I was so excited to head to Michigan this past weekend. My workshops don’t always seem to fall at the most appropriate time on my calendar and I end up dreading the travel. But they’re always fun once I start meeting the artists. For some reason, this one came at just the right time. I couldn’t wait to pack up and get on the plane--even though it was Friday the 13th! I needed to feel the energy of a large group of artists who were enthusiastic about sharing their work with the world. It reminds me why I do what I do. I get that in emails from satisfied clients or on a phone consultation with someone I’m really able to motivate. Still, there’s just something about a room full of artists . . . This particular workshop was my second in Jackson, Michigan. Last year we worked on self-promotion basics and this year everyone went home with a marketing plan to act on. Here’s hoping that we all take our plans and put them into motion. Here’s to hoping we’re so excited about our work that nothing can hold us back. To your enthusiasm,

How To Profit from the Print Market Today

Teleseminar -  Tuesday, April 24, 6 p.m. (MT)

Barney Davey, an expert in art reproductions, is my guest for this teleseminar. Fresh back from Art Expo New York, Davey will share his insights from this year’s event. He’ll talk about the market and whether or not it’s a good time for you to get into publishing your work. He’ll also give you a wish list for the publisher’s ideal artist. Just $9.95 for the call, handouts, and recording if enrolled before the teleseminar ($14.95 after). http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/davey.html

Michigan Art Marketing Workshop

Live workshop, Saturday, May 5

I take my “How to Promote Your Art with Confidence” show on the road again, but this time it’s just a short drive up the I-70 hill. This all-day workshop is highly motivating, while containing lots of practical information you can use right away. You can see sample content at http://www.artbizcoach.com/workshops/promote.html

The details are on the registration form:
http://www.artbizcoach.com/workshops/eacflyer.doc

Exhibit Your Art

Online class begins Wednesday, May 9

This class is for you if you have an exhibit coming up or you want to be better prepared for your next one. Everything from curating your work to installing it and getting ready for your opening is covered. http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/exhibit.html
 

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Share, Don't Sell

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times from artists: “I don’t want to sound like a used car salesman when I sell my work.” My response: Who says you have to do that?

Sales talk is hard for most artists. Heck, it’s difficult for most people in general. It’s unnatural and it usually doesn’t work. Too many people are turned off by it. Sales these days are the result of building relationships over a period of time. They’re about showing people you care about them. And what better way to show you care than to share your art with them?

People want to see your work. They just don’t know it yet. You haven’t been overly generous in sharing it with them.

Until you can muster up enough enthusiasm about your work, you’re going to have a painful time trying to sell it. If you’re at all shy about sharing your work with others, it won’t go unnoticed. People can sense discomfort and it might be taken as lack of confidence.
Guess what? We don’t want to buy art from unconfident artists. We want to buy art from artists who believe in themselves and their message. We want to get caught up in your creativity, ideas, and excitement.

Are you ready to get excited about your work? Are you ready to share it? Can you get to the point where you wake up each morning excited o share your work with the world? Can you create a fever to connect with more people?

If you can, how will you put it into action? How will you share your art? Of course, you’ll share it in exhibitions, but also on your website, blog, and in conversation. And you don’t want to forget sharing about your work in newsletters, emails, and regular mailings.

You need the right language to share your work. Write about your art. Think about your art. Talk about your art. If you haven’t started journaling, do so right now. You can also use an audio journal in the form of a digital voice recorder. Anything to get the words down.

If you need more structure, look into “The Relatively Pain-Free Artist Statement,” my e-book that helps you write and speak more effectively about your art.
http://www.artbizcoach.com/resources/statement.html