Creative 'PR' Ways to Boost Your Arts Career (Without Being a Superstar)

By Chuck Whiting

Music City Arts Network

         Everyday, I peruse a number of media websites to learn about artist opportunities and accomplishments for posting on the various Music City Arts Network social networking pages. For me, it's a joy to see the accomplishments fellow artists, organizations and friends are having. For example, former Nashvillian/actress Annie Sims just landed a role in the new TV series "American Crime Story". Songwriter/musician Bryan Cumming of The WannaBeatles now has his own jazz show in Nolensville. Songwriter/educator Deanna Walker is once again leading the "Blair Hit Songwriter Series". I could go on-and-on, but the point here is that all of these wonderful artists are actively pursuing opportunities (dreams) and sharing their good news with the world (while blessing others).

         If you're not a well-known artist, don't despair. There are many things you can do to help build your career (without being a superstar), while taking advantage of the many PR opportunities out there. Here are a few to-dos on my own list.

         * Find a niche that no one else has. Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama) is saving planet Earth one day at a time. What are you doing?

         * Collaborate with others (don't compete with them). We are all in this together. What greater delight than to see a fellow artist succeed. Give, and give more. "Like, share and follow."

         *  Learn from others. Take advantage of the many educational opportunities (some free) that Music City has to offer. Tons of them are happening all the time.

         *  Get out to support your friends. They will never forget your contributions to their success.

         * Explore other areas of the arts. Go to the opera (yes... you heard me right), attend an opening at Haynes Galleries on Music Row, or head over to Scarritt-Bennett for a poetry reading. It will enrich your understanding and approach to how you express and/or create your art. And you'll meet some amazing people, too. (I'm always inspired to write when I visit the Frist for an exhibition or the Wilson County Fair to buy my grits.)

         * Expand your social networking horizon. Facebook is a wonderful way to build and connect with communities of artists around the world. You can do the same thing with other social networks such as Twitter (a great way to receive/share career-changing information), Linked In (a connector for professionals and businesses in every field), Instagram (photos of what you're doing now), and You Tube (uploading videos and subscribing to video channels).

         * Don't forget the news media. Face it. Well-known artists have a clear advantage when it comes to landing a big story. Hey... some of the publicists on Music Row don't even know how to write (Sorry y'all, but I've been reading some of your press releases). But there are plenty of opportunities out there if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Events are generally guaranteed to land calendar mentions in a host of media, and there are a bunch of online bloggers looking for news. I use my own blog (Music City Arts Update) to help in the cause.

         * When it comes to the digital world, it's easy to become intimidated. But it has become a necessary way to share your good news (and connect) with the world, and things are changing constantly. I've found that taking baby steps leads to bigger steps (and more confidence). Take each step one day (or week) at a time. Google has a wealth of tips on how to set up your various social networking pages and features... from Facebook and Twitter to You Tube and Instagram. You'll be amazed at what you can find.

         * Read... books, magazines, newspapers... anything you can get your hands on. That will inspire you to create with original ideas.

         * Perform... Don't be shy. Get out to let people hear you (and encourage you).

         * Don't believe everything you hear. Remember that there are a lot of people who have their own subjective opinions, and not all of them are accurate. When it comes down to it, we need to learn how to recognize what's true, build on our strengths, let our weaknesses be strengths, and believe in ourselves. We are all works in progress (even Barbra Streisand said that).

         * Share your expertise in the form of a blog. It will help others while boosting your credibility as an artist.

         * Finally... on the PR/publicity front, be sure that your process is professional, presenting a "tried and true" representation of you. Be original, and try to do what the reporters do. Find a strong, newsworthy hook; present your information clearly; follow the Associated Press Stylebook (to make it easier for reporters); and send your press releases out to a host of targeted news media operations. It may not happen at first, but in time the editors and producers will start to notice you. As I said above, baby steps lead to bigger things. Do nothing, and something rarely happens. Do something professionally in earnest (without overwhelming others), and success comes sooner than later.

         Thanks for reading this! There are many more tips I could share... stay tuned for more. In the meantime, please connect with me (and share your good arts news) at http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts or Twitter @MusicCityArts... and check out my blog at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.

