Marketing Brainstorms for 2008
 

Some new ideas that came to me this year have to do with client appreciation gifts and holiday cards. First of all, as a thank you to my newest clients, I have given a porcelain tile (6 x 6) with the image of the subject on it. (wooden frames can be added) The tiles can be used near the stove for hot pots, as a coaster or an art piece. I have also offered them the ability to have tree ornaments made for family and friends with the images on them. I am sending the information and prices out in an email newsletter to past clients, also.

The second idea that has worked out well is that I gave each client a cropped version (head) of their portrait on a CD) (included the full image also) to place on a holiday card. Along with the CD, I included return address labels with their address and a mini photo on it. These clients took the CDs to COSTCO and had 100 cards made with the photo on it for about $16.00. They paid for my advertising! They loved the cards. What could be more of a Win-Win than that?

Ideas About Marketing
 

Did anyone come up with any good ideas for marketing during this economic time that they would be willing to share???

The best one I've come up with so far is the Christmas Home Tour. I think many cities have these, at least it is popular in many suburbs in Cleveland. Pick the richest city. My only cost was to donate a portrait and even that brought me a commission of the dog. I just learned that over 1500 people walked through the eight homes. Pretty fun way to get 1500 people to actually see your work up close and personal. I have received three calls of interest so far, but no signed contract yet. So I don't know as yet, how this may pay off.

I would love to hear other artists' ideas for marketing.

Many of the marketing ideas mentioned in other threads on the forum would work well. Everything from auctions to advertisting, networking, etc.