Share you most recent art business success!
My artist clients report via email at least two successes they have experienced in the previous week. This keeps them focused on what they are doing right and helps them maintain momentum.
It’s a valuable exercise. Share you most recent artistic sucess below and notice how it changes your focus and elevates your energy.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:19 am
My recent success is that I tried a new painting technique and I had great results. My painting was looser, fresher, and it had more energy. I also felt more confident and relaxed.
November 15th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Okay,
I have had quite a few recent successes this week.
1# Since I started letting people know that I wanted to hang my art up in coffee shops as a step towards establishing my business I have had so much positive feedback! So many people happen to have one or two really good ideas or connections for me!
2# I was only able to upload one photo of my artwork on facebook and I must’ve gotten at least 35 comments back! So many people want one! They all thought it was beautiful and many asked me if I could make them one! Not only did this feel good, get my artwork out there, and help me know how much support I have, but it also helped me to establish that I was no longer giving my art away (as I had done so frequently in the past) but would gladly do commissions!
3# I cleaned my room and kept it clean! through doing this I felt much more refreshed and energized, and I had space to paint in! I was also motivated to get out my easel (normally I paint on the floor) which gave me alot more room and was alot more organized! And I wasn’t hurting my back or knees from bending over my painting on the floor! I was able to paint longer because It didn’t hurt my back! (smile)
November 16th, 2009 at 7:44 am
That’s awesome Casia! It’s amazing when we just figure out what we want, we communicate it and bamm!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Haha I know! That is so true, and simple! (smile)
November 30th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I just joined Artist’s Who Thrive. I’m excited such a group exists. Most of my friends do not understand why I persist in this field. Thank you!
I consider a success the fact that within the last 6 months I have been in touch with someone who is helping me do some digital marketing. I’ve joined Linked In and found this group; I started a blog called “Be Brave, Lose the Beige” on wordpress; I’m learning to twitter. I created a series of sculptures entitled, “Santa’s 12 Tips for celebrating an Ideal Christmas” which I turned into Christmas cards. The cards are for sale in the Spirit of the Season holiday catalog and can be found at http://www.spiritoftheseasoncatalog.com/Seasonal.html.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:07 am
I have scheduled all final photo shoots and have finally talked to a web programmer who can make my online exhibition a reality. Things are moving ahead, and I’m very grateful to be manifesting this project at last!
December 1st, 2009 at 11:00 am
So when you write about a recent success, doesn’t it change your focus?
December 4th, 2009 at 12:49 am
ann , can we become rich frm art ?
December 4th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Some of the poorest and the riches people are artists.
Just look at how much money changes hands in the art business.
The question is how talented are you and how good are you at business.
It business that delivers the wealth, not just talent.
Both talent a business and marketing plan will be required to make any money at all.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:58 am
thank you 4 ur advice………..my one more question ”what is the 1st step to art selling??”
December 4th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Know what you are selling (what is your unique selling proposition) and to what target market.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:58 am
i want sell online, can i b success sell painting around the world……..and what to do 4 it ?? please help
December 5th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Hi Sanjay,
This is question is too broad for me to answer in a single post.
Best to you.
Ann
December 5th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Hi Sanjay,
I suggest that you apply for one-on-one coaching services….
http://artistswhothrive.com/index.php/get-coached/
Ann
December 5th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
ok, but what is the processes of one-on-one ??
December 6th, 2009 at 7:40 am
My services are artist coaching and consulting services are increasingly limited and I want to make sure that it’s a good fit.
So first I email you a series of questions.
If your answers qualify you for my services then we set up a ten-minute phone interview.
If the interview qualifies you we schedule one hour one-on-one phone coaching and consulting sessionsfor six months, one to four times a month depending on how ready you are to move forward.
Does that help?
December 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
The cool thing about successes is that they both teach you what worked, guide you on your path, and provide encouragement.
Failures do too.
Peace,
@vinylart
December 16th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’m a big believer in little successes add up to bigger ones. As a new working artist this is even more important. I recently took the advice of Keith Bond and hosted my first Open Studio. I sold two pieces and exposed new collectors to my paintings. Whoohoo!
December 16th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Congratulations!
December 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
BTW, Yes, I agree. It all starts with little successes that all add up.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Ann –
What a great idea. A forum about good things happening.
My recent success is that my reality-based abstract photographs were featured in The Christian Science Monitor, both online and in print: http://johnnordell.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-reality-based-abstract-photographs.html
Thank you for your interest
– John
February 5th, 2010 at 11:59 am
John-thanks for sharing your success!
Congratulations!
