Badass Creatives

THE PODCAST

Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 036: Legal Basics for Creative Business Owners {Wesley Henderson}

Wesley Henderson is an “entrepreneur’s lawyer” based in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the legal basics of starting a new small business, such as forming a legal business entity like an LLC, as well as the basic kinds of contracts a small business might need to protect themselves. We also talk about some intellectual property basics, such as trademarks and fair use, as they pertain to artists and creatives.

Wesley Henderson is an “entrepreneur’s lawyer” based in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the legal basics of starting a new small business.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Wesley Henderson is an “entrepreneur’s lawyer” based in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about the legal basics of starting a new small business, such as forming a legal business entity like an LLC, as well as the basic kinds of contracts a small business might need to protect themselves. We also talk about some intellectual property basics, such as trademarks and fair use, as they pertain to artists and creatives.

 

Find Wesley Henderson online:

  • website - hhlawsc.com

  • email - wesley @ hhlawsc.com

  • Facebook - Henderson & Henderson, LLC

  • Wesley started Drafted Legal, which provides startups and small businesses a solid legal foundation for their business without the need to hire an expensive attorney, so they have the freedom to focus on making their business thrive.

Other people & resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

 

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 035: Art Licensing, Developing a Cohesive Brand, and Taking Risks {Jeanetta Gonzales}

Jeanetta Gonzales is a Los Angeles-based artist, illustrator, surface pattern designer, coach and brand consultant for artists. In this episode, we talk about art licensing and Jeanetta shares her advice for developing a cohesive and authentic brand. She also shares how she made the leap from a day job with Mattel designing packaging for Barbie to working on her own.

Jeanetta Gonzales is a Los Angeles-based artist, illustrator, surface pattern designer, coach and brand consultant for artists. In this episode, we talk about art licensing and Jeanetta shares her advice for developing a cohesive and authentic brand…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Jeanetta Gonzales is a Los Angeles-based artist, illustrator, surface pattern designer, coach and brand consultant for artists. In this episode, we talk about art licensing and Jeanetta shares her advice for developing a cohesive and authentic brand. She also shares how she made the leap from a day job with Mattel designing packaging for Barbie to working on her own.

 

Find Jeanetta Gonzales online:

Other people & resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

This episode was edited by Mo Calderon of Mo Explores Media.

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 032: Becoming A Children’s Book Illustrator {Tarsila Krüse}

Tarsila Krüse is an award-winning children's book illustrator living in Dublin, Ireland. Originally from Brazil, she got her start designing souvenirs after moving to Ireland 11 years ago. In this episode, she shares her creative process, how she transitioned to illustrating children’s books, and what it’s like to work with publishers.

Tarsila Krüse is an award-winning children's book illustrator living in Dublin, Ireland. Originally from Brazil, she got her start designing souvenirs after moving to Ireland 11 years ago. In this episode, she shares her creative process, how she tr…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Tarsila Krüse is an award-winning children's book illustrator living in Dublin, Ireland. Originally from Brazil, she got her start designing souvenirs after moving to Ireland 11 years ago. In this episode, she shares her creative process, how she transitioned to illustrating children’s books, and what it’s like to work with publishers.

 

Find Tarsila Krüse online:

 

Other people & resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast. 

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 027: Surface Design & Teaching Art Online {Juliet Meeks}

Juliet Meeks is a full time artist and surface designer whose work has been featured on products from Birchbox. We talk about how she prepared to quit her day job as a graphic designer, how she got started printing her designs on fabrics, and how she makes extra money by teaching online classes via Skillshare.

Juliet Meeks is a full time artist and surface designer whose work has been featured on products from Birchbox. We talk about how she prepared to quit her day job as a graphic designer, how she got started printing her designs on fabrics, and how sh…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Juliet Meeks is a full time artist and surface designer whose work has been featured on products from Birchbox. We talk about how she prepared to quit her day job as a graphic designer, how she got started printing her designs on fabrics, and how she makes extra money by teaching online classes via Skillshare.

Find Juliet Meeks online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 025: Taking the Chance to Invest in Yourself as an Artist {Nikki Cade}

Nikki Cade made the leap from special education teacher to full-time artist a year ago. She’s a world traveler whose work reflects her love of travel. We talk about following your intuition and how she got her work featured at Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.

