The ArtistsWhoTHRIVE seminar that I delivered last Tuesday earned record attendance and reviews, according to the directors of the Small Business Development Center of Alameda County.
The room was absolutely packed with an eager audience of over 130 creative people, all looking for ways to offer their creative talents in ways that will support them economically and creatively.
As promised, we completed three mini marketing makeovers that included:
1. a painter whose passion is painting drag queens
2. an illustrator of who loves botanicals
3. and a spiritual painter who meditates and then paints the color energy of her subjects
Does it sound impossible to identify a viable market for these three artists? It’s not! During our live “blue sky” session, these artists, and the entire audience, clearly described their market, who I refer to as a “tribe”, ways to celebrate the tribal culture and serve their tribe, and where their tribe might be found.
The economic health of a city is closely tied to its cultural capital. As local artists thrive so does the community. Think of most famous destinations and you think of the art.
There are many economic studies that prove this assertion. Read this New York Times article about a business development program in New York City for artists:
“The city’s cultural sector “attracts very, very creative people who have incredible ideas, but they don’t always know how to turn their ideas into financial sustainable entities,” said Seth W. Pinsky, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
His agency is spending $50,000 on this program and a similar one being run by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, with Creative Capital. Read more….
Here are a few of the messages I’ve received and that I’d like to share, with permission.
And they are still coming!
“Thank YOU so much. It was the best workshop I’ve been to. Honestly, yesterday changed my life.”
“Your seminar was just AWESOME! I learned so much, and got so much inspiration.” - Lisa Baker
“Thank you for the great information you gave at your seminar! It really got me motivated.” - Nat Jackson
“I enjoyed the seminar. I made an Action Plan of notes I took during class. I was tickled at how many people in the room are having some of the same struggles. Why are some of us conditioned to believe a struggling artist is the thing to be?” -D. Jean Collins
“Thank you for your wonderful presentation yesterday. I learned new things and enjoyed your lively interaction with us. I am inspired to take action.” – Pauline C. Nishi
“I can’t begin to express how much it all meant to me. Within the hour after I left, I was telling my friends about you. I will be waiting patiently anticipating the weekly newsletter.” – James Walker
“It was a relief to have someone talk about making a living as an artist instead of wringing their hands about how to pay the rent.” - Susan Troy
My thanks to the seminar sponsors:
Sponsor an ArtistsWhoTHRIVE seminar for your Artist Group or Organization
Seminars are generally three hours with a break but they can be shaped to fit your audience.
By using an existing a cross promotional program, an ArtistsWhoTHRIVE seminar can also generate additional revenue for your group or organization.