I think a lot of artists are under the assumption that creating a body of work for a gallery show is the hardest part of any exhibition. I would like to propose that creating the work is actually the easiest part; promoting it is the most difficult part.
Promoting ones work is never easy for an artist; it feels weird to blow your own horn over and over again to get noticed. But in this new reality of everyone being an artist and every artist being a small business person, a part of the emerging creative class, this is exactly what is required. Blow your own horn; time and time again.
The idea for this show was a pipe dream for myself and my friends over a year ago. It wasn’t until I pitched the concept to Bryan Ohno last summer did we have any chance of it becoming a reality. Since that fateful pitch, I have been laying the ground work for promotion. I have been trying to be an active member of the gallery, creating connections with like minded friends, letting existing friends know what I would need if it all came together and then not being shy about asking for it, giving away my work to promote interest and of course building up my social media profile across four separate platforms.
And this from the person (me) who quit all social media except Instagram over a year ago because it was negatively impacting my life. Now I find myself so deep down the social media rabbit hole I wonder if I will ever escape again.
Yet I have been overjoyed by the response from friends both online across all media and in real life. Friends are putting up posters around town and on the Eastside (read Microsoft campus), other friends are using their own business and personal networks to get the word out, many friends are sharing the event via Facebook, I have received lots of personal responses to e-mails expressing congratulations, regrets and of course a few “Yeah! We wouldn’t miss it!!”
I am definitely reaping the rewards of having spent a good chunk of my life’s energy on the internet and in real life creating connections and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
So if you are one of those mentioned above, thank you!
Thank You !!! Yeah right, Thank You, You Rock !
Yet I feel it won’t be enough and I am asking for your help. We have joined our respective boats together as artists and for this I am grateful. Now we need to make some waves with this amazing toy, plastic, LEGO, friendship boat we have created together.
I ask you to share the information about this show with your friends, circles, groups and connections. We are a global community and our reach is incredible. It will be fun to see exactly how far we can spread the word and make our collective plastic, fun loving voices heard.
Why ?
Because we know you care, you care for the toys, for toy photography, for the creative toy revolution we all stand for.
This show is as much about YOU as it is about us; you who have supported us , you who want to join us next time, you who want to stand proud when you are with family and friends taking a toy photograph.
Please help spread the word. The more waves we make online will only lead to more interest, (hopefully) national press, international awareness and put toy photography right where it belongs…in the spotlight. Because the world needs a little more joy and a few more smiles.
