Announcing the first course for Artists
The following guideline provides an overview of The Be Smart About Art Academy’s “Course I for Artists: The Fundamentals“. The material covered during these six half-day sessions – once per week over a six week period – endeavours to provide professional artists the essentials for running an effective artist business based on best practices from art industry and niche specialists.
Course I takes place at The Hub, King’s Cross, and commences on Monday, 16th April. Each session runs from 9.30am-1.30pm. (Dates: 16, 23 and 30 April, and 14, 21, 28 May. Note we have a “reading week” break the week commencing 7th May.) The total cost for the basic course is normally £550 with an Early Bird offer of £495. For our first course only, we are offering a reduced rate of £295. Places are limited; please click here to complete an online application form.
Workshop I (16 April) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-10.00am Welcome to the Be Smart About Art Academy!
10.00-11.30am Module I: Unlocking the mysteries of the art world – Presenters: Isobel Beauchamp from degreeart.com & Susan Mumford
You will learn about:
•How the art world works including the different roles and relationships;
•Artist/agent commission structures;
•How the art world has changed in recent years, and how this has impacted on expectations and opportunities for artists;
•What you need to know and do to make a career as a professional artist; and
• Best practices for attaining representation and working with an agent/gallerist.
11.30-11.45am 15 minute Break
11.45am-12.45pm Module II: What makes you special? – Presenter: Susan Mumford
It is essential to be able to succinctly answer the question: “So, what sort of art do you do?” You can use your vision statement on your website, social media accounts, at private views, networking events and more. Furthermore it provides context for your art practice and gives you an edge/ makes you a specialist in your area of practice.
12.45-1.15pm Module III: Value thyself - Presenter: Susan Mumford
You will learn about:
•Value (relationship of financial & perceived) and the impact on commercial success;
•Pricing your art;
•Incorporating framing and casting costs and similar;
•Unique works of art versus editions;
•Standard practices for editions (prints, photographs, sculptures, artist books).
1.15-1.30pm Overview, Q&A, Assignment and Preparation for Workshop II
Workshop II (23 April) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-9.45am Reviewing assignment completion, overview of the day’s workshop & Introductions including “Vision Statements” by students
9.45-11.30am Module IV: There’s no point in making a work of art if it isn’t seen. Marketing, Part I – Presenter: Susan Mumford
11.30-11.45am Break
11.45am-1.15pm Module V: Time to get Legal - The Basics - Presenter: Nicholas Sharp
Contracts & consignments notes between artists-agent;
Copyright;
Intellectual property;
Artist-agent contracts;
Artist’s resale right.
1.15-1.30pm Overview, Q&A and Preparation for Workshop III
Workshop III (30 April) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-9.45am Overview of the day’s workshop & Introductions including updates by students
9.45-11.30am Module VI: Getting to grips with IT / Online technology – Presenter: Hydar Dewachi
11.30-11.45am Break
11.45am-12.15pm Module VII: Photography & Documentation – Or Forget It! Presenters: Hydar Dewachi & Susan Mumford
Photographing your own art (or what you need to know when paying someone else to do it); File types & how to organise; Importance of documenting exhibitions (still & moving image); Maintaining all records of exhibitions.
12.15-12.45pm Module VIII: Loving Art – Packing, Shipping & Storing - Presenter: Susan Mumford
Use of archival materials;
What happens if it’s not done properly (including real-life examples that could have easily been avoided);
Packing options (cardboard vs crate);
UK deliveries and international shipments;
Shipping options (sea vs. air, FedEx vs art specialist);
Import & export documentation (shipping invoice, valuing art, import codes, duty documents, VAT &
Import Duty, maintaining all records); Guidelines on attaining comparison quotations;
What is expected from you in advance of collection.
12.45-1.15pm Module IX: Be insured & reassured - Presenter: Christopher Digby
The importance of insurance (including examples);
Basics that should be covered (studio, art in exhibitions, professional indemnity)
1.15-1.30pm Overview, Q&A and Preparation for Workshop IV
Workshop IV (14 May) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-9.45am Overview of the day’s workshop & Introductions including updates by students
9.45-11.30am Module X: Financial essentials for creative businesses - Book-keeping & Accounting - Presenter: Michelle Cook
11.30-11.45am Break
11.45am-1.15pm Module XI: Online savvy with Social Media, SEO & Online Marketing – Marketing, Part II – Presenter: Keren Lerner
1.15-1.30pm Overview, Q&A and Preparation for Workshop V
Workshop V (21 May) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-9.45am Overview of the day’s workshop & Introductions including updates by students
9.45-10.45am Module XII: Yes, it’s all about who you know, and how to make the most of your network – Networking & Referrals – Presenter: Susan Mumford
11.30-11.45am Break
11.45am-12.30pm Module XIII: Sell, sell, sell! – Selling Art, options, approaches & methods – Presenter: Susan Mumford
12.30-1.15pm Module XIV: Reviewing and improving your Artist Biography – Incorporating your Professional Artist CV, Bio and Statement – Presenter: Susan Mumford
1.15-1.30pm Overview, Q&A, Assignment and Preparation for Workshop VI
Workshop VI (28 May) 9.30am-1.30pm
9-9.30am Arrival, open networking
9.30-9.45am Reviewing assignment completion, overview of the day’s workshop & Introductions including updates by students
9.45-10.30am Module XV: Dress for Success – Personal Branding - Presenter: Esther Bielawski 10.30-11.00am Module XVI: Hear from someone who has done it: Paris-based American artist Marcus McAllister tells his story, and engages with the students to learn from his experiences
11.00-11.15am Break
11.15am-1.30pm Final presentations by students: Goals & Next steps - with Susan Mumford & Marcus McAllister
1-1.30pm Course closure, review and keeping in the know and staying connected with the Be Smart About Art Academy Alumni Programme
Date to be announced: Graduation ceremony
Read more about the Be Smart About Art Academy
Please note that the above is intended as a general guideline and is subject to change.
Photographs above by Chris King and MK Semos. © the artists 2012.
