Greetings! 

 
Over the past years many more high quality photos of handmade tile installation have been sent to the Handmade Tile Association to be printed in the directory, the spotlight on artists and for social media. This is very important to the success of artisan made products that the society believes it is normal, common, regular and expected to have in their homes and businesses.  The more tile artists will be able to grow their businesses and have a bigger impact on design around the United States.

As the handmade tile field moves forward photography needs to be an artist best friend. For many tile artists they make their tiles in their studio and lots of times do not get to see the final installation. If you do get the opportunity make sure to hire a photographer to come and get a variety of photos for your portfolio.  
Professional photography is not as expensive as many people think. Photographers can range in price depending on they experience. Photographers are no different than other artists in the fact that some take photos of people others of objects and others of spaces. Finding a photographer who captures your work just right is a relationship building experience and once you get the right system you will build a great portfolio that will be worth every penny you invested into in. 

Photography can range in price from hourly rates of $50 to $200 per hour. Some photographers charge per project. One can expect 2 to 4 hours for a quality photo shoot of an installation. If you are just starting out looking for a student photographer can be a bargain for both of you and maybe build into a long term relationship. Established photographers will save you time but you will pay more for an hourly rate. Either way once you have great photos your website looks better, you will get more responses on your social media, your printed material will stand out more all leading to building your brand of artwork. You will impress designers and architects with your work. Beyond buying the right equipment to make your work photography is essential to building an artists name. 
As the 2013 Handmade Tile Association directory drive comes closer consider getting a hold of past clients to get those great photos and submit them for next years directory. 

The remaining 14 percent say their talk vs. text preference

depends on the situation.

The mobile phone has become a pervasive communications

tool in our daily lives. Eighty-three percent of U.S. adults own

cell phones, and three-quarters of them (73 percent) send and

receive texts.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most

enthusiastic texters, exchanging an average of 109.5 messages

a day, or 3,200 texts per month, the survey found.

The average cellphone user makes or receives an average of 12

calls per day, while text-messaging users exchange an average

of 41.5 messages per day.

The best question to ask yourself is...what would my clients do?

And...proceed accordingly.

By Lisa Trnka of Trebuchet Communication.

 Wendy Penta

Wendy created the HTA history book for 2011 documented  what the members accomplishments and collecting information on all the events and happenings of the Handmade Tile Association.

We are looking for volunteers for the MN Tile Festival  and the Arts & Crafts show both in September. Contact the HTA if you can help.