BLOG.MANDYMARKSTEINER.COM

Art on the Hill - Upcoming arts events in Los Alamos

Mandy Marksteiner — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:20:11 GMT

Art on the Hill - Building Community

Mandy Marksteiner — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:56:38 GMT

Art has a way of bringing people together: Katie Brousseau's new store, Warm Hearts Yarn, gives people a chance to get together in person and share skills, watercolorist Allen Brown invites painters to skip the pitfalls of getting started, and the Los Alamos Deep Democracy Open Forum is finding ways to use art to heal wounds from the past.

Thanks for checking out issue #9!

Read it here.

Art on The Hill - Make this a creative new year

Mandy Marksteiner — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:07:57 GMT

Last fall I decided to make a rag rug. It's a project that I've wanted to do ever since I was five, and I spent my afternoons with my grandma learning how to crochet and sew.

As my first rug took shape I was so pleased to make something with my own hands.

Nicole Dunn, owner of Dunn Quilting, loves to help her customers get started with their own creative projects, and finish them. Her store (in the Hilltop Complex) is a wonderful place to get inspired.

Wishing you a creative new year!

Thanks for checking out the eighth issue of Art on the Hill: Read it here.

I wish I knew this BEFORE Thanksgiving

Mandy Marksteiner — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:43:36 GMT

Yesterday Katharine Hansen (the graphic designer for Art on the Hill) and I stopped by Dunn Quilting to show Nicole her in-progress website.

The most rewarding (and challenging) part about creating a website for Nicole Dunn is trying to capture the scope of her services. She is an over-the-top creative fiber artist who does original art quilts, baby quilts, and custom quilts. She also offers machine quilting services, as well as binding and finishing. Her work is so beautiful, so we want to include as many pictures as possible. At the same time we want the site to be as user-friendly as possible, so that visitors can know about all the services that she offers.

The thing is, I'm always surprised by what she can do. Browsing through the store we saw little handmade purses that would make excellent Christmas gifts, a handmade raincoat, and card tables that have been covered with waterproof oilcloth.

The tables caught my eye because I have been trying to throw away our card table for months because the table top peeled off. I can't figure out how to reattach it and over Thanksgiving I had to keep it covered with a tablecloth while entertaining hoards of in-laws. Nicole was able to take the table and cover it with the fabric of my choice. If only I knew about that last week!

I would love to give you a link to her website, but it's not done yet. In the meantime, stop by her store to see her selection of fabrics, sewing supplies, pillows and quilts.

Dunn Quilting and Chairworks

3801 Arkansas, Suite A

Los Alamos, NM 87544

505-690-6539

Art on the Hill - Home for the Holidays

Mandy Marksteiner — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:13:19 GMT

Have you ever found the perfect gift for someone only to be crushed when you look at the price tag?

At Fuller Lodge Art Center's Affordable Arts you'll be able to turn the tag with the confidence of someone who can afford it.

Special thanks to Fuller Lodge Art Center for sponsoring this issue of Art on the Hill.

Read it here.

Art on the Hill delivered to your door (or inbox)

Mandy Marksteiner — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:48:49 GMT

Find out what’s going on in the Los Alamos arts community by subscribing to Art on the Hill.

Every two weeks you can get your own copy delivered right to your door, or if you prefer, your inbox. Plus, you will be treated with exclusive surprise offers and discounts from local businesses.

Hard copy subscriptions are $35 per year, $18.50 for six months and $5 for three trial issues.

Lifetime email subscriptions are $10.

Send a check written out to Mandy Marksteiner, LLC with your address or email address to P.O. Box 1463, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Be sure to write "Art on the Hill Subscription" on the check and I will put you on the list.

What art collectors want to hear before they buy

Mandy Marksteiner — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:26:18 GMT

Last weekend I walked into a gallery on Canyon Road, just as a couple finalized their purchase. As the sales manager printed out their invoice, she mentioned that she would send them an article about the artist. The wife lit up and said, "That would make this so much more special!"

I was just browsing, and I asked the wife which one she bought. She pointed to a vase that was about a foot tall with a pearly glaze and a price tag of $2,500.

As I admired it she asked me if I had met the owner of the gallery. I hadn't, and so she told me how charming he was. She circled around her new vase, still prominently displayed in the middle of the room, and said, "The funny thing is that this artist actually makes a lot of mistakes. See here? The glaze spread down over here and fanned up over here."

It was obvious that she didn't consider the artist's "mistake" to be a flaw, but a thing of beauty. I could imagine her bringing her piece home (it was an anniversary gift) and telling her friends about the mistakes that the artist makes. It is an interesting story, and by telling the story she will be able to look interesting too.

That's why it so important for artists to share stories about creating art. Of course collectors want to buy something that will look good in their home. But they also want to have something to talk about.

My suggestion for artists is to keep a notebook of specific stories from the creative trenches. Stories about working with the materials you have chosen, stories about how you came up with your ideas, even glazing bloopers. When you're ready to display your work and create marketing materials, use these stories to give potential buyers something to hold on to in their imagination.

