Choose TODAY to do yourself a big fat favor.

It could be the biggest favor you have ever done for yourself.

What would you like to accomplish in the coming year?

What would make you feel really satisfied?

If you accomplished this, how would it make you feel?

Name three ways it would make you feel.

Why? Because we only want something because of how we imagine it will make us feel.

It’s not the “something” that we want so much as the feelings that we associate with having it.

People fail to achieve their goals not because they are lazy or inept but because they have not mastered the skill of properly defining their goals.

People fail because they make half-hearted fuzzy resolutions devoid of a productive structure.

Now let’s put your annual aspiration to the test.

Is it SMART? Find out.

Step 1. Ask yourself these questions.

Is it Specific? “I want to make money with my art” is not specific. “I will earn over $100,000 from the sale of my art of 2015.” That is specific.

Is it Measurable? You either earned over $100,000 from the sale of your art or your did not. THAT is measurable.

Is it Actionable? Meaning can I move on it today? If you have not sold any or much of your art this is probably not a SMART goal.

Will it produce the Result I want? Is this want you really really want? Ask yourself why.

Is it Time bound? Are you giving yourself a clear finish date?

If your SMART goal does not meet this criteria above then just make it SMARTER.

Evaluate and Revise.

Your SMARTER goal should both excite and scare you a little.

If you believe your goal is too big, and you don’t really believe that you can accomplish it, then you need to dial down your ambition.

Pro tip. Don’t share your goal with those who do not support you. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you. Fire the nay-sayers.

Step 2. Break it down.

The next step is to break your big annual goal down into monthly chunks or milestones.

Work backwards and then put the milestones in sequential order.

In the example below I start in December by imagining hosting a holiday party where I thank all of my patrons and partners for helping me accomplish my SMARTER goal.

Notice. I’m starting with the feeling of gratitude and working backwards.

Engage your most valuable asset, your imagination.

Just imagine how things could unfold.

As you move towards your destination, your goal, your road map will evolve. It will come into focus.

Your job is to keep your compass pointed towards your destination and to keep it moving one step at a time.

Remember. “The man at the top of the mountain did not fall there.” Vince Lombardi

Here’s an example of monthly milestones.

December

Host a patron gratitude party.

November

Review and revise ecommerce site.

October

Review and revise FAN Plan.

September

Review and revise Making MONEY Plan.

August

Implement social media strategy.

July

Begin hosting monthly studio events.

June

Secure agreements with three or more strategic partners.

May

Launch new ecommerce site.

April

Complete new prototypes.

March

Complete all of The MAKING Art Making MONEY Course assignments.

February

Complete all of The MAKING Art Making MONEY Course assignments.

January

Enroll in The MAKING Art Making MONEY Course that is re launching around the end of January, I couldn’t resist  This IS what I would actually do if it had been available to me.

There you have it. Choose your SMARTER goal and write it down NOW.

Imagine how you accomplished it, backwards. How did it feel along the way?

You may not always feel confident but you can have confidence that this process works, if you do it.

It’s worked for me and it is working for the artists who I mentor.

Create the life that you want to live.

None of us are getting out of here alive so you might as well create your best year ever.

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Napoleon Hill

One final note. You are not always going to “believe.”

The good news is that it is a myth that you have always believe. I don’t always believe.

Ups and downs are part of the journey.

All you have to do is take consistent daily action and you WILL get there.

This is the actual plan I used to accomplish my SMARTER goal in 2005 to sell over $100,000 of my art during my first year as a full-time artist in San Francisco where I knew no one.

Be SMARTER than ever before and make it your best year ever!

 

 

Every Monday, I mentor artists from around the globe.

One of the requirements of my mentoring program is that artists are required to send a weekly email update before midnight each Sunday, to share their:

1. Progress towards their SMARTER goal
2. Their focus for the week ahead
3. Any insights they have gained or shifts in their perspective

Although the first two parts of their weekly update is very important, it is their insights and their shifts in perspective that will ultimately determine their happiness and success.

Why? Because the most important difference between how the artist is performing when we start working together and where they wind up is determined primarily by their thinking and the emotions that are shaping their thinking.

