Got a question? Ask me!
Go ahead, page down to the bottom and ask me!
I’ll do my best to answer 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!
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Tags: art marketing, artist business consultant, business of art
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Comments (260)
Ann Rea
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Thank you for sharing Lisa!
Keep your mind focused on your goal and work SMART not hard.
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Kate Bradley
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Ann,
I have been part of the Artists Who Thrive Community for a while now and have benefited a lot from it. Thanks you for the work that you do. I am a portrait artist and I also paint originals and thought it would be a
good idea to partner with some of the designers in my area. I was wondering what sort of “special price” you give to designers. Is it better to give them a commission or a certain percentage of the price of the work? I
would appreciate your help.
Kate
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Kate. I’m glad that you have benefited.
I’m not quite sure I understand your question. A “commission” is a percentage of the sale price.
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Kate Bradley
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Ann,
Right. Sorry I wasn’t clear. I like the idea of giving designers a special price on art work, the same way that they get discounts on furniture. How do you determine what that special price should be?
Thanks,
Kate
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Ann Rea
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Hi Kate,
It’s entirely up to you. Designer’s discounts on furniture and fixtures range from 10%-20%.
Art consultant’s take 30%-35%. And of course galleries take 50%-60%.
I offer qualified designers a 30% commission on reproductions and a 10% finder’s fee on my originals.
Hope this helps!
Ann
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Kate Bradley
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It does! Thanks.
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Nataliya
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Hello Ann,
1. I am considering lending some of my artwork for a film and would like to insure my art work agains damage, theft, ect. Can you suggest a place to start?
2. I would like to reserve more of my energy and time for my creative practice and am considering hiring a specific individual, on a commission basis, to represent me and assist me with negotiating, promoting, and other sales related duties. Do you have any suggestions for a fair and yet motivating commission structure?
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John
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I’m wanting to know how I can get my work “out there” and possibly sell it.I’m not sure how you would/could categorize my work?It strongly can be associated to “illustrations with themes” with multiple influences.I’m happy to show you what I have and you are free to look on my FB page using my address to view it.I find there are very few galleries or establishments where I can show my work.Many require a minimum number of prints and that they have to be framed or that to take part in a show a large sum is required and you need to have an established studio.I’ve little to no money (your text book starving artist/student),and I don’t work quickly on my illustrations.I just don’t get to sit down and work on them whenever I feel like it.Getting my illustrations turned to giclees isn’t cheap either,nor is framing.I’m out approximentally $300.00 between getting an illustration scaned/digitized and framed.I will not sell oiriginals.I’ll never get the money I want for it and I refuse “to give away” my work.Especially originals.I’ve given enough of the giclees away to friends and family already.I think I price my giclee prints competetively.I’m not asking for a arm,leg or vital organ as compensation.I’m not famous,and I’m not really looking for fame,but a forum where I can display and sell my work.I just am not good about persuing that.I thought about an agent,but finding good ones are few and far between.I also question if an agent will actually do the publicity work that would warrant their high % they take from selling my work?I suppose that depends on how good they are and how much of my prints sell?I’m seeking help/advice from an experienced artist who has seasoned experience with this and welcome an e-mail/response.
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Ann Rea
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John,
The best place for you to start is to reach each post on this forum and launch a eCommerce site.
Ann
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Ann Rea
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Hi Nataliya,
1. Are you “lending” or “leasing” your art for a film?
2. Commissions range from 10% to 60%, you’ll need to negotiate this and get all of the terms in writing.
Ann
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Teri Vereb
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Hi Ann,
I have recently gotten my website “e-commerce” ready, and I have a fabulous and local giclee printer that I’ve worked with for years and he’s ready to supply my orders. Today I received an email referring me to an artist sales site ( https://artistwebsites.com/tourartistwebsites/how-much.html ) that does it all and markets world wide through Fine Art America.com. Do you think these sites are a valuable tool or will they devalue my work ( as the prices seem to average lower than on my site- ie. 3 X printer cost).
If this does seem like a worthy venue, do you have any suggestions on how I might best keep both sites?
Thanks, Ann~
Teri
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Ann Rea
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Hi Teri,
I’m not a fan of these sites. It’s kind of like a swap meet.
