Paula Cundiff, Art Marketing Consultant

Kentuckiana Artists' Network Coming Soon!

2011-01-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

We're developing the program now and it's going to be great! We will have a lunch meeting at a local restaurant and network with other visual artists and craftsmen. There will be speakers, critiques, product development, yearly exhibit, and the list goes on and on. Getting referrals and support from your peers will increase your business! Stay tuned!!

2nd Annual Ditzee Dazzle Open House this Saturday

2010-11-15T08:32:00.001-08:00

The 2nd Annual
Ditzee Dazzle Holiday Open House

Saturday, November 20th 10 am - 3 pm
Holiday Refreshments (Tony's home made wine, etc)

Starring: Wacky, Tacky and Just Jackie
Paula Cundiff's New Ornamentation, Jewelry & Gifty stuff
Kelly Riska's Whimisical boxes, dolls, & ornaments
Jackie Jarboe's Jackets, purses, and fun accessories

Special Guest Stars: Tony Sweazy with his Vanilla Sugar, Vanilla Syrup
Jan Sowder's Fiber Art, Jewelry, Daily Planner, Purses

COME AND SEE PAULA'S ART VAN!!
PAINTED STARRY NIGHT!! BRING
YOUR CAMERA AND GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN!

Directions: Going east on Outer Loop, turn left on to Smyrna Rd (north), go to end and take a right on Briscoe Ln. Take next left on Cresthaven Dr. (Kelly's Street) 7905 is on the right hand side. Look for the art van!

Kelly - 502-361-4361
502-377-1659
Paula - 502-637-8676

Making an Art Car, May 23rd, LVAA

2010-05-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am ready to paint my van with the famous Starry Starry Night painting by Vincent van Gogh!!

Come to the Louisville Visual Art Association and join in the fun. If you are a painter, I could use your help! So come to the Buy Local Art Fair on May 23rd!

Go to www.louisvillevisualart.org for more details of the days event!

UPCOMING CLASS ON PRICING AND SELLING

2010-05-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

LEARN HOW TO PRICE AND SELL YOUR WORK!!
Tuesday, May 11 & May 18 - Noon/2pm at Mellwood Art Center

In this class, I invite you to bring in your work and we will discuss who your market is, various pricing theories and friendly selling techniques. This class will take the worry out of pricing forever and give you confidence to sell your work!

6 GUIDELINES FOR DONATING ART WORK

2010-04-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

IDADA Art Donation Request Guidelines
(A Resolution for adopting these Guidelines as official policy was enacted by the IDADA Board of Directors on January 6, 2010)

IDADA will only promote or endorse fundraising events that solicit art donations if the event organizer adheres to the following guidelines:

1) Establish a minimum bid that is approved by the artist;

2) Offer a 60/40 split with the artist (or other equitable percentage agreeable to artist and organization);

3) Provide the following information to the artist prior to acceptance of artwork:

a) Contact
b) Name:
c) Contact Phone:
d) Contact Email:
e) Organization:
f) Description of Event:

Event Name:
Event Date:
Location:
How many people will be attending?
Who will be attending the event?
What other items are being donated?

g) Will the artist’s name/item be promoted?

4) If possible provide the artist with tickets to the event;

5) Provide the artist with the purchaser’s name, contact info, and selling price;

6) Provide the artist with a tax receipt for the donation. Please understand artists are NOT allowed tax deductions for the value of their donations. Artists are only permitted to deduct the cost of materials.

Donating Artwork

The decision to donate your artwork is more of a personal choice than a business one. Many groups soliciting artwork donations for their silent auctions business-related results such as exposure, recognition, and a tax deduction but in the end what the artist is most likely to receive is a warm feeling for donating to a good cause.

Exposure and recognition are powerful motivations for an artist; putting money into marketing, materials and studio space is a good investment. Fundraising organizers may claim that donating a piece of art can be translated into paying money for publicity, but the reality is the publicity gained is rarely worth the amount of the artwork. A very successful fundraiser was overheard recently gloating over the amounts her auction brought in stating “and the art was all free!”

Donating to non-profits is a wonderful way to support great causes, but artists like everyone else must be judicious in picking the right events for them personally. Before artists donate artwork to an auction or for another fundraiser, there are a few things to be aware of.

Because the fundraisers are typically about another topic, the artwork is rarely the focal point and thus does not generate the great exposure the organizers sometimes promise.
The artwork is typically purchased for much less than its fair market value and thus the patron may be less likely to purchase the work outside of an auction setting for the full price.
Even though the organizers may tell you otherwise, it is important to be aware that under current federal law, artists may only deduct the cost of the materials when donating artwork to a non-profit organization. You, as the artist, may not deduct the fair market value of the work.

