architectman

برچسب: Growing

  • Growing Without a Website | Nick LaPointe

    Growing Without a Website | Nick LaPointe


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    Nick LaPointe | Episode 667

    Nick LaPointe has been making pottery for a handful of years and focuses mostly on functional ware. Nick enjoys the texture created from carving into clay and experimenting with combining glazes.

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    Do you have any way of marketing to your true fans other than the social media platforms that you have chosen?

    Are there any other ways I can communicate or connect with them?

    Yes, I am thinking about email marketing. You can’t own your followers so I am asking is there any other way that you are able to communicate with them other than through the platform you are using?

    Well, I’ll tell you that yes, that is great way to do it and that is a way a lot of my potter friends do online. If they don’t build something they’ll just get a gmail address together and say in their post, you know, they’ll post a brand new piece and in the notes underneath they will say, Boom! This piece just cam out of the kiln. I love the way it looks. I have more coming out. Sign up for my monthly update and I will let you know when my next batch comes out. So that now takes fan say, outside of Instagram or perhaps Youtube if that is where they are building their base and now they are connected on an email. So when the next batch comes out or something new they are going to do, or say they are going to be selling their stuff at a farmers market or if they are going to be somewhere else they can shoot an email to their entire base saying, Hey I am going to be at this place in the valley or just some sort of update on what’s happening with them.  and that’s how they can connect and communicate with them. And I know a lot of my friends have had much success from that so that’s a way to do it.

    That’s how your friends do it but how do you do it? How do you connect outside of your chosen platform. which I think is mostly on Instagram, correct?

    That’s correct.

    So how do you connect with them?

    I keep it within that sphere. I have another Instagram account which is just personal and for friends and family. All my friends on the east coast and family, they can see my kids and stuff. But as far as the people that are following or interested in the growth of my pottery. That’s the hub. And for me at the consistency level I am at, you know, having primary employment doing something else, that is really all I need. Because I am really a small batch potter. I have friends that, this is what they are doing. Their garage is set up with their kilns and they are throwing all the time and they have racks and racks of mugs and it’s working for them really well. Those are the people that upgrade to say an Etsy site or build a website or something like that. It doesn’t take that much effort but I kind of like the level that I am at right now. I can manage the interactions and the activity that’s going on and answer people.

    What kind of consistency does it take to be able to keep the interest going with your followers?

    I would say, uploading something or having the activity at least once every other day. Some people have success by putting daily updates in their stories. A lot of potters do that. Where they will upload what they are doing, where they pieces are in the kiln firing, all those things in the stories, because a lot of people view that rather than photos that are uploaded. I would say every other day. Some people do it every day but consistency, high frequency, helps grow the fan base. And providing different elements of the process, even if it’s a different angle of a piece. I myself, I primarily make mugs, really simple, each one can have a different angle, can have a different look, can have a different glaze that comes out just so choice that needs to be featured. Consistency, high frequency, is really good and communicating with your fans.

    When you unload the kiln do you take photos and backlog a schedule for every other day so you are not having to take a picture and post it but instead you have a backlog in your phone that you can go through?

    Good question. And it didn’t used to because I didn’t have that much coming out of the kiln but now I do. I will take many photos, especially if they are unique and there is something special about them. You know, say there is a theme about a batch that comes out, maybe I will throw them out on one load so people can see different types of techniques that were used if that interests them. Oftentimes like today, I took a photo of a mug maybe a week ago but I did that because I know it made it’s way to it’s new home and I took a photo so they could see it and that’s just a way to interact.

    How often do you let people know that a piece is available to be sold? Do you do that every time you post a piece? How often do you do it?

    Well, that’s the thing. I would say 95 percent of my pieces are bought before they are even made. So it’s a weird thing. So I will post something and someone will say, Hey, I love this. Is it for sale? And I say it’s not but I can make you one just like it. And they say, Okay, great. So we communicate through direct message or whatever and that person purchases that mug or something that will be very much like it and it will be out in like a month. A lot of potters what they do is they build a batch of 12 or 24 and announce to all of their followers that they have a bunch available and then they sell them like that. But at this time, where I am at, I do it a little different and it’s working out.

