The art biz blog features articles and solo podcast episodes that have substantial articles to accompany them. To reach podcast episodes only, visit The Art Biz page.
I want to talk about something that gets in the way of how you think your art business possibilities: The ladder of success.
I want to help you reframe your daily decisions, actions, and results (or lack thereof)—to embrace the volatility of an artist life. To understand that there will be highs and lows, and that just comes along with the territory. To do this, let’s consider a circle rather than a ladder.
For some artists, being asked why they make art is unfruitful—even debilitating. A better strategy is to focus on the people who will be viewing, talking about, and living with your art.
How does your art make people feel? Bernadette Jiwa says, “People don’t buy why you do something. They buy how it makes them feel.” If you think about it, this, ironically, leads to your Why: Connection.
Your artist mailing list is your most valuable marketing asset. It is the primary tool you use to share your art with the world. It’s your #1 marketing asset.
Let me emphasize that by saying it a different way: There is nothing more important you can do to build your art business and career than to nurture your relationships.
In reality, most artists have 3 mailing lists, not just 1. Here’s what I mean.
I believe in the power of daily affirmations. I first used them a number of years ago to increase my income and it worked. My income shot up 40% that year.
I do not believe that reciting affirmations alone will move the needle. You must have the commitment to your goals in the first place and take appropriate action to move forward.
Try them and adapt to your needs.
Video included.
Hiring an assistant for the sake of hiring an assistant is just asking for trouble.
You must be very careful about the hiring process and who you let into your studio and office.
I wrote this article immediately upon hiring my first employee, with tips for how I made it happen.
You are absolutely right to do whatever you can, legally and within reason, to protect your intellectual property (your art).
But what I can’t seem to reconcile is when artists aren’t taking precautionary steps to claim ownership in the first place.
I’m talking about giving yourself credit whenever and wherever you show your art—with your name and a complete credit line—even on Instagram.
Sent every week or two. Includes new articles, available programs, and episodes of The Art Biz podcast.
If you’ve ever thought about having a sale of your art but didn’t know where to start or are worried about discounting your work, please join me for PROFITABLE PROMOTIONS—now on demand.
It’s for you if you have older inventory to move, you want to generate more income, and you want to use your email list more effectively.
I would love to send you my Comprehensive Exhibition Checklist + Timeline. It’s 5 pages of tasks for now, later, and after your show.
You’ll also receive my almost-weekly news for your art business.