Artistically,

Chuck

Chuck Whiting is a long-time publicist and journalist who runs the monthly event "Tunesmithing" at the Aloft Hotel on West End.Visit his PR website at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

'Publicizing Your Dream' Workshop to Feature PR Case Studies

   NASHVILLE (July 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" seminar from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village, 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville. 

   The communication workshop will be led by publicist, educator and author Chuck Whiting. Attendees will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing news hooks; writing, editing and distributing press releases; adapting press releases for the Internet; and preparing for a news media interview.  Whiting is founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions and a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register. He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with PR examples and feedback.  

   PR case studies will feature insights from filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".  The first 15 professionals to sign up will enjoy complimentary tours and demonstrations at a local news media operation and the Music Row offices of Nashville Songwriters Association International on July 27.  They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques on July 28.  

   Tuition for all sessions of the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop is $95 (for registration by July 20) and $120 (for registration from July 21-27).  Artists may attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration. Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.  The event is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions.   

   For more information or to register for the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 242-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com.

PR Step #1: Build A Good Self-Image

By Chuck Whiting

NASHVILLE -- If you could do anything in the world you wanted to do, what would that be? 

 

I used to ask that question during lunchtime strolls on downtown Birmingham's tree-lined avenues and/or standing in front of the massive Albert Bierstadt painting of Yosemite at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  Despite having a great job at Alabama Power Co., I wanted "more" of what was true to my creative self.  For me, the answer became artistically clear. I wanted to combine my talents to land a successful career doing what I loved: journalism and songwriting.  To accomplish that, I would have to quit a good-paying job, pursue a second bachelor's degree (in music), and move to one of the nation's three entertainment capitals.  After years of dreaming and a lot of hard work, I found myself working in Nashville as the PR representative for the Opryland Hotel.  Now, 17 years later, I'm working as a successful publicist, educator, author and musical composer.  My dream remains very much alive.

 

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing what I think are the 10 most important PR steps every entrepreneur or artist should do to accomplish his or her dream.  These career/life suggestions come from my "Publicizing Your Dream" lecture series.  I realize that every walk in life is different.  Still, I hope that some of my experiences and insights will prove helpful to you.

 

#1 -- Build a Good Self-Image:

 

*  Believe in Yourself and DO WHAT YOU LOVE.   It's very hard to accomplish your dream if you can't see it happening or you're not willing to take a risk.  A positive, determined attitude is an essential ingredient to success.  The story is that in his pre-stardom days, Jim Carrey would stand on a Hollywood hilltop yelling, "I'm a big star!". Hit songwriter Jason Bloom resorted to eating cat food during his "hungry" days.  Angela Grett overcame her difficult experiences as the child of a bipolar parent to become an acclaimed author.  They are all doing what they love -- and dogged determined doing it.

 

*  Care about others.  What you do for others will return to you 100 fold (or more).

 

*  Look good.  When we take care of ourselves, others notice. 

 

*  Watch what you say.  We're tempted to tell people where to go when they criticize us.  However, my experience has shown me that it's best to pause and think something through before reacting.  Sometimes the best response is to smile and say nothing.  Try not to burn bridges.

 

*  Be honest.  Do what you say you will, and don't over-exaggerate your credentials.  If you performed on a George Strait record, don't later write that one of your songs went platinum.

 

*  Have a spiritual life.  Know who gave you your talents, and be thankful for what you have.

 

Obviously, there's a lot more I could write about building a good self-image.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this step, including an example of something you've learned.  Like you, I'm always in learning mode.  Please share it here or at one of my upcoming "Publicizing Your Dream" classes or workshops.  In the meantime, much success to you.  Please check back soon for PR step #2.

 

 

 

(* NOTE:  To learn more, please join me in Nashville this spring for my four-week PR class, "Publicizing Your Dream: The Nuts and Bolts of Writing, Editing & News Media Exposure".)

 

Copyright 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Printed and distributed by permission only)

Chuck Whiting is president and founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions, a Nashville-based PR firm that specializes in publicity for the arts, entertainment and hospitality industries.  He also is the co-author and co-songwriter of The Littlest Star: a musical story, an internationally distributed holiday picture book and music CD.  His company recently published Debbie Watts' latest book, Wordabulous!.  Chuck teaches media writing at Middle Tennessee State University.  You may contact him at (615) 242-9857 or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com .