With these facts in mind, it is okay to say no to a fundraiser. Artists should plan out their charitable giving allowing for a certain amount of donations per year. When that allotment is up, just say no and explain your allotment for the year has already been donated. In the end, your donations to these organizations should be given because you believe in and support the cause and the mission of the group, not because you will get a tax deduction or great exposure, which rarely happens.

If you decide to give to an auction, IDADA’s suggestion for a fair fundraiser would be to offer the artwork with a minimum bid with 60 percent of the sale price going to the artist and 40 percent to the organization.

Reasons to Donate Your Art
. "It’s great visibility," they tell you. Maybe. If you're an art student or an emerging artist and you pick your causes carefully, yes, you may get some visibility and attention. Some local dealers do look around for who and what’s hot at these events. A collector might acquire a piece at the beginning of your career and remain supportive as your career develops.
. Is there an illustrated catalog? Even midcareer artists might appreciate the boost of a full-page color image and a listing in the "Bibliography" section of your resume.

go to: idada.org for more information!

BECOME CONFIDENT ABOUT PRICING & SELLING YOUR ART

2010-03-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

This class is a GO!! It's not too late to sign up. Please go to Lifelonglearning4u.com and sign up!
Click on register for classes, and search for Creative Arts and click on Art Marketing.

It's a 6 week session, starting Tuesday, March 23 - April 27, 3pm - 4:45pm. at the Jaeger Education Center, 502 Wood Rd, Louisville, KY 40222. Right off of New LaGrange Rd.

Students are asked to bring in art work so we can help you develop a pricing formula for each individual artisan. We will discuss issues like wholesale, retail, consignment, gallery sales, etc.
Also, we will discuss easy and friendly selling tips to help you become comfortable and confident.

"ART AS A PART OF HEALING"

2010-03-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, March 14, 2019, I went to Bridgehaven where they were having an exhibition titled, "2010 Art as a Part of Healing." Guest artist was Kim Johnson, who introduced mosaic art to the members. It was an awesome show which will occur next year around this same time.

Bridgehaven's misson is to provided community-based psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Members are encouraged to achieve the skills to live, learn, work and socialize in their chosen environment.

They have a great staff and the members are making some wonderful art! My roommate and I bought a fiber piece of Brenda Riggs which we love! I will be contacting Brenda Riggs, Danielle Brown and Victor (not sure of last name) for an exhibition in 2011 at the Chapel Gallery in Old Louisville. Stay turned for more details!

For more details, please go to www.Bridgehaven.org

10 TIPS TO GET PEOPLE INTO YOUR BOOTH

2010-03-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

1. Have a vase of fresh cut flowers and a handcrafted bowl of candies to welcome your customers.
2. Display a large photo of your best piece.
3. You need good lighting. Only purchase white tents.
4. You need to make your booth wheelchair accessible.
5. Use color to bring catch the eye.
6. Signage with your name, tag line, city and state.
7. Be ready to demonstrate or do a show and tell.
8. Overall booth presentation is a must.
9. Make sure you are visible, tidy and appropriately dressed.
10. Smile

5 MARKETING TIPS FOR A NEW BUSINESS

2010-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

BRANDING. Branding is about your presentation. Branding helps to make your work "unmistakably yours"! All your printed materials: business cards, brochures, website, blogs needs to have the same look.
INTERNET PRESENCE. A website is a MUST in today's business world. Blogs are very important as well. Some are using a blog instead of a website.
START SELLING. Ask a friend to have a home party and get your feet wet.
TESTIMONIALS. When your customers tell you how much they love your work, ask them if you can quote them!
CREATE AN EVENT. Hook up with another artist or non-profit and create some energy about your work by donating a percentage of sales to a cause!

KENTUCKY CRAFTED: THE MARKET

2010-03-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

One of the best show in the Nation!!

For a sneak peek at the schedule of activities and list of exhibitors at Kentucky Crafted: The Market, go to www.kycraft.ky.gov.

The award-winning arts marketplace will be open March 6-7, 2010, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing B, Louisville, Ky. Kentucky Crafted: The Market offers shoppers a wide variety of original work, from paintings and mixed-media art to jewelry, bath and beauty products, clothing, fashion accessories, dolls, toys and games, home décor, objets d'art, furniture and garden sculpture. The show also features books, CDs by Kentucky musicians, DVDs by Kentucky filmmakers and delectable foods by Kentucky Proud food producers.

