Perusing the web for art as I often do to provide the day's denouement, I happened upon an interesting art marketing idea.

I was enjoying the works of Utah artist, Keith Bond, when I was struck by a link on his site shouting, 'Win a Painting!'  Being a self-proclaimed art fanatic, I was intrigued.  After all I love paintings, and I REALLY love free!! (Note the extremely rare use of the DOUBLE exclamation point, denoting my extreme excitement at the prospect of a FREE painting.)  So with the excitement dripping from my mouse finger, I clicked.

Here are the details of his offer. I was instructed to print out the page and fill in my name, address, phone number and mail it in.  Now even I can do THAT. Ha! The joke's on Keith - He already HAS my address & phone number. So I would truly be getting something for nothing, it almost makes me feel like a US senator on payday.

View Keith Bond's artwork and register to win a free painting:
Http://www.keithbond.com

Seriously, I applaud Keith's innovation.  While free giveaways are certainly nothing new, I rarely see one in the art industry.  A key principal of innovative marketing is to take an idea that works from another industry and apply it to your own.  That’s exactly what Keith has done.

Keith will most likely garner a list of new prospects that he can cultivate into Keith Bond collectors, all for one small painting and virtually no out of pocket expense.

I'm not telling you to do the same thing, I'm just reminding you to be innovative.  Perhaps do something similar, but with a twist.  For example, I would have made the entry form an online submission as some people may not take the time to snail mail it in.  Of course, that would require the services of a software craftsman ... such as myself (you really didn't expect me to write an entire letter without at least one plug, did you?)  Or perhaps do something entirely different.  (How about a weekly blog featuring one of your artworks?) The idea is to get names of prospects, to keep people looking at your web site and therefore, your artwork.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to fill out several hundred 'win a free painting' entries. (Hey - he never said 'limit one.')

Sincerely,

Clint Watson
Software craftsman & art fanatic

P.S. - Keith's works are inspired plein air masterpieces that make any man or woman want to pack through the Utah high country.  If you're interested in painting the Rocky Mountains with him, sign up for his June workshop - details on his web site.