This week we're talking open studios. Whether you are an old hand or this is your first year opening your studio/home, we have some ideas for preparation and promotion (for details see below).

We're also discussing inspiration boards and reminders of what makes us tick in our work - whether that's recognition of a slowly developing series, or being reminded of what happens when you try to make a painting because you feel you "should".

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Our Open Studios Tips

BEFORE THE EVENT

• Volunteer within your organisation - the success depends on everyone doing their part

• Physical flyers/ booklets banners: these should be provided by your organization, but where can you distribute?

• Do your own publicity - update all your social media (banners, headers, posts etc) and send a newsletter

• You can also do your own Facebook.IG advertising if you choose and send press releases to local media.

• Order a card reader (test it!) and receipt book (or make a receipt on your PC and print off as needed)

• Prepare your home - remove valuables, decide which areas are off limits

• Let your personality show, but remove other artwork - the artwork on display should all be yours.

• Clearly price your work so that visitors don't have to ask.

DURING THE EVENT

• Things for children to do (be wary of anything messy!)

• Is there an interactive event you can easily manage?

• Keep track of visitor numbers - not just as a total, but across each day

• Collect email addresses from those interested

• Refreshments are optional (Alice makes a cake if there’s a quiet lull and has cordial/Louise doesn't offer any)

• Consider ways to make people feel welcome (door open, bunting, balloons, signs etc.)

• If you plan to open again for Christmas, advertise that during the event

• Encourage photography and social sharing

AFTER

• Follow up with visitors; thank them for coming, send them an image of a painting they were interested in. You can do this as a wider email - or more individually.

• Review what went well - you will forget!

Mentioned:

CyTwombly at Bastian

(until 15th June 2019)

Gerhard Richter at Gagosian

“Overpainted Photographs” (until 8th June 2019)

How to make a mood board 

Submit a question at

bit.ly/artjuicepodcast

Follow us on Instagram

@alicesheridanstudio 

@louisefletcher_art

Credits

"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License