Here’s last week’s update from Kate Bradley, a very successful, young, full-time children’s portrait painter in Memphis, Tennessee.

1. I was just reminded again this week how lucky I am to be doing what I’m doing. When you get used to it, you can take it for granted. When disappointments happen, I tend to forget that I’d rather be disappointed doing this than anything else. I’m 29 years old and I run a full-time profitable business as an artist. That is so COOL!!!!

2. I also reminded myself that any time I reach out to the press/strategic partner, even if it’s not a good fit or they don’t respond, I’m still doing what about 99% of other artists would NEVER do. That sets me apart from the pack just because I did it. That inspires me and motivates me to keep on going. Thanks, Ann!!

Notice how Kate is managing her perspective.

It’s not as if she doesn’t experience disappointment. She does.

However, Kate is noticing her non-productive thinking and then shifting it.

Each week this artist is exercising her mindfulness muscle.

It is this strength that is yielding her success.

And it is this strength that will build her future success and happiness.

The inevitable obstacles that we encounter are so much easier to endure when there is a purpose, an important and meaningful goal.

The point of this post is that Kate is doing what 99% of artists are not.

By the way, just to put that 99% into perspective the annual survey from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reveals that a whole LOT of people casually refer to themselves as artists in the U.S.

I find that this is often linked with a personal desire to be identified as an artist, more than it is linked with a real commitment to an actual art career or business enterprise.

Anyway, Kate “keeps on keeping on” towards her SMARTER goal and she practices building a positive perspective.

Notice I said “practices.”

We all suffer, from self-doubt, insecurity, and fear, myself included.

But if you are aware of undermining thoughts you can shift them and create the life, the artistic enterprise, and the relationship with yourself and others that you want.

Something we all deserve.

See my post on Code to Joy to see exactly how to complete those shifts.

Contribute to a constructive conversation.

What are you doing to set yourself apart from other artists?

Leave a comment below and ask two friends.

 

Last week I enumerated three of the seven myths about why artists are successful.

Here are the remaining four myths.

Myth #4: Artists have to be dead and then they become famous.

I’m not. Obviously. And I’m doing just fine. So are the artists who I have mentored in recent years.

Artists no longer have to wait in line begging for permission from the art establishment to sell their work, unless they want to.

We have the internet to help us reach our collectors and to build our platform.

Myth #5: Successful artists are just lucky. At some point they just got discovered.

Oh, wouldn’t that be nice.

Even the press I have received paints the picture that everything magically happened in my first year in business as a full-time artist.

Not! I had a few years of selling part-time before hand.

Myth #6: Artists just need to find a good representative.

First of all, representatives really do not exist for an artist who does not have a proven market for their art.

Again, thanks in part to the internet, I was able to generate over $100,000 of sales of my art in 2005, my first year making art and making money full time.

And when representatives approached me I did not need them.

Can I tell you how very satisfying it was to say? “No, thank you.”

Don’t get me wrong. Some reps are great. And they can provide additional sales channels. But you do not need them.

If you are good, they need you.

Myth #7: Artists have to attend a top art school.

Nope. I did attend a top art school, a very expensive one.

But I actually majored in Industrial Design and minored in Graphic Design.

I was a horrible painter in art school.

In fact, I hated painting because I had to use turpentine and paint thinners in a poorly ventilated studio. It made me sick.

Later, I learned how to paint without these toxic mediums.

What myths have you encountered?

Help build a constructive conversation!

Please leave your comments here and tell two friends.

 

First of all, allow me to define what I mean by a “successful artist.”

A successful artist is an Artist Who THRIVES, an artist who:

• is supporting themselves well by making art and making money from it
• knows who they are and what they stand for
• knows their personal purpose and who is completely committed to a mission
• creates value above and beyond their art as an expression of their mission
• delivers a unique value proposition that serves their tribe, a target market, by solving a problem or alleviating their tribe’s pain
• (Remember, we are thought leaders. Our “job” is to inspire.)

Is this you? Are you an Artist Who THRIVES?

Is this the artist who you want to be? I thought so!

Do you want to know how to be an Artist Who THRIVES?

• start where you are today
• define a SMARTER goal
• take consistent action towards your goal
• then avoid perfection and focus on incremental and iterative progress
• learn from others but do not compare yourselves to others, it’s a waist of damn time

Myth #1: Successful artists have extraordinary talent.

