Aikman Design

Submitting Articles and PR to Publications

2011-01-12T16:56:00.001-05:00

Greeting to fellow artists. Although I haven't updated this blog I hope you'll check back-posts because my tips are timeless. Tip for this month: If you submit articles or PR to a print newspaper you might consider calling them to ask if they have sample articles or instructions on the styles they prefer. If you can get your hands on the actual newspaper cut out some sample ad sizes as well as a couple of articles for reference.

Write an article about an event you're participating in, even if you're a small part of it. If you're participating in a show, let the newspaper know about it. "Geraldine Aikman is exhibiting small landscapes at the XXX Gallery in Portland through June as part of a group show featuring the art of more than twenty artists." etc. You need to toot your own horn. Send in a picture of your art, too, or of you painting and please face the camera!

Ask them if you can upload calendar listings online or who you should email your listing to. If it goes to the wrong person you may have missed your chance.

Print out your finished article. Read it aloud to someone else to see if there are any mistakes, or if there are any improvements to be made.

Remember that the easier you make it for the publisher the more likely they are to include your self-promo article in their publication.

Summer Gallery-hopping and Tips

2010-06-16T19:58:00.003-04:00

Early summer is a great time to check out the local galleries and stores to see what the trends are and what the competition is. Today I went with a visiting friend around Kennebunkport, and we checked out the art in a few galleries. We noticed a lot of the art is smaller format, due to the economy, no doubt.

One gallery owner likes to carry framed art that fits easily into a travel suitcase, even when bubble-wrapped. he even keeps a carry-on suitcase on hand to prove the art will fit in it comfortably. You need to work with various factors like this when planning your strategy for the season.

Don't forget to create artwork to fit standard-size, or consistent-size frames whenever possible. It helps to keep everything standard when exchanging one painting for another.

~~Geraldine

Pricing your Art

2010-03-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

Pricing your Art

Just yesterday a friend asked me how one should go about pricing one's own artwork. By the hour, by dimension, or by what you feel in your gut? I once worked out a pricing chart based on time, dimensions and added on the cost of framing. I even constructed a chart based on frame prices, which go by dimension and the quality of the frame. But is this a realistic way to price art, using a cut and dried "time x dollar amount + expense" formula?

Of course you can take into account factors such as cost of materials, whether your final piece is large or highly detailed. Experience, skill level, whether you're well know in your field should all be considered.

In addition, demand plays a role, though just because you don't sell a lot of work doesn't mean it's because of the price tag. Your art or style might appeal to fewer buyers, or the economy could be bad, or it could simply be the luck of the draw. People buy art that appeals to them and a few extra dollars probably won't sway a client who loves a particular piece. In any case, you don't want to drop your price to bargain basement lows in order to catch a sale.

Consistency of price is also important, especially if you sell your art through galleries who take a markup. So scout around and see what prices are being put on art in your area. Check out art on the Internet, too, just to get an overall picture.

I take all of these factors into account, and I write the price I think it's worth (which is not necessarily the price at which it should be marked) on a piece of paper. I then hang the art in the hallway and stick the price next to it and over the following few days, every time I walk past it I compare the price tag to the art. Does it seem reasonable to me? Would I regret it if it sold for that small amount? Or do I simply want to sell it and create something better for the next show? I may write out another price for comparison.

There is no right or wrong way to price, but in the end it has to be something you're comfortable with. How do you price your work?

~~Looking forward to hearing from you….Geraldine

A Great Framing Tool

2010-03-11T17:32:00.000-05:00

Great Tool

I love my picture framing tools. They certainly make my life a lot easier. One of my favorite framing tools is the ATG gun, or the Adhesive Transfer Gun, made by 3M. (Also called: Scotch® ATG 752 Adhesive Applicator)

The ATG gun has an extended roller that lets you keep an eye on the adhesive as it goes down. The gun enables you to run a thin double-stick tape along the edge of a frame in preparation for applying dust covers, matting artwork or mounting photos.

It lists for $60, but I've used mine for 20 years, so it's a great investment. Tape comes in rolls of 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. wide though I've never needed anything wider than the ½ in.. A roll of tape runs $6 but the price per roll reduces when you buy a box of 12.

I use this ATG tape along the back of my wood frames and then apply brown paper as a dust cover. Trim off the excess brown paper and you have a neat, professional backing. None of that white glue for me!

