________________________
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2/4/12
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