Nikki Cade made the leap from special education teacher to full-time artist a year ago. She’s a world traveler whose work reflects her love of travel. We talk about following your intuition and how she got her work featured at Pottery Barn and Anthr…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Nikki Cade made the leap from special education teacher to full-time artist a year ago. She’s a world traveler whose work reflects her love of travel. We talk about following your intuition and how she got her work featured at Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.

Find Nikki Cade online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 018: Getting Uncomfortable & Being Genuine as an Artist {Marrus}

Marrus is a New Orleans painter who’s been turning the fantastical pictures in her head into a roof over it since 1992. We discuss the journey that’s taken her from comic book artist to painting faces at Renaissance faires and beyond. We talk about the importance of being genuine, sharing sacred knowledge, attracting your tribe, and getting uncomfortable as an artist. 

Marrus is a New Orleans painter who’s been turning the fantastical pictures in her head into a roof over it since 1992. We discuss the journey that’s taken her from comic book artist to painting faces at Renaissance faires and beyond. We talk about …

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Marrus is a New Orleans painter who’s been turning the fantastical pictures in her head into a roof over it since 1992. We discuss the journey that’s taken her from comic book artist to painting faces at Renaissance faires and beyond. We talk about the importance of being genuine, sharing sacred knowledge, attracting your tribe, and getting uncomfortable as an artist. 

Find Marrus online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

  • We referenced Episode 016 with Taylor Lee.

  • Marrus sells her artwork at a variety of unique events like Dragon Con and Frolicon.

  • Daniel and Pacita of Tea & Absinthe carry Marrus’ work to other shows when she’s not able to travel there herself.

  • When asked to pick a fellow creative that we should know, Marrus talked about Allen Williams. Find his work on Patreon, Instagram, or Facebook.

  • The Creative Education Foundation - a nonprofit that sparks personal and professional transformation by empowering people with the skill set, tool set, and mind set of deliberate creativity. Join me in supporting their work and make a donation to my fundraiser page for CEF. To sweeten the deal, I'm offering some Kickstarter-style incentives to donate, including shout-outs on a future podcast episode, guaranteed Instagram features, and discounted 1-hour consultations with me! Learn more and donate.

  • THANKS to Chrystina Cappello for donating to CEF!

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 016: Better with Color and Authenticity in Business {Taylor Lee}

This week’s guest, Taylor Lee, is a self-taught abstract painter who creates artwork inspired by self-image, self-love, and body positivity. Painting became a form of art therapy for Taylor while she was in treatment for an eating disorder. We talk about authenticity in business and why life is better with color.

This week’s guest, Taylor Lee, is a self-taught abstract painter who creates artwork inspired by self-image, self-love, and body positivity. Painting became a form of art therapy for Taylor while she was in treatment for an eating disorder. We talk …

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

This week’s guest, Taylor Lee, is a self-taught abstract painter who creates artwork inspired by self-image, self-love, and body positivity. Painting became a form of art therapy for Taylor while they were in treatment for an eating disorder. We talk about authenticity in business and why life is better with color.

Find Taylor Lee online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 013: Creative Conferences {my faves + tips for introverts}

It’s been 10 years since I attended my first creative conference. Learn more about my favorite conference experiences and my tips for how introverts can use conferences to meet new people and grow their business.

It’s been 10 years since I attended my first creative conference. Learn more about my favorite conference experiences and my tips for how introverts can use conferences to meet new people and grow their business.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

It’s been 10 years since I attended my first creative conference. Learn more about my favorite conference experiences and my tips for how introverts can use conferences to meet new people and grow their business.

 

Links and resources mentioned:

  • VenturePOP Conference - I'll be speaking about The Power of Pinterest at this conference for creative entrepreneurs in New Orleans, September 30th and October 1st, 2017.

  • Craft Congress - the very first conference I attended, in 2007 in Pittsburgh. There, I met Cinnamon Cooper and Faythe Levine of Handmade Nation, a documentary about the rise of the DIY indie craft movement.

  • Texas Style Council - this conference for fashion bloggers called it quits in 2015, but not before I could attend the final shindig, held at a Girl Scout camp outside Austin, TX.

  • Alt Summit - currently based in Palm Springs, CA, this conference sells out fast every year.

  • Craftcation - I spoke at this Business + Maker's Conference in April 2017, and I'll be returning to speak in 2018. Registration opens October 5, 2017.

  • CPSI Conference - the Creative Problem Solving Institute has been around for more than 60 years. This conference in Buffalo, NY dives deep into the science and methodology of deliberate creativity.

