My schedule last week was full of decisions that had to be made for my book. Like most things that take up time, these decisions intruded on my usual schedule and I had to take time for them. Selecting fonts is exhausting! Then I had to decide on the size, the spacing, the headings, the running headers, and on and on and on. No, I’m not designing the book myself. I’m working with a professional. But she wants to give me what I envision--if only I had been envisioning. I may not know what I want, but I know what I don’t want. The book is 6 x 9 inches (width x height--the opposite of art, which is always height x width). It’s going to be printing in Minion font with Frutiger used sparingly for headings and samples. Page numbers and titles at the top flush outside. Chapter titles beginning about 1/3-down the page. Who knew this many decisions had to be made to produce a book? The thing is . . .  I want this to be 110% professional in every way. That’s why I had two editors rake it over the coals before it went to the designer. Oh, and the book cover? It’s almost done, too! I can’t wait to share it with you. Decisively,

Save $50 on smartARTist™

smARTist™ is running a special discount on their 2007 Telesummit  before smARTist™ 2008 launches.  The price drops from $297 to just $247 for ALL the material for  this 7-day, art-career conference! Offer expires midnight, October 31.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=642346 

Florida, Here I Come!

Live workshop Monday, November 12 - Ocala, Florida

Catch my last live event this fall when I head south (and way east) for the “I’d Rather Be in the Studio! workshop. Get an introduction to self-promotion basics and some hands-on practical experience you can put to use right away. If you can’t attend be sure to share this information with any contacts you may have in the area. http://www.artbizcoach.com/workshops 

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

FEATURE ARTICLE

Spook Yourself with 'What If?'

Are you haunted by fears of promoting yourself and your art? Boo! The real fear isn’t in the doing, it’s in the NOT doing. Halloween is the perfect time to spook yourself into action. While I usually try to be reassuring and supportive with these newsletters, I’m here to scare you this week. Which scenario will spook you into action?

WHAT IF . . . You have a terrific venue for a last-minute exhibition, but you haven't been updating your mailing list regularly? Will anyone come? Do you really have time to drop everything else and piece together your mailing list so you can send an invitation? Is it worth it?

WHAT IF . . . A curator wants to know your exhibition and career history? Have you been keeping good records? Have you kept track of the exhibition titles and locations for your resume?

WHAT IF . . . The local museum would like for you to give a talk about your work? Have you ever talked about your work in public? Would you be able to consider it practice and go for it? Of course, you realize you only get one chance to make a first impression. If only you had been writing, speaking, and practicing for such an opportunity to come along.

WHAT IF . . . You find out you didn't get into a juried show only because your slides were really bad? One of the jurors knew your work and liked it, but he had to go along with what was sent in and your images, quite frankly, stunk.

WHAT IF . . . You missed a sale because you didn't follow up? Later you find out that the would-be buyer is a major collector and on the board of the museum. Not only that, she knows lot of other buyers!

WHAT IF . . . You experience fire, smoke, or flood damage and have no insurance? This is no laughing matter with the horrific fires in California and the losses from Hurricane Katrina. These acts of God can result in a total loss and you would have to restart your art career from scratch.

WHAT IF . . . You work and work in your studio and end up with a terrific body of work, but no one to share it with because you've stayed to yourself all this time? Your excuse? “I’d rather be in the studio!”