I’m in Florida talking to artists in Bradenton today, but I couldn’t let this auspicious occasion slip by without notice. Five years ago today, I launched what would become the Art Marketing Action newsletter. At the time, it was simply called “Dear Artist.” I’ve come a long way, baby.
March 25, 2002
Dear Artist . . .
I am so excited! This is the first of what will be weekly newsletters just for artists. It is part of the launch of new artist services that I am offering. The best part of my career has always been working directly with artists and talking with them about their work. Now I hope to inspire you and to help you jumpstart your career. Each week's issue will contain motivational messages and ideas to help you with your art business. Please, if you like what you read, forward the messages along to your friends and colleagues. I hope to reach as many of you as possible.
Alyson
ARE YOU A "10"?
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On a scale of one to ten, how satisfied are you with where you are in your career at this moment? Have you thought about it? Or are you like most of us–just going through the motions every day?
Maybe your immediate goal is to finish a sculpture. Maybe you'd like to get into your first juried exhibition. Or perhaps you'd like to see your work in a national traveling exhibition. But wouldn't it be great to see it in a museum collection?! What would it be like to see your work in print?
You must allow yourself time to evaluate your successes and failures and refine your goals for the future. Yes, even artists must have goals. Surely there is something you would like to attain before you turn 40 . . . or 50 . . . or 60. You get the picture. If you haven't set goals, how will you know that you have become successful?
So, where are you? Are you a "2" or a "6"? And what are you going to have to do to get to a "10"?
KNOW THIS————–>
The success or failure of your career is entirely in your hands.
THINK ABOUT THIS————–>
What are you doing each day to help you get to a "10"?
What are you (or aren't you) doing that's going to keep you less than completely satisfied?
5 thoughts on “Celebrating 5 Years”
Congratulations, Alyson! You’ve done amazing work in these five years. I’m celebrating with you and all the artists whose work has reached the world because of your help. Woo hoo! Cynthia
Congratulations. I’ve only been following your newsletter for a month and a bit now, but I can honestly say that I’ve learned quite a bit in that time. Your recent info on blogging for artists was timely for me. I look forward to future issues of your newsletter. Thank you for doing what you do. B.Y. Penman
Congratulations on your AMAZING accomplishment! Thank so much for using your gifts and energy in support of the arts community, it is appreciated more than you know. I have personally enjoyed and gained a lot from your newsletters, blogs, salon materials, and e-books over the last two years, and have built stronger relationships with other artists because of your positive influence. My art career is growing at a nice pace as a result of putting many of your tips and tricks to the test. I wish you continued success and good health!
I would have signed up then if I knew! Love the newsletter and congrats on the 5 years. I thought I would chime in on this weeks topic about Brand. I have been trying to find ways to make myself stand out and For anybody that uses http://www.Flickr.com out there (a photo uploading site) They offer a great business card. It is a unique format and you can put as many images on them as you want. Out of a set of 100 you can have every card different if you want. Here is a picture of my set of cards: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottholloway/431900158/in/set-72157600019611449/ As you can see I do several differnt things like portraits, figurative work and some conceptual outsider art. It is great to have these options to pass out to a person depending on their interests.
Wow – 5 years! What an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations. And we are so lucky that you are doing this! This is still good advice 5 years later. It is because of your inspiration that I have started my own blog http://www.dianeclancy.com/blog this past week. I have been getting your newsletters for about a year and I find them very helpful. Also I was the leader in a group we set up using your materials. I feel like it took me to another level in taking the business aspect of being an artist seriously. – Diane Clancy