Go ahead, page down to the bottom of this page and ask me!
I’ll do my best to answer your question, based on my experience.
The more specific your question the better. “How do I become a famous artist?” That’s difficult to post an answer. “Where do I start to learn more about copyright?” That I can answer!
Please note. I won’t be answering any legal, financial, or medical questions. But you knew that!
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Why not start by selling on-line before you take on the overhead of a showroom?
This way you can also build your list and relationships.
“A website without a shopping cart is a store without a cash register!”
Hi Ann,
Every Saturday, I look forward to a new insight that you post.
I’m a Texas artist and have been fortunate enough to build a name through designers (through reps) Here’s my question: I want my own studio/showroom where designers/buyers can come to me. But, I don’t know how to break away! How can I begin to do this?
Most of the time I don’t know who purchases my work, therefore I’m building no relationships and no contact list to grow and move forward.
Thanks for any feedback,
Debbie
This depends entirely on your specific business model and the revenue streams that you have defined.
Sorry, but without knowing your specific circumstances, I can not be more specific than that.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching your Creative Live show, and truly appreciate what you are doing here on your site.
I did have a question. What is your opinion on limited edition, specifically in photography. Is it a must? Should the editions be small or larger? Among my peers I see small and large editions, editions based on size – so of the same photograph they may offer 250 8×10, 250 11x14s, etc. Do you have thoughts on this?
Thanks so much in advance.
Thank you Natalie,
Honestly, I can’t answer your question without really understanding your mission and values.
You may want to ask yourself if you are serving one or two target markets.
Ann
Hi Ann- watching your class on Creative Live and loving it. Thanks so much for creating the course.
I have a weird question. I’m primarily an actress/comedian type and draw as well. Both fall under the self description of: “I help encourage and inspire people to follow their dreams with humor.” Do you feel it’s important to keep the comedy career/cartoon career separate?
I sometimes find it hard to meld the two.
Thank you for your hard work,
Sincerely,
Natalie
Good for you Candace!
I drive a 2001 Honda with over 250,000 miles. And I have no intention of selling it and buying a waisting financial asset.
You’re very welcome!
Hi Ann: Thank you so much for your help via these online articles online seminars. I did rsvp on this last 2 day event, but my internet connection was terrible, even went to the library, but for some weird reason, the site would not come up either. I remember seeing an offer of a free book if you did the rsvp. Do I still qualify? My log in was through Facebook, so don’t know if that registered.
My other comment is this: I am constantly hit with that remark from people, “Ohhhhhhh…so you’re an artist?? They then want to know where you live and what you drive. I had an old ranch truck, no dents but faded paint from my horse training days. They would look at my truck then at me and say….”Oh doing the starving artist thing now, are you???” Used to make me furious. I would respond and say, Actually, I’ve sold thousands of dollars worth paintings and commissions from that truck, thank you very much.” (Which was the truth, but I don’t think they believed me) I finally sold the truck, got so sick of being pegged poor, starving artist.
Thanks for all your time and instruction
Candace
Thanks, Ann. I’ll be reviewing your Creative Live course again over the next few days. So much to digest! I’m still kind of vibrating from all the energy and information that was packed into those two days. I’m not surprised it was CL’s best-selling course.
It depends on your business model.
There are 8 sequential realms in building an artistic enterprise.
Identifying revenue streams is part “Realm 7.”
“Realms 1-6″ better be solid first.
Do you recommend having artwork on print on demand sites where you don’t have any contact with customers and therefore develop relationships?
Hello Paula,
The “50-Step Action Plan” is designed as a follow along guide to review my Creative LIVE course.
My “8-part methodology” is designed to help artists build their creative enterprises.
Cheers,
Ann
i asked this question on the live chat during your creativeLIVE w/shop but it wasn’t directed to you. you mentioned creativeLIVE’s CEO starting a business every week. i have a lot of business ideas in the making, and am finding that i’m getting really confused on where to start. what are your thoughts on going through the 50 steps when you have multiple ideas for business?
https://artify.it/
I just posted this to the group … maybe you have some insight of how to get sales , that I don’t have to pay for the prints till they sell ..
is there a websight to market my paintings from , that makes the prints from my originals … where I can get them back ?
thanks Ann for any input
Hello everyone, I am Gabi / Gabriela Huegel
I’ll be back on tonight …. looking for ideas to sell some prints of my paintings , I only have a few right now , but will be adding soon to my porfolio!
will need to find a way to make prints as they sell ! I will be keeping my originals acrylic 2×3 paintings for a show , but have a 2set night seen , it is Paris, from a personal trip many years ago , I took some pictures and then later did some painting night scenes !Also a paintin g inspired by an anniversary trip to Hawaii, of the Memorial those are the 2 money making things I think would sell to the right tribe ! I have no money right now so would be open to an old fashion financial influx, for a 30 % of earnings … any ideas would be welcome , any offers pm me on my Facebook message thanks Gabi
Thank you Rocky,
I really recommend purchasing the Creative LIVE course, getting a master mind together, and completing the exercises in the 50-Step Action Plan that comes with the course.