    What’s the mechanics of the sales? How do they get money from their bank account to your bank account?

    Primarily through Venmo or Paypal. But I have had a couple of people that don’t use either. They send me checks or whatever. Pretty much everyone uses either one of those two.

    Because most of your sales are pre-sales do you ever feel pressure to get in the studio and to your buyers?

    I do sometimes. But because I am a small batch potter, like right now I am making a certain style and I will change it up every now and again and when that change happens I have a bunch of new people saying, Hey, that’s different, I would love one of those too. And these are all previous buyers. These are people who are just collecting the mugs. So I feel it sometimes but the level that I am at and the way I’ve set up timing and spread out making mugs and stuff like that, I still get a lot of enjoyment of just throwing a piece and seeing where it’s going to go. Seeing if it’s going to be big and fat or seeing if it’s going to be narrow, or how it’s going to be with a different type of clay or different type of glaze, so I’m fortunate to have my followers be very flexible because I will make something that’s different than what they anticipated and I will say, Hey this is what came out for you. And they will say, I love it, fantastic. Even if it’s different so it’s been working out. Every now and again there is some pressure especially if a lot of orders come in. I’m kind of chill too, I try to keep things stress free.

    Book

    Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

    Contact

    Instagram: @nickspottery





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  • 5 Ways Art Teachers Can Afford a Master’s Degree to Continue Learning and Growing

    5 Ways Art Teachers Can Afford a Master’s Degree to Continue Learning and Growing


    One thing that makes art teachers so amazing is that we are self-proclaimed forever students who embrace learning. Continuing your education is appealing! It’s a chance to feed your brain, interact with others on the same wavelength, revitalize your teaching strategies, and grow as a researcher. It gives you a chance to challenge yourself to go further than you ever thought you could. On the other hand, it can be costly to continue learning; it can seem unattainable on a teacher’s budget. It may leave you wondering, “How can I afford a master’s degree?”

    Explore five ways you can afford to pay for a master’s degree!

    Let’s take a look at five practical ways you can afford to continue learning. And don’t worry—it won’t be to stop buying a cup of coffee or adding guacamole to your burrito bowl. As you read, remember that none of these suggestions live in isolation. You may be able to pair tuition reimbursement or scholarships with paying as you go to lower the cost of your degree.

    laptop with aoeu's master's degree landing page

    1. Use district professional development funds.

    Many K-12 schools have tuition reimbursement programs, so they may already cover part of your continuing education. These programs are often not widely advertised, so you’ll have to seek them out. Research your district contract, talk to your union representative, and source information from fellow colleagues. Take the time to understand exactly how the funding works in your district and what limits apply. A few key things to note are deadlines, reimbursement, and payment policies with purchase orders.

    Insider Tip:

    District funds go quickly! Have your paperwork polished and ready to submit before the application window opens. 

    Learn More!

    2. Apply for grants and scholarships.

    Money is available through school scholarships, state education programs, cultural associations, and grants. Sometimes, you can find money available through your district’s parent-teacher association or other local community organizations. No matter what options you discover, take the time to apply! Any opportunity that offsets part of your tuition is worth your energy. 

    Insider Tip:

    Scholarship and grant applications can take time, but a tuition break is worth the extra effort to get and stay organized! Prepare your resume/CV, letters of recommendation, and references so they’re ready to go when an opportunity becomes available.

    art teacher on a laptop with the aoeu website

    3. Leverage salary lane changes.

    Research your district’s salary schedule to clearly understand how earning your master’s degree will affect your net salary over time. Some districts offer smaller pay increases for incremental steps between degrees, such as a BA +12 and BA +30 credit hours. If you time it right, you can use this increased salary to fund your degree—you won’t feel a thing because this salary increase is not part of your existing budget yet.

    Insider Tip:

    Pay attention to deadlines and work backward. You don’t want to miss a salary increase for an entire year by a few days. Ensure you have the credits you need beforehand from the issuing institution. Allot at least one month between the course end date and the day you need to submit official transcripts. 