How to do it: You hold the frame firmly, depress the trigger of the gun and drag the gun towards you. It leaves a trail of tape along the frame. Cut brown paper a bit larger than the back of your frame, then line it up with the far end of the frame. Pull the paper taut towards you and press it in place. Pull the paper taut to each side and press down. ATG is very sticky so you need to ensure that paper is in place before burnishing it down.

Take a blade, or special tool made to trim paper off a frame (a dust cover trimmer), and cut towards you. Make sure you do this slowly because you don't want the blade to slip off and cut you or to slice into the side of the frame. I pinch a straight blade between my fingers and trim the opposite side first, but I've been doing this for a while.

I give instructions, workshops, and sell these tools, so feel free to ask me any questions and I'll help you out.

~~~Geraldine "A bad workman blames his tools."

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SITE FRESH

2010-02-24T10:21:00.004-05:00

This is my newly revised home page. I had to simplify it because I kept on adding new pages and links. Web pages and sites do need updating and I advise you mark a date to review your site on your calendar. Maybe in January or in your downtime. You can print out your current website and mark up revisions at the kitchen table.

Also, check out other sites and see which elements you like that you don't have. Maybe a colored background, an interesting collage, some white space would add interest to your page.

If you have a constantly changing schedule of events you can have a brief description of your shows and add a link so interested parties can email you for the show schedule. Then your site doesn't have to be changed every month.

And I have mentioned in a previous blog entry that you can use a site like Flickr to upload and show your current pictures. That way you can keep your web site as a showcase that doesn't need too much updating.

~~~Geraldine

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

2010-02-24T10:18:00.005-05:00

HOW ON EARTH DO I START MAKING A WEB PAGE?

What basic elements make up a web page? Pictures and text. Simple enough. You need a banner with your name, or the name of your business or gallery, and you need images (jpegs) of your art. The text should be a synopsis of who you are and what you do. What services do you provide? Do you want people to contact you so you can email them an up-to-date listing of your shows? Do you want to give out your street address? Or just the town or state, perhaps? Your email should be provided for the most basic of contact.

I suggest you get out some sheets of 8 ½ x 11 white paper and plan where you want your parts to go: banner at the top; navigation bar, if needed under the banner, or vertically at the left; text, images, important elements.

Text should be typed out and edited in Word or any text editor. Include important key words. These help search engines find you. Note that location, medium and subject of 'Suzan's' art, etc. are all included here.

For instance: Suzan Greene is a Portland, Maine artist who shows at Maine Women in the Arts art and craft shows. Her watercolor paintings of the shoreline and York County rural scenes of barns and cows can be seen at the -- Gallery year round. View the online art gallery for a taste of her whimsical paintings, which can be purchased direct from the artist.

The next page could be the gallery with a selection of your art. They can be enlarged when clicked upon if you want. Information about how to purchase art should be included, plus something warm and fuzzy about yourself. Viewers want to make a connection with you.

In the image, everything above the dotted line is seen on the screen when the visitor initially views that page. Everything below the dotted line can be seen when they scroll down. I prefer the home/main/introductory page to be seen in its entirety at a glance, so design it to fit a horizontal piece of paper, as shown.

I edit images for my clients as needed, but you still have to plan what you want to be shown, and where it will go. You can use sketches, printouts, photos or post-it notes to lay it out on paper. Pan your web site on a cocktail napkin if you're more comfortable with that.