Talent, and discipline, is the minimum price of admission if you are going to consistently sell your art.

However, as we know, talent is subjective. A brief glimpse of American Idol serves as a stark reminder.

Myth #2: You have to be recognized by the press.

It sure doesn’t hurt to receive press and it feels great to be acknowledged.

Press gives you creditability and authority but it does not always automatically lead to a sales windfall.

Myth #3: You have to sell out.

First of all, what does “selling out” even mean?

If you think it means comprising your values, think again.

The opposite is true. Refer to the definition of an Artist Who THRIVES above.

Your target market, your tribe, will celebrate you if you celebrate them and their values. You can’t fake this.

Stay tuned for the other four myths next week.

What myths have you encountered?

I’m sure that there are more than seven. I just had to pick a catchy number.

Join a constructive conversation.

Please leave your comments below and tell two friends.

Swimming with the dolphins in the ocean off of Kona’s beautiful shores was absolutely phenomenal!

This experience is part of Dr. George Pratt’s annual Energy Seminar. He is a leading expert in the field of energy psychology and the author of Code to Joy.

Larry King’s interviews with Dr. Pratt made me very curious, but somewhat skeptical, about the results his clients have experienced, including:

• Common, Grammy Award winning recording artist
• Rob Dyrdek, Host of MTV’s Fantasy Factory
• Dara Torres, five-time Olympic champion

Then I read Code to Joy and I realized that Dr. Pratt actually does have a magic formula. One that has been scientifically verified.

Why am I mentioning this to you? Because I assume that if you are reading this, you want to be a thriving artist, and so you need to read this book.

Am I an affiliate? No. I’ve just experienced the results.

What is the Code to Joy? It is the access code to your subconscious, which is running the show.

The neural activity of your conscious mind, relative to your subconscious mind, is like a flee (your conscious mind) sitting on the back of an elephant (your subconscious mind) trying to tell the elephant where to go and what to do.

Clearly, the flea is not in charge.

Just as your conscious mind is not really in charge of you.

If you think your conscious mind is running the show, think again. No pun intended

Our success and happiness is blocked or created by our beliefs, which are shaped by our emotions.

Trying to think your way out of your unconscious beliefs is as effective as yelling at your TV to try to change the channel.

Just like your art, you’ve got to feel to create.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Dr. Joseph Murphy, republished since 1898, tells us that our mind is the master but it doesn’t tell us very well how we can harness its power.

Code to Joy gives you the access instructions to your subconscious.

We can actually learn how to access our subconscious and unleash our unconscious limitations trapped by our stuck emotions.

My experience in Kona with Dr. Pratt was a powerful game changer and that is why I want to share his research and tools with you.

The great thing is that anyone can learn these tools so they will be included in my tool box when I mentor artists.

What subconscious beliefs could be limiting your success and happiness?

Please comment below.

 

 

I’m going to keep this post short because I am getting ready to leave to fulfill a long held “bucket list” wish.

I’m going to Kona to swim with the dolphins in the wild.

Two weeks ago I visited with my dear friend Simon in the hospital.

I am so grateful to Simon because not only is he a dear friend, he has been my mentor, teaching me how to sell to the luxury market.

Much of Simon’s wisdom is shared with you on Artists Who THRIVE.

Unfortunately, Simon has been given less than six months to live.

I visited with him and his lovely wife.

What does a dying man talk about? Less about the future and more about fond past moments.

While they reminisced about the cherished times when they traveled together, they glowed.

I was on the fence about taking this trip to Kona.

When I mentioned my reluctance to Simon, true to form, he mentored me again. He said, “Go! And enjoy this trip as if it was your last.”

I knew he was right and I’ve known that need a meaningful and complete break.

I’ve been working so hard on building my art enterprise and this is the first really restful vacation I have taken since I started my business over over eight years ago.

Another good friend reminded me that “Even a boxer sits in his corner between rounds.”

Since I’m planning two major launches and a 30-Day Course on Creative Live, I need to rest up, reinvigorate, and forget my relentless to-do list and SMARTER goal.

Many artists I know work really hard.