    4. Pay out-of-pocket in small increments.

    Let’s talk budgeting! Consider items you can cut out or cut back on to help you hit your monthly tuition target. Taking a detailed look at your spending will identify where every dollar goes. Then, create a process to reallocate certain buckets of money toward your tuition. At The Art of Education University, you can make small payments toward your coursework so you’ll have tuition paid in full by the start date. Remember that this is a short-term adjustment. The goal is a completed degree, a potential raise, and more financial freedom!

    Insider Tip:

    Cut out the extra cost of guac on your burrito bowl—just kidding! Look for windfalls, like tax refunds or a month when you get an extra paycheck. Set that money aside specifically for your degree. 

    5. Determine the right pace.

    Pacing your coursework is one way to spread out your degree’s monthly or annual cost. Look for a program that you can tailor to meet your specific needs, compared to a strict, regimented course of learning. At The Art of Education University, take classes when it is convenient for you, your schedule, and your finances. Some students prioritize a faster pace to reach their end goal, while others spread their degree over four or five years to pay out-of-pocket as they go.

    Insider Tip:

    As you look at schools, ask specific questions about course pacing, course availability, and any requirements around staying on a particular timeline. Some programs require you to take courses continuously or progress with a cohort of classmates. 

    aoeu master's student with diploma and cap

    No matter where you are in your teaching career, the best time to invest in yourself is now. 

    Determining when to pursue and earn your master’s degree is personal. So many factors can determine what the “best” time is. Look at your season of life, how much time you have to dedicate, how much time you want to dedicate, and what your ultimate goal is. However, if we are talking strictly about earning potential and the return on your investment, there’s one clear answer—and I’m betting it won’t surprise you. The sooner you navigate the logistics of a master’s degree, the sooner you can increase your earning and learning potential!

    Share a professional goal you have as an art teacher.

    What’s holding you back from pursuing a master’s degree?

    To chat about how to afford a master’s degree with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!

    Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.



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  • Best Practices for Growing Your Fandom – Veronica Winters Painting

    Best Practices for Growing Your Fandom – Veronica Winters Painting


    Professionals in the creative sector must adjust to the changing dynamics and prospects of the digital marketplace, where skill in online marketing and sales is becoming crucial. The global online art market was valued at $9.18 billion in 2022, highlighting the significant audience and market potential for digital offerings. If your approach has mainly focused on traditional methods up to this point, like ad placement in art magazines or art contests’ participation, it would be beneficial to delve into the digital domain to greatly increase your exposure and connect with a much wider, varied audience. This transition builds stronger brand, authority, and creates new opportunities for income and creative output.

    Utilizing Social Media to Expand Your Audience

    Social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have revolutionized how artists connect with potential fans. These platforms not only allow artists to showcase their creativity but also to engage with a broader audience through dynamic and interactive video content. However, the immense volume of content uploaded every minute makes standing out a real challenge, especially with constant algorithmic changes. This is where organic growth strategies become invaluable. 

    By focusing on authentic engagement—responding to comments, participating in trends, messaging and thanking people, and creating original content—you can build a loyal following. To further enhance your visibility, it’s important to grow your audience with organic TikTok growth tactics by using targeted hashtags and joining platform-specific challenges to capture the attention of those art fans who are most likely to appreciate your work. Some artists choose to accelerate this process by employing professional services that specialize in organic growth, ensuring that their interactions remain genuine and impactful. Spend some time researching such companies, looking into other creatives who used their services to make your judgment about possible collaboration.

    Establishing a Professional Online Platform

    Building your own website for showcasing your art projects creates a strong, refined presence and establishes a central location for your portfolio. It’s paramount that your website strikes a balance between visual appeal and functional simplicity, enabling visitors to effortlessly browse and complete purchases. 

    You must adapt your site for easy browsing on mobile devices. For example, if you use WordPress, pick a theme that makes automatic adaptation/ resizing of your website on different screens. Look at websites of your favorite artists to see what’s done well and can be borrowed for your site.

    To build authority, use clear, high-quality images, art in interior space, art with collectors and in collections, exhibition reviews, detailed ‘about’ page with highlights of your shows and magazine features, and contact information, like the email you check regularly.