Planning is very important because it not only helps you figure out what is most important for you to depict to the world about yourself, but it helps the web designer. The more you give the person who does the technical work, the easier and less time-consuming it is for all parties. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

~~~ Geraldine

Basics of an Easy Web Site Design

2010-02-16T15:05:00.012-05:00

A local artist who knows very little about the web asked me the best way for her to get her art online. In response to her question I created a sample single web page and linked it to Flickr.

The idea is to have a static web page that doesn't need to be revised often, and also to use a free photo site in which to place new images. You need to prepare pictures and informative text. I edit pictures for people, create the banners, help with the design and text, but you need to block out your site for the web designer.

You can sketch out how you want your site to look on a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Remember that the important elements must be at the top so people don't have to scroll down in order to see at a glance what your site is 'selling'.

Then lease a domain name (like aikmandesign.com) for 2-yr. to 5-yr. period. The next step is pay for a host. Think of the host as the telephone company - they connect your site to the Internet, for $4 a month on up. There are often deals for first-time buyers.

Although you could build a free Google web site, using their templates for colors and structure, the URL will be www.googlepages.com/aikmandesign, for instance. ( Google Pages Overview )

Note the parts of this page I made to show you: Native American Prints The banner at the top is a picture. The text uses words with which search engines can find you, and includes pricing and contact information.

And then you need to make an account with Yahoo and then Flickr in order to load additional pictures of your art as you create them. Just take it one step at a time!

~~Geraldine

Free Flickr

2010-02-07T10:05:00.012-05:00

I have been uploading my photos to the free online photo-sharing site called Flickr for some time. Although I began by sharing my photography, I have also started to add some of my paintings. I've seen small businesses, especially craftspeople and artists, display images of their work there. It's a great way to advertise and will only cost you the time it takes to add your images!

You do need to write titles, add keywords and descriptions to all of your pictures so people can find you in search results. This picture is a screen capture of the many folders I created to hold my various categories of photos and art.

I can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinidesign

flickr - getting started guide
What is flickr?

flickr is an online photo sharing and community website. Users from all over the world post photographs of every conceivable subject and style to flickr and they choose whether to share these photos with friends, family or with everyone.

You can put your location or where the photo was taken on a map, link your images to others across the world with a similar subject, such as lighthouses. I've had people from around the globe make comments on my images.

Anyone can look at photographs on flickr, but in order to upload your own photos to any part of flickr you must create an account. Basic accounts on flickr are free of charge.

If you want to join flickr you need a Yahoo! ID http://www.mail.yahoo.com/ (because Yahoo! owns flickr) so start by creating a Yahoo! ID and that will let you create a flickr account.
Start with the FAQ at flickr: http://www.flickr.com/help/faq/

I sized my art about 4 inches, 72 dpi, so nobody can download them to reprint.

PROMOTE YOURSELF - PLEASE!!!

2010-01-30T14:48:00.007-05:00

In a recent New York Time magazine article, a publicist noted that one of her clients, a writer, had taken an active part in his publicity. The writer's attitude was that they were in business together. He wanted to succeed, as did she, and they had to work together. Many artists, myself among them, are simply grateful to be published.

But that is not enough.

As an artist or other type of creative person, creating is only half the battle. The other is getting your art seen (or heard if you're a musician) and there is nobody better than you to toot your own horn. Of course having a professional by your side, acting as guide and advisor, is extremely helpful. But handing over your art to an agent and then dusting off your hands on a job well done is turning your back on opportunity. Thinking that hanging your art in a gallery or show is all that's required of you and you can go home and begin the next painting - and expect the gallery staff to sell for you - well, that's not going to get you very far.

You have to be proactive.
Proactive –adjective
Serving to prepare for, intervene in, or control an expected occurrence or situation, esp. a negative or difficult one; anticipatory.

An artist emailed me the other day and complained that the opening for a group show she had taken part in was poorly attended. The gallery, which is also a school of higher learning, doesn't have the show listed on the home page of their web site. However after clicking through two pages I did find the show listed on an inside page.

I'm an active artist in the same community, but I did not receive a notice prior to the show inviting me to participate. Nor did I read about the show in the paper (I may have missed it) and I certainly did not get an email inviting me to view that show. That gallery knows I work for a newspaper, albeit seasonally, so why not take advantage of my connections and let me know about it?

