Artist Story: Kathryn Trumbull Fimreite

Haven, 2006

There are many types of registries, but the one I am a part of is like a reference guide of artists (via Chicago Artist Coalition). It's a terrific tool for artists...even on the fundamental level of forcing you to organize your materials: proper documentation of your work, all the necessary accompaniments (resume, statement, pricing, etc.) All of this organizational stuff is daunting to pull together, but in CAC's registry, it seemed like a logical marketing tool and also because they offered it as a benefit to members (albeit there is a fee). My original intention was to provide a means of sharing my images with people I knew - meaning I would direct people (friends, family, friends of friends and hopefully buyers) to the web page. I never really imagined anyone would buy artwork on the Internet or search online for a particular type of art/artist. However, I was wrong. I have sold a few pieces off the site, obtained gallery representation in a small market, been contacted (more than once) to create commission work, and received a handful of inquiries that haven't amounted to sales yet, but could someday. I never would have found these people on the web...they found me.

I have also used the registry to display my new work which I then promote through my email list (this technique is quicker and more effective than inviting buyers to an open studio or hoping they'll get to my next show). The registry acts like an electronic business card - when people ask "what do you do?" you can point them directly to the work online(because everyone seems to wonder if/how you make a living as an artist...and for some reason its acceptable to ask!!!).

Even though it's worked pretty well for me so far, there are some drawbacks. Being limited to a one webpage can make the images seem crowded together, and I had to be sure that any diversity in my work appeared cohesive. I also struggle with how to include examples of the commercial work I do without creating confusion/inconsistency. I intend to create my own dedicated site someday, which would link with the current registry - and thus add yet another tool to my mix...but that's a few priorities and resources down the road.

Kathryn Trumbull Fimreite grew up in Westchester, Illinois, about 20 minutes outside of Chicago. She received her first degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and after spending a few years in Dallas, Texas returned “home” to Chicago where she received a degree from The School of the Art Institute. For the past 5 years she has been a featured artist at BareWalls, a live painting exhibition held by the Alumni Association of the Art Institute. Kathryn has been a recipient of a CAAP Grant and conducts numerous art-making workshops with both children and adults. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband Duey.