Listening to a lawyer talk about copyright may not sound like how you want to spend your time this Tuesday, but, as Cynthia Morris reminded me, it’s like spinach: You don’t really like it, but you know it’s good for you so you eat it. I encourage you to look into the two upcoming copyright teleseminars with Kevin Houchin and eat your spinach for the good of your career. On another subject, I had a terrific time in Georgia and South Carolina last week. It’s always neat to meet people who have been long-time (or short-time) subscribers to this newsletter. My workshop was held under far less than ideal circumstances: it took place in the open restaurant next to the entry of the hotel. It was noisy and distracting and the make-up of my audience kept changing with each break--something that was foreign to me up to that point. But I survived. It made me think of all of the times that you have to show your art in less-than-ideal situations. You buck up, do it (because you committed), and then figure out what you’d do differently next time. In other words, we’re constantly trying to move up to better venues, better audiences. Because of the smaller audience I had in Anderson, I have some leftover printed copies of my books, so I’m having a sale. Only 5 copies of each remain. First come, first served. See the blog for details: Hope to hear you on Tuesday’s call,

Don't Get Ripped Off, Part 1: The Basics and Myths of Copyright for Visual Artists

Teleseminar on Tuesday, January 23, 8 p.m. EST (one hour)

Does the word "copyright" make your ears itch? Or maybe it just puts you to sleep?
Are you frozen to the point of inaction out of fear of having your concepts and images stolen?

The business of art and knowledge of copyright laws go hand in hand, unfortunately many artists are actually operating under several myths that just won’t seem to go away.

Polish up your understanding of how copyright laws affect your business by joining arts and entertainment attorney Kevin Houchin for two 60-minute copyright teleseminars.

This is legal advice that you'd normally pay $200-600 an hour for! (As my coach, Cynthia Morris, might say, this is like spinach. You know it’s good for you, but you don’t want to eat it. Trust me, you need to hear it.) $24.95 for the one teleseminar or $34.95 for this and the advanced one on February 6. Sign up now.

How to Tap into Daily Actions to Accomplish Your Goals in the New Year

Teleseminar recording

Kick off the New Year with a promise to make it your best ever! Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, who writes a daily action-oriented newsletter, shares with us the power of consistent, focused action. Think of everything you could accomplish if you took a single step toward your goal each day. Just $14.95. Nab this recording for your iPod or computer:
 
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FEATURE ARTICLE

Start a Salon

Kim Power, Enid. Hand-dyed , hand-embroidered, hand-beaded, machine quilted raw silk, 38 x 30.5 cm. (c) The Artist  http://www.kimpower.net

Every time I get out from behind this computer and talking to artists face-to-face, I am reminded how isolated many of you are. It seems crazy. In this world of instant email, cell phones, and all kinds of other fancy communication gadgets, we’re still working alone.

One of the best things you can do for your career is to become more connected to the artists around you. You will learn about opportunities from each other and, more importantly, you will receive emotional support from others who are walking the same path. As my friend Rachelle Disbennett-Lee is fond of saying: “You can do it on your own, but you don’t have to do it alone.” And why would you even want to? Connections are everything these days. Think about how many artists are out there vying for our attention. If you stay in your home or studio all of the time, how will you meet people who can help you get ahead?

I encourage all of my clients to join and get involved with an artist organization. I hope that you’ll do the same. Not just to add to your resume, but to have meaningful dialogue and to form long-lasting bonds with other artists. I realize that you have to find the right fit. Don’t join an organization if their members’ goals aren’t the same as yours. You’ll just end up being frustrated. Join to be in touch with like-minded people.

You know you’re in the right organization when you look forward to seeing the members and attending the various programs. You even await each business meeting with eagerness! You like to be around the members because they light a fire within you. You get ideas while you’re around them and you’re motivated when you leave their presence. They remind you how vibrant it can be to lead the life of an artist.

You know you’re in the wrong organization when you dread the meetings and functions. It’s also a wrong fit if you’re the only one providing answers and stepping up to the plate when needed.

Not all communities will have a terrific organization for you to join. That’s why I started the art-marketing salons at ArtBizConnection.com. I wanted to see artists all over the world getting together and supporting each other in their businesses and careers. Why not start a salon today? It’s absolutely free and I provide all of the tools.