Art Festival Newsletter | July 2024 | |
And you say you don't have time for social media....
Maximize Your Social Media Impact: Creating Content in Just 10 Minutes a Day
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The fact is that very few artists are successful without some social media or active communication with patrons. The goal is for you to be able to either start having a presence online or maintain strong social media content without burning out. It can feel overwhelming to create engaging content consistently. The good news is that you can effectively manage your social media with just 10 minutes a day, five days a week. Here’s how:
Day 1: Plan Your Week
Outline Topics: Spend the 10 minutes brainstorming content ideas for the week. Consider posting about the art you are creating, any upcoming events, or relevant holidays. If you are overwhelmed - keep it simple! Plan to post 3 times a week (not every post is about you).
Example: Planning for the week
- Monday: Post a motivational quote, fun fact or humerous cartoon related to art
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Tuesday: Share a behind-the-scenes look at your work
- Wednesday: Find other artists that you like and share their work
- Thursday: Highlight a customer testimonial or share an art fact
- Friday: Respond to likes, shares and comments
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Day 2: Create Visual Content
Use Design Tools - Spend 10 minutes on Canva or Adobe Spark to create visually appealing graphics. Templates make this process quick and easy. Edit a photo or create a reel or video relevant to your planned content.
Example:
- Design a quote graphic for Monday’s post.
- Create a short video or use still images (carosel) to share what you are working on
Day 3: Engage with Others
Spend your 10 minutes (don't go down the rabbit hole - time yourself if needed) liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content from others to build relationships and increase visibility.
Example:
- Comment on other posts to increase your reach.
Day 4: Share about your work
Customer reviews, photos, or testimonials. (Remember to take photos of happy patrons leaving the booth with your art and let them know that you will be posting this on your social media pages).
Example:
- Share a customer's photo of your art hanging in their home, wearing your jewelry or using your ceramics, adding a thank you note and a call-to-action for others to share their experiences.
Day 5: Respond to comments, likes and shares then analyze and adjust
Respond to Comments and Messages: Use 5 minutes to reply to comments on your posts and direct messages. Spend the next 5 minutes reviewing analytics to see which posts performed well and why.
Adjust Strategy: Tweak your upcoming content based on these insights.
Example:
- If your Tuesday behind-the-scenes reveal received high engagement, consider creating similar content for future posts.
- Adjust the timing of your posts if certain times get more interaction.
Creating effective social media content doesn’t have to be a time -consuming task. By dedicating just 10 minutes a day, five days a week, you can maintain an active and engaging social media presence. Planning ahead, leveraging design tools, engaging with your audience, analyzing your performance, and sharing user-generated content are all quick yet impactful activities. Stick to this routine, and watch your social media influence grow!
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5 FACTS ABOUT FAMOUS ARTISTS THAT YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW
These surprising facts about some of the most famous artists in history offer a glimpse into their personal lives and the unique qualities that influenced their work. Understanding these aspects helps deepen our appreciation for their art and the diverse experiences that shaped their creative journeys.
Some of these stories endure because they remind us of the qualities we associate with ourselves—creativity, non-conforming, and sometimes a little eccentric.
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Leonardo da Vinci was Ambidextrous and a Procrastinator
Leonardo da Vinci was ambidextrous and could write with one hand while drawing with the other simultaneously. This skill not only demonstrated his extraordinary dexterity but also his inventive mind, as he frequently used mirror writing (writing in reverse) in his notebooks, which could only be read when reflected in a mirror.
Ironically, this genius was easily distracted.
Despite being the epitome of a “Renaissance man,” Leonardo had a penchant for leaving his works unfinished. Evidence for this is seen in the hundreds of notes and sketches he left behind for projects following his death in 1519. Two of his most famous works took a combined 17 years to finish.
Leonardo worked on his influential mural, “The Last Supper,” for three years, and he later spent 14 years completing the famous—and surprisingly small—“Mona Lisa.” It’s said that Leonardo only finished “The Last Supper” after his patron finally threatened to cut off his funds.
(Image Source - “Portrait of a Bearded Man” (possibly a Self Portrait), (c. 1513), Leonardo da Vinci - Wiki Art)
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Georgia O’Keeffe was Ahead of Her Time
Georgia O’Keeffe's love for the natural world extended to her diet as well. She was an early adopter of health food trends, advocating for organic foods and holistic health long before these became mainstream. She grew her own vegetables and was known for her simple yet nutritious diet, which she believed contributed to her longevity and well-being as she remained active and creative well into her 90s.
While O’Keeffe is best known for her paintings, she also had a significant impact on photography, primarily through her relationship with Alfred Stieglitz. Stieglitz, a prominent photographer, took hundreds of portraits of O’Keeffe, capturing her evolving persona over their years together. These photographs played a crucial role in shaping her public image and contributed to her iconic status.
(Image Source - “Two Pears” Classroom Resource)
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Pierre-Auguste Renoir Painted Despite Crippling Arthritis
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis starting in 1892. Amazingly, Renoir continued to paint for the last 20 years of his life despite the pain and limitations he suffered.
