I received an email a few days after Thanksgiving from Sinopia Pigments. This was just after "black Friday" and their opening line was-
"Now that you have taken care of your high-tech cyber Monday gift shopping, its time for your low-tech artists on your lists..."
This really stuck in my head and I thought about it for several days...I had been struggling over the decision to purchase an iPad or similar tech gadget. I really enjoy my MacBook computer and 4s iPhone and thought it would be nice to add an iPad to the family. I thought I could justify the purchase to make choices easier for my clients.
But that Sinopia ad kept playing over and over in my mind...."low-tech artists.."
High -tech gadgets or low-tech tools...which direction is best for me?
BOTH!
First things first, I published a new book of updated work for clients to view. I have found that on initial meetings with prospective clients, they can be overwhelmed with the 9000+ photos on my computer!
They love looking at photos on an electronic screen, but this is like looking at a magazine...there is not always a personal connection.
They want something they can hold and touch. They respond well to a book! This is the first thing I give someone to look at. It has enough photos that they can see my style and then, if needed, the computer can provide other, more specific shots.
So, for now, no iPad in my future. Just a new self published book through Apple and my three year old MacBook to drag around. High- tech or low- tech...I think artists still lean to a simpler, old- tech style.
17 comments:
Theresa, I love your book for clients. It is the same for me, favoring books and magazines I can hold.
But, I do love my Ipad2. I took it to France the first time, and wondered how I had worked before. I carried it with me 24/7... So much lighter than my laptop.
So easy to pack for your next Italian trip?
Hey, I didn't say I didn't want an iPad!!! I hope to get one to use on my next trip to Europe,(ohhh, Santa!!!) I just won't bring it out as the first thing for a client to view photos on!
Theresa, you're on the zeitgeist. I'm toying with dropping all the "marketing" push in favor of just working at my bench and dealing with real people instead of hours on the machine.
Add a link to where your fans could purchase your new book? IT's beautiful.
Theresa, Apple has habit of bringing new out soon after 1st of year...maybe Santa could be a little late in delivery. The new model will probably have a better camera plus other tweaking.
I Love my notebook, want a Zoom but I'm still a paper girl. Love the feel of quality paper & like to see see things in print so I agree clients initially like to look at a book vs a computer.
Can I ask who you use to publish your book?
Thanks!
Tamra-
I used my Mac computer to publish-it is all done through Apple and takes about a week from submitting to holding the book in your hand!
Burb.com is a good source for publishing as well.
Theresa, I've seen many portfolios on the Web, and in a sense our blogs are portfolios, but — your book is the most personal presentation and the one to which I would most favorably respond if I were a client. And I think it's the best fit for the sort of clients YOU want! You've done something brilliant here!
HI I found your blog on an all Texas blog roll, I think its called Texas blogging gals. Just wanted to stop by and say Hi to a fellow Texan. Great blog, and awesome work!
http://mvkq3.blogspot.com
Mark-
It is true, I tend to do worn, "old and crusty" finishes and ornamentation-these things are wanted by people who still think old school in many ways. They all respond well to a book!
Melissa-
I love the Texas bloggers list! I had no idea Texas was so prolific. Good luck with your decision on making the loooong trip to Arkansas!
I know of one high-end designer who actually gives each prospective client an iPad with his portfolio loaded on it!
I still feel that it's a fairly low-tech game we are in, at the end of the day. Our work is 99% hand-done after all. As far as portfolio presentation, I think my clients want to see actual painted samples first of all. After that, finished job site photos are important as they lend credibility and professionalism. Whether I show those photos in a book (my preference too), or on a computer screen is a secondary issue for me.
On a side note: I want to do a downloadable eBook PDF of my portfolio for people to look at. I was staring at the photos in your book and was thinking the same: I wish I could download a PDF so I could see these better!
A lot of my illustrator friends have PDF downloadable résumé/portfolios and don't seem too concerned about copyright concerns etc.
Great looking book!
The book is an excellent idea. This is something photographers are doing also...which is why I did my travel book of San Miguel photos. I tried out the least expensive format first. It does get pricey. If one photo is not to your liking or you want to reword something you cannot just make a simple change...you must fix, send it out again, and pay for the new copy. (Blurb) It was alot of fun to put together.
Have a beautiful holiday, Theresa. I've so enjoyed connecting with you over the years.
All the best,
Catherine
Theresa, your presentation book is wonderful for clients. As you mentioned it can be overwhelming to look at soooo many images at once.
You can still get your IPad soon!
All the best to you & your family in 2012!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Your book is beautiful Theresa!
I'd love to see the cover and what size is it?
A brill solution indeed
Bonjour Carol!
Thanks for the compliments!
The first photo shows the cover of both of my books.
The size is 81/2 x 11
Happy new year, i wish you the best love this post!
http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com
Congratulations on your book, Theresa and Happy New Year to you! Lots of joy, love and many exciting projects for you in 2012!
xo
Lala
Great post, Theresa! I agree with you on all points. I am always struggling with trying to figure out the simplest and most effective way to present ideas to my clients without overwhelming them with too many ideas/images. I have a book, as well. I sometimes bring my macbook, too, in case something unexpected comes up at a meeting and I want to steer them in a different direction.
Your book is beautiful!
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