Art Marketing Q & A

We want emerging artists to succeed. That's why we did an Art Marketing Q & A.

If you want to review the class, or missed it, you can order the recording for just $15.00. Click here.

"Thank You VERY much for tonight's session. ...  awesome information! I would rate your session 9.5!! I have learned a lot and will be sifting through my notes and have a list I've already started on the topics I want to focus on first. I have a lot of things to think about and work on as an emerging artist... I was thrilled to find out I'm doing a lot of things right (at least I think I am from what I learned this evening), but I am getting there a little more slowly than I'd like (full-time real job gets in the way sometimes)." Jackie P.W.

We collected questions, and I answered 12 of them in as much detail as I could pack in the time we had. You know I like to give you information that you can use. I had to talk fast so strap on your speed listening!

1. What suggestions you have for surviving - and thriving - in this economy?
2. Is a written business plan a must for artists?
3. Is there a good way to purge my studio of my old work and recoup expenses? How to encourage my collectors to buy more of my work?
4. How should I price my art?  Should I consider tiered pricing such as entry level prices for prints and small works up to higher pricing for richer prints/original works?
5. I'd like advice about identifying my target market and how to reach them. Traditional business methods of defining your target market and ideal customer seems so bogus and "pie-in-the-sky."  How does an artist come up with a reality-based, targeted approach to define these two important elements of marketing plan development?
6. I have not approached any galleries as I am still assembling and creating the body of work that I want to present. How can I determine which gallery is the one most likely to want to promote my work? How do I decide which pieces are the best to present? Should I plan on approaching several galleries in different regional areas to see what the response might be or just start with one area and keep looking until I find one that will hang my paintings?
7. I want to understand how self-marketing and selling (websites, blogs, Etsy) play into the gallery space.  If I submit to galleries, will they frown upon this type of self-promotion (and potential lost sales through channels like Etsy and my own web site)?  Do I need to choose one or the other? 
8. I find it hard to "own" my artistic ambitions and put my work into the world, especially in front of people I know already -- I'm afraid that they will dislike my work and judge me. I know this is an obstacle to success. Any strategies or advice?
9. Is it best to invest in your own camera and take your own pictures for prints or have a professional photograph my work?
10. I have been contacted by e-mail re submitting my work to on line galleries.  How can you judge the sites honesty and ability to promote the work?
11. Where is the best place to have prints made?
12. How much work do I need before I can start marketing? Is it a detriment to have a few different styles? Would you need 2 separate web sites to market properly and how would you market yourself as 2 different artists?

 
If you want to review the class, or missed it, you can order the recording for just $10.00. Click here.

"I really enjoyed the Art Marketing Q & A.  It helped me refocus.  I had some health issues earlier this year that slowed down my art production.  I'm having to rethink what I'm doing and where I'm heading. It was a good session and like it said, it helped me refocus.  Thanks"  A.C.T. Graduate Shirley J.
 
Such a deal! This class would normally retail for $29.95 but it's our way of spreading the art marketing love. This is an exceptionally low price, so please do the right thing and do not share the link. Instead. Let your friends know where they can get their own copy by forwarding this link: http://tinyurl.com/1stArtMktgQ-A.

Sixty minutes could save you a ton of frustration and open up the tap to get the money flow going.






PS If you are really committed to making progress NOW, and want to get the jump on the New Year, ask Aletta about her popular JumpStart Package. Special introductory rates for artists who qualify. E-mail Aletta@ArtistCareerTraining.com.

Learning Opportunities to Help Artists Make More Money

Free Art Business Tips:  How to Use Print Promotional Tools

If you are on a tight budget, our series of practical tips will help you use effective, low-cost marketing tools to promote your art with class. So far we have covered:

Your Promotional Identity

Business Cards and Cover Letters to introduce yourself and your art

Postcards, Rack Cards, Flyers, Brochures and Catalogues and Portfolios to broadcast information about yourself and your art and packets to make a direct connection.

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Free Download: Please forward to artist friends.

