Free Workshops for Artists

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS

All classes and workshops have a limited number of spots; please be sure you are able to attend the class or session you register for. No-shows without advance notice may not be allowed to sign up for future classes. Please email saccityarts@cityofsacramento.org at least 24 hours in advance if you have registered but need to release your spot. 

All courses listed below will be taught by Heather Hogan. To learn more about Heather, click here.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS on Zoom

Get Setup to Gig: All You Need to Know to Start Your Side Hustle

Get started freelancing! We will cover the basics of setting up your sole proprietorship. Learn ways to secure business permits and/or licenses, insurance, set your own rates, deal with taxes, and write a contract and proposal. Tips for selecting a business name, keeping track of your time, money, and client’s needs will be covered. This class is for people who have done side projects for friends and family and want to level up as a professional artist freelancer. Students will leave the class ready to take their next paying gig.

This class is 90-120 minutes, and will take place through Zoom.  A Zoom link will be emailed to you 24-48 hours in advance of the class. To register, click on the date you want to sign up for.

Monday, February 27, 2023; 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, April 30, 2023; 11am – 1pm

Get Your Website Going

Do you need a website but have no idea where to start? Folks at all levels are welcome to learn more about how to choose a website plan and platform that fits their needs and skill level. We’ll identify what your website needs to do, the online components involved, and what content and images you need to prepare as you head into the project. Learn how to purchase a domain name and hosting. If you decide to hire a freelancer, know what to ask for and what you can expect to pay. Students should feel comfortable navigating the Internet, making online purchases, typing, and using word/image processing software (like Canva, Google Docs, Word, or iPhoto). Students should come with their own laptop or tablet. Note: The creation of a website from scratch will cost at least $100/year for software and hosting and take at least 5 hours and up to 20 hours to complete. We will not be building the actual website in this course. Students will leave the workshop knowing what type of website platform will fit their needs and how to move forward with their website project.

This class is 90-120 minutes, and will take place through Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to you 24-48 hours in advance of the class. To register, click on the date you want to sign up for.

Sunday, March 5, 2023; 11am – 1pm
Monday, May 8, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Market Your Art Show Online and in Print 

You did the work, you finished, framed, and hung the work, and the show will open soon! Congratulations! Here are 5 marketing techniques to get people to your show. We will create a look and feel for your show or event promotions, craft graphics and language around the event and schedule web postings, social media sharing, and printed promotions to get folks to your event. This class is for people who are new to marketing and event promotion, who need ideas and guidance on how to market their event online and in print. Students will leave with a list of techniques, best practices, links and resources to bring people to their event.

This class is 90-120 minutes, and will take place through Zoom.  A Zoom link will be emailed to you 24-48 hours in advance of the class. To register, click on the date you want to sign up for.

Tuesday, March 27, 2023; 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, May 21, 2023: 11am – 1pm

eCommerce Options for Artists

Are you ready to open your online shop but you have no idea where to start? In this workshop we’ll discuss 3-4 online ecommerce models and the pros and cons of each. We’ll discuss packaging, photographing, writing about your works, shipping and fulfillment. This class is for artists who have sold work at fairs or galleries or via online marketplaces and want to build and run their own online shop. Students will leave with comparison charts, resources, and tips to build their online shop.

This class is 90-120 minutes, and will take place through Zoom.  A Zoom link will be emailed to you 24-48 hours in advance of the class. To register, click on the date you want to sign up for.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023; 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 24, 2023; 10am – 12pm

IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

Build Your Art Website in 6 Weeks

Have you avoided building or updating your website because it seems too hard and time consuming? In this 6 week class we will work together, step-by-step from week to week, to create an easy to update 5 page website that includes: work from your latest art series, your artist’s statement, upcoming events, artist CV, contact form, links to social media accounts, email newsletter sign up, and a dynamic homepage.

This class is for fine artists and craftspeople who need a website but are lacking support, direction, and accountability. Students should first take the Get Your Website Going workshop so their website content is ready to go or already have those requirements met. Successful students have photos of their work, an artist CV and bio, and some descriptive writing about their artwork. They are capable of performing basic image editing, posting to various social media accounts, and own a laptop or desktop computer. Students will need access to or purchase website hosting and a domain name costing approximately $100/year. We will run this class either using Squarespace or WordPress as the website content management system. Students will leave this class with a fully functional website that promotes their art practice and highlights their unique style and capabilities. They will have the tools and skills to add work to their site and keep it updated.

This class is once a week for 6 weeks and in-person. Students will need their own computers. Please be sure you are able to attend all sessions; no shows without prior notice may not be allowed to enroll in future courses and workshops. To register, click on the dates you want to sign up for.

Fridays, May 19, 2023 – June 23, 2023; 9:30am – 12:30pm
Tuesdays, September 12, 2023 – October 17, 2023; 4pm – 7pm (Registration will open soon)

5 Tips to Take Professional Portfolio Images

Great photos of your artwork and products are possible with cell phones and free editing software. We’ll cover 5 photography tips that will help you share your work in the best light. This class is for people who have a body of artwork or small products. Students should be comfortable using their phone’s camera and know how to install apps on their phone. Students should bring one small artwork with them to practice photographing. Students will leave this class with multiple shots of their artwork and a handout with directions and tips to shoot their work at home. Please note, this class is in-person. To register, click on the dates you want to sign up for.

Sunday, October 22, 2023; 3pm – 6pm (Registration will open soon)
Friday, November 3, 2023; 3pm – 6pm (Registration will open soon)