Once I’ve worked with an artist for six months I like to ask them what they’ve learned.  Obviously, it helps me help other artists, it lets us both know what progress they’ve made, and it helps reinforce what they have learned.

So I asked Colleen Attara, a Mixed media eco-artist from Philadelphia, to share at least ten things that she’s learned in the last six months or insights that she has gained.  I suggested that she not labor over this exercise but simply rattle off what popped into her head.

I asked for ten, she gave me sixteen, quoted below.  Colleen agreed to share what she learned so that other artists in this community could also benefit from her experience.

1. Know what unique value you bring to the seller.
2. You run your own show.
3. Talk size, not price.
4. Never discount your work; it is unfair to your collectors.  Instead offer value; i.e.:  shipping, cards etc.
5. Your website design should not overpower your art.
6. Write down your policies and how you do business; this will allow more time to create and sell.
7. Write your bio in 3rd person; let others speak highly for you.
8. Write down six things you are going to accomplish before going to bed.
9. It is hard to control time, but you can control your priorities.
10. *Positive energy sells art.
11. *See what you want to be as an artist.  Have that vision, put it on paper……and watch what happens.
12. Protect your art and your images.
13. Make the buying process as easy as possible.  Wine and credit cards are very good.
14. Position yourself as an authority. Talk to groups of people.
15. Contact interested buyers and past buyers once a month.
16. Showing art and selling art are two different things.

* knew this; needed the reminder

Do you think that these insights have helped Colleen’s business and increased her sales?  You bet!  So if your ready to invest in your career, applying for coaching, click here.