Treat your art business like any other serious profession. The business of art is creating unique work of high quality and value to your viewers. The art of business is consistently building sustainable relationships through strategic work habits and well-organized business systems.
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Sponsored Spotlight:

If you were away last month, you might have missed the announcement of our newest e-book "Affordable Marketing That Really Works For You" Your website, online marketing, and printed marketing materials by Robin Sagara.
 
Take a peek inside and read Part 1 here.
Buy Now for $29.95
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Road Trip

Art Marketing 101 For Smart Artists: The 7 P's Of Marketing Your Art
Friday, October 22, 2010 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM  Fr129  Register

Avoiding the business side of art is like driving down unknown country roads in the dark without headlights: you don't know what your destination looks like. You might end up down the wrong road, or worse yet, run out of gas. If you want to attract more collectors, gallery dealers and museum curators, you must know how to market your art. It doesn't have to be hard, boring or expensive. You just need a system and you have to use it consistently. Imagine having a reliable vehicle for marketing your art, with high beams to focus on the best way to save you time, money and energy. Learn to navigate the seven stages in the journey. You will leave this class with a marketing map that will help you drive your business so that you have a better year than ever. Then all you have to do is steer.

Related e-books available at www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-marketing.

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The Artist Who Tells The Best Story Wins
Friday, October 22, 2010 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM  Fr272 Register
 
Your art doesn't speak for itself - you do. At the heart of your marketing is a series of conversations designed to build a bridge between you, your art and your audience of art lovers and art professionals. The purpose of a persuasive presentation or conversation is to provide the audience with good reasons to look closely at your work, tells others about it and buy it. Learning to talk about your work to anyone, anytime, anywhere pays big dividends. On the list of people's greatest fears, public speaking has first place, while "death" is seventh. It only takes a few skills to start moving forward from fear into your comfort zone. You just need to know how to start, continue and end conversations. Learn how to plan what you want to say, say what you want your audience to hear and remember what you planned to say. The artist who tells the best story wins.

Related e-books available at http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-marketing.

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Multiple Sources of Art Income: Alternative Spaces, Galleries And Licensing
Friday, October 22, 2010 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM  Fr313  Register

It's better to have your eggs in more than one basket if you want to make a good living as an artist. In this class you will learn the following:

• When you sell directly to collectors, you don't have to share the commission with a gallery. You'll reach people who find traditional art galleries too intimidating and who like to buy art directly from the artist. Gallery dealers love working with artists who have built a healthy mailing list and already have satisfied collectors as proof of the ability to make art that sells.
• When you get a gallery to represent you, you get an exhibit venue and help with all the marketing. You reach a qualified audience loyal to the gallery with trust in the dealer's work and artists. In return, you pay a commission.
• If your work has wide appeal, you can become a household name and earn royalties by licensing your art to manufacturers.

You can choose one of these sources of income or all three. Find out what is involved so you can make the right choice.

Related e-books available at www.artbusinesslibrary.com/artist-money-matters.

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Who Are You And What Is Your Art All About? Your Artist Statement And Audio-Logo
Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM  Sa129  Register

You only have one chance to create a great first impression. If you blow that chance, there are hundreds of other artists just waiting to step up and take your place at the front of the line. You need to pique interest right away and stimulate curiosity. Learn how to answer the question "What do you do?" (Hint: The answer is not, "I am an artist.") You need an artist statement that is complete, concise and memorable. Learn how to create a 10 - 12 word introduction that leaves people wanting to know more. Learn how to write or improve your artist statement for your current body of work, making every word count; how to handle your fears; why some artist statements "shine and others whine"; and how to describe your art so that others are eager to enjoy your vision. You will learn what to include or exclude so that any art lover at any age can understand it. This class is based on reading thousands of bad artist statements, and editing a few hundred good ones.

Related e-books available at www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-marketing.

