communication Archives

Mean People: When Your Soul Has Been Swiped by the Grinch

A hateful email hits your inbox.

A surly comment is left on your blog.

A nasty response is added to one of your Facebook posts.

How Do You Respond to Mean People?

I have plenty of experience with this and confess that I’ve used all of the following suggestions (except perhaps #2) at one point or another.

Your response to malicious words will depend on the level of wickedness.

If there is any question of intent in the language, make sure you’re not misreading their words. It’s easy to misunderstand email, so ask for clarification if there is any doubt.

Try this -> “Hey, Rex, I’m not sure if I’m reading this correctly, so please help. Did you mean to imply that … ?”

Armed with your answer, you can move on to any of these responses.

Mean People: When Your Soul Has Been Swiped by the Grinch Read

Virginia Folkestad discovers insights into her life’s work by using a visual timeline.

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

A retrospective is an exhibition that shows off the entire oeuvre of an artist’s career. Typically arranged chronologically and later in an artist’s life, retrospectives treat art viewers to the progression of the work in a single space. I try to visit as many retrospectives as I can for artists I admire, which sometimes involves

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective Read

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective Read

©Casey Klahn, All The Colors Field. Pastel, 5.5 x 10.5 inches. Used with permission.

Save The Apologies For When You Really Need Them

There are real things in your art business and marketing you should apologize for. Apologize when you miss a deadline, are late to an appointment, or (oops!) accidentally use the Cc instead of the Bcc line for your email blast. Of course you should apologize when you do something wrong, but don’t apologize for things that aren’t hurting people or for things you have no control over.

Save The Apologies For When You Really Need Them Read

Caption: ©Tami Bone, Tributarius. Photograph. Used with permission.

Stop Typing And Start Talking

If you call my business phone and I’m unavailable, you will get a recording that says I respond fastest to email. I love email. Like most business owners these days, I prefer it for my primary communications tool. There are numerous situations when you must stop typing and start talking. Here are five examples.

Stop Typing And Start Talking Read

That’s me looking at Mel Ristau’s sculpture inside a locked building.

Empowering Art Viewers

One of the most valuable things you can do in your marketing is to teach people how to look at and appreciate your art. It’s not just good for you, but a gift that will last throughout the lives of those who experience it. I learned long ago when I worked in a museum that teaching people how to look at art empowers them and gives them confidence. Teaching people how to look at art empowers them and gives them confidence. Empowering them with skills is invaluable – to both you and them.

Empowering Art Viewers Read

Pick Up The Phone and Dial

Email is easy. I prefer email to the phone in almost every situation. Almost. Sometimes you have to talk. Email is not good for picking up on subtleties about situations and building trust. Unless we’re extra careful with our messages, email can be easily misunderstood by all parties involved.

Pick Up The Phone and Dial Read

Are Your Viewers Looking or Seeing?

This week’s deep thought is courtesy of artist Richard Tuttle. What’s the difference between looking and seeing? Is it your job to get people to see? How do you do that job?

Are Your Viewers Looking or Seeing? Read

You Promise Exposure, We Want to See Results

You think you’re doing artists a “favor” by “giving us exposure that we can’t get ourselves.” Artists are all kinds of tired listening to lines like these. We know how the world works and we know you’re trying to make money by – in part – using our art.

You Promise Exposure, We Want to See Results Read

Speed Dating for Artists and Retailers

Described as “speed dating for artists and retailers,” these Portland, Oregon events match up artists and people who can help them exhibit and sell their work. Would you do it?

Speed Dating for Artists and Retailers Read

Mean People: When Your Soul Has Been Swiped by the Grinch

How Do You Respond to Mean People?

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

Save The Apologies For When You Really Need Them

Stop Typing And Start Talking

Empowering Art Viewers

Pick Up The Phone and Dial

Are Your Viewers Looking or Seeing?

You Promise Exposure, We Want to See Results

Speed Dating for Artists and Retailers

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