I wrote my book, The Visual Arts Resource Manual, to help other photographers and artisans. I have gone through a lot of frustrating times trying to locate products and resources to market my photographs. The name of my business is Creative Photo Products. I make and have made alternative products that feature photographic images such as handmade photographic note cards, canvas tote bags, tee shirts, pillows, gift enclosures, framed prints, clocks, refrigerator magnets and book marks.

It was truly a quest to find vendors and suppliers to help manufacture all of these products. Another challenge was the financial end of things. I had to purchase in quantity to make the products cheap enough to be able to wholesale them at a profit. Many of the manufacturers knew nothing about anything that was not their specialty. I had to become my own detective to find sources for raw materials and packaging for my products. After the challenge of manufacturing, came product development and marketing. I became an expert in finding resources for creative people and self employed people trying to market and promote their creative products. Because of the combination between my technical background and creative abilities, it allowed me to see marketing opportunities a little differently than most artisans. In the past I had done outdoor art shows and I would look at how artists would display and present themselves to the public. I started giving them tips on being better organized and where to find stuff to make their job easier. I do not have to tell you being an artist can be a 24/7 job if you tried to do everything you are suppose to. Many artists are sort of isolated with being able to find business products and services that could help them. For example, I have been to 2 artist business works shops this year and the speaker of the workshop or presenter would mention how artists can have post cards made by Modern Post Card in California and there are still artists that have never heard of them!

Another inspiration for writing a book - I can stop repeating myself with artists asking the same question! I love helping other artists; especially when it comes to avoiding the same hardships I've suffered through trying to find resources. I love to look for ways to work smart so I can use the extra time to do the things I like to do. The story of my life... trying to answer my own questions that the experts or accomplished pros can't answer.

Many contemporary artists may not realize that they will have to use some form of photography or illustration to help them market their work. Everything that is sold today on the open market is sold by illustrations or photographs. Even a can of soup or bottle of aspirin! All artisans of all types must be educated or have some know how about photography or the visual arts. Even if they subcontract those services out, they must know something about what they are buying.

I feel my book is very unique, because of the mix of resources. Many of the resources deal with the field of photography and the visual presentation of art. My book also deals with presenting resources for the business side of the visual arts (running a business).

My book will not tie your shoe laces or start your car but it will lead you to some very useful resources. The artisans who use my book must have a sense of adventure and curiosity. There is so much listed in this book. You will need to keep a note book of all of your favorite places or use yellow stickies. I grouped resources together that go hand-in-hand .

One of the biggest things that I want artisans to learn is how to comparison shop. In my book, I tried to find multiple sources for certain products and services. Prices vary between manufacturer and region. I feel artisans should not have to shop for products and services just located in hometown or geographic region. With the Internet and fax machine they can do business any place in the world.

You can visit my website duanegamble.com and click the link for the Visual Arts Resource Manual. This will give you a full over view of the book. I even have 3 sample pages for prospective buyers to view. The Visual Arts Resource Manual is 8.5" X 5.5" in size, 120 pgs., and can be purchased for $17.95 (plus $4.50 shipping/handling) by clicking on the link Book Ordering Form. Any questions, I can be contacted at info@duanegamble.com

Good Luck!