Four ways to collect testimonials that will build your music studio

Mandy Marksteiner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:42:13 GMT

Nothing can build your reputation as a music teacher faster than having a student say that you’re a great teacher. Using testimonials in your website, on your fliers and in all of your marketing materials is a good way to show how professional and trustworthy you are. But how do you get them in writing?

Save thank you notes and emails

When you receive thank you notes and emails, save them and ask the person who sent it if you may use it as a testimonial for advertising.

Using feedback questionnaires

Soliciting words of praise can be awkward, especially if your students want to give you a mixed review. Instead of asking for a big thank you note, ask your students and their parents to fill out a feedback questionnaire at the end of a ten-week cycle. Give students opportunities to grade you as a teacher, let you know what’s their favorite and least favorite part of lessons, and provide space for criticism as well as praise. You can learn a lot from using this form, solve problems that may arise between you and your student and also get some specific quotes that show your best qualities as a teacher.

Bring a video camera to recitals

Videotape the recital, and afterwards interview the students about their performance and their experience preparing for it. No matter what they say their excitement and enthusiasm will shine through. Put the video on your website so people can check out your “success stories.”

Publicize your students’ accomplishments

You may have advanced degrees in music and have won national awards, but as a teacher it’s more important to show what your students have accomplished. Create a page on your website where you post a news blurb every time one of your students wins a competition, plays a solo in public, earns a scholarship, or makes it into all-state. Over time, these stories will add up, your students will be motivated to do something to get onto the page, and it will make a strong statement to anyone who looks at your site.

A generous artistic community - Art on the Hill #6

Mandy Marksteiner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:02:08 GMT

We just finished the 6th issue of Art on the Hill. It's all about the spirit of giving with New Mexico Dance Theater's upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, information about the gift that the Los Alamos Art in Public Places Board presented to Santa Fe, and the beefy scholarship that the Los Alamos Community Winds is planning to give to one music student. The print version will be available next week. If you can't wait... Read it here.

What my three-year-old's tantrum taught me about copywriting

Mandy Marksteiner — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:48:48 GMT

Last weekend my family went to the circus. For the first ten minutes everything was awesome. The music was loud. Trapeze artists were flipping through the air and two clowns fought over a balloon on a twenty foot swinging ladder. My kids eyes were huge. My husband and I felt like awesome parents.

Then the clowns came out with bundles of neon green pirate swords. My son saw them and immediately yelled over the noise, "I want a sword!" We didn't hear him. He was so overcome with imagining the exhilaration he would feel as soon as he had a sword to swing, that he skipped over asking for it nicely and saying please, and went straight to crying and screaming, "I want a sword! I want a sword!"

My husband had to drag him out to the car, and we left early.

The situation reminded me of how people buy things based on emotions, and not logic. My son didn't think, "Is this sword worth $9? Will it last? How does it compare to all the other swords I have at home?" Of course not, he's three! He was just hyper, and wanted to move around. When he didn't get what he wanted he lost it.

Adults buy things based on emotion all the time. Motorcycles, makeup, shoes, frequent flyer programs and magazines. These products all fulfill an emotional need, but when an adult buys, they usually need to back up the emotional reason for buying with a solid sales argument and guarantee.

Words that seduce....

Mandy Marksteiner — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:16:09 GMT

I am giving a guest lecture on Tuesday about how to write persuasively.

Here is the flyer.

Art on the Hill - With Los Alamos Little Theater

Mandy Marksteiner — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:59:14 GMT

The paper copy of Art on the Hill will come out later this week, but you can check it out right now.

Read the issue here.

How to advertise on Art on the Hill

Mandy Marksteiner — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:04:58 GMT

We are now accepting ads in Art on the Hill. By buying an ad you can get your advertising message out to a sophisticated audience of local art enthusiasts and visitors who are looking for things to do in Los Alamos.

Please print out the form and send it to P.O. Box 1463, Los Alamos, NM 87544, along with your payment.

Click here to fill out the form.

Art on the Hill - With concert and art reviews

Mandy Marksteiner — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:48:54 GMT

The fourth issue of Art on the Hill has arrived. I will be distributing them in the next day or two. Read it here.

Art on the Hill - Featuring the Community Winds

Mandy Marksteiner — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:14:36 GMT

View the third issue of Art on the Hill

Second issue of Art on the Hill

Mandy Marksteiner — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:12:41 GMT

The second issue of Art on the Hill just came out. I'll be bringing it to businesses in Los Alamos today, but you can click on the link below.

See it here.

Art on the Hill

Mandy Marksteiner — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:36:46 GMT

I just published the first issue of my newsletter Art on the Hill. It covers the arts scene in Los Alamos, NM.

View it here

How to write an artist statement

Mandy Marksteiner — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:44:33 GMT

As you begin writing your bio or artist statement, it's natural to wonder "Where should I begin?" To answer that question, imagine where the document is going to end up once it's written. Hopefully, if your artwork is in a gallery, or if your artist statement is being sent out as part of a media kit, it will end up in the hands of a journalist who is about to write a story.

Even though that writer probably loves to write about and discuss art at great length, you have to realize that their biggest wish is to get the story done as quickly as possible. So as they look at your artist statement, they're hoping to find something that will make their job easier.

