Last week, I took a leap with my photography and virtually launched my first art photography series: Little Black Dress. The Little Black Dress series speaks to the universal appeal of a staple in female society and style. Each image in the series reflects the commonplace of a garment that was made popular in American by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s photos of sleek black dresses in Vogue magazine in 1926. Audrey Hepburn donned, perhaps, the most famous little black dress as Holly Golightly in the 1960s classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While Hepburn’s dress epitomized style, sophistication and elegance, the little black dress has evolved into the iconic attire for women in every occasion. Explore the little black dress as you have never seen it before.
In addition to the satisfaction I feel with the series, I also grew professionally in so many ways, especially with e-commerce, Web marketing and social media. As I planned for this launch, my strategy was to include a website gallery, shop, blog, social media presence and an extensive word-of-mouth campaign. I established my website, finding a creative web designer who also assisted me with SEO (search engine optimization). I researched and found companies online where I could set up a shop, without dealing with production, inventory, ordering, or shipping. I used Cafepress for merchandise, such as t-shirts, clocks, coasters, journals, posters, etc. For prints and framed art, I used Imagekind. Both sites made it easy for me to set up my shops, organize my items and sell at a rate I set. Using both services also allowed me to appear higher in Google searches.
For my virtual launch, I selected a specific day, October 12, a Tuesday. The day was strategic as mid-week provides a better opportunity to see that everyone checks their e-mails, and views their Facebook and Twitter accounts. The launch consisted of an e-mail to friends and family with specific instructions of how they can spread the word about Little Black Dress. Another e-mail was sent to business colleagues and acquaintances to announce my venture. A Twitter and Facebook page went live the same day, inviting everyone I knew to join. Using Wishpot, Facebook and Twitter users can shop for LBD prints on the respective sites without leaving their accounts.
This has been a whirlwind week. I am happy with the revenue Little Black Dress is beginning to generate and with the overwhelming interest I have received for the series. The next step will be to coordinate a gallery show and opening for Little Black Dress.
Visit the Little Black Dress collection @ remnantstill.com/littleblackdress
Shop for Little Black Dress prints & framed art @ remnantstill.imagekind.com
Shop for Little Black Dress merchandise @ cafepress.com/remnantstill
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