business

Interview with Caitey Gilchrist Creative

by Monika Blichar

As an artist, it can be hard to think about many areas of business. Lots of creatives are very talented in the actual making of art work, but many fall short in areas of marketing, business and branding. For some reason, it is the last thing that artists want to think about; their top priority as making art.

In reality, branding is one of the most important areas of business as this is what the public recognizes when they think of a company. Good branding means that people can spot your company just by looking at the logo-a symbol unique to that business. Bad branding leaves the consumer confused about what the company and often causes a lack of confidence in a business. Today, I caught up with Caitey Gilchrist Creative to ask her about her branding business as she will be at our event this year!

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1-What is Caitey Gilchrist Creative?

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Caitey Gilchrist Creative helps entrepreneurs live their passion and connect with their audience through their core message. Through branding, graphic design and online business resources, I help individuals translate who they are into a visual identity that speaks to their audience.

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2-When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

I’ve always had the entrepreneurial drive, and I started offering my services in 2011.

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3-What is your favourite part about helping creative people with their brands?

Knowing that I’m helping someone propel their practice forward is my favourite thing about what I do. I love translating their vision into something beautiful that serves a very practical purpose.

4-What will you be offering at Art World Expo? Any special promotions or products exclusively for AWE guests?

Yes! Until May 31, 2018, Art World Expo guests can receive 15% off any branding design package.

5-Where would you like to see your business in 5 years’ time?

This is an exciting question! Branding is just one way that I’m currently helping creatives and entrepreneurs pursue their passions. The big focus for me is on providing education and tools for people who are ready to forge their own path. Over the next five years, I’ll be focusing on spreading these resources as far as possible through public speaking, training and online courses.

6-Just for fun: What is your all-time favourite thing to do when you have free time?

I love standing in nature and experiencing the moment.

Caitey Gilchrist is a brand consultant, design geek, and creative for life. Through her company, Caitey Gilchrist Creative, she helps entrepreneurs connect to their audience through branding and visual communication. Caitey is set on creating new opportunities for small business brands through education, collaboration, and support. She works on this vision daily through her one-on-one services, branding courses, and through her involvement in local business groups in surrounding communities. To learn more about Caitey, visit www.caiteygilchrist.com To attend the 8th annual Art World Expo, order your tickets via this link! caitey2

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Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.

Sponsors Wanted!

We would love to invite you to be part of our annual event this year! Join us by helping keep arts alive in our community and feature your business in an interesting way!

We are looking for items for our silent and live auctions, advertisers in our swag bags, logo ads on our popular media wall, main stage sponsors and walking body art advertisers! We are also looking to fill our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsor packages this year! Get your company seen at this annual gala and throughout the year with our comprehensive packages and support a show that helps feature and promote hundreds of artists annually in Vancouver and Toronto.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this event each year by donating products and services as well as purchasing advertising and sponsorship packages!

Call 6049996177 to learn more!

Early Bird Tickets Close in 10 Days!

We are excited about our 6th annual event on Friday, May 13, 2016 at our beloved Science World. Join us for “Glamour Noir”, an evening of art, fashion and music. Dress code is RED, WHITE and BLACK.

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$25/TICKET UNTIL FEBRUARY 29, 2016

$50/TICKET MARCH 1, 2016

Special 6th Year Event Features:

100+ Artists!
Vendors: Painters, Photographers, Jewellery Designers and much more will be onsite showing and selling a collection of their best works. All original, all unique.

Lala’s Art-Click on the Image to see more!

Catalog Launch: Fashion Show
Fashion show by Nancy Perreault, one of BC’s most interesting designers. Nancy has worked with hundreds of brands and is an expert designer whose experience ranges with work for brands such as the BC Lions, Bacardi, Coors, Kokanee as well as costumes for exclusive events such as the Vancouver Olympics. Please visit her website for more information: Nancy Perreault

Food Vendors!
We are pleased to offer unique LOCAL BC foods by culinary experts. Savoury and sweet, treat yourself to experiencing some of the local foods that will be available at the event this year.
Elena Krasnova Patisserie and Hot Arusha will be just some of the fabulous foodies attending!

Click on the images to learn more about Elena and Hot Arusha!
World Famous Body Painting Competition!
Always a crowd favorite and not to be missed!

Learn more about Little Monsters Studio by clicking on the photo!

