ASK ESA - Calls for Artists

Hello lovies, I recently spent two weeks opening and processing about 500 packages of slides and promotional materials from artists in the New York area responding to a "Call for Slides." On the whole, I would say most artists came off professionally but now and then I would open a package and out would spill the most unorganized pile of junk; ratty and unlabeled slides and a handwritten statement saying something like "I am reflecting on the infinitesimal verisimilitude of minutia and the myopia of natural phenomena." Along with outdated resumes and newspaper articles from the 1970's, these kinds of materials crammed into unruly packages scream "I AM HIGHLY DISORGANIZED AND DEALING WITH ME WILL BE A HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS". I think a word or two about professional looking materials is in order.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that "looks are everything" - but as a general rule they are, especially in the art world where aesthetics are finely honed and first impressions may be the only impression you get to make. Put the extra time and effort into your presentation materials and if you can't seem to get organized please get someone to help you! If you have a designer friend - beg them to design some letterhead for you. If they are agreeable - have them design your resume and make a business card and some notepaper as well. Use your groovy letterhead for everything; slide lists, statements and invoices. In the case of large "Calls for Entry" imagine you are in the shoes of whatever organization you are sending your materials to - that you are some poor intern or gallery peon sitting in front of a giant pile of 9 x 11 envelopes. They often have a system by which they deal with large quantities of applications and if your package does not fit into this system it will often be put aside or worse, chucked out. I have seen oversized and bulky packages completely disqualified from consideration and then there is the familiar site of unsolicited materials without an SASE piled in a huge box that nobody ever looks into. Alternatively, I have also seen sexy packages get an extra look, a few more lingering minutes than average. How do you put together a nice looking package?

1. A nice new clean slide sheet with carefully labeled, well-taken slides. If you haven't figured out how to make slide labels on your computer yet, drop me a line and I will tell you how.

2. An up-to date resume. Your contact information should be easy to find and not obscured by your wicked design talents.

3. A clear artist statement that corresponds to the slides you send. Have someone you know read it to insure that it makes sense and that it's not a pile of pseudo-arty claptrap.

4. Any recent press or items written about your work. It need not be the original or a color copy. Normal black and while copies are just fine but any reference to you and your work should be obvious and relevant.

5. Make sure you have a contact name and write a short letter explaining what you are sending and why.

6. Include an SASE if you want to have a better shot at getting your stuff back.

If you don't have any press have a writer friend to write something about your work or your next show and maybe even submit it local publications. You can actually hire some art critics to write a statement about you if you have stacks of cash because you just can't buy an art critic for peanuts and cocktails anymore. Put all of this is a nice clean folder with your contact information on the front or just clip it together. If you have recent catalogs and you can afford never to see them again by all means include them. However don't include anything too bulky or that isn't clearly about you. Most importantly, follow directions carefully and send only what they ask for and make sure you keep to any size restrictions. Looks may matter here, but not size!

Happy envelope stuffing!

Mistress Esa