Life can’t just be about work.

Let’s keep it real. An artist’s path is not an easy one.

We often work harder because we swallow the notion artists must continuously struggle and strive.

But witnessing Simon’s sudden illness has renewed my commitment to working smarter not harder and less not longer.

• Did you take a break this year?
• What shifted for you?
• How did you feel afterwards?
• Was your creativity enhanced?

I’m curious about what you think.

Please post your comments below.

 

  I learned that some of my email subscribers where having difficulty accessing my eBook so here it is, for free.

• If you don’t have a copy of my eBook, please click the cover above and download it.
• If you would like to have a hard copy, go to Amazon and please buy it. If you like it, please leave a review.
• If you do have a copy of the eBook, then I invite you to help me create the second edition.

Please note. This book was intentionally designed like a coloring book. Why? Because it is an invitation for you to color, comment, even challenge, and tell that world what you really think. My aim is to ignite a thoughtful conversation about the whole notion of selling art and “selling out.” I start with my personal story. I share how I learned to make art and make money by challenging the rules of the art establishment. I’ve included 101 rules that guide my thinking around making art and making money. My thinking? Yes. Your thinking is actually more important than any tool, tactic, or strategy that I can offer you. Your thinking is where your success starts or ends. Why is your thinking so important? Because:

• our thinking shapes our emotions
• our emotions determine our actions
• our success is determined by consistent constructive actions

The main thing that changed for me from when I wasn’t selling much of my art to when I was selling a lot of art was, my thinking. Determining my actions was the easier part. Of course these are my rules. I certainly can’t, and I don’t want to, impose them on you. I want to invite you to examine your thinking by responding to each of these rules. That is why I reserved a blank page, or canvas, next to each rule giving you room to respond in any way that you see fit. Read the rule. How does it make you feel? What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Comment, draw, scribble, or tear it into little pieces! Pour your coffee on the page. There is no censorship. I want to hear from you! Why do I want you to do this? Because too many of us are playing by unconscious rules that are broken and they are breaking us. And in order for artists to thrive we need to rewrite the rules, take the reins, and engage in a very different conversation. Artists must change the conversation we have in our heads, and with one another, in order to thrive. We need to stop thinking that we have careers and understand that we have businesses. So. What better way to ignite a different conversation than a coloring contest. Remember those? Please help me rewrite the rules of selling art. Color, scribble, and comment away. Then email your reactions to any of my rules to [email protected]. Please note, your pages may be included in the second version of the book. What are your top three rules? Let us know below.

It is really satisfying to be working with artists from around the globe to help them create a Vision, where they:

• discover their purpose
• define their mission
• create a unique value proposition that will serve their tribe

As long as the artist is willing to:

• be open, confront the truth, and be vulnerable
• trust the process, me, and themselves
• invest the time and the effort required

Their effort eventually yields the seed to an extraordinarily fulfilling and profitable artistic enterprise.

These artists are no only excited, they are actually thrilled.

Why? Because for years, these artists have been longing for a certain confidence that comes from their new clarity of Vision.

It is this new found confidence that gives artists the ability and fortitude to persevere.

For the first time they have a road map for making art and making money.

And this road map fully aligns their creativity and integrity with their profits.

They have something most of humanity never fully realizes. They know their purpose.

But guess what? Creating this inspiring seed is the easy part.

What’s the hard part?

Planting the seed and tending the garden, season after season, after season.

If you want to eat, you can’t skip a season.

There a few artists who I have worked with who are thrilled to finally have their Vision.

But guess what? They never plant the damn seed!

So. They never yield any crop.

Yes. You heard me and you know who you are!

What am I taking about?

Visioning is the most important part. No doubt. It is the foundation.

But again, it is the easy part.

The hard part is taking continuous consistent action and managing all of the eight realms of an artistic enterprise.

1. Visioning – Confirming your values and expressing your purpose. “Know thyself.”
2. Valuing – Creating unique value above and beyond the art.
3. Dealing – Making art that makes money.
4. Copyrighting – Claiming your intellectual property.
5. Targeting – Celebrating your tribe’s values and culture.
6. Selling – Having guided conversations.
7. Profiting – More money in, less money out.
8. Accomplishing – Remaining committed to a SMARTER goal.