Live Music & Performances
Kara Lockwood
The Strangest Days

Silent & Live Auction
Unique Pieces: Over 50 pieces of original art work from artists who are participating in our event!
Hotel Packages, Things to Do Around Town, Beauty Packages, Travel Excursions, Services from local businesses and much more! Live Auction will take place on main stage at 10:00PM from artists who will be live painting at the event. Watch as artists create their masterpieces and then bid on them after they are finished!

All proceeds from the live and silent auction benefit Make and Break Arts Foundation to support facility rentals for exhibitions, arts programs for children and adults, mentorship for youth employment programs and opportunities for local and international artist development.

Art World Expo | 604 999 6166 | artists@theartworldexpo.com |
http://www.theartworldexpo.com

20 Tips on How to Market Your Art Work

by Monika Blichar

A large majority of artists that I work with throughout the year tell me the exact same thing. “I just want to paint, I don’t want to learn how to market. I want someone else to do that for me.” While that is a great goal to have, the reality is, if you don’t promote yourself, no one will. Period.

Over the years, I have been able to get quite good at spotting trends, meausring statistics, and learning new tools to help promote my own work and also my projects. I can say that even though technology is constantly changing and new platforms are emerging all the time, once you have a basic idea of how to promote effectively, you will see some great results that will make your art career THAT much more successful.

Here are my top 20 tips on how to market your art work. If you enjoy, be sure to send this post to a friend and connect with me on my varied social media platforms. I love to help artists grow and by sharing, you can help others succeed too!

1-Be Consistent. Share on your networks on a regular basis. Your networks are like storefronts, make sure they are not empty for long periods of time or you won’t get any visitors!

2-Be Positive. No one likes a negative nancy on social media or at events. Remember that you are the FACE of your brand as an artist and that you will attract positive customers and affilates if you are positive, enthusiastic and energetic about your work.

3-Engage with Your Followers. When your followers comment on a post or share your newsletter, be sure to thank them or respond in a timely fashion. This makes your followers feel as though they are really becoming a part of your community and in turn, they will help you share and engage when you post.

4-Offer Tips and Education. Offering tips on “HOW TO USE GLAZES” or releasing a video of yourself creating art to help other aspiring artists engages other in your work. Think outside the box when you release tips, how can you help your audience?

5-Create Good Content. No one will keep reading if you post boring, out dated or irrelevant content. When was the last time you kept reading a boring book or watching a bad movie? Think about it.

6-Cross Promote. Who can you cross promote with? The art supply company that you shop at? Another artist? The restaurant where you sell your work? Be creative and work with others to create cross promotions that will help both parties gain followers and fans.

7-Be Real. Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. Be yourself, everyone else is already taken….

8-Share your WIPs. When you are working on a piece, be sure to share your work in progress. It’s interesting for others to watch HOW you create.

9-Learn How to POST effectively. Schedule time to analyse your website stats and find programs that help you measure and post on social media. I use HOOTSUITE. You can check it out FREE FOR 30 DAYS by visiting my affiliate link here:

10-Experiement. Not all your marketing will be online. Be sure to take advantage of local community boards, schools, events and fairs. Donate to auctions, offer different services like painting murals or doing art cards. Experiement with your work and the market.

11-Contests. Everyone loves winning! #winning

12-Giveaways. Reward your fans by giving away tickets to an event, prints or cards. The investment that you make into giveaways will bring you more returns when your winners or fans feel appreciated. #everyonelovestobeloved

13-Sales. When you make a sale, be sure to share on your networks that it has sold. If you have sold something in a show or restaurant, be sure to practise a RED DOT for a few days so that others see you are an artist who sells. Some people are strange like that…they will ONLY buy if you demonstrate that you are successful in your sales records. (Be sure to keep track of your sales too-this will help you later in your career.)

14-Customers. Take photos with customers or ask them to take a pic with your art in their homes. Share on social media or even print pictures for a portfolio you can share with potential customers in your studio.

15-Affilates. BE AN AFFILIATE for other companies. Whether you promote products, software or events that you are using or exhibiting at, creating an affiliate income stream helps you share products, services or events you love while earning money for sharing. (Yes, you can make residual income by promoting other people’s products or services so long as they give you or you sign up for your own affiliate code!)

To sign up to be an Art World Expo Affiliate, visit: BE AN ART WORLD EXPO AFFILIATE!