Ann
April 15th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hi Ann Rea,
Just stumbled upon your website, and I must say I’m hooked! Since the start of the year I just shifted my mindset and have accepted that if I want to succeed as an artist, I have to be a businesswoman as well.
My recent success last week was getting 2 radio shows, 1 tv show, and an international skate art & culture magazine to interview me, being commissioned to design a limited edition skate deck plus getting invited to speak at an emerging artist’s mini-forum, and getting my biggest (and priciest!
) painting sold on my last group show. These things to me are still unbelievable, because as recent as October last year I was still struggling to even get some cafes to show my work. I’ve done a few group shows before October last year, but I wasn’t in control of my art career then, I only thought if I exposed myself and my work enough, I could get “discovered”–biggest myth!
Like you I had a hiatus in painting-3 years, and only started painting again exactly a year ago. I have a background in advertising, and when I changed my mindset October last year that I have to define my “brand” and my “target market” instead of just wearing the artist hat and hoping for the best, things have started changing and opportunities started coming.
I still have a lot to learn, that’s why I’m so glad to come across your website. Very inspiring!
April 15th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Congratulations Meg! And thank you very much for sharing your successes.
August 24th, 2010 at 5:06 am
Where can I find convenient theme for WP? There are very good themes, but sometimes limited in settings. I installed last versions of Designora, Businezz, Red Steel, Traction, also I have installed also Heatmap – simple, but made for Ad-Sense. Rarely I can see something convenient but rich in settings.
September 18th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Pretty insightful post. Never thought that it was this simple after all. I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this subject clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Kudos to you! Keep it up
September 18th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
PYDsVm ouclbfhlfguo, [url=http://phndngrzmcgn.com/]phndngrzmcgn[/url], [link=http://cbtmulfykwei.com/]cbtmulfykwei[/link], http://ozqyslawotmr.com/
January 27th, 2011 at 9:32 am
and http://www.HattiesCountryStore.com
I had a dream….after exhibiting for many years in galleries….of creating my own gallery and studio on my own property. May of 2010, we started excavation, tree splitting, and building the gallery. We did…with the assistance of exceptional electricians, excavators…. It was finished in September 2010. Word got out, we advertised, sent postcards, made signs, and people come. They love it. One woman said, “Hattie’s is my new favorite shop!” A gallery in the country, surrounded by nature. My dream came true. I am still struggling with the best way to advertise and getting the word out. Inspiration is everything. Balance is the next part.
February 9th, 2011 at 10:32 am
I walked into my studio today with simple gratitude for the path of being an artist. This is not always the case. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the art and the business. Today, it’s great to have a journey and a great space to do it in. Simple.
February 9th, 2011 at 11:14 am
To earn your living do what you love is a rare privilege, and it’s one that you have earned. Your business will evolve and grow just like your music if you practice and approach it with the discipline you approach your music.
February 13th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Hi Ann,
My most recent success, after heeding your well timed input, was in deciding not to do pro-bono work. With that decision in place, I rethought a pro-bono project I was getting involved in, politely declined further involvement on a pro-bono basis and low and behold was told I would definitely be paid for my work moving forward.
Thanks, Ann!
April 1st, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Hi! I’ve been selling on Etsy and I believe its time to evaluate the pros and cons of having my own website again. When I say selling, I actually have sold an original, and 7 prints, and even got a commission all online! But I am not collecting a list of emails, which I know hurts me in the long run, and have heard that many artists do better when they offer more payment options than paypal.. I am having a difficult time figuring out what the next step for me is to get more info on your e-commerce tool..
As for – what has gone right this week – I just hung a small “Business of the Month” show at a local bank – part of my business plan was to cultivate a local following – even though I have been selling to a very small niche. I didn’t think the bank show would generate many sales but wanted to be identified in the community as an artist ( ok, identified by myself as an artist too!), so I did pursue it. Before I was even out the door, one of the tellers was asking if I could be commissioned to do a painting of her daughter!
Thanks! Patrice
April 1st, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Hi Patrice,
I wish that I could answer your questions in the space of an email reply but I can’t.
It sounds like it’s would be a wise investment to get an assessment, evaluate your business goals, and determine the best online strategy.
Ann
You can find more information here.
http://artistswhothrive.com/index.php/website-review-and-assessment/
And you can book this online here.
http://artistswhothrive.com/index.php/book-services
June 26th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Closing a mural contract, and moving into third phase of a referred color consultation.
I see again how each client is a fellow human being, wanting to do the right thing, get a fair deal, and have a good result. We are, all one.
