What is Your Brand?

MAG Guest Speaker Carmella Jarvi

Carmella Jarvi challenged the MAG members to think more deeply about how we view and market our art. She first asked each of us to describe our work in general terms, like: landscape, life sketches, florals, fantasy, etc... Then she asked, "What makes you different from other artists?" For sure, this was more difficult to answer. For her, the answer is, "I draw women in water." She continued to advise us to focus our art on what we enjoy and do best. When that happens you create a following... buyers who love a particular "brand" of art. She describes her clients as mostly middle-aged women with a love of water.

Once you establish your brand, how do you develop a following?

• Make sure you have marketing materials: business cards, flyers, postcards... anything that a potential buyer can hold on to; so they can remember you.
• Have internet presence: Linked, blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc... so your work can be viewed.
• GET OUT THERE! Be extroverted, even if it's hard, and have people KNOW YOU. Don't underestimate the power of networking.
• To help with networking, support causes and do it genuinely! People can tell when you're not being charitable.

Many thanks to Carmella for visiting with us. She will be holding a workshop on Thursday, April 12th, from 1-4 PM at the Matthews Community Center to give individual assistance on marketing. If you would like to take part, contact: Nancy Kennedy at mag@nc-kennedy.com.