So . . . I’ve been working steadily on my book. The book, as I’ve said previously, is the result of five years' worth of writing this newsletter and teaching online classes. It has as much to do with what I’ve learned from you as it does with my training and opinions. It’s an interesting process writing a book. In truth, there are no rules. I can do it any way I like and take as long as I like. And, let me tell you, this puppy has taken a long time. And it’s changed drastically. I imagine it’s as if I’ve been working on the same canvas for 18 months. The longer I look at it and think about it, the more I want to change it. I want it to be the best it can be. My self-imposed June 1 deadline will be met. I WILL have a solid first draft of my book. I will know exactly what it is and what it isn’t. That last part is really important. After these many months, I realized it was silly to try to put everything into a single book. I can’t be all things to all artists and still do a good job. So . . . I take breaks from my book to keep up with my other work, like writing this newsletter. With the leadership changes in Britain and France, this seems like an appropriate topic. More power to you,

Become an Online Art Magnet:
How to Increase Traffic with Links, Keywords and Blogs

Teleseminar -  Wednesday, May 23, 6 p.m. MT

Clint Watson is back by popular demand! His last teleseminar, “How to Create a Website that Sells,” almost sold out and the recorded version has been equally popular. Clint will share the only two things you really need to know about search engines; how to build an ever-increasing amount of site traffic; simple actions you can take each day to increase your site’s popularity; and how to properly use links, keywords and blogs. Just $9.95 before the call. http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/webtraffic.html

Be Part of My Inner Circle

Become an Inner Circle member and get weekly audio recordings, a premium newsletter, and much more. It’s all just $10 for the first two months. Read the details and sign up:
http://www.artmarketingaction.com
 

Promote Your Art With Confidence

Online class begins Wednesday, June 11

This special summer edition of my popular class will last about 2.5 months. The lesson deliveries will be slowed down so you can do the work at a more leisurely pace. Nail everything from your 10-second introduction to networking skills to your marketing materials.
http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/promote.html
 

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Assume Power

Last week, I posted the five principles for no-excuses art marketing, which are woven throughout the book I’m working on. I don’t know what took me so long to come up with these because I’ve been rattling them off at each and every workshop I give. They are also prominent in my coaching and classes.

The first principle, I believe, is the most important. It goes like this:

“You are in charge. You have control over words, prices, artwork, and your image. People will take as much power from you as you give them. Guard your power carefully. Accept 100% responsibility for your actions and make no excuses.”

There are very few times in anyone’s career when they feel like they have all the power. For an artist, the power appears to be in the hands of galleries, curators, granting agencies, collectors . . . anyone but you! It’s easy for this to overwhelm you. It’s easy to allow it to plunge you into victim mode--particularly when you’re hanging out with a cadre of other artists who have chosen complaining over taking action. But all of these people have only as much power over you as you give them.

When you agree to stop playing the victim and accept 100% responsibility, you’ve taken the leap to being a more professional artist. You will ultimately be a more fulfilled and productive human being.

In his book “The Success Principles,” which I never tire quoting, Jack Canfield writes:

“You only have control over three things in your life--the thoughts you think, the images you visualize, and the actions you take (your behavior). How you use these three things determines everything you experience. If you don’t like what you are producing and experiencing, you have to change your responses. Change your negative thoughts to positive ones. Change what you daydream about. Change your habits. Change what you read. Change your friends. Change how you talk.”

I couldn’t have said it better.

What are the other four principles guiding no-excuses art marketing? Take a look and share your thoughts on the Art Biz Blog: http://www.artbizblog.com/2007/05/principles_of_n.html