Professional Development Seminar

The Professional Development Seminar (PDS) happens right before the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) conference in Seattle this May. I went to the one in Savannah and was very happy with the copious amount of good information that would help me hone my professional practices- In fact, I think that seminar was really what spurred me into creating the framework of websites and projects in which I currently work.

If you are heading to SNAG Seattle (or, if you are an artisan in the NW area looking to develop your professional skills) I would highly recommend you register for this seminar. It is a separate event than SNAG- so it is self advertising through word of mouth on the internet and otherwise (so please feel free to copy this post and spread the word)

Here is the official info:

Professional Development Seminar 

"Having the ability to listen to the pricing discussion from the Houston conference was food for my soul. Both constructive and insightful, it enabled me to hear how other makers create, price, and market their work. In times such as these, this kind of information is priceless."   -Jan Mandel, Wearable Art Jeweler
SNAG produces a Professional Development Seminar every year during our annual conference. The Seminar delivers three hours of concrete information that will change the way you approach your work and the way you do business.

Professional Development Seminar 2011

Click here for flyer

Niche Marketing: A Targeted Approach
There are more ways to market our work than through the standard venues that most of us are already using. Our Niche marketers emiko oye, Hilary Pfeifer, and Deb Stoner will share how they came to recognize and develop new marketing opportunities.
Their experiences offer insight to:
•Discover new markets;
•Create new work catering to specific groups or demographics;
•Find a marketing void and fill it;
•Or simply begin the search…

Photography in Flux: Technical Issues, Media and Style

From the accelerating evolution of digital images to the ethics of image manipulation, the world of photography is changing rapidly.  Is your photography up to date? Is it an effective tool? Our presenters will look at the current technologies and trends in art and craft photography and address key issues that affect how your work is seen and interpreted. Hear from the pros, including professional photographers Douglas Yaple, Roger Schreiber, and Christopher Conrad.

Topics include:
•Are you being judged by the style of your images?
•How much post production is acceptable and who should do the work?
•Current trends in background and composition.
•The model or the pedestal?
•And much more...

Saturday, May 28, 2011
9:00 a.m. to noon
The Westin Hotel, 1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA

Free with SNAG conference registration or $40 at the door to attend only the Professional Development Seminar (which also includes Vendor Room admission on Saturday).

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES during lunch: The Professional Development Seminar is followed immediately by a brown bag lunch with our speakers. All artists and craftspeople are invited to participate, whether they are attending the conference or not.  Lunches will be available onsite to purchase.

Questions from the audience are encouraged. Ask during the seminar or send your question in advance to: Harriete Estel Berman.