But here's the thing - Every artist needs to send out emails to friends and connections to let them know about your show. You need to act on your own behalf.

Don't just sit there and assume that the gallery-show-agent is going to act on your behalf. You're your best advocate - send out a short, informative email blast! Ask people to send it on. Write a short article and submit it to various newspapers (along with a picture large enough for newsprint!) about yourself and your participation in the show. Nobody else is going to do it for you.

Geraldine Aikman
http://www.aikmandesign
http://aikmandesign.blogspot.com/

Who needs HDR photography? Just be creative.

2010-01-15T16:03:00.007-05:00

Renaissance Pears

This photograph is made up of several layers of the same image, with each layer a different density, exposure, or hue. After each pear was adjusted to be darker, brighter, or more saturated with color, I flattened the picture and saved it. I didn't start out with the intention of making a layered image. I was trying to take a photo using the HDR process.

High dynamic range (HDR) images enable photographers to record a greater range of tonal detail than a given camera could capture in a single photo. Photoshop has a "merge to HDR" feature that allows you to combine a series of bracketed exposures into a single image.

Of course I was easily sidetracked and ended up doing my own thing instead of following instructions. I guess the lesson learned is that even if you don't follow instructions, and if you head off in a completely different direction, it's the process (it was fun!), and the result (I love the way it came out!), it's a good thing.

Visit my website and my Flickr site to see more of my photography.

~ Geraldine

FRAMING ART AND STANDARD SIZES

2010-01-12T18:43:00.011-05:00

Although many artists begin their painting process with the paper and paint, and when the art is completed, seek out a great frame, I suggest they start with the frame - then create the art to fit the opening. Why? It's far easier to begin with an existing frame, or work with a standard frame size rather than the other way around.

Frames in standard sizes are available at art stores, and frame shops that do custom framing often have ready-made or pre-made frames for sale. Ask your local frame shop if they have ready-made frames on hand. Some shops make up odd-size frames, as well as standard-size frames, out of extra molding but don't put them out front. They sometimes have assembled wood frames that were mistakes, or extras from a custom job. These are often called 'empty frames' because they come without glass or backing, which will cost you extra.

What is a standard size for a frame? 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24, 24x30, and 24x36 to name a few. You can buy paper and canvas in these sizes, and your art will pop right in many frames. Canvas requires a deeper frame, of course.

But if you start with a 22x30 Arches watercolor paper, and want to mat the art, you'll run into problems. If your painting extends right to the edge of the paper, you still need at least 1/4 inch coverage from your mat. That makes your inside dimension 21 1/2 x 29 1/2, for example. If you add a 2 inch mat all around, your outside dimension is then 25 1/2 x 33 1/2. Even if you cut your mat 2 1/4" AA (all around / on every side) you end up with an outside dimension of 26x34. Hmm, that isn't standard, is it? You won't find a ready-made frame that size.

So begin with a 24x30 frame. Let's try a 2" mat AA. The inside dimension is then 20x26. Take your 22x30 Arches watercolor paper, mark out an area a bit larger that 20x26, say 20 1/2x26 1/2. This is to ensure that your painting area is larger than the mat opening.

Why does this have to be so difficult? You have to remember that standard frame sizes are based on printable paper sizes, and many posters and photographs come in standard frame sizes, and vice versa, on the assumption they will be put in a frame with no matting.

So you'll save money if you choose a ready-made frame. Cut your own mat or have it professionally cut, or perhaps buy a pre-cut mat (rarely archival quality). Purchase glass and backing (no cardboard!) of matboard or fomecore. You need tools to put it together and a little skill, but you're sure to save money.

Create a Web Presence

2009-10-23T15:42:00.005-04:00

A lot of small businesses, among them self-publishers, craftspeople and artists, ask me how they can have a web presence without investing a lot of time or money. The easiest way is to post pictures of your work on the web using a photo-sharing site. I like Flickr. Why not add images of your art or creation to Flickr? Art directors use this photo-sharing site to search for images they might want to purchase.
See mine at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinidesign/

A self-publisher recently told me she found a photo that was perfect for the cover of her self-help book. She asked for permission to use it, and in exchange is giving the photographer credit for the picture as well as copies of her book, when published.

The next best thing is to create an entry for yourself, a personal one, at Facebook. If you also have a business you should create a second entry under the business name, and make sure you add links to and from those personal and professional Facebook profiles. Add any external links (to your photo-sharing page, etc.) to both sites. Keep your profile photos professional and silly personal pictures off your Facebook pages. You don't really want your potential customers and old High School buddies to see you in a less-than-favorable light, do you?

