Good Opportunity?

[Sandra Jackson]

I am new to Austin and I've been trying to find ways to get my name out there. Here is a temporary web page...a professional one is on the way:
http://groups.msn.com/oilportraits/shoebox.msnw I advertised with Tribeza (a glossy, what-to-buy, where-to-go type of publication). Well, in three months I only received one inquiry and they are still wishy-washy about a commission. Still, no one knows who I am. Tribeza has invited me to their 3-year anniversary in March. The theme is "The Rat Pack" and it should be pretty formal. At the last Tribeza party (a happy-hour get-together), I met a gallery owner and the owner of an interiors boutique within 30 minutes. The party will be an excellent opportunity to network, but I have what I think might be an even better way to get seen. I have been looking for a reason to paint a big, formal portrait (full of satin and dramatic lighting), but I didn't really want to do a self-portrait. Well, with the Rat Pack theme, I thought I could do a huge portrait of the Tribeza team (to celebrate the anniversary). I think there would be about 10 figures. If they hang the portrait at the party, it will be seen by the owners and clients of so many high-end businesses of Austin! At the very least, it would be an addition to my portfolio, but might get people talking. Do you think the exposure would be worth it? Would you do it for free? How would I present this idea to Tribeza? Any advice would help.

Thanks,
Sandra

[Mike McCarty]

Sandra,

I think you're idea is a bit too ambitious. If it were me I would pick the most beautiful (man or woman) of the bunch and do a traditional portrait of that person. I'm thinking quality not quantity. Keep the original and offer a giclee to the subject (unless they want to buy the original).

Do something that fits the market you seek, this would be my approach.

PS: Try and stay away from the flash photo references, even if you have to hire a photographer.

[Sandra Jackson]

Thank you, Mike. After I read your post, I remembered that they have drawings at these things. I could donate a portrait to the drawing and bring lots of postcards and business cards. Thank you for bringing me back down to Earth, too. My ideas get a bit lofty from time to time.
-Sandra

[Steven Sweeney]

Hi, Sandra,

As usual these days, I'm just flying through. We always have the glossy Tribeza in our art center. That's certainly reaching the "money" folks. I've never inquired of anyone I'm working with whether its ads produce work. Perhaps I'll post on the bulletin board and solicit feedback on that.

I've recently been semi-bombarded with both literature and email from an outfit that professes to, among other things, advertise Central Texas artists. I have no information other than this internet contact:www.artloversguide.com/mediakit Might be another angle to check out.

As much trouble as a three-subject portrait has given me, I can't even imagine the challenge of a ten-subject endeavor. I'm sure I'd switch professions first, just to avoid it -- especially as "only" a promotional effort.

You and I might both profit from a mailing to local corporations and organizations (perhaps to human resources managers??), touting the value and appropriateness of portraiture for upcoming events, retirements, and celebrations focused on particular individuals. I suspect that Austin is somewhat of a hard sell, otherwise, as the "Keep Austin Weird" sentiment seems prevalent.

As for "donating" a commission, be very sure to specify such things as "single-subject portrait" and "unframed" [assuming those are your conditions -- insert others as appropriate], and make sure those get listed on any bid sheet. (Otherwise Tribeza might be high bidder and insist that you do a 10-person portrait.)