Hi Everyone!
Are you making your ATCs yet? Remember the ATC Workshop and Card Swap is in just two weeks! Bring some to trade and build your collection. (Select ATCs will be available for purchase by collectors.)
If you're still wondering why you should try ATCs as an artform, well, consider the following:
- ATCs are a great way to get your artworks and name circulated and noticed. I would venture to say that almost every, if not every, ATC I have given, traded or sold has been shown to someone else. This is free advertising, and isn't that what we want?
- ATCs are inexpensive and quick to make and make perfect gifts, freebies, and business cards.
- ATCs are also great fun to collect, especially here in Mountainair where there are so many talented artists. I have only five in my collection so far and I'm eager to trade with more local artists.
- ATCs are widely sold on ebay - some for quite good prices. I have noticed that some artists seem to just paint or draw a few ATCs a week, list them on ebay, and do quite well working part time as ATC artists. How fun a job is that? Creating little artworks!
If you're still not convinced, come to the workshop and learn why ATCs are such fun and have created a new genre in the art world.
See you there!
Geree
Adding here Robin's comment submitted for an old post (Online Marketing for Self-Represented Artists):
ReplyDeletePerhaps the ATC makers out here should consider banding together for the sake of adding to the visibility of Arts in the out of the way, virtual outsiders. Geree and I have been tossing name ideas around. Remember that a name is the same as a brand name, in marketing. For instance, just say Santa Fe and folks go all OOOH and AHHH YES! because the name itself says ART to most people.
I suggested recently that we take a look at Mr. Gustins cattle brand book: If it's not there yet, then a brand saying MMM ( Mountainair Miniature Makers) would be a fun way to make our presence known, and consistent with regional heritage, et al..
MMM (Mountainair Miniature Makers)...
ReplyDeletehmmmm... thinking marketing, branding, and slogans, where else could that take us?
Among other places, belittling ones (several snappy ones already self-censored).
People associate Santa Fe with art not just for the name alone but because the name has a long, international, and well documented reputation for being the home of world class art and talented artists.
Mountainair is not going to acquire a similar association by branding. Mad Ave claims asides, reputations have to be earned. Subbing branding for earned rep won't do it but could earn us a reputation for unsubstantiated hype.
I agree that Mountainair has to build a reputation for being known for art. And, a name for the local ATC group won't brand it as an art community. But, a name would make it easier to refer to and list the ATC meetings in calendars and ads. Any ideas for a name that describes our group in a fun, creative, and unusual way?
ReplyDeleteThe group is really rather informal and open to artists coming and going. I see the main purpose of having a local group is to have swap days and workshops. Your thoughts or ideas?
Geree
Geree
ReplyDeleteI suspect that the process is not going to depend on or spring from any single art area or event.
There's a lesson to be had from Sunflower's name change (for which, admittedly, I have to shoulder some of the blame): take care with selecting names to avoid being stuck with a "brand name" you find you'd rather not have.
Can you post more detailed information about the June 17 ATC workshop & swap & description of the workshop?
ReplyDeleteHow much will the workshop cost? What do we need to bring? Where will it be & from what time to what time?
The workshop and swap day is Saturday June 17 in the Shaffer conference room. The exact location is not firm yet, which is why I was holding back for the moment. The workshop is free and we are asked to bring our own supplies to make some ATCs. If you haven't supplies of your own, Stacia Robin will bring some which you will be able to purchase.
ReplyDeleteThe workshop will be at 2:00 and we'll trade after. I would think about 2 hours total.
I'll let you know more when I know more.
See you there!
I understand that ATC are pretty much anything goes. Could you give me some ideas about material we could use to make them?
ReplyDeleteMost people use watercolor paper or canvas, but drawing paper is good if you mount it on card stock. Watercolors or acylic paints work well. Other things you might like bring are some beads and glitter.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of attending this ATC event. Can I bring some things that are already started to refine them/ get ideas? Also, have we settled on a time?
ReplyDeleteHi-
ReplyDeleteI was just about to blog about this and send out e-announcements. (If you don't get it, plz. let me know so I can add you to my mailing list.)
It is confirmed for Saturday, June 17 at 2:00 in the Shaffer conference room. Please bring works in progress and materials with which to experiement. Stacia will be focusing on background techniques.
Sounds like fun! Hope to see you all there!