It’s a tremendous value.
There are a ton of books on business and marketing but they do not contain my 8-step methodology.
Start with my CL course and then find books that dive deeper into each of the 8 realms and study them in order.
Cheers,
Ann
You’re very welcome Susan.
Honestly, I think having a common name is the least of your challenges, if it is a challenge at all.
Think of the rocker “Patti Smith” or the actor “Will Smith.”
Change your name if you like but only if it feels more authentic or doing so would somehow better convey your personal brand, like “Madonna.”
Hope that helps.
Ann
Hi Ann,
I am watching your Creative Live session and really love some of your input for artists ! I am a commercial photographer and have had lots of success in the past, but our business has completely changed over the last 10 years and I want to make a change to fine art. I am stuck and cannot seem to get going on the art side of things. Could you recommend a book or Cd that I might try to get going ? I would love to do your coaching, but cannot afford it right now.
Thank you for all your wonderful input !
I would definitely like you to be part of my tribe !!
Rocky
Hi Ann,
First thanks so much for your generosity in teaching the 2 day course at creative live. You gave so much information and after the class was over I have plenty to think about. I was wondering what is your advice would be for marketing yourself when you have a very common name first and last name?
Susan
Will do. Thank you Ann
Always outline your terms as if you are going to get married and also outline your terms in case you have to file for a divorce
And don’t forget…relationships equal revenue.
Thank you for helping me to see the question in a new light Ann. Interestingly, while we are on the topic of confidence, I think the most confident thing may be to not include a right of refusal; to work with the mindset of delivering that inspiring work of art to your patron that they hired you for and trusted you with, with 100% confidence and commitment that they will love to own the finished piece.
Will be giving this some more thought….
Thank again and hope you enjoy your weekend,
Sophia
Sophia,
Only you can decide your terms.
What are you willing to risk?
What do you think is fair for the patron to risk?
Answers to those questions vary quite a bit.
Other artists’ terms are interesting to consider.
But the only way that you will ever be able to convey, and enforce your terms with confidence, is if you decide what they are.
Ann
Hello Ann,
Looking forward to seeing you on CreativeLIVE next month.
I had a question regarding commission contracts. I’ve looked at some online, and many have a clause that outline the patrons right of refusal. If a patron is not happy with the final painting, they can refuse to purchase the finished work and do not have to make the final payment due.
I would definitely be asking for at least half the cost of the commission upfront prior to starting, so I don’t anticipate this would be a problem. However, I would rather not have a right of refusal clause in my contract because I think it adds an air of negativity, and puts in their mind that they do not have to buy the painting if they do not like it, and even that they can change their mind later. However, from a business perspective as you have a lot of experience with commissions, do you find it is useful or necessary to include something like a right of refusal clause.
The only way I am thinking it might be beneficial from the artist’s perspective is if it also outlines that the artist has the right to sell the painting to someone else then.
Also, if you had any recommendations for good resources on putting together a contract, that would be very helpful.
Thanks so much in advance,
Sophia
You can also purchase the course and watch it when it is convenient for you and review it.
:O)
Thanks Ann, already did sign up. I am looking forward to 2 white nights, as I am located in Bali and it will be between 12am-7am my time. Hope internet will work as Bali is kinda tricky with that. Still great opportunity! thanks!
Oana
Great question.
As I discussed, the key is to create unique value that will serve a target market.
If you do not yet have a target market who is ready to snap up your latest collection then you have to look for ways to create value and serve a target market.
A bespoke commission increases the value for a patron.
Commissions are not the only way. They are one way to create added value.
If painters, print makers, or sculptures want to just sell their art. That’s going to be tough. I don’t recommend that.
Artists must (create value above and beyond the art itself) as I profiled with the examples of John Signer Sargent, Andy Warhol, and a few of my artist clients.
How to do that? The possibilities are infinite as we also learned with the profiles I offered.
It starts by an artist knowing who they are and what they stand for so that they can define their “mission.”
In your Meetup Session the other day, you talked much about commissions and commissioned work. Especially using the two photographers who did commission work…it caused me to wonder: What about painters, printmakers or sculpturers who don’t work on commission? How do you help them? It was unclear.