I have a listing at the Maine Arts Commission site, and have links to my web site and my email there. So if you can add your profile and links to any professional organization, do so. ~ Geraldine

Take Any Road You Want To

2009-10-15T11:09:00.005-04:00

Not everyone reaches the same conclusion by following the same road.

Recently a client asked me to create a mock-up web site, but he wanted to see a static page. That meant designing in Photoshop. But I design web pages in Dreamweaver. It seemed to be a step backward to design in a flat program, especially when I wanted to show off a rotating set of images, a flash slide show. I went ahead and made a sample web page and posted it within my own site in a client section.

The picture you see here has a flash image with type moving across it. How can you see that effect in a jpeg?

I went to a jewelry-making class once in which the teacher told us to draw out a design on paper. Nothing came to my mind - until I started to work with the materials. What kind of sense does it make to create a 3-D object in 2-D? I need to touch the stones, feel the flexibility of the metal, play around with the parts.

There is more than one way to skin a cat, as they say, so don't let anyone dictate how you reach your conclusion. Just head on down that creative road in whichever direction that suits you.

~~ Geraldine

How to Write a Blog

2009-09-15T17:33:00.004-04:00

I just looked around the web to see what makes a blog successful. The answer?

You need the three Cs: content that is unique and communicates to interested parties; consistency, which means frequency; and closeness, meaning you should stick to your niche. My niche is creative subjects such as art, helping people, and working with words and images. This is the perfect medium!

I've seen some artists put a painting a day up on their blog, but choosing to post something worth reading every day and keeping it up is not an easy task. For now I'll try to add a post once or twice a week and maybe it will become more frequent.

Tip of the day - when you send an article to a newspaper, copy the content into the body of the email AND attach the word document. Tell them right up top that you're attaching the doc. This way the editor can review the content and have a good idea where he/she can file it.

~Geraldine

Polyvore - Explore the Creative You

2009-09-11T19:49:00.005-04:00

My old art school friend, Harriet, has a blossoming gardening glove business called Foxgloves (foxglovesinc.com). She asked me to take a look at a new (to me) and novel place for creative people with an interest in fashion to make online collages. It is called Polyvore.

Polyvore is for fashionistas who can choose any online image, such as a catalog picture, by using a tool provided that rests in your toolbar. A link is made to your own page at Polyvore, and you can use that image, plus any in their enormous image bank, to choose, edit, resize, layer, and 'publish' a set.

All of the linked items appear next to the published set so all viewers can, potentially, go directly to that vendor's site and purchse those fab shoes or overpriced skirt. I created a series of background patterns, put them on a new page on my aikmandesign web site and added the URL to my profile. I also added some of my photos and some clip I had. Within a couple of days, my 'clip art' backgrounds had been linked and used by Polyvoristas about 100 times.

The sets made are both fashion plates, reminding me of paper dolls' clothes, and also some more avante garde arty sets - clothes and cosmetics collaged to resemble a dog, e.g. And the link to my site appears on every one of those published sets.

Polyvore has encountered bumps in the road with regards to copyright, especially when people linked artwork from Etsy and used that art in their collages. You can search for discussions on the web about this subject. I did make it clear that all of my designs on the page I provided were to be used freely.

Go and give it a try- it can be addictive! These are some sets I made - using Foxgloves in most of them. Link Here.

Geraldine

Creative versus Business

2009-09-05T11:45:00.004-04:00

Blogging is only successful if you keep on top of it and I've been a slacker in recent months. Like many artists I am torn between the need to create and the time-consuming need to work the business side of art. How do you juggle the two? I find that I need to separate the two things or else I'm constantly bouncing back and forth and don't get a lot done. Or, worse still, I leave a trail of not-quite-finished projects in my wake.

My friend Steve puts aside one day a week to do nothing but self-promotion, and he regularly attends a networking group. The rest of his 'free' time is dedicated to creative activities. Although he has changed his direction from fine art to writing, the good habits and structured work plan remain intact.

I find that I prefer to dedicate a block of time to each project. I get involved in painting, or a photo-editing task, and so when I take a break for yet another cup of coffee, I'm thinking about it. So whether it's for a day or a week, I immerse myself in one project until it's done. Or, I should say, that is my goal! (I had to add that because I could hear everyone who knows me laughing.)