  • The Creative Education Foundation - the non-profit that produces CPSI. The world needs more creative, innovative thinkers to solve the problems of the 21st century. Join me in supporting their work and make a donation to my fundraiser page for CEF. To sweeten the deal, I'm offering some Kickstarter-style incentives to donate, including shout-outs on a future podcast episode, guaranteed Instagram features, and discounted 1-hour consultations with me! Learn more and donate.

  • Cyndie Spiegel - I met Cyndie at Texas Style Council in 2015 and convinced the VenturePop team to bring her on as a speaker at their first conference. She's returning to New Orleans to speak at VenturePop this year! She also runs a mastermind of incredible business women called The Collective (of Us).

  • Badassery Magazine - my friends Kathy & Samantha are the co-founders, and they'll be sponsoring the after-party for VenturePOP Conference this year. They also have a podcast.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Conferences for Creatives - my directory of creative conferences. I update it regularly. See a cool conference that’s missing? Let me know!

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music!

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 012: Building an Eco-Friendly Fashion Company {Hamilton Perkins}

Hamilton Perkins launched his eco-friendly fashion company with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. In episode 012 of the Badass Creatives podcast, we chat about how he made that happen, tips for getting press, and sustainable manufacturing. 

Eco-friendly fashion designer Hamilton Perkins launched his company with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. In episode 012 of the Badass Creatives podcast, we chat about how he made that happen, tips for getting press, and sustainable manufac…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Hamilton Perkins launched his eco-friendly fashion company with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. In episode 012 of the Badass Creatives podcast, we chat about how he made that happen, tips for getting press, and sustainable manufacturing. 

Find Hamilton Perkins online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

  • B Corporation - a type of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems

  • The Elon Musk Post Series - Wait But Why did an amazing series of in-depth interviews with Elon Musk about his projects, including Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink

  • Hamilton mentioned some of his favorite Virginia based music artists, including Billy Mercury, Sunny & Gabe, and Masego.

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links mentioned above may be affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 009: So You Wanna Sell Online? {getting started with e-commerce}

Ready to get started selling your art or handmade products online, but have no idea where to start? This intro to ecommerce is just what you need.

Ready to get started selling your art or handmade products online, but have no idea where to start? This intro to ecommerce is just what you need.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Ready to get started selling your art or handmade products online, but have no idea where to start? This intro to e-commerce is just what you need.

Links and resources mentioned:

  • Buyable Pins - some e-commerce platforms let shoppers buy your products directly via Pinterest.

  • PCI Compliance - if you sell anything online, you are required to follow these guidelines to keep your customers' credit card information safe and secure.

  • Self-hosted e-commerce solutions - you'll need to take care of your own hosting, security and software updates. Magento and WooCommerce for WordPress are two of the most popular.

  • Hosted e-commerce platforms usually take care of PCI Compliance, software updates, and security for you. Some of the most popular hosted platforms include Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, Shopify, CoreCommerce, and Big Commerce.

  • Marketplaces like Etsy and Storenvy offer a place to sell your products alongside other sellers.

  • DIY SEO for E-commerce - my online workshop to teach you the basics of search engine optimization.

  • Xero - the accounting software I use, which automatically integrates with some e-commerce platforms.

  • Printful - print on demand products like the t-shirts and tote bags in the Badass Creatives shop.

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music!

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses. 

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 006: Creating with Purpose, Post-Cancer {Rachel Park}

This week’s guest Rachel Park is a made-to-order tie designer and breast cancer survivor. During treatment, Rachel created the ParkPuff™, a seatbelt pillow for breast cancer patients. Host Mallory Whitfield and Rachel chatted about creating one-of-a-kind customer experiences and why, as a creative brand, you’re not for everybody, and that’s okay.

This week’s guest Rachel Park is a made-to-order tie designer and breast cancer survivor. During treatment, Rachel created the ParkPuff™, a seatbelt pillow for breast cancer patients. Host Mallory Whitfield and Rachel chatted about creating one-of-a…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

This week’s guest Rachel Park is a made-to-order tie designer and breast cancer survivor. During treatment, Rachel created the ParkPuff™, a seatbelt pillow for breast cancer patients.

We chatted about creating one-of-a-kind customer experiences and why, as a creative brand, you’re not for everybody, and that’s okay.