Have you had a brilliant idea but abandoned it?

• Why haven’t you moved forward?
• Is something missing?
• Have you prepared the soil?

The truth will set you free.

Leave your comments here.

Artists exist primarily in isolation.

Isolation is necessary to focus on creating but it can leave creatives feeling lonely and sad.

Social isolation actually significantly increases the risk of early death.

And too much isolation is not good for business.

Relationships equal revenue.

Relationships also equal inspiration, happiness, and the joy and satisfaction of friendships.

Knowing this, I always end my seminars with the same directive.

“Turn to the person next to you. 

Tell them one thing that you will accomplish by the end of next week to help advance your artistic enterprise. 

Then trade emails. In one week you will follow up with each other. And with this small act you will provide tremendous support to each other by holding each other accountable.”

Every time I do this, the energy in the room erupts. People often find a new friend.

I just received this note from Chantel-Marie Jordan:

“On April 16, 2011, I attended Ann Rea’s seminar, The Art of Marketing, at Cabrillo College and I was very impressed with Ann and her presentation.  

Beside all the juicy information I was soaking up, I got to meet a few new people.  

Ann had advised the audience to exchange cards with someone sitting next to us in an effort to establish accountability partnerships for the assignments she gave us.  

The gentleman to my right, Barney Langner, Jr., was very cordial so we exchanged cards and then corresponded for a few weeks after the seminar.  

It’s been three years and Barney and I stay in touch regularly and have become mentors to each other as well as friends.”

Do you see how strangers sitting next to each other suddenly became long-term supporters and friends?

Had I not suggested that the students connect they would have remained strangers.

Open up your world by genuinely connecting with other people.

We do not succeed alone.

So, who is supporting you?

Who are you supporting?

Giver’s gain. So what can you give?

Simple actions, that cost you nothing, can create immense mutual benefit.

• Check in each week
• Provide an introduction
• Just listen
• Offer words of sincere praise
• Give encouragement
• Introduce a sales lead

Take yourself out of isolation.

Give help. Get help.

Find yourself a Master Mind partner.

Choose wisely. The Master Mind must give you energy.

If it drains you, or it just leaves you feeling flat, walk away.

Contact someone TODAY.

Not sure where to start?

Go the Artists Who THRIVE FaceBook page.

 

1.The successful artists don’t whine.

2.The take full responsibility for their successes and their failures.

3.They have a SMARTER goal and the take focused action to achieve it every day.

4.They are not selling art. They are creating value above and beyond their art and they are selling that.

5.They have a current business plan.

6.They are committed.

7.They invest in themselves.

1. As soon as I hear a pattern of whining in an artist’s voice, I know two things.

1.They are not going to be very successful.

2.I am not going to be able to help them.

Why? They are victims. Any advice or direction I give them is going to be received through their “I’ve been disappointed before” and or “that will never work” filter.

Everyone has been disappointed and we will be again. You can count on it.

But be mindful. Are you maintaining this as an overall expectation? If so, this is producing your results.

2. These artists take full responsibility for their success and their failures.

They realize that they are not going to be “discovered.” These artists are clear that their successes are their responsibility as are their inevitable failures and their failures can lead to their greatest lessons.

3. These artists are focused on a singular goal, in a “Think and Grow Rich” kind of way.

4. These artists understand that selling art sucks.

So they create value above and beyond their art and they sell that.

5. Successful artists have a current business plan.

Notice I said current. The plan is useless if it doesn’t reflect your current and planned business moves.

6. Successful artists are committed.

Giving up is not an option. Giving up on failing marketing strategies, that’s an option. But giving up on building their artistic enterprise, never.

7. Successful artists invest in themselves.

Why? Because they know that they are the factory, the marketing and sales department, and the engine that drives it all.

These successful artists invest in mentoring or consultations with those who can help get them to where they want to go faster.

They realize that investing in right outside help saves them time and money.

Notice that I don’t list artistic talent.

Why? Because talent is the minimum price of admission.

Which of these 7 describe you? Which do not?

Be honest. The truth will set you free. Ask yourself now.

We don’t succeed alone. Ask two friends to do this exercise with you.