promotion

 

The promotion and advertising of the show began about three to four weeks to go till show time.  This aspect was, in retrospect, neglected.  We basically went through the motions of  promoting our show, relying mostly on word of mouth (telling people to come). 

We did create an invitation of sorts: 

The design of the card was a collaborative effort.  One of the common threads our show has was the inescapable fact that the viewing method was video.  We decided that there was no better image to go with than the color bars.  On the reverse side we included the pertinent information relating to the show.  The "where's and when's", as well as a little map showing its location.  Originally, the plan was to mail a bunch of these to our family, friends, and other interested parties.  In the end, we just handed them out and left them at various art establishments. 
 
To go along with the postcard sized invitations, we created a program to be given out at the show.  These programs were two sided printouts that included information about the individual pieces as well as a corresponding images. 

 Our next plan was to hit up the various newspapers akin to Chicago, as well as web sites that serve the Chicago area.  The following newspapers were contacted:  Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, The Chicago Reader, New City, The UIC Flame.  Web sites included, each newspaper's respective web site, centerstage.net, sidewalk.com, metromix.com,  as well as a few others that I can't remember off hand. 

Posters were created to publicize the show.  These were 8 1/2" x 11" one sided pages that ran similar to the program but didn't include descriptions of the pieces.  Instead, the posters contained information similar to the invitation. 

Finally, for the show itself, we created directional signs that would help lead people to the space.  A giant billboard size banner was also created to hang at the show.  This was placed in the front of the building and hung over the reception area.  This served primarily as a marker but also added to the ambiance of the show. 

Cost analysis information: 
 
 

item	quantity	cost
invitations	600	$260
programs	200	printed at EVL
posters	60	printed at EVL
directional signage	30	printed at EVL
billboard sign	1	cost of spray paint

On to the show.