How To Host a Draw Night

Article Transcript

Hosting a “Draw Night” in public is a great way to prepare for an ISCA Convention, but it’s an even better way to share your latest convention experience with fellow artists (and potential clients) back home.

Organizing a “Draw Night” is an opportunity to:

• Increase awareness of your caricature artwork directly with the general public
• Connect with fellow artists and spread the good word about ISCA
• Hone your drawing eye and improve your portfolio

“Good luck is the result of good planning.”

The fortune cookie is correct. Provide fellow artists with plenty of notice (2-4 weeks) plus a follow-up reminder one day before by utilizing social media. Make a personal invitation to bridge the gap between the virtual world and the real world. Try a phone call instead of a text message, and ask for a commitment. On the evening of your draw night, bring a quality digital camera to take great photos in order to promote future draw nights. Organizing artists is like herding cats, but it’s worth the effort: Everyone loves a cat rodeo.

A successful draw night requires good branding so that fellow caricaturists know they are in for a good time. Think of a hook that will get fellow artists excited, and find an amazing venue for your sketch night.

Flash Draw

The “Flash Mob” is played out, and the “Flash Draw” is poised to take its place. At a precise time and public location that remains secret (except to fellow artists), a dozen or more sketch artists show up, drop easel, and begin to sketch passersby. At a preordained time, artists pick up their easels and make their exit. At “Flash Draw” events held on publicly owned property, artists do not solicit payment for completed sketches but, instead, use the occasion to draw for their own pleasure. The “Flash Draw” is a grand, public piece of performance art that educates the general public on the art of caricature, featuring performers who possess ultimate freedom. (The sales-minded artist will also keep plenty of business cards on hand.) The sketches created will be truly amazing, but the best thing about a FLASH DRAW is that it is the one Draw Night for which every artist shows up on time.

Drink 'n' Draw

Or, if you’re feeling frisky, try a “DRINK ‘N’ DRAW.” Seek preapproval from a local business to draw patrons of their establishment in exchange for free Shirley Temples, back rubs and phone numbers.

Charity Fundraiser

Free advertising at an event for a cause you believe in is both good karma and smart business. Draw caricatures for free, and use paper preprinted with your contact information. Give your mom something to brag about by getting your business name on the charity T-shirt or banner.

ISCA Minicon

After hosting a few successful draw nights, you might be ready for a new challenge. Chat with your favorite ISCA board member for more info on how to get a mini-con started in your hometown. A great way to show your ISCA pride is by getting others involved, and hosting a mini-con is a great way to get new faces interested in attending our next big convention.

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Ryan is the Contract Manager for Kaman’s Art Shoppes of Sea World Texas. Send Ryan cute photos of your kittens at ryan@partyproart.com'

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