When Mai Wyn Schantz shuttered her gallery at the beginning of Covid, she hated to lose the relationships she had built over the years.
As soon as she felt it was safe, Mai Wyn organized a pop-up farewell exhibition with her artists. Her goal was to break even, which, as you’ll hear, was far too conservative a goal. Her “little” pop-up was more successful than she dreamed of.
In this episode I talk with Laurence de Valmy about how she has used her bonus talent as a writer to make connections in all arenas of the art world.
It all started with the thought that there were people out there who knew more about how to “be” an artist than she did. She trusted that she could learn from them. Even if you aren’t a writer, I think you’ll be inspired by her boldness and creativity.
Boldly reaching out to art world influencers with Laurence de Valmy (108) Read
Michael Gadlin sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He is gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy.
Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist. Deep stuff. We talk about the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist’s collaboration with viewers, why it’s important to be part of a community, and much more.
Artist as problem solver with Michael Gadlin (93) Read
Most artists work alone and flourish in their silence without interruptions. This is critical for the creative process. But when it comes to building a business, know this: You will make better progress in art marketing and business planning by joining up with an equally ambitious accountability partner.
Tips for Working with an Accountability Partner in Your Art Marketing Read
Online connections have their place in marketing your art, but most in-person experiences can’t be duplicated in the same way on a computer. I’ll go one step further: certain in-person opportunities would never arise if you relied only on the Internet. Last week I was reminded of this during a 3-day Florida workshop in which I participated.
Group Energy You Can't Duplicate Online Read
If you’re feeling a little like a wallflower or left out of the art conversation, here are six tips – short of renting billboard space – to get you back on the radar of the VIPs in the art world. Most of these actions work well with arts administrators, arts writers, gallery directors, or curators. Any one of them would be a step in the right direction.
6 Ninja Tips for Getting Noticed Read
1. No one can promote your art more effectively than you. No one knows it better than you and no one cares about your success more than you. 2. If you don’t believe it can happen, it won’t.
13 Truths About Marketing Your Art Read
Database/spreadsheet programs for artists can be complex and clunky. Guest blogger Laurie McCarriar outlines 5 ways to use Evernote, a free app for Mac, PC & mobile devices, to cultivate collectors.
How Evernote Can Save Your Relationships with Collectors Read
Be seen at openings, lectures, and events, and show your work – a lot! Be supportive of arts organizations and of other artists. Be a reporter.
3 Ways to Be a Rock Star in Your Art Community Read
The value of face-to-face marketing is being drowned out by the cacophony of online marketing advice. I am just as guilty as the next advice-giver, but I’m going to start reminding you more frequently not only to get out of the studio but also to get out from behind your computer and meet real live people.
I recently returned from two days in the mountains for the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Summit.
By conference standards, this wasn’t a big one, but it was sold out. Two-hundred creatives under one roof helped each other solve problems, made connections, and exchanged business cards.
We dined together and, in the evening, walked from gallery to gallery like a clan of trick-or-treaters.
It was electric! And it’s not an experience you can duplicate online.
As someone who spends most of her time in front of her computer, I must remind myself what is required of face-to-face networking every time I venture out. Thought I’d share some observations with you.
5 Essentials for Face-to-Face Networking for Artists Read