Hi Ann,
This looks really interesting. It has been exciting to see the way you have developed your business. Art is done mostly in isolation, but business is a social enterprise. This just might work.
Good for you.
Susan
You’re welcome Jon!
I don’t know why galleries do many of the things that they do.
I’m not too concerned with what they do or don’t do because I am interested in selling my art, not showing my art.
thank you,
Ann
thanks, Ann! My wife and I both said, “good point.” Why do galleries invite people to inquire versus just listing then? now i’m curious.
p.s. i think the reply link isn’t working properly
Jon,
Do you want to “sell” your art or just “show” your art?
Ann
hi Ann. should prices be listed on the website or should I direct potential clients to inquire as some galleries do?
I recommend https://www.squarespace.com/
Hello Ann,
There are many websites out there for artists to choose from, easy to use templates to add and create their gallery and site, however, it is not really defining their brand. If you were to suggest a customary site, what would you suggest for artists? I looked at wordpress and it seems tedious. There is a wordpress.org and wordpress.com.
What do you use? Thanks for your generosity.
Sign up for my two-day Creative LIVE course on 3/10-3/11. It’s FREE.
https://www.creativelive.com/courses/make-money-making-art-ann-rea?utm_source=Rea&utm_medium=Rea&utm_campaign=AnnReaMMMA
Thanks Ann, I must have understood it wrong then, sorry for that.
I am working now on defining my unique value proposition, my tribe/target market so my mission becomes clearer. I guess once I have those, I should be able to bring to my friends attention my product and it’s added value.
Thanks for the link and advice!
My best,
Oana
Thank you Oana!
When I decided to start my business I did not ask my friends for financial help.
I wrote a business plan and a marketing plan.
Some of my friends became patrons, and some patrons became friends.
I would not recommend wearing out friendships by asking them to fund your interest in painting full time.
You first must clarify your mission. Then identify a unique value proposition and the target market it serves.
See this graphic for the 8-part methodology.
https://www.makingartmakingmoney.com/#course-description
Ann
Hi Ann,
I came across you and your work while listening to an interview you had with Cory Huff. I admire your style and approach and like your work, very expressive!
In one of the videos you mention that when you decided to become a painter as a full time job, you asked for your friends financial help, instead of doing a kick-start type of fund-raising.
How did you do that, what was your approach with your friends and what was the result? Would love to hear it as I have been thinking of doing that myself, now that I am working on making the big step:O)
Thanks in advance!
Oana
Stay tuned! Coming to Amazon soon.
Hello Ann! I would like to take a look at your art business book! How do we access a copy? Thanks, Kaye
Hello Zully,
You’re very welcome.
You mention that your “goal would be to have my paintings on galleries.”
Is it? Or is it to sell art.
That’s the first question you need to ask yourself.
Cheers,
Ann
Hello Ann,
I am very happy to have come across Artists Who THRIVE. I found all of your advice very helpful. I am young.. a junior in high school to be exact (Las Vegas Academy of Arts). I am quite new to the art selling business. Last year i began selling some work through online media but since school started i haven’t spent much time actually selling art. I would like to know what you think would be the best first steps for me to take to start selling. Also i am debating whether or not i should take a year off after high school to simply focus on art and selling. College is of course very expensive and i’m not certain it would be smart to spend all that money and have debt. Then again, education is key after all right? As for my work I enjoy drawing realistically as wall as paint with different mediums. I am still experimenting and learning. My goal would be to have my paintings on galleries. But i am not sure where to start or how to make contacts.
Thank you so much for your time and help
Sincerely and thankful, Zully
Thank you for letting us know!
It should be good to go now…
https://artistswhothrive.com/as-needed-consultations/
Hello Ann.
I tried to book a 25 minute session at $125, however when I clicked onto paypal to make payment, it takes me to a monthly subscription at $500. Is there a glitch or have you canceled those 25 min. sessions?
Looking forward to booking my first session with you.
DS
Thanks Ann, I look forward to learning more!
Hello Kellie,
This question is far too broad for me to answer in the space of this rectangle and particularly without knowing anything about you.
Focus on your unique value proposition and the target market it serves. Your keyword strategy should reflect this.
If you don’t know your unique value proposition and the target market it serves then I recommend applying for coaching or a consultation to start.
Kindly,
Ann
Hi Ann, Thanks for asking. I am wondering how to turn visitors to my site into buyers? I get good traffic, but would like to boost sales to my prints and cards, and ultimately originals? I am about to update my shopping page, so your suggestions would be valuable.
Thanks again for asking,
Kellie Day
Do you find a lot in common with these people? That the first sign that you are a member of the same tribe.
You may want to apply for the course or one-on-one coaching.
https://artistswhothrive.com/get-coached/