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Composing An Effective Akimbo (also applies to Akimbits)

Images are Everything
Akimbos always begin with an image. The larger and more striking the image the greater an impact your Akimbo has on our readers. Landscape orientated images make the best first impression, as laptop and tablet users will not have to scroll to see the entire visual. Akimbos can include up to three images in any combination of art-related, gallery or council logos. All images must be .jpgs set to the standard web resolution of 72dpi and a maximum width of 550px.

If you are not sure how to resize your images click here for a tutorial on image resizing in Photoshop. If you don't have access to Photoshop and are looking for software that will let you easily manipulate and resize images GIMP is a free program that's easy to use. Click here to download GIMP and here for more information on resizing images in GIMP.

Stick To The Facts
Now that you've grabbed the readers attention with an impressive image let them in on the details of your exhibition or event. While Akimbo allows up to 1000 words per posting readers in the online world are easily distracted so the more concise the information the better.

Key information to include:

• Exhibition Title
• Artist Name(s)
• Curator Name(s)
• Exhibition Location & Address
• Relevant Dates (Opening Reception, Exhibition Dates, Artist Talk, Screening etc.)
• A one or two paragraph description of the exhibition or event
• A short Artist(s) Biography

Be Available for Contact
We will not send an Akimbo out without at least an email address as contact. But the more ways you give our subscribers (which include media) to contact you the better. Try to include both an email address and a phone number. If possible include a contact name, phone and email number at the gallery or event space that's hosting your exhibition as well.

Be Social
Artists always include a website address but consider where else you have a profile or account online. Do you use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN, YouTube, Google+ or Tumblr? If so include links to each social networking site you use. An Akimbo eblast is an opportunity to expand your social networks and connect with our subscribers and readers directly. This can have long term benefits beyond just promoting your most recent show or event.

Finishing Touches
All the major components of your Akimbo should now be in place but there are still a few small details to consider. Placing a second art related image beneath the written content helps make a solid visual impression that will help our readers remember who you are. Gallery logos are also nice to include and if you've recently received a grant from a government source using their small logo in the acknowledgement sentence makes a professional impression. We have many arts council logos on file so check with us if you don't have one.

Other Ways To Promote
Akimbo recently expanded its services to include Social Media and an iPhone App. You may consider adding a Tweet and Facebook Posting and an iPhone App ad about your exhibition or event. If you are already active on Twitter a tweet would be particularly effective as it provides an opportunity to increase your followers and expand your online network.


Two examples of our most popular akimbo layouts are available for reference here and here.

How To Resize An Image In Photoshop

To prepare an image for an Akimbo follow the below steps:

1. Open the image in photoshop.
2. Go to Image Menu at the top of the screen and click on Image Size.
3. A dialog box will appear that has two sections called Pixel Dimensions and Document Size. In Pixel Dimensions set the width to 550px, the height will automatically adjust to keep the image in the proper proportions. In Document Size set the resolution to 72 then click the OK button.
4. Go to File at the top of the screen and click on Save As
5. Select .jpg as the file format and click the OK button.
6. Send this image to info@akimbo.ca as an attachment along with your copy.

How To Resize An Image In GIMP:

To prepare an image for an Akimbo follow the below steps:

1. Open the image in GIMP
2. Go to Image at the top of the screen and click on Scale Image...
3. A dialog box will appear that has two sections called Image Size and Quality. In Image Size set the width to 550px, the height will automatically adjust to keep the image in the proper proportions and set the X and Y Resolution to 72. In the Quality section select cubic from the drop down menu then click the Scale button.
4. Go to File at the top of the screen and click on Save As
5. In the Name field type the name of the image and add the file name .jpg (e.g. akimbo_image.jpg)
6. Send this image to info@akimbo.ca as an attachment along with your copy.