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The Goldilocks Pricing Method
Saturday, October 23, 2010 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  Sa270  Register

Are you worried that your prices are "too high" or "too low"? Get your prices "just right" or you will be marketing like a character in a fairy tale. "Guessing", "Rules of Thumb" and "By-the-Inch" pricing can get you in trouble. Good pricing of your art is simply good business. Your prices must be consistent and appropriate for all audiences and art markets in which you show and sell your work. Gallery dealers and experienced collectors see enough art to have a built-in sense of an appropriate price. It is your job to be equally versed and to set credible prices that will attract buyers and representatives. Learn the mistakes to avoid; how to calculate your costs; how to set your prices; when to raise your prices; how to include gallery commissions; and how to handle requests for discounts. You will leave with a 10-factor formula that will give you the confidence to stand behind your prices and get paid what your art is worth.

Based on the E-Book and Recording "Pricing Your Work to Sell" and the softcover book "Pricing Your Work With Confidence." (Sold separately at www.artbusinesslibrary.com/artist-money-matters.)

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How To Build A Healthy Art Business That Leads To Sales: Nine Marketing Strategies To Get More Exposure For Your Art
Saturday, October 23, 2010 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM  Sa272  Register

You don't get a fit body by going to the gym once in a while. You need willpower, an exercise program, many repetitions and the occasional tip from a qualified trainer. The same goes for keeping your art business in shape. Simplify the job of building your art business with nine marketing actions.

This workshop is based on the Artist Career Training mantra "Exposure = Success", used and proven by an international online artist community of emerging, mid-career and established artists. www.artistcareertraining.com/featured-artists

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Create A Great Marketing Packet, Not Just A Good One!
Sunday, October 24, 2010 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Su123 Register

Do you have powerful images of your body of work? Do you write enticing descriptions of your life as an artist? Do you showcase your art career accomplishments? Create a memorable professional marketing portfolio to stand out in a crowded art world. Get step-by-step instructions and see examples developed by a gallery dealer including: cover letters, resume, artist's statement, press and reviews, visuals, inventory list, and presentation of the portfolio. Gallery dealers and arts writers nationwide will acclaim your presentation and ask to meet you.

Based on 75 item assessment tool, detailed checklists, samples and templates in the Artist Career Training E-Book & Recording "Creating Your Professional Portfolio." (Sold separately at www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-marketing)

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Bust That Starving Artist Myth (And 11 Others)
Sunday, October 24, 2010 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM  Su257  Register

You don't have to suffer to be a true artist. Even the archetypal starving artist Vincent van Gogh wasn't doing so badly. He came from a wealthy family of gallery dealers and worked in an important gallery for six years. The "starving artist" myth is just one of many false beliefs about how artists live and work. These persistent myths are deep-rooted in society but as artists we need to educate people because when people devalue the "real job" of being an artist, they also downgrade your art. Artists who shed these misconceptions release trapped creative energy. Attend this workshop and bust 12 common myths with the realities that successful working artists know to be true. Build a thriving career with a solid foundation based on four cornerstones about your career, your art business, art marketing and art sales.

Based on working with artists who don't buy into these myths and make 6-figure incomes!
www.artistcareertraining.com/art-business-overview  



 
P.S. Are you on Facebook, Twitter and/or Linked In? Let's connect and keep in touch in between posts! Just click on these images and let me know what you found useful about this tip:    And please include a link to the Art Marketing Blog so other artists can benefit.

Learning Opportunities to Help Artists Make More Money

 "It has been very important for me to update my skills on an ongoing basis for a number of different reasons. I have had to seek out new skills to be able to produce just about everything I have ever made. The idea I have for a piece drives the materials, processes and techniques I use. Often the work, although conceptually similar with other work I've made, will bear little physical resemblance. The process of gaining the knowledge and skills to make the piece becomes part of the work itself."
   ~ Mindy Rose Schwartz 

   www.chicagoartistsresource.org/music/node/67

If you like to learn in the company of other artists, residencies are a great way to learn.  You also get more than one result for your time and money:

• You add practical skills and useful knowledge to what you already know.

• While you network with other artists you may find out about places to exhibit your work.

