Maximising your Creative Content
Episode 57: How to make more from what you’re already making!
As an artist or maker your primary function is to make things. However the things you make and the things you do can often be used in ways other than just for their appreciation! In this episode Peter and Laura talk about ways of making the most out of your output: greetings cards, teaching aids, books, videos, content for social media and more.
SHOW NOTES: CREATIVE CONTENT
In this episode Laura and Peter look at ways of adding value to the work you already make. With a bit of lateral thought and good planning, you could be opening up new revenue streams, reaching a wider audience and growing your business.
The Useful Stuff
Covid may have pressured you into re-thinking business for this year at least, but perhaps there are ways to benefit from these new ways of working once the crisis is past. There are plenty of imaginative examples out there if you are just starting out, rather than adapting your business. Going on-line is the obvious example, but expect to work hard and consistently at it to have an impact.
Be organised, it’s important to have a good overview of your business to judge how and where to adapt it to add value. Map out your priorities and remember that not everything will work. It’s best to cut your losses and move on if a plan isn’t working out, but hang on to the idea. It may be that the timing wasn’t right and your idea will work later. Balance imagination with practical planning and pragmatism.
Remember the table analogy: a table with lots of legs can afford to lose a few and remain standing. The same goes for your business. Think about reproducing your artwork through greetings cards or other merchandise to sell at events, through an online shop on your website, or a platform like Etsy. Be selective and careful to do justice to your work.
Grow your audience; you need to feed social media constantly to be successful online. Remember people want to see you and work in progress as well as the finished product. Sell your brand and catch people’s imagination by telling the back story of your work. Photos of work in progress can also be used to teach or to sell work later.
Think about selling your knowledge through writing and publishing; a simple instructional PDF can make money as a download, or you could explore self-publishing. Having a printed catalogue of your work to sell works well and can double as a promotional gift. Check out our episodes on writing and our interview with magazine editor Steve Pill for advice on commercial writing opportunities.
Every artwork you make should add to your store of resources in terms of photographs, notes, ideas and experience. Actively recording your work means you can benefit from it through talks, writing, teaching, demonstrations, social media etc. Filming has earning potential through YouTube, online courses or subscription programmes like Patreon. Consider crowdfunding for specific projects if you already have an audience for your work.
Think about using a hook like the season or an event to sell your work. Could you put together a Christmas themed collection for sale or use Valentine’s Day for a marketing hit on social media? Remember to give people the time to buy if you are selling work for a specific occasion rather than using it just for PR.
The Takeaway
There is always something more you can do with your creative output. Actively developing revenue and marketing ideas will keep the business stable and keep you making more art.
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