Your better to have your own online eCommerce site, set your terms, set yourself apart and maintain control.
Note, you are judged by the company you keep.
Cheers,
Ann
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Kellyann Gilson Lyman
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Ann,
Hat’s off to you! I am busying reading several of your book list recommendations & restructuring my objectives for kellyannart.com, art & design consulting. My target is the the luxury hotel & resort market in product management of luxury outdoor furniture, cabanas & umbrellas. I am looking at Janus et Cie as a client. A subtle, tasteful design motif to this line seasonally is my vision.
Please provide your consulting Questionarie & fee structure. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. It’s inspiring to review your work ethics & practice. To your continued success. My current website needs an ecommerce shift. The SEO & content is current & very art world specific. I am addressing ecommerce now.
Kind Regards, Kellyann Gilson Lyman
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Ann Rea
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My pleasure!
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Susan Vogel
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Ann,
Can I continue to receive your wonderful weekly “artist tips” e-mails after our current consulting contract comes to an end?
Coaching is a SMART thing to do on an ongoing basis. I’m interested in continuing to work with you on the other side of my surgery and “transition”. Depending on your schedule, I truly hope this will be possible.
Best regards,
Susan
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Ann Rea
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Hi Susan,
You’ll continue to receive weekly Artists Who THRIVE email tips.
As long as my Monday schedule permits we can continue coaching.
I’m sending beams of green healing light to you and wishing you a very speedy recovery.
Cheers,
Ann
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alex
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Hi Ann
I have just found the Artists Who THRIVE website, and it is fantastic!!! Do you have examples of your ecommerce / website solutions that can be previewed?
Kind Regards
Alex
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Ann Rea
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https://www.annrea.com/
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trupti
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Hi Ann,
Do you give a sales receipt of some sort when someone buys an original painting or print? Is this necessary? If yes, should the receipt state that all rights to the image remain with the artist?
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Ann Rea
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Yes. Just like any sales transaction for your small business you should provide a sales receipt.
I would recommend stating clearly on your sales receipts that ” Your name ©. All rights reserved. Reproduction, of any kind, is prohibited by US and International Copyright law.”
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Susan Vogel
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Hi Ann,
Could you please let me know the services you use for:
the e-commerce portion of your website,
electronic collection of money for purchases
packaging and mailing of pieces and how you insure them
if delivery is part of the price nationally
and if there are additional charges for delivery internationally
Thank you for all the good thoughts you’re sending my way. Working with you has been an inspiration, a precious gift, a value beyond measure. You are a jewel, both as a talent and a coach. I look forward to our continuation on the other side of “my transition”.
Cheers,
Susan
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Ann Rea
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Hi Susan,
I use the Artists Who THRIVE eCommerce solution which I customized with my webmaster over 5 years….
https://artistswhothrive.com/the-artistswhothrive-ecommerce-solution/
Authorize.net validates all credit card transactions
A “frame fitter” in ships all of my prints and they are insured by FedEx
Shipping and handling are additional charges
Yes there are additional charges for delivery internationally
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Kate Bradley
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Hi Ann!
When you ask for referrals from clients, do you request that they contact the person and on your behalf? Or do you get the contact information and reach out to them yourself?
Thanks!
Kate
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Ann Rea
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Always best to get a warm introduction. Start with that.
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Kate Bradley
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Would you suggest the client introduce through email? Or should I encourage them to introduce me at a social gathering?
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Ann Rea
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Always better in person. If that can’t be accomplished easily or relatively quickly then go for phone call or email. Keep it warm.
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Kate Bradley
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Ok. Thanks, Ann!
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Barb
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Hi Ann, I just recieved your newsletter for October, with the beautiful picture of the clown on top. My question is can I use that picture or is it copyrighted? I would like to use it to practice drawing from a photo. thanks
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michaelle
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Hi Ann – I’m just now starting to read through your site and really enjoying it. Thank you! Just a note, I found a couple of typos I’m guessing you may want to know about? I know I would. No biggie, just thought I’d mention:
In the inspiration category of articles:
We all know what that leads to, a big heap of nothing. Rather then waist anymore time, (should be ‘waste’)
and the Sophistifunk article mentions celebrities ‘dawning’, should be ‘donning’.
