People often ask how much time I spend engaged in my company’s sales, marketing, and administrative work.  I would estimate that I can spend about 50%-80% of my time.

Not so romantic, but it’s vitally necessary.  The good news is that I don’t mind it.  Many years in the corporate cubicle trained me for it but I’m investing in my business now.  And its what we must do if we want to build our brands so that we can spend more relaxed time creating.  I doubt it’s much different for other young businesses.

I’m also asked “Would I rather be painting?”  The answer is, not necessarily. I enjoy business and I particularly enjoy art marketing strategy.  Again it’s not an either or proposition.

But yes, when I do paint its like entering another realm.  The time flies, I’m relaxed and engaged in an entirely different and purely creative way.  My thoughts are focused; I’m peaceful and emotionally responsive.  The skills and experience I’m drawing on and developing are entirely different.

The good news is that over the past four years my on-line art sales have averaged about 8% of my total sales.  These sales are the easiest and most profitable transactions.  But in 2009, that number jumped to 27%.  What does that mean?  I have more time to create.  And I’m very happy about that.