In the photo above, at left, you can see Rachel wearing one of her signature scarves during her chemotherapy phase. At right, she is pictured a year later, at her first fashion event, after her final breast cancer surgery. 

Find Rachel Park online:

 

Other artists and resources mentioned in this episode:

  • Rock Stars of the First Amendment - Rachel’s friends, the band The Slants, wore one of her ties to the Supreme Court in their fight to trademark their name. The Supreme Court ruled 8-0 in their favor, and they appeared on The Daily Show wearing her tie as well. (Check out the tie on the far left in the first picture.)

  • Otis Brayboy - Rachel's fiancée & story artist

  • Passion Planner - one of Rachel's must-have business tools

  • How I Built This - podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built

  • Rachel’s made-to-order tie is pictured at the top of this page and features her signature Korean tipping. Photo credit: Caddie Hastings Photography

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 005: Craft Fair Prepared! {craft show must haves}

Host Mallory Whitfield spent more than 10 years selling her handmade work, as well as the work of other artists, at craft shows, festivals, and other events. In this episode, she shares some of her craft show must haves and lessons learned from selling at craft fairs.

Host Mallory Whitfield spent more than 10 years selling her handmade work, as well as the work of other artists, at craft shows, festivals, and other events. In this episode, she shares some of her craft show must haves and lessons learned from sell…

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

I spent more than 10 years selling my handmade work, as well as the work of other artists, at craft shows, festivals, and other events. I even wrote a book about it.

In this episode, I share some of my craft show must haves and lessons learned from selling at craft fairs.

Links and resources mentioned:

Sigh Co. Graphics booth at Crypticon 2017

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

*Note: some product links in the resources section above are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy the product, I make a small commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and I only recommend these products because they are the ones I have used. When you click and purchase, it helps support me making more episodes of this free podcast.

 

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 003: DIY PR, FTW! {how to get publicity for your projects}

Mallory discusses how to get press for your business, including the basics of writing and sending out press releases, and she goes behind the scenes of some of her own PR wins. Learn why you should focus your publicity efforts locally, especially when starting out.

Mallory discusses the basics of writing and sending out press releases, and she goes behind the scenes of some of her own PR wins. Learn why you should focus your publicity efforts locally, especially when starting out.

SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

Host Mallory Whitfield discusses the basics of writing and sending out press releases, and she goes behind the scenes of some of her own PR wins.

Learn why you should focus your publicity efforts locally, especially when starting out.

 

Links and resources mentioned:


Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

 
How to get press for your business

How To Get Press For Your Business

The following was originally written and published by Mallory Whitfield at MissMalaprop.com on May 14, 2010:

I recently got two great pieces of local press for my newly launched online shop. One was a mention in the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune, which appeared on the front page of the Living section as well as in an article published on their website. The other was in the monthly fashion and style pullout of our free weekly news magazine, The Gambit.

Getting your name in print and achieving great press for your small business isn’t as hard as you may think, if you go about it the right way.

Both pieces of recent press were made easier to achieve due to the fact that I’ve put in a lot of groundwork over the last few years, making the relevant writers and editors of both of these publications aware of my brand through local events I’ve participated in as well as through occasional comments on their websites and email exchanges.

Local press is usually much easier to get for your business than a mention in a national publication. You’ll be a much bigger fish in a much smaller pond, and most local publications love to feature feel good stories about local artists and entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, it helps if you have an angle of interest that you can pitch to them. What makes you stand out from other local artists or business owners?

For the first piece of recent press, a mention in The Times-Picayune in an article about local artists who are contributing part of their revenue to aid in Gulf oil spill relief efforts, I was actually referred to the writer by another artist, Heather Elizabeth, whom I’m friends with. This is where it pays to be active in your local community – most of the local press that I’ve achieved has been because of events I’ve been involved with in the community, or through situations like this.

When I first heard about the current situation still unraveling in the Gulf of Mexico, I wanted to do something, ANYTHING to help. The first thing that jumped to mind was that the least I could do would be to donate a percentage of my profits to local environmental organizations who are helping with clean up efforts. I mentioned this on my blog, Facebook, etc., and when the fashion & lifestyle editor for the newspaper contacted Heather Elizabeth about efforts she was making to aid in oil spill relief efforts, she told the editor that I was also trying to raise funds for the same cause.

