How to Get Published | Frank James Fisher | Episode 435

Frank James Fisher | Episode 435

Frank James Fisher is an American ceramic artist. Frank’s ceramic work is unique and strongly influenced by the graphic design principles developed during his extensive advertising career. Frank has worked in the Detroit advertising industry since entering the commercial art field in 1985. Adept as a professional designer, writer and illustrator, Frank is known and recognized for his graphic design narratives in the ceramic medium. As an advertising ‘insider’ who is experienced in marketing and public relations, he applies this knowledge to promote his art.

Frank has authored 24 articles about his methods and philosophy in many publications including Clay Times, Ceramic Art and Perception, Ceramics Technical, Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Ceramics Ireland, and Tattoo Master Magazine. His work is featured in four of the ‘500’ Lark Craft books, plus a dozen more ceramic art books. Fisher taught advanced ceramics at Schoolcraft College and conducts workshops. His art is exhibited nationally and on household shelves around the world. Fisher lives and maintains a studio in Milford, Michigan, USA.

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How important is it to know when you are writing your article which magazine is going to want it?

It’s critical. It is very important. So if I am writing for Clay Times, I am going to be writing an article that is a how to article. I know that they are going to probably want to have 3 or 4 pages. If it’s a big article I am going to shoot photos that are kind of like glamour shots. These have nothing to do with the process. These are like finished pots, for me they are action shots. Those kind of go with the bio and then I will send them 5 to 10 step by step photos. Each photo that you send you should also label it like Figure one. And send a sheep with it that is labels Figure one with a caption.

The other thing is when I write an article I don’t say the word I a lot. I try to avoid, I did this I did that.

How important is it to be writing to a specific person?

Cone glazes are extremely popular. Ten years ago cone ten reduction glazes were all the hit. Now t is cone six and it is starting to get into the low fire. So it would be better to write an article that had to do with cone six because a lot of home potters have cone six. Targeting the readership will be more interesting to the publisher.

Once you have your article written, how important is it to hand it off to someone for a final edit?

It’s good. I let my wife read everything. She is a videographer and a writer so I give everything to her to take a read through.

How important is it to have a unique idea?

It’s huge. You have to provide their readership something they are not familiar with or are going to learn from. If it’s the same stuff you learn in every beginning class it is not really worth buying a magazine. It should be some new twist to it a new unique feature, some new method. Or maybe it’s an article about how you evolved as an artist. The end result has to be different than what you would normally see an artist produce.

When you are actually submitting an article, cold turkey, what do you say to the submission department?

Dear editor, I have been working on this process for three months or two years, it seems really unique and I thought it would be something your readers might like to see. I would love to be part of your magazine. I am submitting it for your approval. Be conversational and not demanding, no ego involved.

How do you respond to rejection letters?

Kick something. Then I copy and paste the letter I wrote to the last editor and find another editor that might like what I have got. If you’ve got something that you know is good it just hasn’t found the right home.