• You can use the expenses as a tax deduction.

"One of the greatest luxuries an artist can have is a day in which nothing has to be done. No one to see, nowhere to go, just the gorgeousness of all those unsubscribed minutes and hours, occurring to be used as one most passionately wants. In real life such days are rare, but here we are given that extraordinary gift every day."
   ~Peter Cameron

"Artists' residencies (also called artists' communities, colonies, retreats, workspaces, and studio collectives) provide dedicated time and space for creative work. Beyond this core value, these creative communities are a diverse group, and provide artists of all disciplines with many different styles and models of support. Watch a short video about Djerassi Resident Artists Program, one example of a retreat-style residency, located in Woodside, California. Read more about artist residencies here: www.artistcommunities.org/about-residencies

Successful artists never stop learning. There are learning opportunities out there for every type of learning style, every budget and every topic. You don't have to live in a major city. Check out posters at your local art store or go on-line if you live in a rural area.

 

Sponsored Spotlight: Art Licensing
So you have decided to earn an income by licensing your art to manfacturers who will put your art on products.  Now what? How do you find companies that license art?  Do all companies license art?

If you are curious about how to market your designs check out this learning tool with Tara Reed: "How to Find and Interact with Manufacturers Who License Art"

• How do companies find art to put on products?
• How do you find companies that license art?
• What do you do if you are afraid of picking up the phone?
• What are the key attitudes to succeed in licensing and in particular, with talking to manufacturers?
• What are the main tips when you have a client? 
• How do you stay connected and build the relationship?
• Why is follow-up so important?

If licensing is new to you, here are three highly recommended resources to help you decide whether or not you should license your art:

1. Read these A.C.T. tips :
   ~ "License Your Work to Make More Money from Your Originals"
   ~ "Five Questions That Will Help You Decide If Art Licensing Might be a Fit For You and Your Art"
   ~ "Three Steps For Artists Who Think They Want to License Their Art"
   
   
2. Check out this book: "Art Licensing 101" in The Art Business Library.
   
   
3. Order this recording and PDF of Tara Reed's* TeleClass:
   ~ "Five Things Artists Should Consider Before Deciding to License Your Art"
   
   

How are you making your art business blossom? Share your stories about your business cards here. (Click Here and leave a comment on the blog.)

P.S. *FTC disclosure: When we find artists who have deep, proven experience in a topic that will help you make a better living making art, we put them front and center.  When these fine folks offer services and products that are first class, sometimes we agree to help each other get the word out to you with an "affiliate" arrangement, which means that we will earn a small commission for referring you to their resources. Those are marked with an * asterisk on our web site, in ArtMatters! and our tips.





How to stay on your path to success...

It's spring! I've had a surge of energy and have been reviewing learning materials I've used to help me over the past year and am finding it very useful and motivating. And you? If so, here are some links to past topics that are worth reviewing, if I do say so myself  ;-D

Recent topics include how to create great marketing materials, starting with getting great images to use in your portfolio and other places. Last week I gave you some tips on designing and getting it all printed so you can get them done and get back to doing what you love most - making your art. And I've talked about how we can support you on your path to success.

Back in October of last year I did an eight-part series called "Affordable Marketing That Really Works for You." I'm working on the audio version of that series (so you can listen while you work on your art), newly updated and expanded and to be accompanied by a nice, fat PDF file you can reference. Here's my shameless marketing plug: Want to be notified when it's ready and get a special bonus for being one of the first ten people to buy it?  Email me and I'll put you on my "Top 10" list, then look for an email from me next month. I promise that the bonus will be worth the wait!

Aletta gave you some pretty awesome info over the last year as well. Read some of my favorites: Art Marketing is Not Just for Extroverts,  How To Put Your Best Foot Forward and Not Trip Over Yourself, and one that fits with Aletta's Tip this week - Five Questions That Will Help You Decide If Art Licensing Might be a Fit For You and Your Art.

All my best to you and yours,

Robin Sagara
Web Marketing Mentor
robin@artistcareertraining.com