What's it Like Being a Publicist?
Jim Brickman's publicist, Claire Anter, Outlines Her Day
Dec 14, 2008
Cleveland resident and native, Claire Anter, has worked as Jim Brickman's publicist for over four years. Jim Brickman, "America's Romantic Piano Sensation," is currently deep into his 13th Holiday Tour. The schedule criss-crosses him and his team across the country, bringing numerous opportunities for Anter to tell local and national media what the artist is up to.
What is a Typical Day Like?
It's not unusual for Anter's cell phone and computer to have a barrage of emails and text messages by the time she gets into the office before 8 a.m. With so many time zones and opportunities to spread the word about Jim Brickman's tour, it's imperative that she be reachable at any moment. She has to be aware of deadlines and juggle interview times.
She works closely with Jim Brickman's team, as well as making sure the news is updated to fans.
"Technology is my friend, and by saying that I use everything I can to spread the word about my artists," Anter said. "Whether it's emailing for interviews, cold-calling to get a story or spreading the word to fans on social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook.
"Another part of my day is sending out email blasts to fans with up-to-date news, new products etc." she said. "The emails reach about 50-70,00 fans around the country and world, so there is a lot of thought that goes into each and every one of them."
What's The Best Part of Your Job?
Working with the Jim Brickman team--including fan relations, promoters, venues and tour management--Anter's role is critical for higher ticket sales and communicating key ideas and branding to the public.
"The best part of my job is watching my work pay off," Anter said. "Whether it's with higher ticket sales, or more press coverage, that's when you are satisfied.
"It's also great to see a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry. From recording and manufacturing the CDs, to life on the road and the fans with their stories--how the music has touched them in such positive ways. Everything we do always pays off in the end--in a good way!"
What's the Worst Part of Your Job?
Not every story is placed. Not every phone call or email is returned. Anter has learned that rejection isn't the end of the world.
"The person or company you work for puts everything into a project and when you are out there trying to give it life and someone says no to the idea," she said. "You are bummed for a minute. But, then you have get it together, re-group and move onto the next. There are so many outlets now that the Internet is the biggest way for people to get information. Our possibilities are endless."
What's Your Advice for Someone that Wants to Become a Publicist?
Anter said she feels lucky because she made a decision early while studying at DePaul University and later Cleveland State University to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She pressed to gain experience with internships at Playhouse Square and the Tri-C Jazz Festival.
"The advice I would give to anyone right out of college would be to have as many internships as possible," Anter said. "Any job requires experience and college courses only provide you with a shell of that information. The hands-on experience is what will make the difference between you and the other person applying for the same job.
"Meeting people who have been in the business for years during my internships led me to where I am today. In this industry, it's all about who you know."
