Alexandra Ostebo – Marketing Consultant

The Creative Freelancer

Alexandra (Ally) Ostebo was a former Senior Marketing Consultant at Wonderful Machine and is currently the executive director at Creative Picnic. Over the last few years, she's worked with over 100 photographers to help them successfully promote themselves. Currently, her company Creative Picnic represents some amazing photographers and directors both capable of producing stills and motion. In our conversation, we chat about: -How her approach is different and why-What are some of the top mistakes photographers make when marketing themselves-What goes into creating a good promo-Print portfolio vs iPad portfolios Ally's bio from Creative PicnincThe company's founder and Alaskan Native, Alex Ostebo, has worked with hundreds of commercial artists to establish, revive and grow their businesses over the last six years. An officer in the Army Reserves and an entrepreneur in her own right, she has a unique perspective to marketing as well as experience with creative direction, production and estimating. Alex brings to Creative Picnic a personal network of brands, agencies and publications across the country. Her proximity to New York City is a huge asset to her global network of artists. Creative Picnic is a women owned and operated entity. Alex is passionate about promoting women photographers and directors as they are drastically under represented in the industry. If you are interested in working with Creative Picnic, email Ally: [e-mail] At the end of the day, you just have to shoot and make your profession what you want it to be. Listen to Ally Ostebo's InterviewClick play to hear the full episode Print Portfolios Website Edits Show Links Wonderful Machine on YouTube Visit Wonderful Machine Contact Ally [e-mail] Show Notes :52 How did you end up at Wonderful Machine? 2:55- What's the current marketing model look like? 4:01- The marketing toolbox- what’s in it? 6:46- How does a photographer standout nowadays? 9:22- Sending promo- Existing work vs new work 12:15- What does a promo shoot entail? 13:42- Self Assigned work, Projects vs personal work 14:29 Other common Mistakes - Get a Web Edit, Buddy Graphic Designer, Old websites 18:03- Brand consistency on social media 19:30- What is the order of a marketing strategy and what does that include? 23:20 What does a good campaign look like? 27:42 - Specific words to use during a call and portfolio meeting 31:09 - What is a good promo? How over the top should it be? 35:55- Print vs ipad portfolio 38:10- Showing work thats not on your site 39:06- Photographers who feel their work isn’t good enough or not ready to market 40:54- How much can someone expect to pay if starting from scratch 42:28- What does a brand overhaul include? Logo, Web template customization, Stationary, Business Card, Envelope, Crack and seal stamp, invoice header, Promo, Print Portfolio, List Build 46:45- How does a photographer compete with established relationships and breakthrough?