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October 23, 2006
As you read this, I'm on my way back from
a long weekend in Washington State. I spent all day Saturday giving a
self-promotions workshop for artists in Winthrop. About half of the
participants drove five hours or more from Seattle, Tacoma, and points
beyond to join us. And we had a fantastic time.
One of the things I do in my workshops is
cajole artists into uncomfortable situations--situations that force them
to meet and talk with other artists they have never before met. I do
this because that's what good self-promoters do. They realize that in
order to get ahead, they're going to have to get out of their studio and
meet people. Other artists, curators, arts leaders, collectors,
dealers. You have to come across them at some
point in your career. Why postpone the inevitable?
If the thought of this is daunting, rest
assured that you are not alone. Not everyone enjoys attending art
openings, networking events, or parties. Thinking about coming out of
your protective environment, you might fear:
- What if I don't know anyone
there?
- How do I break the ice and
introduce myself?
- What if no one wants to talk to
me?
- How do I carry on a conversation
after the ice is finally broken?
- What if someone actually asks me
about my art? I haven't talked about it much. I might say
something wrong.
These hesitancies are understandable, but
don't let the fear paralyze you into inaction. Continue challenging
yourself. Ask my favorite questions:
What's the worst that can happen
if I put myself in this uncomfortable
situation?
What's the best that can happen as
a result of putting myself in this
uncomfortable situation?
Which is easier to live with?
Look around you. The world is full of
artists. If curators, arts dealers, collectors and dealers aren't
running into you, they're running into other artists who are getting
uncomfortable and getting ahead.
ACTION STEPS TO TAKE
Know
This...
You have to get uncomfortable to get ahead.
Think About This...
What's the worst that can happen?
Do This...
Get uncomfortable. Resolve that you're going to make yourself attend
openings and parties that you would otherwise miss out of fear. Know
that being uncomfortable is a temporary state. If you keep putting
yourself out there, you'll soon be right at home in almost any
situation.
How do you conquer your fears of unknown situations? I have a suggestion
and want to hear yours on the
Art Biz Blog.
Heard on the Art Biz Blog
I received oodles of comments this week about pricing.
From Terri Garcia:
"I heard of a jeweler who had high but fair prices. When his customers
would complain of the prices he would explain what went into his work.
If they still complained he would say 'I guess you just can't afford my
work'. If they left without making the purchase they almost always came
back. . . . "
From Jennie Rosenbaum:
"This was such a helpful newsletter and blog post for me, I tend to be a
bit wishywashy on prices, twice I've let galleries alter my prices and
I've always regretted it - well, no more! I'm going to make up my charts
and stick to it! . . . "
Read lots more at
http://www.artbizblog.com
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Live Art Marketing Action Workshops
I had a wonderful time
with artists in Winthrop, Washington last Saturday. There's nothing like
connecting in person! Join me at these upcoming
workshops:
Nov. 4: Wilmington, DE
Nov. 11; Salida, CO
Find out
more.
TELESEMINARS
Teleseminars tackle big
subjects with expert presenters in a short period of time--all over a
phone line. You can read more about them by following any of the links
below. Get Online Without Spending a Fortune
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. MDT -
$14.95
Are you still without a website? Confused at the mere mention of ISP or
URL? Wondering what the basic steps are for getting your own website?
You're not alone! Trust me. There are still many, many artists sans
website. For that reason, I asked Patricia Velte to be my guest for a
teleseminar tackling the ABCs of artists' websites. Patricia is my Web
guru and is also a Web designer for a number of artists. If you've been
waiting to take the online plunge, this 60-minute teleseminar is just
for you.
Sign up now!
What Copyright Laws Mean For You
Wednesdays Nov. 1 & Nov. 8
Only $34.95 for two teleseminars
Do you wonder what you should be doing about copyright laws? Are you
frozen to the point of inaction out of fear of having your concepts and
images stolen? Attorney Kevin Houchin covers everything you need to know
in tow teleseminars. (Think of what the attorney fees would be for two hours of
consultation!)
Sign up now!
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THIS WEEK:
►Make
a pricing chart for your art
►Bathtub Art Museum
►Meeting
people at parties and openings
Find out more:
Art Biz
Blog
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Individual Consultations Writing and Editing
Ongoing Support Marketing Plans Classes
Paving Your Career Path Setting Up
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