16-Brands You Use. When you think of all the tools that you use, be sure to refer the useful ones with others so they can take advantage of great tools too! Sign up for an affiliate link first and then promote that link to people you think might like it too. For example, we use Freshbooks for our accounting software and when we recommend it, we share our affiliate link here:

17-Share Other People’s Work. Your fans and followers will appreciate you sharing because it will introduce them to new people and other areas in your industry, but because if they are really interested in your work, they too want to see what’s going on in your creative journey. This also helps you cross promote with other artists which helps both of you build bigger communities!

18-Inspirations. Post things that inspire you as an artist. Nature, fabric, old tires. Memes. W H A T E V E R. Show your audience how your mind works and don’t be afraid to open up.

19-Professional Development. Be sure to post when you are enlisted in professional development realted to your career. A painting retreat, specialty classes, or workshops are great ways to show your audience that you are always trying to improve your craft. If you are intersted in travelling to Europe with me this summer, please visit: Painting Dreams Art Tours Info (Our next info session is February 5 at my studio and gallery in North Vancouver.)

20-Participate in Events. Last, but not least, whatever kind of art or craft you practise, be sure to participate in events in your community or outside of it. Paint live on stage at a fashion show, organize an open studio at your space, enroll in events where you can set up an exhibit in your city or others. By far, the most effective way to sell your art is to be available in person so that you can share your story and why you do what you do. Make sure you participate in at least one event each quarter.

If you enjoyed these tips, be sure to share the love with other creative people you care about!

Have a question? Follow me on Periscope and ask questions during my live broadcasts! https://www.periscope.tv/MonikaBlichar

Monika Blichar possesses a B.A. from the University of Victoria with a major in English and minor in French. She has also successfully completed the post degree teaching program and is a member of the BC College of Teachers. She is fluent in English, French, Polish and basic Spanish. Her love for culture, languages and artistic pursuits continues to grow as she develops her own creativity and imagination through her varied interests in the art world.

This post is sponsored by Twin Peaks Construction.

Free Gift for Artists!

As artists, many of us forget that we are running businesses. We love to spend time creating and often put on hold or aside the tasks related to marketing, sales, advertising, promotions and accounting. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out this free eBook just for artists! Geared at any artist that is looking to learn how to promote their artwork and meet new buyers, a great way to start or refresh your thinking about the business of your art. Click this link below to get your FREE copy of 5 EXPERT Marketing Strategies for Visual Artist.
http://bit.ly/1GZe4vm

The “Mom-Entrepreneurs” – An Interview with Sabrina Widner, Coastal Storm Gallery

The “Mom-Entrepreneurs”

An Interview with Sabrina Widner, Co-owner of Coastal Storm Gallery

By Alyssa Laube

About: Self-proclaimed “mom-entrepreneurs” Sabrina Widner lives in Sooke with her children and husband, where she spends most of her time taking care of loved ones and running Coastal Storm Gallery with her twin sister, Sam! Sabrina and Sam focus on exhibiting local artisans and feature a wide selection of beautiful aboriginal artwork. This year, they designed “Coastal Imagination Masks” which were sold at several of Make and Break Arts Foundation’s fundraisers all over the Lower Mainland and supported arts based projects like Art World Expo and summer art camps for children and youth.

How and when did you decide that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

After spending almost eight years working in downtown Victoria, picking kids up from daycare, and feeling tired and under-appreciated at work, it was time for a change! I invested in a few properties (that currently pay my bills) so that I could spend my days walking my dog, volunteering in my local community, and actively participating in raising my own children. However, after a while of being a stay-at-home mom, it becomes a little tedious. So, my journey as a business owner began.

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Can you tell the story of how you came up with the idea for Coastal Storm Gallery?

I have a beautiful aboriginal art collection, and friends and family started to ask me why I wasn’t buying and selling pieces online yet, so I did in 2009! However, not everything went perfectly the first time. My original business partner did not share the same vision as me. We came up with an online aboriginal gallery, and did a few trade shows and mall kiosks, but things fizzled out. Now, my sister and I are running Coastal Storm Gallery together, and things have been awesome ever since!

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Sam, what lead you to becoming Sabrina’s business partner with the gallery?

Since graduating from college in 2001, I have been in various customer service roles which I absolutely love. I’ve managed retail stores, implemented customer service within a private company, and since 2008, I have been working for the local Health Authority. Initially, I was with Mental Health & Substance Use, which is an eye-opening program that allowed me to serve a population that deserves great customer service and complete respect. Currently, I am working within Public Health and now serve an even broader range of people.

Considering how young I am, you will be surprised to know that my husband and I have been married for five years now and have been together officially for eighteen years! We were pregnant within days after our wedding; having my Son in 2009 was the greatest experience of my life and every day I love him more and more.

