Everything you do, gets you where you are…….
I always loved that saying, although, I have no recollection of who wrote it. It definitely explains ME!!!!
When I first seriously got involved with digital marketing about 10 years ago, I was blown away by the mountains of social media and marketing information available! Now, lots of that information is useless as the algorithms change so quickly.
I read hundreds of articles and enrolled in as many marketing courses that I could possibly get my hands on. Even today, millions of articles and courses continue to be published online every month.
It’s enough to wonder …
Where can you go for the best, most useful marketing information?
Welcome! I’m Joyce Bragdon, the founder of Joyce Bragdon Studio.
A hands on and online studio that artists can congregate to share and learn.
My mission is to inspire every artist to build a better art business. I’m passionate about working with artists and creative entrepreneurs. I keep current with digital marketing and have helped many artist to be more sustainable in their career. Whether you have plans to sell online or in your backyard, I can work with you to plan and succeed!
My Diverse Background
With a degree in Art, I launched a business in 1978 and spent the next six months realizing that my handmade educational “play” books for toddlers didn’t have a good rate of return. Back to waitressing, ugh! Then I met someone that needed a costume for a performance. Well, sewing since 8, I was not going to turn that down. It was a creative thing to do and I jumped right in. Word of mouth spread through Boston, and there I was, in the theatrical business for 6 great years. The area changed, clubs closed and I needed a new adventure.
Forks in My Path Lead to a Great Opportunity
So off to Los Angeles I went, met my husband (originally from Hawaii) and ended up moving to Maui. There I had a great opportunity to work for Lahaina Art Gallery, probably my most favorite memories of all. The owner was incredible, the marketing manager was incredible and I absorbed all the knowledge like a sponge.
I was responsible to inspect all artwork that came through the door, photographing each piece, which meant I met and knew almost all of the artists. Responsibilities also including knowing where any piece was at any given time, (they owned 5 galleries with over a million dollars of art). It was also my job to keep all gallery files updated, so I knew all the consultants. Back at the office there was some data entry that had to be done, so I knew all the office people, and I made it a point to keep the owner and managers current of questions and concerns.
Marketing was constant and creative. Artist shows consisting of full theatrical themes that matched the work. Learning their statagies in advertising and watching them install artwork on cruise ships to attract buyers coming into port. It was a whirlwind of new ideas and implemented experiences.
Having to return to the mainland, I found it difficult to find a job that matched my experience. So I took a job in sales, while seeing such a future with the internet, went back to school for web design and SEO.
Another fork in the road, Another Opportunity
Learning was great, but I wanted to make sure it all worked. I decided to come up with a product and implement everything. Dancesport-international.net was born. I designed and fabricated ballroom and latin dance costumes and loved it. Yes, the SEO worked. I met a dancewear store owner in Albany, NY who asked me to be her vendor. The first month I was in business, I fabricated gowns for her fashion show to introduce my work and 10 of 12 gowns sold!
I also got a job from a lady that said she emailed several companies and I was the only one that returned the email…..so simple, but sad so many people don’t keep up with the simple things.
During all this time, I also worked for an SEO company in Connecticut, and let me tell you, there’s nothing like hands on! Everyone was doing something different from designing websites, link exchanges, and social media which was new at the time. Facebook and blogging was the way to go. Some is the same, so much has changed. I’ve kept up. some things still work, some old things will hurt you, new avenues have come up and there are still secrets I’ve used over the years.
During all those years, and diverse jobs, I learned how to design a saleable product, price it profitably, market, prospect, close sales, and grow a network.
At this point in my career, I want to share my knowledge and experience with artists and craftspersons who also want to reap their own business backed by their hard work. So Joyce Bragdon Studio artist workshops was born.
My brain never wants to stop learning, as I am certified in many areas of the new digital marketing.
I also work one-on-one with artists and creatives, providing private business consulting services.
My intense learning workshops are perfect for working artists who are serious about growing a financially sustainable business.
One on one consultations are available on a first come first serve basis with different packages available. Learn more about my consultation services here. Email for more information.
If you have a group interested in a workshop, let me know. I hold workshops throughout the US. Email me for information and price schedules. Let’s get one in YOUR AREA.