Break up large projects into smaller tasks. Write a to-do list and even if you don't look at it again, writing out a plan can help get your thoughts organized. Email me with your thoughts on this, or to tell me what you're doing creatively, or to promote your business!

This illustration was done for stock art by painting in gouache on paper. I then overlaid acetate, inked it, and scraped the ink away.

~Geraldine

PR Needs Proper Titles

2009-06-27T19:19:00.006-04:00

I recently read that a huge proportion of blogs are started . . .and then abandoned. It could be because if there isn't a lot of action one does feel as though one is talking to oneself. Luckily, I don't mind talking to myself.

I'm preparing to offer a short course in PR for artists - writing articles, preparing images, naming files. I recently spoke to some artists who never considered that newspaper editors have hundreds (or thousands) of emails coming in with ads, articles, PR and images.

Having been on the newspaper's side of the story, I can tell you it can be a nightmare if those incoming files aren't titled properly. For instance, calling your ad "Ad for the Courier.pdf" isn't going to win you any brownie points with The Courier.

Let's say you are submitting PR for your Clay Guild. You need to name all of your files appropriately: clayguild_julyshow_2col.pdf; janesmith_potofmanycolors.jpg. The same goes with your email subject line (Clay Guild Summer Show July 3-6 PR) and the word document (clayguild_showinfo_70309).

You don't need to keep files all lower case with underscores, but that's my preference. Just be short and descriptive. Add captions in a word doc (I save as .rtf). Copy the content of all PR into the body of the email as well as attaching it. That way the recipient can review the content quickly and file it in the right place.

And if you don't comply? Then the chance of your PR/article/image getting in the newspaper reduces significantly.
Hope these tips help you!
Geraldine

Use Photos for 4x6 Promotional Handouts

2009-05-09T16:28:00.003-04:00

Looking for a new promo idea? Considering the many online photo-processing sites that offer cheap 4x6 photos, consider making a photo-promo. This can be created in Photoshop or any photo program.
Start with a 4x6 layout, copy a picture into it, type your name and contact info on top, flatten layers, save as photopromo4x6.jpg (e.g.).
I upload to Winkflash, Shutterfly, Snapfish, Sam's Club photo, Target, York Photo, Clark Photo (clarkcolor.com) or any of the many online photos shops. Once you've signed up for any of their services, make sure you click on a box to indicate you'd like promo information via email. The week I'm writing this Winkflash has a sale on any amount of 4x6 photos for 6 cents each. Mailing costs are low as a rule (most photos come with the name of the file and the company in a line of text on the back).
TIP: You can also have your pictures printed on 5x7s or fit two per 5x7 and cut it in half yourself.
TIP: Make sure that your lettering isn't too close to the edge!
Great for handing out at shows or other venues.

ALWAYS REPLY IS MY MOTTO

2009-03-04T12:01:00.004-05:00

I've been emailing a whole slew of greeting card companies and small manufacturers over the past month, in the hope of finding a couple of clients who would want to use my illustrations on their products. I email them and send along a link to my Web site. It certainly is easier and cheaper than in the old days when I sent out packages of color copies and SASEs and had to wait months sometimes for a response.
But I've also applied to jobs or emailed people through Craig's List, which must work for someone or it wouldn't be so popular. I must send out 25 emails to one response, and even then those responses tend to be scammers or spammers disguised as job opportunities. The real people don't even bother to reply.
How hard is it for people seeking help or an artist to cut and paste a "Sorry but the job is filled" reply? But no reply appears to be the norm. Is this what the Internet has wrought? A culture of thieves and/or impolite people?
On the bright side, one of my emails to a potential client paid off and that one response has opened up a whole new slew of possibilities (hopefully lucrative ones). But all of this has taught me that no matter how badly others behave, I'm not going to succumb to the broad acceptance that because a 'letter' is in the form of an email that it's less valid and less deserving or a response.
So the bottom line is that if you write to me you WILL get a response.:)

DON'T SUCCUMB TO THE COMPUTER WORLD

2009-02-22T14:17:00.006-05:00

Just yesterday a local artist phoned me (note that she did not email me) to bemoan the unfairness of being forced to acquire an email address, perhaps a computer, and at the very least, some knowledge of the digital world.

Now, I adore working on the computer, for its speed, possibilities, and creative purpose, but I certainly don't expect everyone else to feel the same way. It is, after all a tool, and not a necessity. Or is it? Ads on TV constantly direct the viewer to theirstore-dot-com. You can't even read all of the articles at the New York Times or in Entertainment Weekly magazine (the two paper periodicals I subscribe to) without going online. There are many art shows today that require a digital image, sometimes to be emailed in, or on a disk.

But this artist friend, who is not of the computer age, but more accurately "is of a certain age," doesn't want to be the dog learning new tricks. Yet if she wants to receive newsletters, participate in group activities, be informed, and even apply to art shows, she must get with it.

