Do This!
Artist Marketing Newsletter Focusing on Action Steps

What's Going On: Announcements /Classes
>>>Do This: Try the Oreo® Approach
Artists Respond: What They Have to Say

WHAT'S GOING ON

: : Audio Recording: SELLING TO THE WHOLESALE MARKET : :
This 75-minute recorded teleclass with Bruce Baker is now available as an MP3 download for just $9.95. If you're at all interested in selling wholesale, pick this up and listen to it again and again. Read more at http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/wholesaling.shtml

: : Art Biz Blog: ALMOST-DAILY TIPS AND FINDS : : This week:     ►Organize your inbox.    ►An artist's determination.    ►How to list honors and awards on your resume. Find out more on the Art Biz Blog.

: :Workshop: GAIN THE EDGE IN TODAY'S ART MARKET: : Visit beautiful Colorado for this motivating workshop. October 29-30, 2005 Gain The Edge on: Better Booth Design . Effective Sales Techniques  . Your Artist Statement  . Your Slides & the Jury Process  .  More Loyal Buyers Early registration ends September 15!

---

I don't know about you, but I'm not comfortable giving criticism on the record. I tend to be short (harsh) with my words and sometimes struggle to make them sound diplomatic.

As a member of Toastmasters, http://www.toastmasters.org, I am often called upon to evaluate speakers. At first, I hated this job. But I have recently become comfortable in the role. Not because I enjoy being critical, but because it has made me a better thinker, listener, and all-around observer. It has also forced me to work on the language I use.

Artists, too, are called upon to critique one another in both formal and informal situations. When faced with this, try the Oreo® Approach, which I learned about in Toastmasters.

As you know, the Oreo® is a cookie with two chocolate wafers on the outside and light, creamy filling on the inside. When you're critiquing someone, think of the chocolate wafers (the parts that hold the whole together) as praise. The fluffy stuff in the center is where you can offer room for improvement.

For example . . . your critique might go like this (highly abbreviated version):

Chocolate wafer (praise): Julia, I really like your use of complementary colors in the composition. They make the image "pop."

Fluffy stuff (room for improvement): I'm wondering, though, if it might be better without that tree on the left. Or perhaps toning down the green would allow me to focus better on the center. You might also consider changing the mat color. I think white would be a better choice in this instance. The red, for me, detracts from the collage itself.

End with another chocolate wafer (praise): Boy, your craftsmanship is terrific! I'd love to hear about the adhesive you're using.

What are your experiences with giving or getting criticism? What can you share with other artists in these situations? We're blogging about it! Post your comments to  http://www.artbizblog.com   

ARTISTS RESPOND: What They Have to Say  

Last week I wrote about Lance Armstrong's yellow wristband as a talisman for motivation.

"My son has followed Lance and his 'victories' for quite some time. Shane owns a Lance Armstrong bike and has done some competing, mostly in the triathlon arena. Last Friday Shane returned to Iraq for his third tour. Last summer when he was in Iraq we followed Lance together by e-mail and I can safely say that the anticipation and excitement that the troops feel from all the sports is a much desired and needed diversion from their circumstances. But in particular, the dedication, perseverance, tenacity and strength of character that Lance exhibits as an individual and as a team member, can be identified in many of our troops."

Copyright © 2005 Alyson B. Stanfield. All rights reserved. 

I encourage you to forward all or part of this newsletter as long as you include the above copyright information and this link: http://www.artbizcoach.com . Internet Explorer users can forward this page by selecting "File," then "Send" then "Page by E-mail." 

The Do This! newsletter is sent only to subscribers. You can subscribe using the instructions in the column at left. Instructions for unsubscribing and changing your email address are at the bottom of each issue delivered to your inbox.