    Fostering Community Interaction With Engaging Content

    Sustained engagement goes beyond routine art posts. Incorporating interactive features like live broadcasts, question-and-answer sessions, and cooperative projects with other creatives can greatly enhance your connection with your community. 

    Such activities show your audience that they are appreciated and give them insight into your creative process, which personalizes their experience and helps build a supportive community around your projects. Update your followers, fans and community about your new creative projects, art, upcoming shows to build the brand and create anticipation about your future initiatives.

    Harnessing Email Marketing to Maintain Audience Connection

    Email marketing remains a vital strategy for keeping in touch with your followers directly. Gathering email addresses through your website, social media or at live events enables you to build a mailing list. This list serves as a channel to distribute news about upcoming releases and special promotions. 

    Sending out regular newsletters helps keep your followers interested and engaged, ensuring they stay updated even if they do not frequent your social media or main site. Tailoring emails to address each recipient by name and writing interesting headlines and newsletters can significantly enhance open rates and strengthen the relationship with your audience. You want to write an email that you wish to read yourself without being spammy. By writing your emails, look for a genuine connection with your audience.

    Applying Analytics to Sharpen Your Audience Engagement Strategies

    Gaining insights into your audience’s preferences and behaviors through analytics is essential for refining your promotional tactics and crafting content. Social media platforms typically offer foundational analytics that reveal high-performing posts, the composition of your audience, and peak activity times. 

    By analyzing these patterns, you can segment your audience and design content that appeals to specific groups, enhancing relevance and engagement. For instance, segment artists who are interested in your teaching skills. Have a different segment for art collectors. This strategic use of data helps in customizing your communications to boost interaction and engagement rates.

    Collaborating with Other Artists and Influencers

    Collaborating with fellow creators and influencers can introduce your projects to a much wider range of audiences and bring new perspectives to your work. Forming alliances with creators who share a portion of your audience yet also reach different groups is beneficial; it presents your projects to individuals who are likely intrigued by your unique style. It should be interesting and relevant to both parties. Establish collaborations with like-minded people where you both can benefit from. Engaging in joint promotional efforts, like combined giveaways or shared events, can extend your influence and attract an even wider array of followers.

    filippo tincolini-spacesman seat-marble, art contexxt miami
    Filippo Tincolini, Spaceman seat, Marble sculpture, photo: V. Winters

    Conclusion

    The digital environment presents unmatched opportunities for those who are prepared to innovate and adopt new methods for displaying their projects. Direct interactions with followers on social media, enhancing your website’s effectiveness, or leveraging data analytics to guide your strategic choices—all these actions open doors to immense potential for those willing to leverage them. As you delve deeper into these digital channels, maintaining consistency and genuine engagement are crucial strategies for success in the constantly changing online world.



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  • A Stunning Image of the Australian Desert Illuminates the Growing Problem of Satellite Pollution — Colossal

    A Stunning Image of the Australian Desert Illuminates the Growing Problem of Satellite Pollution — Colossal


    In January 2021, Joshua Rozells ventured out into the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia, intending to photograph a star trail. But after shooting for more than three hours and reviewing his images, he realized that the light patterns he captured weren’t what he had hoped for.

    “There were satellite trails visible in almost every single photo,” he wrote on Instagram. “Instead of trying to get rid of them for a star trail, I decided to put the satellite trails together into a single image to show how polluted the night sky is becoming.”

    Stitching together 343 distinct photos, Rozells illuminates a growing problem. When Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched Starlink in 2019, 60 satellites filled the skies, with a race from other companies to follow. That number has now topped 10,000, with tens of thousands more in the works. SpaceX alone plans to launch 40,000 more.

    Rozells’ composite visually echoes pleas from astronomers, who warn that although satellites collect essential data, the staggering amount filling our skies will only worsen light pollution and our ability to study what lies beyond. Because this industry has little regulation, the problem could go unchecked.

    “Thankfully, astronomers across the globe have taken notice of this growing issue and are starting to speak up,” Rozells adds. “Organisations such as the International Astronomical Union’s Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky are advocating for the regulation and protection of the night sky.” (via Kottke)





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