Last summer, a group I’m a part of, the New Orleans Craft Mafia, got some great press from the same editor after we did free t-shirt recycling workshops at a local music festival:

press for New Orleans Craft Mafia

That newspaper article also led to a spot on the local early morning news show! It helped that the editor was familiar with me and my work when this current story came around.

The second piece of recent press I received was an even bigger article (1/3 of a page!), and unlike the newspaper article which mentioned a variety of other businesses, the article in The Gambit was just about me and my business.

The Gambit features a “Shopping News” section in every issue – this section usually consists of 4-5 short blurbs about sales and trunk shows going on around town. For events that the New Orleans Craft Mafia has sponsored, we’ve managed to get mentions in this section before, so I had a feeling I might stand a chance of getting a mention there, especially if I sent them a special coupon code, just for Gambit readers. (Everyone likes a special, exclusive deal just for their readers, right?!?) So I sent an email to a couple of the ladies who typically write about shopping and local businesses for the magazine, and politely introduced them to my new online store and mentioned the special coupon code I’d created just for their readers, in case they’d like to publish it. What happened was much better than expected! They told me they’d love to feature me and one of the writers gave me a call a few days later. We talked for at least 20 minutes and I was asked to send along a few high-resolution images. At this point, I knew I was going to get more than just a brief blurb. The press from this article has been great – I’ve had a lot of people that I know say they saw the article and I’ve already had some orders roll in.

Getting local press really isn’t as hard as you think. It’s much like getting press on blogs for your business – I find that it helps if you are friendly and personable, and when you email the writer, address them by name. (Be careful about sending emails to too many publications at once. For one thing, you don’t want to accidentally address someone by the wrong name when doing mass emails. Secondly, I like to stagger out my contacts with bloggers and local press – no one wants to write about the exact same thing that everyone else is already writing about, so sending mass emails all at once is likely to backfire.)

Create a press list, so that when you have local events coming up, or new product launches, you’ll have all the information you need right at your fingertips to contact the right people. Most print publications these days have websites with contact information for their writers. If you can’t find the email address for a specific writer, you can usually figure out the standard format for email addresses at a particular publication. It usually goes something like first initial last name @ publication name.com, i.e. jsmith@localmagazine.com. Try to email the individual writers who usually cover the topics relevant to your business if possible. You’ll usually have more luck than if you just email a generic submissions address.

While I feel that local press is a great place to start, it never hurts to go after national publications as well, both online and print. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a great free resource for finding potential press opportunities. You can sign up to get their free email blasts (sent out 3 times a day, Monday through Friday) which lists press opportunities of all shapes and stripes. You will have to weed through a lot of requests that have nothing to do with your businesses, but occasionally you may hit on a goldmine when the perfect opportunity arises.

I hope this helps some of you! When it comes down to it, there is no such thing as “free” press for your business. You’ll probably have to put a good bit of time and energy into achieving press mentions about your business. But this type of marketing for your business is definitely worth the effort!

Read More
Mallory Whitfield Mallory Whitfield

Episode 001: Be Your Own Niche {an origin story}

In this very first episode of Badass Creatives, host Mallory Whitfield takes it back to the beginning of her own creative journey, sharing the lessons she learned from her experiences and why it’s so important to “Be your own niche.”

In this very first episode of Badass Creatives, host Mallory Whitfield takes it back to the beginning of her own creative journey, sharing the lessons she learned from her experiences and why it’s so important to “Be your own niche.”

Subscribe & Listen:

In this very first episode of the Badass Creatives podcast, I take it back to the beginning of my own creative journey, sharing the lessons I learned from my experiences and why it’s so important to “Be your own niche.”

I share how I got started selling my own handmade work at craft shows and art markets around New Orleans, and how I made a name for myself nationally by winning third place in Etsy’s Upcycling Contest in 2007. I talk about my experiences launching my popular blog MissMalaprop.com, organizing events with the New Orleans Craft Mafia, and transitioning to a day job in digital marketing once I realized that my old dream of owning a retail store was no longer the right fit. 

Learn how my experience of returning to the performing arts via the New Orleans Drag Workshop coincided with the sudden loss of a close friend and why that inspired me to “Make art, every damn day.” 

 

Links and resources mentioned:

 

Special thanks to:

Eric Laws + Morella & The Wheels Of If for composing the show's theme music

 

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:

Subscribe to Badass Creatives on YouTube to get more marketing advice for markers, artists & handmade businesses.

Read More