If You Think You CAN, You’re Right. And if…

By 1 Comment

If you think you can, you’re right. And if you think you can’t, well you know.

I mention this at Artists Who THRIVE because of my experience coaching and consulting with a range of artists from across the globe.  With this experience I have noticed certain patterns and characteristics and confirmed one universal truth.  And that is, “as you think, so shall you become.”

There are many elements to an artist’s success: clear goals,  a plan, talent, and a unique value proposition that serves a targeted market. But before all these elements, it’s an artist’s attitude that fuels their success and happiness.

Those artists who “think they can” struggle less and they become more successful more quickly.

So if your attitude is not so great what do you do?  My suggestion is clean your mind, daily.  Like you brush your teeth.

As a matter of fact, if it’s hard to think of fitting one more thing into your day, do this while you’re brushing your teeth.  Because just like it’s important to clean your teeth everyday, hopefully at least twice a day, cleaning your mind is equally if not more important.

Take a moment each day, like when you are brushing your pearly whites think:

1. three things that you forgive yourself or someone else for

2.  three things that you are grateful for

3. and three things that you desire and see them as yours now

Now if you’re cynical about this, then know that I’m not trying to convert you.  I’m just sharing a meditation that has helped me maintain a positive attitude.  And what a better way start the morning or end each day?

Is Your Glass Half Full?

By 4 Comments

Is Your Glass Half Full?

Why do I write sooo damn much about mindset in a blog about the business of marketing and selling art?

Well, I want Artists Who THRIVE to be useful.  So my posts are an actual reflection of the current issues that my artist clients are grappling with.

Whether I’m coaching artist clients one on one, or answering an artist’s questions in a seminar, we’re spending anywhere from 50% to 80% of the time on shaping a successful mindset.

A successful mindset is essential because even with the right marketing strategy and loads of talent, without the right attitude, its just not going to happen.

Why?  Maybe because, for the most part, society expects artists to fail and the “starving artist” myth is like running bad code in too many artists’ brains.

How do I know this? For one thing, my personal experience. Secondly, I watch artists that I coach succeed and fail.

The number one indicator of whether my artist clients are going to make it is simply their attitude. If they have a good attitude they succeed quicker and with more ease.

As soon as my clients start getting whiny, they slow down, lose focus, make excuses, derail, and undermine their opportunities. I see this ALL the time.

The market, the weather, even the level of our talent is outside of our control.  But you do have complete control over your attitude. And this drives your discipline, focus, and ability to attract collectors.

It’s really amazing to watch this simple truth.  And I’m grateful for the constant reminder that the glass really can be half full.  It’s a choice.

12 Step Program for Artists Who THRIVE

By 2 Comments

12step

Recently I was coaching an artist who remarked that some of the insights that she was gaining during our sessions reminded her of some of the shifts that have occurred for her with her 12-step program.

I said, “Cool. Maybe I should write a 12 step program for Artists Who THRIVE?”  She said, “You should!” I replied, “I can and I will!”  So here it is:

  1. Don’t believe everything you think.  When a negative thought enters your brain investigate it logically and ask: “Is this really true?  What real evidence do I have?  Is this just fear talking again?”
  2. Have faith.  Focus on the possibilities not the problems.  When problems come up, focus on the solutions.
  3. Challenge conventional thinking. Take risks.
  4. Maintain a clear positive vision of what you want,  feel it, then act.  And remember that optimistic people get more done, they are more successful, and better to be around.
  5. Commit.  If you’re interested, you’ll do what’s convenient.  If you’re committed, you’ll do whatever it takes.  Freedom is born of discipline.
  6. Have a plan or your life with fall into other people’s plans. Break your vision down into very specific SMART goals.
  7. You can’t manage time, only your priorities.  Before you go to bed, write down six things that you are going to do the following day towards meeting your SMART goal, in order of their priority.  Wake up and do your very best to complete each thing, in order, until it’s done.
  8. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who also believe in you.
  9. Think each day about what you will give, not what you will get.  It’s not about you.  Your compensation is a reflection of the value you offer.
  10. Accept that you are responsible for your successes and failures. Celebrate your successes.
  11. Embrace your inevitable failures.  They are your greatest teachers.
  12. Be yourself. Develop your unique voice and lead.  Successful artists are leaders.
  13. Warren Buffett was asked, “What is the best investment you can make?” His reply, “Invest in yourself.”  So invest in yourself, you’re worth it. (bonus step)

In this moment you are just where you are supposed to be.  Now act, even with fear and uncertainty.  Start small. Make a commitment to yourself and keep it.  Build on that.

What are you avoiding?

By 2 Comments

It’s not uncommon for an artist that I’m coaching to be actively avoiding a task or a project that they really need to get done. For example: getting all of their photos ready for their new website, filing their taxes, or clearing a cluttered studio.

They will refer to it during our phone meetings; it will come up over and over in discussion.  It’s on their mind so it has their attention, it’s taking up energy to avoid it, and it’s often proving to be an obstacle in the way of their reaching a specific and important goal.

We all do avoid or put off the things we like least. The action that I’m currently avoiding is writing sales letters to important potential strategic partners for Ann Rea, Inc.  Of course, now that I’ve admitted this in writing, I won’t be able to avoid it any more.

As my sales consultant wisely advised me (yes, I have coaches too) “you don’t have to like it, you just have to do it.”  And of course I’m so glad when I complete things that have stacked up because it helps build my business and frees me of stress.

It’s a remarkable tool to notice what you are avoiding because it’s only then that you can deal with it and then watch your energy and focus return.  Rather then get into a self-inflicted drama of telling yourself that you’re a slacker, just be thankful of your awareness and commit to a specific time to complete the task.

Today, right now, make a list of the things you’re avoiding.  Number them in order of priority.  Then tackle one at a time until each is done.  Give yourself a deadline and schedule the time needed to complete what you have been avoiding.  Put these items on your calendar.

Then call someone who is supportive and ask them to check in with you about your efforts each week. Then watch your life and business change for the better.

Should a Fine Artist have Bargain Bin?

By 1 Comment

There was an insightful comment posted on the  Artist Who THRIVE Facebook page about my last post, “Should I Discount my Fine Art?”

“If a painting is not selling and is collecting dust, it is probably not the same quality as your work that IS selling. Putting out work that is lower quality than your standard and marking it at a lower price is like taking steps backwards- you lower the value of your work and it affects how collectors see you…


 If you see a painting that “wows” you…and its priced 1500.00, then you see another painting by the same artist that is not very good, and its priced 500.00 (presuming they are the same medium and size) does it not effect your view of the artist in terms of value and quality?

It would confuse me- as a collector- because it makes the artist seem unreliable and desperate.

Man this marketing stuff is tricky!”

My opinion, “this marketing stuff” is really NOT that “tricky!”

As yourself this. Should an artist really maintain a “bargain bin?”  I think not!

All artists produce work in a range of quality.  Your job as the artist is to edit. When I have work of lower quality, and it’s not moving, it’s a sign to heed.

Take work of lower quality out of your sale inventory and maintain your standards. Launch your lame work and make more excellent work.

The editing process is part of the creative process.  It will feel good and you will have more confidence in your work.  And then, it’s easier to sell.

Don’t’ confuse your collectors. As it is, they have a hard enough time understanding the prices of fine art.

Keep it simple and pursue excellence.