Looking forward to reading more – great content, very helpful information. I’m just starting painting, and your blog a few weeks ago really helped me stay focused. Haven’t stopped!
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michaelle
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Hi again – I do have an art question after all-
All the best to you -
I graduated from college in 1988 in graphic design, but only stayed in that industry for a short while. I ended up working in a gallery for almost 10 years, then for an interior designer, then becoming a designer myself and painting houses, doing high end finishes, faux, plaster, and had a very successful business for 12 years. After the construction market slowed, and getting married and traveling a bunch, I sort of let my business dissolve, which is ok, because schlepping scaffolding is getting harder physically as I get older. Now I have the time to devote to fine art for the first time in my life, and have finally started painting. I have fine art background and know how to do a lot of things, but being so use to production art, I often get stuck for inspiration on what I want to create. I’m so use to doing things for other people, when it’s left to me, I’m a little bewildered. I love encaustic and know that is where I want to focus, have taken a couple workshops, and my subject matter has been largely experimental, doing all the compulsory things like landscapes, florals, seascapes, etc, I guess I’m trying to ‘get them out of the way’ so I can find my own voice in there somewhere. I’ve heard ‘do what you know’, which would be sailing and the sea as a big inspiration, but do you have any advice for how to develop a direction? I’m very familiar with a gallery perspective in representing an artist, and know how helpful it is for them to have consistency. Painting in ‘series’ format and so forth is helpful in marketing. I just have so dang many ideas, I don’t know where to start. And burn out of an idea when it doesn’t execute well, which has been a lot of my work as I’m learning the challenges of the medium. I’m trying not to be a harsh critic, and devote to ‘creating’ and playing and making it fun. But still feel stuck, a bit lost on what I want to say as an artist. Do you hear this a lot? Any ideas? I’m going to listen to Artist’s Way audiobook tomorrow for starters… Thanks for you help and your great site. I’ll keep reading!
Michaelle
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Ann Rea
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Hi Michaelle,
Artists Who THRIVE is about the business and marketing aspects of art after one has found their voice. I think that The Artist’s Way is an excellent place to help you do this.
You’re on the right track.
Ann
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Ann Rea
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Thank you!
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Jacklin Gharibian
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Ann,
Hi, I hope you are having a great day.
I am an artist. I would like to be able to show and to sell my work.
How much do you charge for your coaching services?
What do your services include exactly?
What results have other artists experienced given your coaching? What results can you deliver?
Thanks for your answers,
Jacklin Gharibian
Lake Balboa CA
818 514 6132
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Ann Rea
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Hi Jacklin,
I don’t deliver any results. It’s completely up to my clients. What I do deliver is the my insights and shortcuts that can save countless dollars, energy, and time. That is as specific as I can be and remain honest.
Coaching is available by application. You can find more details here.
https://artistswhothrive.com/get-coached/
I recommend that you start by booking a consultation.
https://artistswhothrive.com/as-needed-consultations/
Consultations can be booked here. Pricing details can also be found here.
https://artistswhothrive.com/book-services
Cheers,
Ann
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Kris Washington
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Hi Ann,
Are you willing to share your original Marketing Partner Business Plan that you used when you first hooked up with the Napa wineries? I am working on creating my own marketing partner relationships and would love to see details of how you worked that out with them… (For example, did you loan them your paintings to display with your cards nearby, or did they buy your paintings? Did you give the business a percentage on commission orders you got through their location?)
Second question: what is the price range for your CUSTOM commissions, and why do you not list these prices or at least a starting point on your website?
Thanks so much! I am learning a lot from you and your website!
Gratefully,
Kris
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Ann Rea
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Hi Kris,
If you would like to book a consultation I would by happy to help you construct marketing strategies that are appropriate to your business.
https://artistswhothrive.com/book-services
Cheers,
Ann
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Joshua Lance
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Hi Ann,
I’m trying to sell my work on Ebay. I heard some say to start really low and some higher. I don’t want to sell myself short either and not look like I’m running a starving artist sale either. Any thoughts would be great, thanks for your time.
ps-need an assistant?
Blessings,
Josh
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Ann Rea
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I would recommend first selling your work on your own eCommerce site before Ebay.
