Proposal Writing tips by julia vogl

THE ART OF PROPOSAL WRITING

Some tips from Julia Vogl

The National Ugly Necklace Competition, 2007

WINNER!

(someone is going to win- could be you!)

General Req for Proposals Types of application:!

- Looking for an artist!- Looking for a project!- Offering funding!

CONTENT:!In one page or less-(sometimes 100-150 word counts for each section) !

‒  ｷ Outline your idea!‒  ｷ Give a brief summary of your previous work that relates!‒  ｷ Provide a schedule of how you would expedite this project!‒  ｷ Provide a budget!‒  ｷ Explain how this would benefit the community (or relevant to sponsor)

and yourself. !

SUPPORTING MATERIALS: !•  IMAGES You are usually able to provide an image or sketch or rendering for the proposal

and also 5-10 images of your previous work. Or 10MB of information. READ INSTRUCTIONS! PDF, JPEG, DOC, etc…!

•  Artist statement, Artist Bio, CV !•  ( sometimes you have to give specifics to a site and express health and safety precautions

you will take) !

With different agenda’s it is important to put emphasis on different area’s. For many projects they don’t really want an artist statement. Artist has a coherent portfolio it is usually more articulate then an artist statement. !

YOUR ARCHIVE

•  CV- Update, different bio’s, varying lengths, •  Work samples- Have high and low resolution

images of latest projects and works, edited files. •  Artist statements of varying lengths

–  Brief, one sentence –  Medium, a paragraph describing types of works and past projects –  Long, no more then 3 paragraphs, but enough to explain some previous projects,

and theories you are researching, maybe even some inspirations. Keep the language clear!

The more prepared you are the less time it takes to apply. Edit every time you do something new!

SELECTING THE APPLICATION

•  Read all application material. – Make sure you are eligible candidate – Look for key words, aims, directions

outlined. – Follow their instructions. – See if they are willing to help or review

before submission.

STRUCTURE & STYLE Create a structure- For example: •  AIM: In one sentence what is it. •  THEORY: Why- motivation for this work –background •  METHOD: How will you make the project happen, elaborate on

materials, time (sometimes helpful to include a time line of objectives)

•  BUDGET: If funding is allocated, be clear with how you would use it. Estimates are perfectly acceptable, but make sure you have done some research to ensure you can afford what you are proposing.

•  BIO/FORMER EXPERIENCE: In a few sentences talk about relevant related projects.

•  CONCLUSION: Very brief, 1-2 sentences about why you want this

(unless questions provided) important thank them for their time.

Documentation of Work - Be consistent - Follow instructions - Supply a guide that has clear and good presentation

A picture is worth a thousand words

PROFESSIONAL PROPOSALS

•  Panels, judges, and public review •  2-10 minutes •  Few questions allowed •  WEBSITE update, additional review •  Accompanying guide to works •  Reputation and network

OBVIOUS MISTAKES Be true and personal: Don’t be vague,

remember that douzens maybe hundreds of people are applying, and you want to stand out- make it personal pull in stuff from your CV.

REVIEW: Get someone who is not familiar with art and art writing, to review and make sure your proposal makes sense. Double check spelling, grammar, proper names.

CLARITY: Be clear, succinct and engaging.

In two sentences tell me why you should receive the

SPECIALTY BROOKLYN CHOCOLATE Award?

EXERCISE:

SUMMARY

•  UPDATE ARCHIVE of work samples/CV •  Read RFP instructions •  BE CLEAR and SUCCINCT •  BE YOU- don’t apologize, be bold! •  GET SOMEONE TO REVIEW •  SUBMIT EARLY AND OFTEN