So I've been making a bit more of an effort to get exposure for my work in different angles, hoping that will give me some extra passion to create and bring me out of my current personal depression. I need to stay busy to help myself pass the time, so what can be better then putting myself out there?
What I've been doing these past few months is joining every professional body that I've come across that relates to what I do. My thoughts were that these different organizations offer me opportunites to grow and get me out of my box. Whether through advice, networking, learning/courses, exposing me to potential clients or just allowing me to have discounts for purchases. They all have some sort of benefit (and yes there is a cost to most, but well worth it)
The list is as follows -
Artsource - a Western Australian organization focused on supporting and promoting artists. The biggest in Western Australia. I've got a MAX membership which gives me liability insurance (for markets/exhibitions), a portfolio, free access to all courses/talks etc and much more. It is definitely worth every cent. My portfolio has brought in potential clients and job offers, but so far nothing really suitable specifically to what I do. (Things like 3D animation & other technical things I don't know about)
National Association for the Visual Arts - I've only recently joined but they have great books to purchase (discounted for members) and good advice.
Australian Graphic Design Association - This is such a friendly group, I've even been assigned a 'design' mentor to help me slip into the networking scene and had a very friendly phone call from him last week. This is also a recent joining but so far I've had opportunities to go to networking sessions, movie nights and I'm going to a fabric screenprinting workshop coming up. Now if I only had the courage to actually attend a networking session......
Joondalup Business Association - I joined a few weeks ago and they send out regular e-mails/information about businesses in my area. They send out discounts, plus other relevant things. I don't quite fit the 'standard' business model so a lot of the information isn't relevant to me in particular but by joining I've now got the ability to apply for the Small Business Awards in my local area. I thought I might apply and see how I go - afterall it is all about growing.
Joondalup Community Arts Association - a great body setup to promote artists around my local area. It gives opportunities to get exposure for your work, get into exhibitions, get extra press, meet other members etc. They have an art gallery in joondalup blend(er) setup for artists for this organization. Unfortunately I've had to turn down the exhibition invitations so far because I have no work that I can put on show!
Art On The Move - This place operates out of Osborne Park and was primarily formed to curate & ship travelling art exhibitions around Western Australia, and Australia. As an artist you can apply to them with an exhibition idea, and if accepted your artwork travels for 3-5 years all over the place (with no cost to you!). Such a great opportunity! Personally though I've just been doing a number of courses there covering everything from curating an exhibition, to packaging & shipping artworks safely. I want to do the exhibition lighting courses too sometime in the future.
ABAF/ Australian Business Arts Foundation - I'm not a member, but I'm on their mailing list. They offer heaps of free courses across the year for artists covering everything from websites to exhibitions to promoting your work. I think I've done all their courses now...!!
Small Business Solutions - This is an organization setup by the government to help small businesses grow. I've been accepted into the program and basically I'll be partnered with a mentor to help define the issues I have with my business and where I can go from here. I even won a mini 'grant' from my local council to cover some of the initial costs.
Arts Law - an organization setup to help artists & legal issues. I've used them many times for advice & information. A lawyer can cost up to $350 for an hour..... arts law is only $99 for a years membership. =)
There are a number of others that I'm a member of .... but I'm afraid I've lost track of who else I've signed up with. =) I should really write out a list. The ones I remember the most are those who send out regular e-mails/information to me.
There are also other sites/professional bodies you can sign up with, and being an artist/illustrator I've been looking at expanding my portfolio sites.
Yesterday I signed up for ArtsConnect and had the pleasure of chatting to Teresa who organized to put up my profile. Within moments of having my portfolio up I've even been featured on the front page!
Here is the artsConnect portfolio that I have up at the moment. (They even have a twitter page!! How is that for connecting? http://www.twitter.com/artsconnect) -
I'm also in process of signing up to illustrators Australia, just waiting on their reply to an e-mail I sent them regarding payment methods which is taking longer then I expected. I've been told by a number of people that it is a great place to join.
Any other suggestions? I'm seeking anything business/art/graphic design/illustration based.


