"Have a Sticker!" Networking that really sticks.
How artist Alex Lunstra utilizes stickers to overcome marketing anxiety.
Two years ago, I left my “adult” job as a Senior Loan Underwriter. I left the security of a salaried paycheck, health insurance, a 401K match, PTO, the works.
All in hopes of managing to get my little art business off the ground.
I was trying my hardest to pedal my artwork – to show my worth to the art community and, hopefully, break even. I participated in art shows like the Art Collective (Sioux Falls) and many others. As an artist, in what seems to be a crumbling economy, networking and marketing are unavoidable beasts of burden. As an introverted artist, solitude is my home. This makes the whole networking piece difficult to navigate.
Pedaling meant stepping far outside my comfort zone; doing my best to awkwardly engage with people passing by. I’d shakily hand them a business card as I stuttered, “follow me on Facebook, if you like the artwork and want to hear more...” With each passerby, I would try my best to repeat this action. However, inevitably, I would end up hiding behind my art prints; slumped in my folding metal chair. Exhausted from the extroverted requirements of pushing an art business.
These events were sensory overload. But, things have grown exponentially since those times. Now, A.L. Art & Prints is a real business! I have never worked harder for anything in my life! Events are still sensory overload, but, honestly, I think I enjoy that at this point. The thrill of being owner/artist at A.L. Art & Prints is a bit nerve-wracking, but I love the rush!
For the last week - I have had a new opportunity emailed or messaged to me almost every day. Musicians want artwork, businesses want paint & sip classes, and even another gallery opportunity has presented itself.
As I write this, I am on my way to Minneapolis with my boyfriend, Matt, for a winter music festival (Hotel Minnesnowta!). I am excitedly anticipating the interactions that are coming soon. Because now, for me, music means networking!
But, as I mentioned earlier, networking hasn’t always been easy. So, how do I push my social limits, but in a way that I get to navigate and consent to? Here is where my goofy solution comes into play. I use stickers as my ice breaker. Stickers provide me a way to introduce myself without intruding or even pushing my business. I give these little artsy calling cards out to people who are having fun, dancing, enjoying themselves and embracing the energy of the event. I come bearing gifts, you can take them or leave them.
The funny thing about stickers is most people cherish them. It is their own piece of artwork to be placed somewhere they choose. Not only that, but this distinguishing piece of stickable art can show the world a little about them, about YOU, all in one quick glance. Even YOU, the reader, probably have a sticker drawer/table/book/wall/whatever miscellaneous item, don’t you? 😊
The stickers have not only helped me build confidence, but my networking skills. I’ve discovered that stickers are a great ice breaker. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, especially in an atmosphere that doesn’t lend itself to conversation (if any). I still awkwardly talk to people, maybe share a little too much, or get overly excited with a new commission, but now it’s natural. It’s authentic, I get to be me! I am in my lane, and I am thriving. When handing out stickers, I don’t always push my business – I don’t have to – the stickers say it for me!
My “lightbulb” moment with stickers happened when I noticed someone excitedly digging through their pockets after they had been gifted a sticker. I saw them purposely tuck the sticker in a safe place before going back to the focus of the day: Dead & Company performing on their final tour.
Now, don’t get me wrong, business cards can work for some and they do have a place in networking, but, what do people do with business cards? Really, take a moment and reflect, what do YOU do with business cards?
Most often, a business card gets tucked away. Only to be pulled out when a purse or wallet is cleaned. Then discarded into a pile with the rest of the advertising carcasses. I even like to think my business cards look pretty cool. I mean, they have one of my favorite paintings on the back! Yet they often reach the same fate as the rest.
For me, the use of stickers over business cards has been reinforced since that lightbulb flickered on. A guy who had to show me his herb grinder – newly decorated with one of my very own stickers. If that isn’t the ultimate compliment, I don’t know what is!
Or the vacuum guy. Oh man. I loved meeting him! Music festivals get a little, uh, weird. You’ll often see people in costume or carrying (odd) props around with them. A festival goer at Shangri-La was hauling around an old vacuum cleaner, dancing & vacuuming the rocks and dirt by the stage. Mind you, the vacuum wasn’t plugged in, it may not have even been functional. So, as you can probably guess – he deserved a sticker! I had the perfect one for him - “Stay Weird.”
For the Hotel Minnesnowta event I purposefully packed a stack of stickers. Hand-picked for the crowd I am expecting, based on the types of musicians performing for the festival. Whether the people I meet put the sticker on their water bottle, laptop, or maybe even paraphernalia (😉), it’s something they wanted to personalize, just for themselves – and hopefully they’ll get a little smile every time they see it. And, just from that one brief interaction, I’ve been able to network within my own boundaries.
Despite marketing being a troublesome detail for myself and many other creatives, we all find our own ways to overcome this aspect of running a business. For me, making connections by comfortably being myself and giving out little gifts of artwork, has been my ultimate form of marketing and networking. In the last month, I have spoken with & given stickers to a musician from almost all of the bands I have seen performing live.
Networking in a competitive art world means you need to be remembered enough to have someone follow you on social media. It requires you, the creative entrepreneur, to leave a great impression. To truly leave a memorable, but non-intrusive impression, you need an authentic and consented approach. From there you can offer them more – say, by providing an in-depth peak at your life & events through a newsletter for example.
The Alex that started this art business a few years back would never believe that she’d be outgoing enough to chat with musicians and other entrepreneurs. Even going backstage, introducing herself as an artist – specifically an artist who would like to stay in touch. An artist who likes appreciating others’ creations, and is eager to share her own.
I quit my job and had to learn how to talk to people, how to make connections and comfortably tell people what I have to offer. It was a big task, but the growth has been worth it!
More from A.L. Art & Prints:
www.facebook.com/A.L.ArtandPrints
www.instagram.com/A.L.Artandprints
Subscribe to my newsletter here! - www.ALArtandPrints.substack.com
Check out my website to reserve your spot in upcoming painting classes, artwork for sale, and to “learn more” about the artist - www.ALArtandPrints.com
Contact the artist directly for booking your own painting events, commissions, or whatever else you may have in mind - A.L.ArtandPrints@outlook.com
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