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Handmade Tile Association Newsletter

March

2010

11th Year


Greetings!

Last month we introduced our new spotlight on artists in the middle of the month.  It ranked as one of of our most read news letters. It is exciting to see such a positive response to our expantion of our promotion of the artists members and all the events and programs the HTA does. 

The spotlight on artists newsletter is an extra tool for the membership to promote your events, accomplishments, classes, and shows  Make sure to utilize the bottom of each of these newsletters to post this newsletter info to your friends and interested parties to Facebook, Twitter and all the other social media out there.

Submit your classes, workshops, gallery shows, your newest finished tile projects or tile art work by the 5th of each month and we will try to post it in the spotlight section and on the website. 

We are also continuing our marketing component of the newsletter with Marketing 201 down below.  Trebuchet is working on numerous marketing tools for us to prepare for the MN Tile Festival.  By May we will have all of the tool for you to get the word out on the event.  If you have questions about marketing you would like Trebuchet to address please contact us with your thoughts and we will either address them at a meeting or in the newsletters.
In This Issue
MN Tile Festival Registration now open
We want YOU to be a Featured Artist!
Trebuchet Talk: Notecards and Letterhead
Grants for Artists
Next meeting info
Welcome new and renewing members
Visit the HTA online Store
Thank you.
March Jobs
Coverings
Art in the Home
MN Tile Festival Registration now open

tile festival app coverWe have opened the registration for the MN Tile Festival and we have an incentive program to get artists to register early.  If you register by the end of April you will get the last years rates.  After May 1st prices go up $25 for the booths. 
We mailed out over 160 applications for 40 spots.  You can use our new online registration and use your credit card (please note a $3 fee will be assessed for the service).   Or you can do the old fashion way by sending a check.  Click here for more details
 
We want YOU to be a Featured Artist!

MN Tile Festival logo and link
If you're a member of the Handmade Tile Association and are interested in becoming one of the faces of the 2010 Minnesota Tile Festival, we want to talk to you!  As part of our big push this year to promote the Tile Festival to a wider audience, we are going to be focusing on a small group of Featured Artists in marketing materials sent to the local and national press.  We are looking for artists who would be comfortable promoting their business and their "story" in printed materials and on camera and who can really personify what the Tile Festival is all about.  If interested, please contact Josh Blanc by March 31st, who will be working closely with Trebuchet Communications on this exciting new project!
Trebuchet Talk: Notecards and Letterhead

In last month's column, we discussed brand identities and logos and why they're so important.  To make it simple, let's thinktrebuchet logo of a brand identity as a "toolbox" and things like a logo and business card as "tools" in that toolbox.  This month, we're adding to that toolbox by learning how simple things like notecards and letterhead can add some muscle to your brand identity. 

 

Why are these important things to have?

 

As a business owner, you should at the very least have letterhead that is consistent with your branding.  By consistent, we mean using your logo, brand colors and any shapes, fonts or other elements associated with the logo.  Letterhead can be used for customer correspondence, invoicing and any other kind of "official" business you conduct. It's professional. It's a must.

 

Notecards are great to have on hand for those times when you need to send something with a personal touch.  They can function as a thank you card, a "hi, how are you?" card, a gift card, you name it! They're multi-purpose.  And again, they need to be consistent with your branding.

 

My business is on a serious budget. How can I afford these pieces?

 

With a little creativity, you can stretch any budget!  If you can't have a notecard and letterhead printed at a high-end printer, you still have plenty of options.  See below!  haute letter head

 

QUICK SIDEBAR: When looking at a printed piece, if the colored ink runs all the way to the edge of the paper, it's called a "bleed."  Pieces with bled edges are more costly to print and have to be done at a print shop.

 

·          Have a graphic designer create letterhead for you as a Microsoft Word Document without bleeds. You can print copies on your own printer (if the quality is acceptable) or at a copy shop.  Buy some nice paper (we love the unusual sheen of 32 lb. paper) and you're set!

·          Have a custom rubber stamp or a few hundred stickers made of your logo.  Buy some blank notecards and envelopes at a stationery store and affix a sticker or stamp to the front center of the notecard.  Voila!  Instant branding. 

·          If stickers or a stamp aren't quite in the budget, buy blank notecards and envelopes in a color that matches your brand.  Stationery stores carry almost every color of the rainbow.  You just have to ask!

