Now that I’ve thoroughly discussed the marketing nightmare I call “myself” (last week’s blog), I think it would be best to move on to the wonderful world of marketing. This week in my self-publishing class, I’ll be bringing the world of self-promotion to aspiring authors and artists. One of the techniques I’ll be plugging is none other than the social media outlets. In our new and fast-paced world of instant gratification and global exposure, as artists we have a ‘duty’ to present ourselves in the digital world for all to see. Let me explain…

There was a time (not very long ago) that almost every artist and photographer was trying to find a way to limit the exposure they had on the internet. They would watermark their images or even plaster their personal copyright clearly over it in bold print. The main fear?, that someone would steal their work and claim it as their own, or place it on a product or print it out 20 times larger, hang it in their living room – pixilated and proud. Sure you should protect your work to a certain degree- but not at the cost of being unnoticeable, unrecognizable or altogether unknown.

It’s a bold new world for us as we move forward and become more connected and rely more heavily on technology to bond us to one another.  There’s no doubt that a singularity in some form is most certainly near (as Ray Kurzweil would tell you) – and I agree. You yourself are now reading this blog on a digital device of some sort. Is it a personal computer? A phone? An iPad or netbook (do they still make those?) Technology connects us, informs us and engages us. As artists – if we want to keep up with the world, we have to be a part of it.

So a few things you need to know as a self-marketing artist is:

Be a part of the digital world. If you don’t have Facebook or Twitter – sign up right now. The only way you will get exposure is if you expose yourself to the world. (Figuratively speaking) The days of the elitist artist that is an introvert and inaccessible are numbered. The world wants to “get into your bedroom” so to speak and become a part of your world. Share your thoughts, your ideas and you passions with your fans and potential buyers. Let them into your world and tell them your ‘process of art’.

But please, keep those toothpaste malfunctions and road rage stories to yourself! The world wants to hear about your work, your art, your process and your loves, not your misdemeanors rants or fury. (Leave the raving, obnoxious, rude and messy stuff to the high school kids). Share the joy of living and being an artist socially and you will open up to an entirely new world. Establish your ‘footprint’ in the social world and share who you are – your fellow artists, buyers, collectors and fans will appreciate it!

Develop your branding. Know who you are, be reliable and vibrant. Image is everything in today’s world and especially as an artist. Be sure to present yourself in a consistent manner and be bold and unique. Do everything in your power to set yourself apart from the rest. Have a short biography of yourself memorized and ready to go and share that 20 sec speech around water coolers and in elevators and everywhere else you might have to.

Share. Share your art, behind the scenes photos and inspirations with the world. Opening up like this will give people a chance to appreciate your unique style, persona and flair as well as your art. The more you share, the more we see, the better your chances are to be seen.

Finally, “like” my Facebook page and add me as a friend. We’ll connect, share and be a part of each other’s artistic worlds.

Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.

About: Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.