With a busy career, a husband, and a son, finding time to spend with my sister was becoming a challenge. When she asked if I’d like to become involved with her business, initially I was hesitant and wondered where I would find the time, but I have to say it has been a great experience! We chat all the time, our children get to spend tons of time together “while their mommies work”, and I love it!

Why are you drawn to aboriginal artwork?

I think it’s because of the heritage! Even young aboriginal artists begin with a wealth of information and usually have family members that have mentored them since youth. Aboriginals of the first people of Canada. Their history dates back hundreds of years, many tribes have continued to pass information on through the generations, and I find amazing value in that. For every piece, there’s a story. Each animal has a different meaning, they have their own mythical creatures, the artist themselves have stories to share, and every family has a history. For example, I carry Nancy Dawson’s jewellery. She was taught how to carve and weave by her elders and she has passed that skill down by mentoring all of her sister’s children. They all currently hand carve silver jewelry. Her family crest is the wolf, and when her family holds a potluck, they give handmade items all engraved with wolf symbols to signify the family’s wealth.

You helped to create and sell “Coastal Imagination Masks” with Make & Break Arts Foundation this year. Can you tell us more about the masks and how you got involved with MAB?

One day, while sitting by the poolside at Monika’s house, we started taking about galleries and how much we both love art. I mentioned that I was lucky if the kids would let me have five minutes in a gallery without bribing them with a treat, and how I wished that there was something on-site that would work for the whole family. It would have to be desirable to a child, high-quality, and of course, fitting to be sold in a gallery setting. That’s what inspired me to create a line of children’s masks! I’m not great behind a sewing machine, but my best-friend and twin, Sam, sure is!

Together, Sam and I designed a West Coast animal-themed line of felt masks. We both have boys and know for a fact that dress-up items are extremely limited for them; it’s either a profession or a super hero, and none of it is made locally. We set out to fix that! All of our masks are machine-stitched, machine-washable, and extremely durable. We tested our product at a local craft fair and school fundraiser and got some amazing feedback!

I know that Monika works hard for her charity and I thought that we could both benefit by working together, so I sent her some product information and she ran with it! We did a custom order for her Halloween fundraiser of skulls and pumpkins, and created Ruldoph masks which she used to fundraise over the Christmas holidays. She has also included our masks in some online promotions as a part of her fairytale theme. Our hope is to continue to compliment her fundraising with seasonal masks.

There’s a list of “symbols” on your website. Why have you listed these, and what culture are they from? Where can they been seen in the gallery?

I decided to update my website and gear it towards local artisans. The website is still in transition, which is one of the reasons why the symbol page is still there. When the website was only aboriginal, the symbols page was there as reference.

What inspired you to start supporting local artisans?

Sabrina: During the last few years, I have become very active in my community and met so many amazing, talented people. I believe that businesses work because all members benefit; you’re only as successful as those around you! So, my sister and I have approached artisans we know in hopes of promoting their work.

Sam: Sabrina’s new focus on supporting local artists is a great move for her. I currently work with a lovely woman who creates beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry with her sister under Gin-Nel Jewels. Gina is a mother of eight and needed a creative outlet. Making jewellery was it for her, and working with her sister is the bonus! There’s just something about sisters working together.

I went to a craft show to introduce Sabrina to Gina & they hit if off! A few days after that, I asked Gina if she could make earrings out of pennies (which I have always wanted and can finally do now that the penny is no longer used). She agreed and we started to talk about other opportunities. Gina’s products will start to be available on our website soon and we will be showcasing her creations at Art World Expo in Vancouver and Toronto!

What is it like to run a business with your twin?

The best part of it all is being able to work with my sister and best friend. When I have an idea in the middle of the night, a problem during the day, or too busy of a schedule to get everything done alone, I just call her! We can count on each other to support whatever the other person needs. For us, equal work means equal partnership. I love her, she loves me, and now we can spend time together doing what we both love!

Sabrina, you’re a self-proclaimed “mom-entrepeneur”. Why have you given yourself this title?

Part of why I describe myself as a “mom-entrepreneur” is that I’m doing something I truly enjoy while being able to sustain all of my family obligations first!

Visit http://www.coastalstormgallery.com/

Hopefully, you stopped by the Coastal Storm Gallery booth at Art World Expo this year! Sabrina and Sam will also be at Art World Expo Toronto in October!