One week ago, I attended an amazing workshop that is going to help me get my book to print. We spent an entire Saturday going over everything from titles to printing companies to distribution and marketing. I was nervous for my book’s title to come up for group discussion. We had reworked everyone else’s titles to the point of exhaustion to get them just right. I was going to be extremely sad and frustrated if they reworked mine. I was set on it. I was depending on it, in fact. My entire book was built around the title: I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. They loved my title! They didn’t touch a single word. Throughout the day I was encouraged more and more. I was apparently more prepared to go to print than I thought I was. In fact, most others in the group were envious of my mailing list and the three years I’ve spent blogging. They had just been told that blogging was where it’s at -- especially for authors trying to promote their books. The encouragement led to my pushing up my deadline. It’s headed to my content editor on July 25 so that I can enjoy a weeklong vacation. After that, it will go to the copyeditor, cover & book designers, and the printer. In the meantime, I have a group of artists coming over this week to tell me what they’d like the book to look and feel like. I’d love to hear your thoughts as well. Just go to the Art Biz Blog, http://www.artbizblog.com .

Get Organized

Online class begins July 11

Get organized before the summer is over. I’m adding another “Get Organized!” class for the summer. Clean out your clutter, organize your files, and set priorities. The gallery season is soon upon us. This summer’s classes are being conducted entirely on blogs! Lessons,
discussion, links, audio . . . everything on one blog that is for class members only.
 http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/organize.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

How to Document Your Art using Professional Guidelines

Complimentary Teleseminar, Tuesday, July 10

Are your inventory records a mess? Do you even have inventory records? Your inventory records are critical documentation for your career. You might as well get them right so you don't have to go back in ten years and try to reconstruct all of your accomplishments. In this complimentary teleseminar, Harriete Estel Berman will cover the essential information you should be keeping for each artwork. To sign up: http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/document.html

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Search for Validation

The validation of my book title by peer authors meant the world to me. I could see that all of my hard work is paying off and that I’m headed in the right direction. I needed to hear this. I unknowingly needed the validation to put the book publication into high gear.

Do you have this kind of validation in your life?

All too often, artists are brought down by those closest to them. Well-meaning parents don’t want you to be an artist because it isn’t a viable way to earn a living. Teachers criticize your sky because it isn’t blue. Spouses don’t understand your need to have this part of your life just for yourself, which brings about all kinds of feelings that range from neglect to envy.

In the meantime, you have to make art. And you’re just trying to build an audience. Things aren’t really moving. They aren’t really selling. You don’t know how to make your next move. You realize that you have to make art, whether or not anyone sees it, but you’d feel a lot better about things if there were someone in your life who was your cheerleader.

I’m more fortunate than most. I have an incredibly supportive family and husband. The family didn’t really understand why I’d leave my prestigious museum job to bust out on my own, but they’ve become enthusiastically proud. Not only do I have this support, I have the amazing artist community I’ve built on ArtBizCoach.com and the Art Biz Blog. Sure, I have the occasional critic, but most everyone is genuinely appreciative and kind.

I want you to have the same thing in your life. When those closest to you aren’t your biggest fans, it’s time to find new friends. We all need cheerleaders in order to continue building our dreams as we go down this crazy path called life.