Renoir could still hold a brush in his hand, but required an assistant to place it there first. With his brush in place, Renoir had an assistant stand by to arrange his palette as he painted. He also worked with a moving canvas so he could create larger works.
Contrary to popular belief, the bandages seen on Renoir’s hands in photos from his later years weren’t for strapping brushes to his hands. Instead, they prevented his curled fingers from digging into his palms.
(Image Source - “La Cabane a Cagnes” (1917), Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On display at the Park West Museum)
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Pablo Picasso Didn’t Steal the ‘Mona Lisa,’ But…
Pablo Picasso was many things during his prolific career—painter, sculptor, playwright—but there’s one occupation that historians leave off that list: accused art thief.
On August 21, 1911, the art world was shaken by the theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa" from the Louvre in Paris. This daring heist not only captivated the public but also embroiled the era's most prominent avant-garde figures, Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire, in a scandal that added to the mystique of the event.
Eight days later, a man named Joseph Géry Pieret revealed to the Paris-Journal that Picasso and his friend, avant-garde poet Apollinaire, were in possession of Iberian sculptures that had also been stolen from the Louvre. This made Picasso one of the top suspects in the theft of Leonardo’s painting.
In truth, Pieret himself had stolen the statues and sold them to Picasso (who bought them despite the stamps on their bottoms that read “Property of the Louvre Museum”). Picasso turned over the statues to the Paris-Journal, but both he and Apollinaire were questioned in court regarding the whereabouts of the “Mona Lisa.” However, no evidence could be found that tied them to the theft, and they were eventually released.
In December 1913, to the relief of Picasso, the “Mona Lisa” turned up in Florence, Italy. It was revealed that a Louvre employee named Vincenzo Peruggia had stolen the painting in an attempt to return it to its native Italy.
(Image Source - Google Images)
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Salvador Dalí Thought He Was His Dead Brother
This fact may not sound that far-fetched when considering the source is the notoriously odd Salvador Dalí, but this wasn’t something he simply claimed just to raise eyebrows.
Dalí had an older brother, also named Salvador. Tragically, he never met his older sibling—nine months before Dalí was born, his brother died of gastroenteritis.
At the age of 5, Dalí’s parents took him to the grave of his brother and told Dalí that he was the reincarnation of his brother. He came to believe this as a fact and truly believed that he was his reincarnated sibling. Years later, Dalí featured images of the previous Salvador in several of his paintings, including “Portrait of My Dead Brother.”
(Image Source: WikiArt)
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Our newest employee | Jill Pongonis: A New Era for Art-Linx
Art-Linx proudly welcomes Jill Pongonis as the newest associate director, bringing with her an impressive 30 years of experience in the tourism industry. Her extensive background spans sales, marketing, media relations, brand management, and networking, making her an exceptional addition to the team. As a seasoned professional who has dedicated her career to promoting cultural and artistic endeavors, Jill is uniquely suited to help Art-Linx achieve new heights.
A Rich Background in Tourism
Jill's three-decade-long career in tourism has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in promoting destinations and events. Her expertise in sales and marketing has enabled her to develop and execute successful campaigns that attract visitors from far and wide. In media relations, Jill has built strong connections with journalists and influencers, ensuring widespread coverage and positive publicity for the projects she manages. Her skill in brand management has helped shape and maintain the identities of various organizations, fostering trust and loyalty among audiences.
Networking is another key area where Jill excels. Her ability to forge and maintain relationships with stakeholders across different sectors has been instrumental in creating partnerships that drive success.
Leadership in Art Festivals
One of Jill’s most notable achievements is her tenure on the board of directors for An Occasion for the Arts, the premier art festival in Williamsburg, Virginia. This annual event attracts over 35,000 attendees, highlighting its significance in the region’s cultural calendar. Jill’s involvement in this festival has provided her with invaluable experience in managing large-scale events and understanding the unique needs of artists, attendees and show promotion.
Her role as a bord member at An Occasion for the Arts encompassed both front-end and behind-the-scenes responsibilities. Jill was instrumental in the logistical planning of the festival, ensuring that everything from art setup to catering to the artists needs ran smoothly. Her attention to detail and proactive problem-solving skills have consistently resulted in successful events that leave lasting impressions on attendees.
Dedication to the Art Community
Jill's work is more than just a job; it is a labor of love. She is deeply committed to serving the art community and fostering cultural awareness. Her passion for the arts is evident in her dedication to supporting artists and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. By bringing people together through art, Jill has helped to cultivate an appreciation for cultural experiences and their impact on individuals of all ages.
Jill Pongonis's addition to the Art-Linx team marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. With her extensive experience in tourism, proven leadership in art festival management, and unwavering dedication to the arts, Jill is poised to make a significant impact as the associate director. As Jill embarks on this new journey, the entire Art-Linx community looks forward to the positive changes and new opportunities her leadership will bring.
Jill can be reached at jill@art-linx.com if you have any questions or need more information about Art-Linx.
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