Yet isn't she of a minority whose needs should be addressed, and even catered to, much as we do those with physical or mental handicaps? Shouldn't she force the art group to send her a real paper newsletter? Isn't that her right as part of the club, or even as a citizen of the world?

Part of my job is to help those people who can't figure out computers, so I've volunteered to go with this artist to the library, to help her set up a simple, free email, and to guide her through her tentative new steps into the cyber world. I hope, for her own sake, she doesn't get sucked in.

FREE DIRECTORY LISTINGS

2009-02-05T14:23:00.005-05:00

I finally took a few minutes and sent in my information to obtain a listing at the Maine Arts Commission. It's free and I'd bet all states have a similar type of directory. When I initially looked at some of the entries I noticed most didn't have any photo to go with them, which seemed to be a total waste of free PR space.

Link here to my Maine Arts listing

So the lesson of the day is take advantage of free listing wherever you can!

The image you see is for my picture disk of stock art for businesses. I did the paintings in gouache and used an overlay of acetate, inked it, and scratched off some ink line to create a woodcut look. Visit my web site and see more samples under Illustration- Stock Art.

Combine Pictures into One

2009-02-02T19:33:00.003-05:00

Knowing some photo editing can come in handy when you are only allowed to send in one image to a site, or don't want to pay for extra images when creating an eBay auction, for instance. In this picture you'll see a variety of poses and close-ups of a vintage action figure I was selling on eBay. It's pretty fancy editing for an auction, but by composing two or more pictures in one jpeg, you're saving space and possibly money.
I use photoshop but these days most digital cameras come with an editing program that will allow you to combine several images into one final picture. If using Photoshop remember to flatten layers and save as a jpeg to reduce the size!

SHOOT THAT ARTIST!

2009-01-28T15:34:00.006-05:00

It's important to have a PR photograph of yourself on hand, whether it's to add to a flyer, to send to a newspaper, to add to your web site or to hang near your art at an art show.
Images of you from the back - painting or working on your craft - just don't work. Clients need to see your face! Show them what you do, what tools you use, what a messy studio you work in.
People are interested in why you do what you do - your motivation.
They need to find some connection with you. Look the camera (and your potential buyers) in the eye.
Folks want to be you. They desire to be the one who is creating and if they aren't artistic, they still love to see artists at work.

CAN YOU FIND THAT FILE?

2009-01-26T15:47:00.004-05:00

Like many people, I don't take the time to organize before I jump into a project. However I did stop and reorganize my computer when updating and have come up with a few suggestions I'd like to share with you. First - CAPITALIZE the folder names. It's easier to see them.

I have posted a sample of a folder hierarchy to show you. If I'm working on a project and need to go back to a folder several times over the next few days I will create an alias for it, then drag that alias to my desktop. That way all I have to do is double-click on that alias and it takes me straight to that folder.

Files can be lower case (such as kportriverjan08_1.jpg), and I try to give my files the name they're going to live with, names that are going to make it easy if I have to search for them. None of that DSC00494 for me! I use Photoshop's batch rename or Bridge's batch renaming tool (my preferred method) as soon as I download new pictures from my camera. If you don't do it right off, chances are it won't get done.

If you have Bridge and haven't tried its renaming tool, give it a try now!

How to Add a Blog

2009-01-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

You may ask, "How do I add a blog to my web site?" Well, this blog has been created through Google. The first step is to acquire a gmail email account. Gmail is Google's own email service. Having a gmail email means you have a Google account.
Next, go to the Google main page. Use the pulldown menu and click on MORE -- then BLOG. Follow the steps that lead you through choosing a template and creating content. You can change colors and more later on.
One of the good features is your blog's name can be different to your gmail account. TIP: I often use tutorials shown on YouTube.com. There's a lot of handy information at YouTube.
You then add the link to your new blog to your static web site. Tell people about it, add the URL to your business card, keep adding entries to the blog, and folks will come...

Writing a Self-Promotional Article

2009-01-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

PR Time. . . This is a great time of year to revise any PR, articles, or bios you have on file for the press. What? You don't have any of these on file, ready to send out? You really need to keep at least one article about yourself, to promote your art or your product, on hand at all times. This PR should not be your resume or a list of past gallery shows in which you've been involved. What should you write? You need a short article about yourself, a description of your work, and at least one quote. Type this in Word, save as a RTF file. Do not double-space, do not style (no bold or colors, e.g.). Put your contact information at the top. When you send this out in an email, copy the content of the article into the body of the email AS WELL AS attaching the Word RTF. This way the recipient can preview the content of your PR. Email me with any questions or if you need a review of your article. ~Geraldine

