1. Artists think that their work is too personal.
Art is personal.
And that can create an unnecessary obstacle when it comes to selling it. It’s not like selling a used car.
If an artist views their work as an extension of themselves, it can be a tough sell.
And that can beg the questions, “Is it good enough? Am I good enough?”
Yikes. Talk about inner turmoil!
Emotional intelligence. It’s a must.
To some people, my paintings are just paint stuck on canvas. To others, they’re art.
I don’t take it personally. I don’t need to convince everyone.
2. Artists look at selling their art as a career and not a business.
If you don’t receive a regular paycheck, you don’t have a job.
Therefore, you don’t have a career. You have a business.
3. Artists think it’s all about them.
Artists Who THRIVE know that it’s not about them.
It’s all about the value that their creations offer to others.
If you think it’s about you, your craft, your creative process, think again.
Hint. If you think that an artist’s statement is enough marketing. You’ve got a big problem.
4. Artists think they just need to hone their talent.
Sorry. I really wish this were true too.
I was also led to believe this lie in art school.
But along with developing your creative talent, you have to maintain eight realms to build and sustain a creative enterprise.
And you specifically have to hone your sales and marketing skills.
5. Perfectionism kills creativity.
Don’t get me wrong. High standards are vital to making art.
But perfectionism is not only inefficient, it can be debilitating.
If your production stops, your business will come to an abrupt halt.
What if a cake maker toiled too long over some pastries and missed the delivery date of a wedding cake?
The best art is made with ease, not struggle.
6. Artists are waiting to be discovered.
No one is coming to save you; no one is going to discover you.
Just like any other business, you, and your target market, must be abundantly clear about your unique value proposition.
7. Artists are just not interested in business.
“But what if I’m just not interested in all that business and marketing mumbo jumbo?”
Do you want the real answer? That’s just too damn bad!
If you sell something you are officially engaged in business. The IRS says so.
I love business and marketing and to quote my friend – Dr. ‘E’ (Dr. Elliot McGucken)
“Every artist is an ENTREPRENEUR and every entrepreneur is an ARTIST.”
What are your obstacles?
Leave your answers here.
The truth will set you free!
Did you enjoy this article?
Great! So you’ve identified a problem.
If someone presented you with a crisis of confidence, what would you encourage them to do, this week?
I lack confidence about my art. I have no formal training and I feel like that means my work just isn’t good enough.
Don’t talk about your paintings.
Talk about your mission and how you are expressing that through your unique value proposition.
My biggest obstacle? Engaging with prospective buyers and talking about my paintings.
Building a business is stressful, be sure to make your physical and emotional health your top priority.
My #1 obstacle?
My health!
I am just coming off of being critically ill for 4 years and I am biting at the bit to get my business up and running. Right now, focus is on getting strength and health back. As I can, I have been making plans and laying the foundation.
#2? Just plain fear.
Since my health issues went undiagnosed for years, I kept trying to plug along like I was healthy, regardless of how I felt. As a result, I have a long history of failure as a result… lack of follow-through, focus and just plain burn-out. I do keep telling myself I have a body that is feeling strength I haven’t felt before ever. So it’s a completely new story ahead of me! And if I have to tell myself that a million times, that is ok.
I am very lucky to have some other artists and photographers who are cheering me on as I move forward. ❤