Art and Marketing

Last night we went to see “Exit Through the Gift Shop” a documentary about Bansky and Graffiti/Street art. The film was a very funny and entertaining ‘must see’. But more than that is was about how any type of art can inspire… sometimes crazy obsessive behavior.

Now the big BUT – it also showed how important marketing is in creative fields. I won’t lie, my fellow artists were quite upset as were the fellow artists in the film… but the main character who knew nothing about art, about creating, who never explored his voice or learned his craft… was able to put together his first art show. Thousands showed up, including celebrities, and he grossed a million dollars. The work was laughable by respected artists but with the right endoursments, an LA weekly article, a few months, and lots of hype he made it work.

What does this mean for you? Well first always create a great product… but do realize that marketing and promotion are keys to any creative business. You can’t ignore it or run from it… why does so much ‘crap’ get attention out there?

Marketing