TBA 2006 - SUMMER
REGISTRATION DEADLINE TBA

ACE YOUR PHOTO CAREER
A COLORADO RETREAT & BUSINESS OF ART WORKSHOP
Conquer the challenges of building your photographic art business with help from two professional consultants who specialize in helping fine artists.

Working with Artists is pleased to offer this comprehensive workshop in a retreat environment, high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Photographers will learn business organizational strategies to productively navigate the world of collectors, galleries, art fairs, and more with ART CAREER ESSENTIALS gurus
SUSAN HALDEMAN & BETH RYPKEMA

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This weekend intensive is designed for the fine art photographer who is ready to dive feet-first into making their art their business. Hit the ground running with a solid organizational foundation and skilled marketing techniques from this workshop! Use this weekend to streamline your efforts to get your work seen and purchased. Our inventive presentation and gorgeous setting will make refining your business skils more fun than you ever expected.

LODGING
LOCATION TBA in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, summertime in the high country! Destination airport Denver, Colorado (DIA). Call for more details later this Winter.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Beth Rypkema and Susan Haldeman are co-owners of Art Career Essentials, a consulting company specializing in the business of art.

Beth Rypkema
Beth is an independent filmmaker, community arts consultant, freelance writer, musician and teacher.  With over 25 years experience in business and the arts, Rypkema has developed collaborative projects and award-winning programs for arts organizations, schools and cultural events.  Project partners have included the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver Center Media, the Creative Force Collaborative, the Metropolitan State College of Denver, Rite of Passage, Feed the Children Int’l., and the United States Air Force Reserve.
Susan Haldeman
With 20 years of experience as an artist and a businesswoman Susan's background gives her a unique perspective on the needs of small, creative companies.  Susan founded and was the Executive Director of The Creative Force Collaborative.  National clients include photographers, textile designers, jewelers, contemporary 2D & 3D artists; Susan studied at the Massachusetts College of Art and has a business degree.

SCHEDULE 2006
Arrive on Friday night for cocktails, orientation
WORKSHOP Saturday-Sunday
FRIDAY NIGHT
6:30PM GREETINGS Meet in the lodge living room for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and introductions.

8:30PM Living with the Muse
This 23-minute movie documentary explores the underlying challenge for all artists, how to balance making a living and making art; how to live in the everyday world and still foster the imagination. Art must be done for art's sake, and the passion for creative expression must be allowed freedom to flourish.  Yet the individual needs of artists are often overlooked in the broader appreciation for the value of the arts.  See how career development support and resources enable artists to thrive in their art and community.

• Topics from the creative to the pragmatic
• Balancing creating art and a business
• The unique needs of the artist

SATURDAY

7:30 AM Breakfast
9am-11am Workshop
11:30am-12:30pm Lunch
12:45pm-2:45pm Workshop
2:45pm-5:30pm Break - On your own
6:00pm-8:00pm Dinner
8:00pm-10:00pm Guest Speaker, Wine, Dessert

9-11am Photography Business Essentials
This highly interactive workshop provides a simple and practical approach to setting up a photography business.  Learn more about budget development as well as income, expenses and taxes.  We’ll also cover equipment amortization, depreciation and upgrades, insurance, inventory-tracking systems, sub-contractors, record-keeping and legal issues.  You’ll be provided with handouts, resources and business forms.

• Budget, income, expenses & taxes.
• Equipment ins and outs
• Handling inventory
• Working with sub-contractors
• Records & legal issues

12:45-2:45PM Marketing Essentials for Artists
Discover the fundamental tools for getting yourself out there.  This interactive workshop provides the essential insights, marketing materials and practical ideas for entering the fine art market.  Focused writing exercises will help you produce professional standard support materials, including your artist statement, bio and résumé.  Carefully crafted handouts will help you develop a targeted promotional plan.  Finally, a positive and invaluable brainstorming/feedback session will synthesize everything you have learned.*

• Promotional plans
• Exhibition venues: from traditional to alternative
• How to present yourself
• Community networking
• Free publicity (yes, free!)

* Bring one piece of work to share.

SUNDAY

8:30am-10:00am Relaxed Breakfast
10:30am-1:00pm Artists Workin' It

10:30 Artists Work’n It
Have you ever gone blank when someone asked you about your work?  Making a connection with a potential client and closing a sale can be hard.  This playful and dynamic workshop is all about how to say it and how to sell it.  Learn techniques for speaking spontaneously.  Develop a short schmoozing script using flash cards, sharing talking points, partnering and working in groups.  After a break, return to a mock reception where you’ll present your script and artwork.*  Leave your inner critic at home, and come prepared to enjoy a fun and liberating time.

• Communicating with potential clients
• Presenting your artwork
• Building confidence

 * Bring an original, current, completed piece to share.  (Contact ACE for guidelines if needed.)

 TUITION & ALL MEALS INCLUDED
INCLUDES: Orientation cocktail hour, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, Saturday happy hour and dinner, snacks.
Please let us know about any food allergies or requirements. Our catering service will accommodate your needs if possible.

OPTIONAL 1-on-1 CRITIQUES
$50/SESSION
Schedule individual reviews of your current business practices and marketing plans. Session must be scheduled with either Beth or Susan at registration. Available times are on the half hour Saturday 3pm-5:30pm. Other times may be added, please call for information.

LODGING RATES VARY PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS: 303.837.1341

Transportation to and from the workshop is not included, carpooling may be available.

Please read our policies for details about cancellations and deadlines.

303.837.1341