The theme of this year's market is ART FULL LIFE, and each day offers a full schedule of arts activities and performances. With two stages for musical performances and interactive programs, a children's activity area and a film screening room, there is something for everyone.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market, now in its 28th year, is produced by the Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency that creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

KENTUCKY CRAFTED: THE MARKET Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing B Louisville, Ky.Open to the Trade:Thursday, March 4, 2010, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. ESTFriday, March 5, 2010, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Registration required. Buyers must show two forms of business identification. To register, go to http://artscouncil.ky.gov/forms/Market10BuyerReg.htm. Open to the Public: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Sunday, March 7, 2010, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Admission is $8 for adults. Children 15 and under free. Get $3 off admission with coupon from www.kycraft.ky.gov. Parking at Kentucky Exposition Center is $6.

First Marketing Class for Spring 2010

2010-03-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Since I had been sick the class was delayed 2 weeks. I finally got the class off the ground yesterday with 3 students. Stephanie Alllison, painter from Shelbyville who brought an impressive portfolio of "Pet and People Portraits" in oil, acrylic and watercolor. Spikeart, who has a studio at Mellwood Art Center calls his paintings "Fun Art!" I would describe his work as folksy and humorous! Anne Marie Alexander, fiber artists, could not make it due to a sick animal. I can't wait to see her work next week!

We talked about having an internet presence; such as web sites, blogs, twitter, facebook and the like; critiqued business cards and brochures and shared tons of information about marketing strategies!

It's not too late to join us! I am having a variety of classes, one following the other on the Tuesdays from 1-3pm. Give me a call and learn more: 502-637-8676 or email: cundiff222@aol.com, www.paulacundiff.com.

SOMEONE COPIED MY ART WORK!!!!

2010-02-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever tried to copy your art work? Some people say, its a compliment, i say, "hog wash"! It happened to me and I assure you, it wasn't a compliment.

An artist friend of mine, called to tell me that someone had "copied" my art and it was on display at a local craft store. I didn't give it much thought, until I happened to go into that craft store and saw it for myself .......and I was apalled! I had been successfully selling my art on the art fair circuit and I told all my customers that my designs were original. This incident challenged my integrity and I did not handle it well.

I argued and argued with the sales lady and made quite a stir, even my friend who was with me had to walked away. This sales clerk would not back down and I kept getting more livid by the second. Thank God, I left the store but in a rage.

I knew once I slept on this, I could figure out what went wrong and I would correct it first thing in the morning. I did not get much sleep that night but I got the answer. Once refreshed and removed from the ignorant sales clerk I got clarity on how to handle this situation. I was not going to shove it under the carpet, I was going to write a letter to the manager (not the sales clerk) and let them know I meant business.

I let them know who I was in the art community and dropped names of galleries and associations I have been a part of for many years. I told them I had documentation (slides) of all my work and that I could prove that this was a "copy" in a court of law. In return, all I was asking them to do was to take down the "copied" art work which was displayed in their store immediately.

My friend went in the store a few days after I had written the letter and she said they had removed the "copy" from their display. I was happy and learned a valuable lesson. You must speak with the right party, at the proper time with documentation. Had the craft store not have been cooperative, I would have contact my art attorney, Kyle Citrynell (Citrynell@derbycitylaw.com) to write a letter on my behalf.

Hope this story helps you from making a fool of yourself like I did!! Be encouraged!!

ART MARKETING CLASSES 2010

2010-02-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Please check out my revised website to learn about a new class I am offering this year. "Creating an Art Marketing Plan for 2010!" Classes start after Valentine's Day!

www.paulacundiff.com

LET YOUR CUSTOMERS DO THE BRAGGING

2010-02-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

#1 FEBRUARY TIP FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010

In our culture, it is not polite to brag about yourself, it makes you seem..well, arrogant. But, somehow you must get across to your customers that your work is good without bragging. Hmmmm........

Ask your previous customers to write a statement about your work. Or perhaps you have a teacher, mentor, gallery owner you can quote. I have a book review on my website, with testimonies from my art marketing students. I let them do the bragging!

"IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, YOU WILL END UP SOMEWHERE ELSE."
Yogi Berra

LOUISVILLE ARTISTS FOR HAITI VICTIMS

2010-02-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

If you want to join other Louisville Artists who are making art donations go to:
www.burnerswithoutborders.org

Donating Art Work for Haiti Victims

2010-01-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Anyone know where to donate art work for Haiti victims?

I see donation requests as an opportunity to market my business and a means to support a worthy cause! However, I limit the number of charities I send to every year. This way I am able to say "no" without feeling guilty to other requests.

Marketing Myself

2010-01-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

January is the best time to set marketing goals for the year! Everyone needs someone to be held accountable to, including myself! So this year, I am going to do it a little differently. I decided to work alongside a life coach. She will help me with a marketing plan for 2010.

Even though I consult with others about marketing their art work, I can benefit from consulting with a professional! My goal is to keep my FOCUS AND BE ON PURPOSE!

Stay tuned, I will let you know how it goes for me!

"THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IS THE CONSTANCY TO PURPOSE"
Benjamin Disraeli