And completing a business and marketing plan in place where you have
-identified your market
-defined your unique selling proposition
-and outlined your prices.
Do this first before you put much effort into Ebay.
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erika zina G.
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Hi Ann,
I would like to fill out the application but can’t find it. Could you help there. Thankyou.
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Ann Rea
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Erika,
We will email you the confidential coaching applications questions.
Ann
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Esther
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Ann,
I’m planning to attend and display my artwork at the Koi Show in San Diego, next month. Is it necessary to have a business or selling license to sell my artwork? This is my first Koi Show. I’m bringing ten pieces, 2-oils (24×30),1-watercolor framed (22×30) and 6-watercolor (9×12). My question, is it better to sell prints of my work so I can sell the prints at a lower cost. What’s the best way to approach this? I talked to the Coordinator for the Koi Show and he said I didn’t need a selling license, being that it is my first show.
Esther
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Ann Rea
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If you are “displaying” your work there is no need for a licensing agreement to “reproduce” the work.
Regarding selling prints versus originals, ask about the sales history of this venue. How much art have they sold, what type of art, originals or reproductions, and at what price points?
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Esther
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Ann, I did a painting of a famous music celebrity, “King of Funk” he signed it and doodled all over the bottom of the painting. (a bunch of dogs) I have a few interested buyers but I was told that I could not sell it or make copies of it because the music celebrity doodled on it, I talked to an artist lawyer, he told me that I needed a written permission from him. I called the music celeb’s manager and spoke to him. I asked him if he can write me a letter stating that I can sell the painting or make copies. The manager told me that the painting is mine because the photograph that I used for my painting was not theirs. The photograph was from an advertisement for ear phones in a magazine and that the doodles were a part of his signature. Since then, I have made an identical copy of it and sent it to the music celeb. Please, what are your thoughts on this?
Someone suggested that I paint over the dogs and then I can sell it?
Esther
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Mary Lonergan
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Hi Ann!
I’d like to ask you where I can find some good samples of contracts – can you suggest something? I am starting to get some commissions and I’m not quite sure how to word a contract about deposits, balances due, returns (as in not an option), etc.
Thank you!
Mary Lonergan
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Micah Ofstedahl
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Hi Ann,
One of my old buyers recently sent me this email (below). I have no experience with this, any suggestions? I hate to leave it with him if it’s just going to sit in his garage. If I have him ship it back to me and I am able to sell it again, what sort of return would he receive? (I originally sold it to him for $500 but my prices have since gone up so I would probably price it around $750 if I accept it back) Thanks for any input.
“HI Micah,
I have enjoyed the painting very much. Unfortunately I have moved and try as I might I cannot use your beautiful work in my new small home. I have it wrapped in plastic. The colors and subject do not match the new surroundings. I am not sure if there are any options as I hate to see it gather dust in the garage. I think it is a masterpiece. It seems some of your newer work is less anatomical with different color tones.
Any thoughts or suggestions so your work is not wasted. Will you accept it back on consignment with a division of results or any other idea?
Thank you so much,”
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Ann Rea
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What are your business terms? Do you accept returns or are all sales final? Did you state these terms verbally or in writing?
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Micah Ofstedahl
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Well, I’m pretty new to the business side of things (especially a couple years ago when I sold this painting) so I don’t believe I discussed that with him. Now I know. Anyway, I would be willing to accept it back if he can’t find a home for it, but I would want to do a consignment-type deal I suppose. I just don’t know if there’s certain standards in the business in cases like this, or what’s fair (such as a % the client would receive from a consignment or other terms I should include).
Thanks,
Micah
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Ann Rea
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Each business owner must set their company’s own terms.
How will your business benefit from accommodating him?
Will he buy more art or not likely?
My terms do not allow for returns. All sales are final.
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James Willney
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My first question was what if that artist you admire is out of town, but you did mention to write a letter or make a phone call. I would imagine a letter would be the first best approach?
I find it interesting you suggest a “board of Advisors” which I’ve seen mentioned numerous times before. Would you be willing to elaborate on the make up of what a good board of advisors consist of? Are they more business advisors, artistic advisors, paid, not paid, if you will?
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Ann Rea
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An Advisory Board can be paid or unpaid. They are group of people that you have a relationship with and whose advice you trust. Very simple.
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