KC Studio offers discerning coverage of visual and performing arts

When the mainstream media decides to curtail coverage in a particular area, a golden opportunity may arise for a niche publisher to step in and dominate the market. That’s exactly what happened when the Kansas City Star mostly dismantled its arts and entertainment department a few years back in light of declining advertising and circulation revenues and the need to reduce staff.

KC Studio, a bimonthly specialty magazine that covers the arts, saw a chance to expand its coverage to include more serious, in-depth reporting and critique of the vibrant and growing KC arts scene, said Alice Thorson, Editor of KC Studio. Alice talked about the evolution of the publication, founded in 2008, and the ever-increasing depth and breadth of arts offerings in the metro area at a meeting of the Kansas City Freelance Exchange.

Breaking with tradition

Alice came on board KC Studio in 2015 with the charge of continuing to expand the editorial mission of the magazine to cover “what artists are saying and how it relates to the world, instead of the traditional focus on arts organizations and what they want to tell the public,” she explained. The result was an expanded publication with often lengthy and always meaty articles by experienced arts and entertainment writers about the movers and shakers who are constantly raising the bar in Kansas City.

At the same time, the magazine was divided into two distinct parts – at the front of the magazine the Editorial section, where Alice and the editorial team decides what is worthy of coverage; and paid Advertorial at the back of the magazine, where arts organizations can deliver their message to the public and can control the content because they pay for space in the magazine.

Performing, visual, cinematic and literary arts

The many arts organizations in the community accepted the change with good spirits, Alice said. “We told them we will cover them when they do projects that are worthy of coverage,” she said, and of course, many projects are deemed worthy. The transition from a focus on organizations to a focus on artists has proceeded very smoothly, she added. Editorial coverage encompasses the performing, visual, cinematic and literary arts.

At the same time the magazine shifted its focus away from coverage of organizations, it expanded its online presence, with frequent articles about current exhibitions and performances, giving the public up-to-date and relevant information that helps them decide what events to attend.

Online reviews by arts critics of current and past productions and exhibitions are easy to search and access, providing excellent resources for the discerning public. “Weekend Picks” by Alice help draw attention to worthy events and performances that might otherwise be overlooked. An active presence for KC Studio on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter provide yet more platforms for arts coverage, sharing and public comments.

As a controlled circulation magazine, a print subscription is free. Sign up at KCStudio.org.

Freelance Exchange of KC members gear up for annual Showcase

The premiere event for the Freelance Exchange of Kansas City (#FXofKC) is coming up Sept. 29 – FX Showcase 2016. Members learned what to do and not to do to present themselves in the best positive light at the Showcase at a lively discussion at a lunch meeting.

The FX Showcase is an excellent opportunity for talented freelance writers, editors, corporate communicators, designers, photographers, social media experts and others to display their portfolios and talk about their services.

Attendees will include representatives from KC advertising and PR agencies, design firms, corporations, nonprofits and mom-and-pop shops. All of those potential clients turn to freelance or contract assistance on a regular or occasional basis and attend Showcase to search for talent.

$10 fee covers it

New this year is no-fee table/booth space for Freelance Exchange members, who just pay the $10 general admission fee for the event. Also new this year is a $10 admission fee for all visitors to the Showcase. The event takes place at the River Market event space, conveniently located near City Market and near a KC Streetcar stop.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 with an hour-long panel discussion with FXofKC members, who will field questions about the business of hiring freelance experts for particular gigs, or as an ongoing supplement to full-time staff. Panelists are Julie Cortes, Kelly Wagner, Jason Dailey, Susan Pepperdine and Stina Hergott, all experts in copywriting, design or photography.

Trendy food on site

The exhibit floor opens at 11:30, giving attendees a chance to visit at the various booths. American Fusion, a trendy KC food truck, will be on hand for attendees to purchase lunch. The event will conclude about 3 p.m. and attendees are invited to a cash bar happy hour at Harry’s Country Club beginning around 3:30 p.m.

Some tips from the pros on how to prepare for the Showcase:

·      Bring samples of your best work, attractively displayed in scrapbook, binder, as hand-outs, or on a laptop or tablet. Include case studies, testimonials from clients, business cards, flyers, etc.

·      Collect business cards from everyone who visits your booth and take brief notes about your conversations. Follow up with an email to thank them for stopping by.

·      Be ready with a conversation opener that engages your visitors.

·      Practice your 30-second “elevator speech.” Make it sound real and conversational. Focus on what makes you different.

·      Don’t engage in long conversations with visitors – keep it short and sweet, as they have other vendors to visit.

·      Present yourself as an idea generator – someone who understands their core business and who can solve problems.

·      Be prepared for questions about rates and know how you will respond.

·      Fancy up your table to fit your brand. Tables will have black cloths, but be creative if it suits you. Bring your own table covering and any suitable decorations. Keep any table-top accessories low, so they won’t block your view, but consider adding some height to your display.

·      All display items must fit on your table. No floor displays or wall displays are permitted.

·      Consider giving out small tchotchkes with your brand; or maybe chocolates or cookies.

·      Dress as if you were going to a client meeting.

Showcase promotion

FXofKC board members are in high gear, planning widespread promotion to potential Showcase attendees. Some 3,600 postcards will be mailed by Sept. 8, posters will be placed in agencies, businesses and retail locations throughout the community and a flurry of electronic communications will be unleashed.

Registration

Watch the FXofKC Facebook page and www.kcfreelanceexchange.com for registration information, coming soon.

Hope to see YOU at FXofKC Showcase 2016!