June 27th, 2011 at 10:15 am
After a few months of struggling with perfecting a prototype for my “Bella Charms” line I put down my pliers and wore my piece to a party. I got orders for 3 “BFF” charms in the span of 1/2 an hour! When I got home I had an email order for another one. . .I haven’t even launched my new website featuring these charms yet. My instincts have been screaming that this line was a good idea for maybe 2 years. Now I’m really excited to get my webiste up and running! Listen to that little voice, it is always right.
July 7th, 2011 at 7:57 am
Hello Ann I am a British artist selling my work online and have sold really well since starting out in 2004, but the thing I am finding most challenging is being noted by the art world and gaining interest from publishers and galleries,which would give me more kudos,any tips to gain notice frm them?
Thank you Wendy
July 7th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Hi Wendy,
I don’t advocate the traditional permission based scarcity model.
I actually do not work with galleries or representatives and I publish my own work and maintain exclusive rights.
I have found that this is a better business model and much more profitable.
Ann
July 8th, 2011 at 2:11 am
Hi Ann
Thank you for the advice.
Kind Regards Wendy
July 12th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Two big successes. (l) Participated in our local Pro Arts Open Studios for the second time this June and had an absolute stranger come to purchase the vessel she saw int he catalog. Looked through every piece until she found it. Also attracted new customers and made a lot of friends with neighbors I never knew. Sales were as good as last year, but this time I sold to new people and not just my buddies. I also took some special orders!
(2) Had a client search me out because he broke the handle of his favorite mug. I still don’t know how he found me but his persistence and enthusiasm for my work was like a wonderful tonic. The mug was an experimental one that I really like making, so it was a double joy.
July 12th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Awesome!
October 5th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Ann, It has been a big week. I have packed paintings and they are delivered. A few went to a new gallery in Texas and 32 small paintings went to a another gallery for a small works show in Texas. Getting new gallery representation has been a goal for some time. I also have had painting sales with a group blog called Daily Painters. I have been marketing my paintings with my website blog and the group blog sites.
October 6th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Awesome! Thank you for sharing.
October 28th, 2011 at 11:56 am
I sell artwork to a narrow niche – rowers… I have not felt like a genuine part of the rowing community since I do not row. I have recently volunteered time at a large regatta and have had tremendous opportunities to discuss my artwork, sell a commission, and present myself as an artist in the community that I live in. Though donating paintings may be frowned upon – I also donated a painting to a rowing/breast cancer research charity. This has opened so many doors for me within the Boston rowing community – way beyond my expectations. I am now a recognized part of the rowing world because I care about many of the things that rowers do – and my productivity and sales and I didn’t have to get wet!
October 28th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Congratulations!
There’s nothing wrong with donating unless the artist does it with unrealistic expectations and or to their financial detriment. My company donates. Some of it is strategic and some of it is to simply add to the karmic bucket.
October 28th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing!
There is nothing wrong with donating unless it is done with unrealistic expectations around “exposure” or it is done to the artist’s financial determent.
My company donates. Some of it is strategic to gain access and favor with a target market and some of it is much more discreet and it is simply to add to the good karmic bucket.
November 12th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Ann, I’ve been enjoying reading the info you provide and this is a great forum for sharing. Thanks!
I’m very excited about one of my recent successes which is having my art featured on the packaging of 3 dark chocolate RiotBars by sweetriot, a company located in NYC, and their products are sold in Whole Foods Markets and other storesl http://sweetriot.com/
And another success would be that my Etsy Shop is growing and I’m making more print sales. http://www.etsy.com/shop/LGrugerArt
But what I need help on is selling more originals. I need some strategies for that. I’m moving to Prescott, AZ in a few weeks and will be reestablishing myself in a new market. It is a pivotal time to decide where to go and what to do next with my art.
November 19th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
My latest success was the sale of a metal sculpture. A contact I made about ayear ago bought the art from me. I sold the work on November 16th, 2011.
I needed some WAM-walking around money. I am at a point in my art life, that I don’t have to have a lot of money to live. I am a saver and not so much a spender. I am grateful.
November 19th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
I was successful in meeting Ms.Sandra Still Campbell yesterday. I went to the opening of the Clyfford Still
museum here in Denver. Ms. Campbell is the daughter of Clyfford Still, who is a very important abstract expressionist art . I was able to find out how Clyfford Still was able to operate outside of the New York art world. I mean financially. Ms. Campbell filled me in on the details.
December 28th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I finally got my website up–woo hoo!! http://www.kriswashingtoncarroll.com…It is still (and always will be) a work in progress, but the main pieces are there for me to start rockin and rollin with my business:) Thank you for this forum to share our successes…it is inspiring to read everyone’s successes and know that many more are on the way for all of us! Blessings.