Business Cards for Artists - Are They Necessary?
I read an excellent blog post by Clint Watson called ‘Why You Don’t Need a Business Card’ in which he describes a better solution to business cards for artists.
Clint discusses the fact that business cards are often exchanged but further contact is rarely maintained. To change this Clint suggests if you meet someone at a show, where you would ordinarily have exchanged cards, say instead that you have just given out your last card and ask for their card. If they don’t have one take out your note pad and get them to note down their contact details. Next step, and here’s the good bit…Ask them if you can add them to your Mailing List.
When you’re back in the studio follow up with a personal note and some photos of your artwork.
From this simple exchange you now have permission to :
a) Send them this initial info that is much more informative and personal than a business card, and
b) Keep them updated on your work via your mailing list.
Compared with the normal route of handing over a business card, this technique makes you and your art much more memorable. And if you’ve just got a load of business cards freshly printing, shove it in the follow up letter for good measure.
Great advise Clint!
Related posts: Mailing lists - No Artist Should be Without One
Posted: June 21st, 2008 under Art Marketing, How To.
Comments: 1
Comments
Comment from Beau Smith
Time: August 12, 2008, 8:35 pm
I disagree with some of this. I commented on the original blog post. Here is what I said:
I like the possibility of grabbing someone’s email like that, but in a just getting to know you conversation, I find it presumptious to ask for permission to put someone on a mailer. I prefer a business card that converts, that is, makes the person actually go to my website. If I’ve been charming and shown an interest in their work, they’ll be curious. Plus, the card should convert. Also not giving out a business card seems like being a taker. I want you to see my art. I want to make that easy for you. But I don’t want to push it at you.
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