Artists in Business
Artisans Center of Virginia Studio School at Blue Ridge Community College
Co-sponsored by BRCC Continuing Education, Shenandoah Valley SBDC and the Artisans Center of Virginia.
Artist Entrepreneur Series*
Each seminar meets Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm. *$45 each seminar, or $199 for five part series, tuition assistance available for ACV members.
Have You Thought It Through? An Artist’s Introduction to Creating a Business
Sherri Smith, owner of Lander Creative, LLC & ACV Executive Director, covers basic components to consider when contemplating an artistic business endeavor. You have the talent; you will also need a business owner’s mindset. What is your unique selling proposition? Who are your competitors? Learn how to grow your business while preserving your artistic creativity!
63296; $45*, Mar 27; BRCC Fine Arts Center V206
The Art of Social Media
You don’t have to be a computer genius to make the internet work for you! Kim Taylor Cash shows how email blasts help you connect with current and potential customers, share marketing information and links with other artists, and tie into social media. Develop a working knowledge of how to craft effective email blasts and build your contact network.
63311; $45*, Apr 3; BRCC Plecker Center P100
So What Makes You So Special?
The most important step when developing your business is to define your “Unique Value Prop-osition”. Your UVP is a clear statement that communicates the unique contributions you will make to your customers that are different from those of your competitors. Sherri Smith will share the key elements that will inform your artist business plan and drive your marketing.
63313; $45*, Apr 10; BRCC Plecker Center P100
Blogging Made Easy
A large part of a potential customer’s interest in buying a piece of art is about the artist, the how and why an artist creates. Blogging allows you to tell your story, track the progress of your work and your skill and interact with a customer you might never meet face-to-face. Learn the mechanics and reasons for blogging. Learn how to tie your blog to your website and your other social media sites.
63315; $45*, Apr 17; BRCC Plecker Center P100
Photographing Your Art
Having trouble getting photographs of your work for a website or to submit to a show? Are you tired of digital photos that make your creations look dull - or the wrong color? Photographer Mark Miller examines background choices, light sources, camera and lens selection and exposure. Learn how to capture sharper images and more realistic colors.
63317; $45*, Apr 24; BRCC Fine Arts Center V206
Jump Start Your Business Plans (One-Saturday Workshop)
For artists who are serious about creating a defined plan for their unique business idea. Sherri Smith will lead you through a basic framework as you begin to outline and articulate each area in terms of your goals. Your plan will serve as a guide for you to follow and illustrate the potential success of your business to outside entities such as investors, lenders, or patron audiences. You will leave with a jump start draft that you can refine on your own. Bring your lunch and a flash drive. Co-sponsored by Artisans Center of Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, and Blue Ridge Community College.
63261; $65, Saturday, Apr 20, 10am-3pm; BRCC Plecker Center, P100
Ads That Grab: Creating Print Ads for Artists NEW
How can you create print ads that will entice people to buy your art? Join this session and find out! Reaching people who want to buy your art is a key component to selling your work. You’ll learn creative ways to make print ads work for you, as you explore your own originality. Layering photos into a marketable ad will make the difference. Needed: Photo editing software (Photoshop Elements 8 will be used in class), pictures of your work; some working familiarity with layers (see Quick & Dirty Photo Editing class); bring a thumb drive and photos of your art or product to each class. Create ads that catch the eye; then watch your art sell!!!
14362; $79; 2 Thursdays, June 20 & 27, 6:30-8:30 pm, BRCC Plecker P101
Instructor: Deb Booth www.differentlightstudio.com