 

Remember what we learned last month about frequency?  It's up to you to be your own "brand police."  Every piece you have that bears your logo should be consistent.  Same logo, same colors, same fonts, same elements.  Always. The purpose of consistency is to help people begin to recognize your brand and your product or service.  Don't make it any harder for them!  Using pieces like letterhead and notecards will not only make your business look more professional, but it's one more way to get your branding out there and keep it out there!

 

©  2010 Trebuchet Communications


Read More Click Here

Grants for Artists
Northern Clay Center invites you to apply for one of several artists grant opportunities for ceramic artists in 2010.  Please see below for further information.  Contact me directly to discuss the application process, eligibility, etc.  I'd be happy to meet with you in person to discuss our grant programs!

Click here for more details
Next meeting info

Mayco Glazing Demo and workshop
March 23, 2010
6 - 9 pm
at Clay Squared to Infinity
34 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-781-6409

Presenter
Pauline WynDham
Field Representative
Mayco Colors

Cost - Free

Glazing techniques using elements, jungle gems, our newest line of glazes foundations, and organic materials.

Clay Squared will provide light snacks for the workshop.

Agenda
Minnesota Tile Festival registration starts
Postcards will be available
Other

PLEASE RSVP so we know how many chairs and materials we need.  Thanks

We are looking for venues to have meetings for 2010 and 2011.  If you would like to host a meeting please contact the HTA to set one up. info@handmadetileassociation.org

If you are not in the Minnesota region consider creating a meeting of tile and mosaic artists in your area.  The HTA can promote your meeting through this newsletter and on the website, Facebook, and Linked in. It is a great way to learn and promote tile ideas.
 
Sincerely,

Josh Blanc
Handmade Tile Association.LLC
Quick Links
Welcome new and renewing members
Friend Membership
Susan Piazza
Richard Peterson
Business Members

John D luetke
Terra Fina Clay StudioChristine Emmick
Belvedere Art Tile LtdSusan Martin Serra
EMI Specialty PapersJonathan Esten
L.A. Witkowski Art TilesLinda Witkowski
Our Creative Outlet.llcKaren Norris
Susan Palmieri
Thank you!
Visit the HTA online Store
HTA online store image and link

Recently many members received a reminder to renew your membership.  We are making it easier with  our new online store where you can use a credit card.  Please note there is a $3 charge for this option to pay for the service. 
Not only can you renew your membership you can purchase HTA history ie maps, commemorative tiles, and past directories.
Click here to find out more.
Thank you

Wendy Penta from Stone Hollow Tile came to the HTA office and
finished up the historical documentation for 2009.

  The HTA is always looking for info on our members accomplishments and press so when the HTA gets interviewed we have it in a nice tidy book.

  If members ever want to utilize the HTA history or files please contact the HTA to set up an appointment.
March Jobs
5 Hours button
Get your 5 hours in!

The HTA needs a monthly person(s) to do filing and office work. 
 
In March the HTA meeting will have Mayco as special guest presenter and they have requested two volunteers to help out the program.  If this interests you please contact the HTA

Click here to tell us what you can do

Coverings
haute letter head
Coverings 2010 registration is open! 

This year, Coverings is headed back to Orlando, Florida from April 27-30.  Join industry professionals from over 100 countries and discover the latest products and trends for your tile + stone business! 
Consider a featured article that focuses on the association's mission. Describe what the organization is today and where it wants to be in the future.
 
What action, if any, do you want your members to take? Add a "Find out more" link to additional information that you may have hosted on your website.
 
Art in the Home
"Art in the Home"
Featuring the members of the Handmade Tile Association and Xylos Gallery

Ends March 12, 2010haute letter head









Bloomington Theatre and Art Center
1800 W Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55420

952-563-8587

The Opening Reception was a great hit with lots of artists being interviewed by the media.  B-30 a Bloomington cable TV station filmed numerous artists.  The are working to have them on UTube and as soon as we get the info we will post it on the HTA Facebook page.  Click here for more details
Consider a featured article that focuses on the association's mission. Describe what the organization is today and where it wants to be in the future.
 
What action, if any, do you want your members to take? Add a "Find out more" link to additional information that you may have hosted on your website.
 

ASI logo
 

Spaces Magazine Logo and link




Tile Heritage Foundation logo and link