Increase your chances of being quoted or featured

Provide some numerical facts about your life and your work. Facts like dates, heights and weights of some of your favorite pieces, the amount of time it takes to complete your work, how many colors of paint you typically use, how many pieces have you made, and how long did it take before you got noticed. Many artists make the mistake of writing a long, dreamy paragraph without any real information to take hold of. By including solid facts, you will stand out.

Describe your process. If your work includes a step-by-step process, like the lost wax method, write it out in detail. People love to find out how things are made, and it might provide an entire story or sidebar about you.

Include photos that are ready to be submitted. Whether your artist statement is on your website or you send a hardcopy, be sure to include high quality pictures that a writer is allowed to use. Make sure people know that they have permission to use them.

Give information about any special equipment you have. Do you use sustainable paints? Do you find knick-knacks in the bar parking lot that make their way into your collages? Is that real gold? Did you weave that fabric by hand? The materials you use are interesting details that people want to know. It also might be what makes your work stand apart and gives it value.

How did you choose your medium? I never get tired of telling the story of how artists chose their medium. There's always a wonderful AHA moment, and plenty of tactile details. Think about how you settled on your medium of choice, and tell the story from the beginning.

Use your imagination, be yourself, and give them something they can use!

Put your marketing ideas to the test

Mandy Marksteiner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:29:13 GMT

I just finished off the first day at the 2010 FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp and Job Fair in Delray Beach, FL.

By coming here I hope to find some new clients, but also get some great ideas for how to help my current clients.

Most of the presenters here have worked for huge companies that have very sophisticated marketing strategies and are accustomed and equipped to test every component of a sales package. They know whether one headline will bring in more sales than another.

For awhile, this frustrated me because I figured that a smaller company will never have the resources to do this kind of testing... it's just too complicated.

But it doesn't have to be. No matter how much or how little advertising you do, think of ways to challenge your ideas by trying something a little different and find out if you can get more sales. Start by keeping track of your promotions, and how many people respond to them. Then try to put yourself in your customer's shoes and see if there's a different way to approach them. Think of a different emotion or need that you can appeal to.

If you have an ongoing ad in the paper that's not performing, here are a few changes you can make.... the only way you can find out what works is by changing it and seeing what brings in more sales:

Improve the offer: Is there anything that can make the offer more appealing to your customer? Can you offer free shipping if they call within a certain time frame? Can you fiddle with the price? Can you throw in something for free when they respond?

Separate yourself from the crowd: Who is your competition? Is there anything that your company does better than theirs? Point it out in the ad.

Ask yourself how much does your potential customer know about you, really? Some people know that they need your product or service and are just searching for the best deal available to them. Other people are trying to solve a problem in their lives, and they need to have you connect the dots between their problem and your product (the solution). Approaching these different types of customers is as different as having a conversation with a relative or a stranger. The only way to find out what works better in your marketing materials is to try both.

Experiment with the call to action: Decide what you want the reader to do when they see your ad, and spell it out for them. Call this number to get your free sample.... stop by today to try on these comfortable stretchy pants.... become our friend on Facebook and receive a special deal each week. If your call to action is weak, or confusing then the reader will do nothing. But if you give people something specific to do (and give them a good reason that they should do it) then you will have a result that you can measure.

If your promotional efforts don't seem to be going anywhere, try changing one thing at a time and watch for improvement. If your promotions are going well, you can still make more money, and find more profits by finding small ways to improve your message.

Create your own outlet for your business news

Mandy Marksteiner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:52:00 GMT

Recently I told a client that if their press release didn't get in the paper I would give their money back.

I was so sure of myself, and the editor told me it would go in, that I had no problem giving the guarantee. You can imagine my frustration when the paper came out and only a small paragraph was used and I had to give the refund.

It's disappointing when you try to use an article to build your business, and only a small portion, or none of it, gets used. But it's not a journalist's job to help businesses succeed... in fact, it would be unethical for them to pull strings or make promises on the pages that they print. The only way you can guarantee that your message will appear in a newspaper or magazine is to buy ad space. Does that mean that you should give up writing, or paying for other people to write, articles about your business? Absolutely not!

Articles help you keep people informed and interested in your business and products and help you establish yourself as an expert. Rather than rely on editors to put the article in the paper, you need to give yourself an outlet for publishing them, and letting others know that they're out there.

The simplest way to do this is to add a blog to your business website, or create a blog on Blogger or Word Press that you can connect to your blog. Once the blog is set up, start using it to make announcements about new employees, new products and special events.

If you haven't already set up a profile on Facebook or Linkedin, now is the time to start. Once you have your account set up you'll be amazed at how fast you will make friends. You can send out an invitation using the contacts in your inbox, browse through people in your hometown, your high school or your college. Once you make some friends then the site will start suggesting people for you.

Every time you put an article on your blog, or on your website, cut and paste the link, or use the share tool if you have it, and post the link on your Facebook, Linked in and Twitter accounts. The people who have friended you are also the people who care about you. Some of them will click on the link and read the article.

Every business should attempt to get articles published in their local and regional papers as often as possible. But don't rely on it. Publish the articles online on your own website as well.