Some parts of the DIY method of publishing or making records are fun. Creating the content for one. I also enjoy conceptualizing and choosing the artwork for the covers. Marketing I fucking hate. Approached in need but with little knowledge, social media platforms can eat you up and spread you so thinly that you don’t do any of them justice.
Instagram, Substack, Reels, Linkedin, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter etc… you need to know how to use them to your advantage (whatever that may be) meaning I don’t, so I’m most definitely underperforming. Best to pick a lane and do a couple well than all nominally. Sadly, I don’t see myself engaging to the point necessary to effectively help my cause. Self sabotage?
Maybe, but trying to monetize a “like” or comment is a long convoluted road to most often, nowhere.
It happens but pretty certain I’ll never learn to play that game well. Common wisdom says build a platform and engage your audience. Anything worthwhile takes time effort and I don’t mind that aspect. I mind my awkwardness, my reluctance to ask for help in a sea of good causes and my inability to pretend it will be different this time.
Most artists I’ve known don’t give two shits about the above and pursue their chosen discipline caring mainly for the quality of their work- not the machinations of marketing it after the fact. Van Gogh only sold one painting while he was alive. A weighty example I in no way believe I’m equal of, just pointing out that if such a consummate artist can go unrecognized, what’s that say for the rest of us wannabes?
Not that earning something for our efforts isn’t important, it’s just not the driving force.
It’s not like I’m shy or anti social, just realistic. I’ve been called a pessimist but often when life gets in the way it’s hard to be cheerful. Back in the day we joked that reality was for people that couldn’t handle drugs. That may be, but it’s also generally not good or kind or fair and in those times, the ones when we may be at our weakest and need to be our strongest that we could use some help.
So I’ll dip my toe in now and try to elicit some help via responses i.e. “engagement” with you dear reader. I’ve been working with self described “content specialist-change agent Michael Nolan on covers for a couple of my manuscripts: Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food, and my more autobiographical “Cooler By The Lake”.
We’ve gone back and forth with concepts and my two favorites for Home Cookin’ shown here are submitted for your perusal and response. Which do you like better and why, would be my question.
The engagement part is you answering.
I know you’re busy. I know this means little to you and a lot to me. Will an answer be received? Will a dialogue take place? Are there any other questions you may have or point you’d like to make?
Stay tuned for next weeks episode of 500 Words to find out.
500 Words – is live on Substack! Follow the journey towards publishing Home Cookin’ – The Stories Behind The Food featuring personal profiles of extraordinary people along with their favorite recipes. Think Studs Terkel meets Julia Child. Subscribe to receive each new story via email: https://alanlake.substack.com/
Alan Lake
Chef/percussionist/writer/
Both intriguing. I’d go for the platter except that it reminds me of the sudden surge of flat-earthers among previously sane people.
The second one (platter) is more representative to me of what I think you’re doing, though the red title is hard on my tired eyes.
#2 is the better one, IMHO, but agree that the type choice and color need some refinement.
good eye. have already changed fonts and now has blk background.
I like the first better it elicits a global vibe, meaning you’re talking about food around the world. I also like the black with the red lettering better than the blue. My only suggestion would be to make the table and chairs just a bit larger for our old eyes💜
blue is gone, it’s now just my black torso holding the globe platter. agree on the chair. thanks for your insights.