Control Your Narrative

Don't let anyone control your story. Join us tomorrow, November 19th for the first day of our 3-day workshop "Building Your Media Confidence."

There is a concept in psychology known as a “controlling narrative.” On a macro level a “controlling narrative” is a story that is created and disseminated about an individual or a group designed to malign them. But even as an individual artist, you may have felt the pain of a “controlling narrative.” Maybe you’ve been ostracized from certain high-brow artist circles for being “too feminine,” “too weird,” “too commercial,” or “too ethnic,” or you’ve felt that gut punch of having someone presumptuously define your story and explain your own artistic motivations to you. But what if I told you that you don’t have to submit to anyone’s half-assed narratives about who you are? You have the power to take control of your story. The truth is that you can control your narrative, and that’s exactly what you will master at our 3-day workshop, Building Your Media Confidence. Through hands-on exercises and expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to share your unique story with journalists, funders, influencers, gatekeepers, and the world.

Workshop: Building Your Media Confidence

Where: Online (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1044425403497?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Dates: November 19, 20, & 21.

Times: 6pm - 9pm

What To Expect

This 3-day media confidence workshop will provide high-level skills and techniques you can use to enhance your artist statements, press releases, grant applications, and more. We will focus on building your media confidence and storytelling skills in a way that is meaningful and relevant to your unique needs.

Here’s how the workshop is structured:

Day 1: Core Storytelling Techniques - November 19, 2024 6pm - 9pm

Overview: Learn the foundational principles of effective storytelling and communication. We will explore high-level techniques that can be used to craft artist statements, develop your elevator pitch, or write engaging social media posts, and more.

Activity: Choose a storytelling project to work on, whether it’s drafting a new artist statement, refining a press release, or developing a unique story angle for traditional media interviews or social media. Apply the techniques discussed in class to your chosen piece.

Takeaway: Leave with a deeper understanding of how to structure and communicate your story in any context.

Day 2: Speaking with Confidence about Your Art - November 20, 2024 6pm - 9pm

Overview: This session is dedicated to helping you verbally communicate your story and talk about your art with confidence to collectors and the general public. Learn how to articulate your message effectively in various situations, including interviews, artist talks, panels, and when engaging with collectors.

Activity: Participate in mock interviews and role-play scenarios where you explain your work to collectors. Receive feedback and guidance to refine your verbal communication skills.

Takeaway: Gain confidence in talking about your art and leave with a set of best practices for engaging in any speaking situation, whether it’s a formal interview or a casual conversation with potential buyers.

Day 3: Applying Techniques and Receiving Feedback - November 21, 2024 6pm - 9pm

Overview: Apply what you’ve learned to your storytelling project and focus on the practical application of the skills gained. Get personalized feedback on your chosen project and learn how to adapt and refine your approach based on real-time input.

Activity: Share your work with the group or in two-person breakout sessions. Receive targeted advice and learn how to further polish your work.

Takeaway: Gain confidence in your ability to articulate your story and create high-quality marketing pieces that resonate with your audience.