Comments on: Blue Sky Strategy

By: Ann Rea

Ann Rea — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:45:15 +0000

I agree with much of what you say except that you can do something different if you offer a unique value proposition to a target market. It's about being deliberate and focused in your marketing.

By: Meltemi

Meltemi — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:37:44 +0000

Find something that works for you and work with it
If you want to be successful, find something that works and stay with it, refine it, expand it, define it, exploit it, but above all be consistent. If you need to try something new and different: Just do not do it. Your current work pays your bills.

Conversely, if you are not getting the sales you need, you need to find out why. Is the look just not commercially viable, or is the work not strong enough in a market where collectors have overwhelming choices? It could be you have: the concept, the technical ability, but lack the creative verve to make it compelling enough. That may be a harsh assessment, but if it is accurate, wouldn’t you want to know? You have no chance to fix the problem if you cannot pinpoint what it is.

It is always fun to be creative and expressive. But, that is not what being successful as an artist is about. To gain enduring commercial success, you have to tap into your collectors in a persuasive way, or your art just will not work.

The ability to convincingly connect to your patrons is something every successful artist has to do. You need to get to people in a way that touches them and makes them want to buy into your creativity. Whether instinctively or by design, such artists’ know just who it is they are painting for.

By: Ann Rea

Ann Rea — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:14:11 +0000

Hi Peggy,

As I mentioned, I do not recommend artists statements so I do not have an example to share with you.

Take a look at previous posts on online marketing.

Cheers,

Ann

By: Peggy Bishop

Peggy Bishop — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:35:28 +0000

I’m an “after-work” artist trying to learn about marketing my art. I have not yet finished my artist statement and your comment about artist statements caught my attention. Can you provide a sample artist statement that states “the value you add to a specific market” without it sounding like a commercial? Thanks!

By: Harriet

Harriet — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:13:28 +0000

I’m so happy to know about this site. I publish open edition art reproductions for the middle market (Target, Bed,Bath&Beyond, hotel jobs, etc). I’m so frustrated at artists who do not understand what it means in the business of marketing their art. It sounds like Ann Rea’s website tells it like it is. If I can be of any assistance, I would be pleased to do that.

By: Nayna Shriyan

Nayna Shriyan — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:32:50 +0000

I agree with the statement that “Record every idea and negate none.” sometimes an idea strikes and even before I have given it a chance to be worked out completely the voice inside my head will say ‘ Nah ! that won’t work’ I guess it’s time for me to tell the voice’ Yup it will work, just give it a chance”
This is a very inspiring thought , Thank you !