Group Art Show: “Message”
In late September, I got a call from my friend, Nickki Lee Hill, who was designing a promo postcard for an upcoming art exhibit here in Mt. Shasta, California.
It was going to be a group show with the theme, “Art With a Message”.
Nickki, who is familiar with my work, wanted to use one of my pieces for the front of the postcard.
Of course, I said “Yes”.
Postcard design by Nickki Lee Hill, featuring “XANAX!” by Nikolas Allen
When the art gallery saw the finished postcard, they called and asked me to submit an image they could send out with their Press Release for the show.
I thought chances were slim that “XANAX!”, with its blatant drug reference, would get printed in a small-community newspaper, so I submitted “TEEN SEX!” instead.
Ha, take your pick: Drugs or Sex!
I was pleasantly surprised to see a full-color “TEEN SEX!” printed in the paper next to the Call To Artists announcement.
Up to this point, I still hadn’t considered submitting my work into the actual show – until I read the Call to Artists!
Then I realized it was a complete no-brainer. My artwork was on the postcard, it accompanied the Press Release and it was in the newspaper – I figured chances were good that it could be accepted into the exhibit as well.
Since it was a group show, with limited space, I figured I would submit both “XANAX!” and “TEEN SEX!”, and let the jurors decide which, if any, would be accepted.
Not only were they both accepted, but I also received “Best Of Show” honors from the jurors.
The show opened on Friday, October 16. It was fun to shmooze and network, to see current friends and make some new ones.
I enjoyed great conversation with interesting people, including juror and fellow artist, Brenda Woods (above left).
I also met Skye Kinkade, a local reporter who was covering the event for the Mt. Shasta Herald.
I slid her my business card and chatted her up for a bit.
But, here is a KEY NETWORKING TIP FOR MY FELLOW ARTISTS: We didn’t talk about ME, or my ART.
No, we talked about HER, and what she loves about her job.
Photo by Skye Kinkade, Mt. Shasta Herald
Sure enough, when the paper came out the following week, there was a write-up on the show, featuring a large, full-color shot from the opening (above). Skye even spelled my name correctly in the caption. WIN!
AND THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY:
The day after the opening, I got a call from the Cultural Coordinator of the Shasta Arts Council.
He saw my work at the show, and invited me to exhibit in a Holiday Art Show down in Redding, California, which will run from November through Christmas.
I have to investigate that a little more to make sure the event will align with my brand, and vice versa, but chances are it could be a great opportunity to reach a new market during the time of year that customers are ready to buy.
***
PERSONAL BRANDING TIPS:
What strikes me as I write this post is the Snowball Effect of Opportunity that often takes place when you actively pursue Goals in an organized and disciplined manner.
As an Artist, or Entrepreneur, your Main Goal should be this: Create a Remarkable Product.
When you create unique work, strive to build a positive brand, and actively network and market your brand, people and opportunities start seeking YOU.
Of course, you still have to meet them half way. Make sure you are poised to capitalize on Opportunities that do arise and be prepared to follow through when things start happening – because they will!
Welcome to Nikolas Allen Art dot com. I am a Contemporary Pop Artist with a background in music, advertising and video production. 
Comments
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Your recent win is a prime example of this. No matter how good our product, or art, or work is, if we don’t get out in the various applicable marketplaces, we will never get the rewards we seek, whether financial, artistic recognition, fame, etc. OTOH, if we don’t have a good product, all the marketing savvy and work in the world will not achieve any results. You have recognized this, and are a great example for the rest of us!
>> GuitarBird – So true, so true!
Step 1) Create great work. Step 2) Get out and market it. Repeat as necessary, over and over again!
Thank you for adding your thoughtful insight to the dialogue.
I appreciate your mention of the “Snowball Effect of Opportunity.” I tend to think of it in terms of “You reap what you sew” (luckily this wasn’t a phrase on the sheet of overused words and sayings
), but same idea.
The sewing can be tough in the beginning, but isn’t the harvest lovely? I’m pleased to see you there.
Congrats on the above. Got the postcard, but didn’t get my butt in to look at the large sizes. Go, Niko, go!
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