Poster art is an ESSENTIAL part of marketing a show. A lot of bands and venues will become very cheap when it comes to this, not realizing that a poster, flyer, ticket and the execution of these items can make or break a show. I make posters because I love making posters. But the truth of the matter is that it's a serious business if you do it right. The creation of the image and file is just the beginning. When it gets sent to the printer, there are many choices to be made.
1: I am a firm believer that posters should all be 11x17 and should never be horizontal. The reason for this is because when stores are kind enough to let you hang your poster in their shop, they want to be able to easily fit it in with the others. Don't be an asshole and expect them to rearrange all their posters just because you wanted to be different. (You can be creative with size when it comes to hand bills/flyers - not posters)
2: Make lots. The printer will give you a better deal and you will need lots because your work is just about to begin.
3: Don't poster over other shows unless that show has passed. Even if that band is a total shit band that posters over YOUR work, don't let this turn into a war. It's NEVER OKAY to poster over someone else's show. If you do this, YOU ARE A PEICE OF SHIT!
4: Poster everywhere you can!! Don't just stay within a few blocks. Get help!
5: You've made hand bills because you're smart. These hand bills are made on quality paper. They look very nice! You're not going to just drop handfuls on tables for people to use as coasters. You're not going to pester strangers on the street. You're going to split these up between everyone in the band, and you are all going to make connections with humans at other shows and events. You are going to have genuine conversations. You're going to give them this flyer. Maybe there's a link to a free download. Maybe there's a website or a Facebook page where they can check out your music. But you will not just walk up to people and start talking about yourself. You will listen, engage and have a good conversation that will make people want to support you.
Read more about this excellent philosophy on promotion here!
While it pains me to remove comments, (everyone loves it when people post in the comments section of their blog) I really cannot allow negative comments about businesses, groups or individuals. This blog is all about networking and promoting. Even if a business or individual makes some bad decisions, this isn't the place to debate or make accusations. I'm sure you all understand.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best, most prosperous, successful, healthy,happy and fun 2014 possible!!!
Cheers!
Totally agree with you and you're right, this probably wasn't the best place for that comment. Sorry! Just reminded me of our CD release show and after spending an hour in the snow peppering the delta with posters, we saw one of 'those guys' tearing our posters down and putting theirs up. Argh! So much for helping each other out!
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks for keeping the gig poster art form alive and well in #hamont!
Yeah, no worries! I don't blame you, I would be pissed as hell! I'm glad you understand my situation and didn't take it personally. I really do despise the act of poster sabotage. Not only does it take effort to get out there in all kinds of weather to poster for a show, but it costs money to make those posters. It's just a shitty, shitty thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks to YOU for the comments and for also keeping poster art alive!!!