7 things PYOP studios should consider before posting an image on Facebook
October 23rd, 2009 |
kristin
As a follow up to my previous post about how pottery painting studios can use Facebook, I wanted to speak specifically to the issue of images. Eye-catching images are key, just like in print media and your advertising efforts. A quick glance is at best, all you might get, so let’s delve into some ways to make it stick.
Our industry, contemporary ceramics & do-it-yourself art, already has eye-catching work. Just the nature of our product, yields countless ways to make images stick.
- Use Names. When you feature a name on a piece, you instantly let people know there is personalization involved. In this day and age of personalized everything, we catch on that if “Matthew” is on a plate, is is likely I can get MY name on that too, and thus, interest is created, especially important for Facebook ads.
- Avoid unpainted bisque. Let’s be honest. Unless one is in the trade, bisque is boring. Come on, it just is. We appreciate it as studio owners, but its really no fun to look at. In another post, we will discuss ways to jazz up unpainted bisque, as sometimes it is necessary.
- Use related, but different. Here is an example we used effectively. For a “Date Night” event, instead of a typical photo of 2 people sitting together painting (which is a strong ad, always), we went for related, but different. I had this piece sittin’ around…but its perfect!
- Is it too light, too dark? I know from experience, great artwork can be quickly overlooked if the pic is too dark. Feel free to delete it, lighten the image, and repost it. It can mean the difference of a few extra clicks! Sometimes different screen angles can skew your judgment on whether a pic is passable, so use a critical eye before posting your pic.
- Make enhancements. Take the time to crop your photo. period. When you do, you are letting viewers know that you value their viewing, and that what they see matters to you.
- Remember backgrounds. Although we are cropping our images for better viewing, keep in mind you can add alot to your image by its background. My staff to send me a pic of a new mug that was hot out of the kiln. The photo’s background was top half studio background, and half plain black table, rather than one or the other. The busy/broken background was distracting to the subject (Frank mug below-I had to edit it)!
- Use photo editing software. Every once in a while, add some real pizzazz to your image to keep your visitors on their toes, wanting more. “Let’s be Frank” one had a great response!
What worked in the “old days” doesnt work anymore. People notice when you take the time to give them something interesting to look at. I’ve studied art and photo blogs for the past year, and one thing this people do is give you beautiful images to enjoy. Remember, we are in the art business, so use your artist’s critical eye to become a better photographer of your work. Next post, I’ll be sharing more about image editing, that is super easy, and actually fun!
Photojojo has a great post about photo editing tips for your jewelry, too.
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