Last week I posted about the occasional rude feedback I experience from readers of Artists Who THRIVE, a product of online anonymity. This post received the most comments ever.
Your responses were very affirming. I appreciate knowing that artists are picking up what I am throwing down and that the negativos are definitely in the minority.
So for those who took the time and effort to post encouraging comments of gratitude, thank you. And for those who just sent well wishes. Thank you.
This leads me to the matter of focus. “Where attention goes, energy flows.” Now that my attention is refocused I’m moving forward on my book, which I have retitled, “Selling Art without Selling Out, 101 Rules.” The latest version of the cover is above.
To give credit where credit is due, my friend Jonathan Fields, was up until 11:00 this past Friday night batting back book titles and covers to and from San Francisco and New York City. Pushing me to keep exploring, creating, and caring, he said “Sometimes ya gotta try hundreds to get it right.”
So what did I do? I created 101 book titles and I don’t know how many covers. Why? Because I’m focused. Why am I focused? Because I care about empowering artists.
It’s caring that matters in art and in business. What do you care about in life? This must be the basis of inspiration for your art for it to ever matter to you or any one else.
Do you have creative talent and something to say? Then you must make art.
Do you want to be heard? Then you must sell art.
When you care, really care, you can push past so many obstacles, naysayers, and lulls in energy.
What do you care about? How does your art express this? Where is your focus directed? On distractions or BS, or on what really matters to you?
I welcome your constructive feedback on my book cover and title. I care about what you think.
Did you enjoy this article?
Thank you Gloria!
Thank you Jon very much for the idea but I like to approach design in a less literal way.
Thank you Patty!
Great title and perfect art to match. Keep it just the way it is!
Hey Ann. I just wanted to suggest the drip of paint, perhaps green, run through the “S’s” in selling to denote the cash sign $.
-Jon
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! …….The contemporary and colorful design for your book cover, Ann. It grabs your attention, gets straight to the point, and I feel that this book will sell like crazy! Thanks so much for all you share with your fellow creatives…….I for one am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL!
Thank you for sharing Alice! good to hear from you. I’m happy for you!
Hi Ann!
This caught my eye because I created a workshop with a similar title (almost) about 10 yrs ago…I was hoping to attract people who could show me how to do this! (Build it and they will come..?)
My workshop was called “Selling Art (is) not Selling Out”, and included a CCA faculty member, a gallery owner, and a small business person. It was part of a Landmark Education project (revolving around who we could be in our communities).
I believe in this in theory but I am not really doing the selling. I found that I had a hard time being consistently motivated toward sales, and felt my economic limitations (of not being able to afford an e-commerce website) bogged me down.
Currently I am in the midst of being a stay at home mom (!) with very few minutes of me-time (My vision board that I made with you included very prominently a baby, so that has manifested beautifully!) I have surrendered to this daily reality for the time being, but I am continuing to make art for cards which I really enjoy. (nothing like extremely limited time to focus ME, ADD-mind that I have.)
It’s always good to see what you are up to and hear of your successes, inspirations and truths.
Take Care , Alice
You’re welcome Jennifer!
It’s a great title. There is SO much negativity around an artist selling art. The Bay Area is even more snobby about this than LA. I just read something yesterday in a magazine that listed 10 things or so that will greatly impede or destroy your art.
One of the items: “Sell your art successfully” I repeat, this was listed as a way to get stuck and destroy your art. I can’t agree obviously. I am in your camp, sharing, selling, prospering…I am determined and I care.
Thank you for caring enough to change a paradigm and take the shame out of selling something that is made with heart and soul.
Thank you so much Jean!
Thank you so much Michael!
Hello Ann,
Your message on your blogs, videos, and interviews is all about artists engaging with their art, engaging with their patrons, and making their living with their art. The phrase “”Without selling out” may sell, but I don’t think it sounds like Ann Rea. I think Ann Rea is about telling a story, engagning with collectors and patrons, and about embracing making a living through art.
How about:
Selling Art: 101 ways to engage with your patrons
Selling Art: 101 rules to make your living with your art
I like the cover design and art. It connects with your Artist Who Thrive blog design, and your general use of color as an artist. Bravo. I can’t wait to buy a copy.
Michael
I think you have come up with the perfect title, Ann. You worked through the so-so ones and finally arrived at the perfect title along with the perfect artwork.