My husband broke his ankle last week while he was ice climbing. I couldn’t be too angry because I had given him some fancy new tools to use and was just glad he was using him. But it’s been a whirlwind. First the emergency room, then the doctor’s office a couple of days later, then the acupuncturist, then back to the pharmacy. Did I mention it’s his right (driving) ankle? Life has a way of interrupting even the best-laid plans. And, yet, we have to plan or we flounder. I was extremely proud of myself when I submitted my goals to my coach before our last check-in a few weeks ago. Just happy to get them done and see them on paper. She, being the coach that she is, pushed me. She “challenged” (a favorite word of hers) me to write down the action steps it will take to accomplish each goal. Ah, the tables were turned. It’s exactly what I do with my coaching clients! Read how in today’s main article. Here’s hoping that Punxsutawney Phil was right last Friday. Crutches, snow, and ice just don’t go together.

Don't Get Ripped Off, Parts 1 & 2: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Artwork

Teleseminar recording (Part 1) and Live Class (February 6)

If you missed last week’s class on copyright, you have one week to listen to this information before the advanced copyright class on February 6.
$34.95 for both classes. Sign up now.

Promote Your Art with Confidence

Online class begins February 14

Offered just once a quarter, this very popular class is back. The lessons are packed with self-promotion tools, hints, and lots of extras you need for promoting your art. The $99 fee includes an entire month of lessons and interaction with artists of all kinds (and me!). Sign up now.
 

What Artists Need to Know About the Artist-Gallery Relationship

Teleseminar with Paul Dorrell Wednesday, February 21, 8 p.m. EST

Gallery dealer Paul Dorrell will be my special guest for this teleseminar. Paul is the author of the acclaimed book “Living the Artist’s Life” and has much to say about the artist-gallery relationship. Just $14.95 for the seminar. Sign up now.

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Duane Gordon, Against The Rocks, 2006. Oil on canvas, two panels, 20" x 16 inches each. ©The Artist   http://www.duanegordon.com

Break It Down

One-twelfth of the year is already over. How are you doing on your goals?

Having a goal is one thing. Figuring out how to attain it is another. The goal is the big kahuna--the end result. But the baby steps will get you there. If you have a big goal, as you should, break it down into small, manageable action steps. Set deadlines and figure out the path. Do the same thing for your big projects.

Let’s imagine you have a goal to have a new body of work ready to show by February 1, 2008. Saying that isn’t enough. Writing it isn’t enough. You have to do whatever possible to help you reach it. Your action steps might be:

• Spend x# hours researching new theme (online or in the library) and figure out direction by April 1, 2007.

• Order new material (stretchers, clay, paper, paint, metal, etc.) by April 15, 2007.

• Block out ten hours each week for uninterrupted studio hours.

• Update mailing list on the last day of every month. (Hey, you’re having an exhibit. You have to have people to tell about it!)

• Complete all work by December 31, 2007.

• Take work to photographer by January 5, 2008.

Or perhaps your big goal is to be represented by a Chicago gallery by December 1, 2010. Again, break it down:

• Research Chicago galleries online for two hours each week.

• Visit a new gallery each week (if you live there) . . . or . . .

• Visit ten galleries during my trip to Chicago in September 2007 (if you don’t).

• Add galleries that are a good fit to my mailing list by December 1 2007.

( You might also want to check out the Art Biz Report, “Approach Galleries without Fear: An Easy and Comfortable Strategy for Artists.”