Design Your Web Site

2009-01-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

Although I have been creating Web sites as a hobby for several years, it wasn't until I sat down with another person and really dissected other people's sites that I reached a better understanding as to what made a good site - and a great one. I'm in favor of keeping it simple, text and images with an occasional rollover. Unless a multi-column site is very well organized the viewer is going to get easily distracted. Huge banners, an overly-large viewing area that forces you to scroll to each side, varying sized text are problems I notice at many sites. I suggest that when you are deciding what you want your site to look like you should not just view, but dissect a site you like. See how many columns it has, how many colors, if there is contrast, the ratio of images to text, the layout. Take an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper, hold it horizontally, and pretend it's your home page. Draw out where you want text and graphics to site. Use post-it notes to represent the parts and move them around. It's just like designing your living room and choosing where to put the furniture.

Why Add a Blog to Your Web Site?

2008-12-29T14:50:00.000-05:00

I design Classic Web Sites for creative people and during the development process the client often asks how they can reduce the need to update their site. "My passion is to create," they say, "not to update a web site." You do still need to make that site current - there's nothing worse than out-of-date information.

My suggestion is to link a blog to their site. Once the basic information is up at your site it shouldn't need constant changing or nurturing. Of course images and info should be kept fresh, but a blog, being fluid by nature, is a great way to supplement it.

A blog is an online diary, with text and pictures you add as entries. Each new entry appears on top of the previous one on a scrolling page. Older entries are archived. Look around at some blogs online and see how creative people work with their blog as a format that provides up to date information as well as being a place to share common experiences with similar-minded artists. I've never made/ published a blog before but have found it to be fun and easy to create. I'm sure you will, too. ~ Geraldine

Photography in the Kennebunks

2008-12-26T16:16:00.000-05:00

This area of Maine is heaven for photographers, with the coastal waters and their harbors as well as inland rural scenes so perfect for year-round photography.

This year I partnered up with my friend and neighbor Jodi ( we create fine art photographs as the Kport Pixel Chicks) and we sampled a variety of venues for selling our art photographs. A gathering for a specific trade group was not a success for us because the attendees did not seem interested in the small group art show going on only feet away. This taught us that a show that catered to a specific interest would be more rewarding. Jodi takes a lot of photos of wildlife, particularly of shore birds, so perhaps a show that caters to nature lovers would be better.

A problem with mounting any day- or weekend-long show is that you need a lot of inventory to show and realistically only have the expectation of selling a few pieces. So are outdoor shows or fairs the way to go? Not for me, primarily because I wouldn't do one a month or every weekend during the high season. It takes a lot of preparation, inventory and and dedication to work these shows.

I'll try another way. . .

This photograph was taken at Cape Porpoise, just beyond Kennebunkport, Maine. I then worked on the digital image with various filters, in layers, in Photoshop.

My Favorite Brush

2008-12-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

I've been using the Winsor and Newton Sceptre brushes for over ten years for detailed work in gouache. These brushes are not expensive and keep their points for some time. My favorite brush, a 101, size 1, is so tired the ferrule and brush keeps falling off the handle, but as it's about ten years old I think that's allowable. And the paint on the handles hasn't cracked or peeled off any of these brushes, despite me leaving my brushes lying on damp paper towel when I'm painting.

The 101 is a round. The 202, called the Designer Round, has slightly longer bristles.

www.dickblick.com/zz058/46a
Winsor and Newton Sceptre Gold Brushes
Winsor and Newton's Sceptre Gold brushes combine sable hair with a special blend of synthetic fibers to produce a brush that approaches the performance of pure sable, yet at a moderate price! Each Sceptre Gold brush has a copper-colored handle and a seamless, gold-colored ferrule.

Aikman Design

2008-12-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the new Aikman Design Blog. I have created this blog as a place to share images and information.

I wear several hats, including illustrator. In Dec. 08 I created the art for the cover of the Tourist News, the arts and entertainment newspaper published in Kennebunk, Maine. I also work as the graphics editor at the seasonal paper, and handle all of the incoming images and make sure that the ads conform to our parameters.

I love to share technical information, PR tips and other helpful stuff, so be sure to check back to see my latest posts. ~ Geraldine