Do the Thing You’re Avoiding, NOW

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Learn from my mistakes.  Sometimes we avoid what we really want.  For over seven years straight I didn’t draw or paint a single thing.  What I didn’t know then was that one day I would become a nationally recognized painter.  I avoided what I really wanted because of fear.  Had I gotten it together I would have enjoyed my artistic enterprise earlier and been a much happier and fulfilled person.  The goods news is that I discovered that it was not too late.  Through considered and consistent action I got what I wanted.

So often we put off doing things that are important to advancing our artistic enterprise and yet time is marching on.  Maybe it’s finding a bookkeeper, getting a marketing plan together, drafting a clear commission agreement, or just making a particular phone call?

Why?  Who knows and frankly, who cares.  The important thing to recognize is that if there is something that you are avoiding then it’s taking up your valuable and limited physic energy.  Once you do this thing that you’ve been avoiding, you free energy and you feel so much better.

Do you need to organize your studio?  Update your books?  Get some work photographed?

Maybe this is just not the highest and best use of your time.

If you have been avoiding then either hire someone to help you or enlist a friend to hold you accountable.  Let them know what you need to do and ask them to check in with you at a certain time and ask if you have it done.  This is called an accountability partner.

Here’s a great strategy. Make a list of all of the things that you’ve been avoiding.  Face them square in the eyes and number them in terms of your desire to not do them.  If you’re feeling brave then tackle the thing that you are most resisting.  And if you’re not that enthusiastic yet then start with the task that would be easiest to complete.

Trust me.  This works.  It’s the things that we are avoiding, the responsibilities that we have not yet claimed, that hold us down.  The clock is ticking, so free yourself and just do it, NOW.  It’s not too late.

Perception is Reality

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Perception is reality so make sure that the perception others have of you and your art is not distorted.

I have written about this before but I just cannot emphasize it enough because there is such a common and unnecessary disconnect.

Selling art is serious business, requiring more marketing savvy than most businesses.  If you want it to run a profitable art business then understanding that “perception is reality” is even more critical.

Just like framing a painting, you want to frame your professional image.  You want a frame that that doesn’t look cheap. You want a frame that’s simple so that the focus is on your the work. And you want a frame that is carefully considered so that it elevates the art that it protects.

This means that you need to manage every touch point that patrons and prospects have with your business so that you convey a positive and professional image.

Some of the ways that you can convey your professionalism are:

  • Answering the phone professionally.  For example, “Hi, Jane Smith’s studio.  This is Jane.  How can I help you?”
  • Your recorded phone message.
  • Your website, actually your eCommerce site.  It should read visually like an art gallery or museum.  Too many artist’s sites are over- and ill- designed.  Don’t distract from your art, elevate it.  Hire a professional.  You and your business is worth it and you’ll sell more work online.
  • Your business cards.  These should be professionally designed, including the logo. Don’t skimp.
  • Your promotional photo.  This should also be professionally shot.  And no sunglasses or berets, unless you really are French.
  • Your personal style/dress.  I’m not suggesting that you purchase business suits, simply that you look and feel your best.
  • Your email signature.  This should include a link to your website, social networking links, and all of your contact numbers.
  • Your Facebook fan page.  This is a huge and free marketing tool.  Link to it from your eCommerce site.
  • Your LinkedIn profile.  Take the time to complete this.  And follow the rules. Only ask people to join your network if you actually know them.  Take the time to write a request for others to join your network.  Don’t use the default message.  It reads.  “Here, join my network.  I’m too lazy or I don’t care enough to actually write you a simple message.”  It’s not a contest to get to “500+” contacts.

The bottom line is this.  When you’re selling art you’re asking patrons to part with their money.  So give them reasons to feel confident with each transaction.  Professionalism is not an area that you have creative license.

Blue Sky Strategy

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When I’m coaching my artist clients we do what is called a blue sky session.   We think of different art marketing strategies to help them sell their art.  Not to be confused with a blue ocean strategy, our ultimate goal.

During this creative session there is one very simple rule. Record every idea and negate none.  Simple?  You’d be surprised.

When artists get out of their own way and pause their self-limited thinking, the sky is the limit, pardon the pun.

We can hatch big ideas during these blue-sky sessions.  Or it can be a time when even seemingly positive artists kill opportunities before they are even born. “That won’t work.” “I hate this or that.” My constant response.  “Just focus on the exercise, pretend, have fun. There’s no right or wrong.”   Self-doubt and lack of confidence become very evident.  Sometimes they play along during the session and then their attitude kills the ideas later.

Artists who really engage in this creative process, kind of like you do when you make art, win.  Because the blue sky strategy is simple and it works.

This is a creative exercise that many marketing strategists use.  The good news is that artists are in a particularly good position to come up with creative and new marketing strategies.  But they have to stop thinking about themselves and think about what value they can create for a target market.  Why?  Because your compensation is in direct proportion to the value you offer.

Most artists have been told to craft artist statements to explain their work as a way to sell it.  These statements are all about them and their process.  Unfortunately I have rarely read an artist’s statement where I didn’t cringe and say “Oh, please.”

If you want to sell your art, ultimately it’s not about you. It has to be about the unique value you offer to a specific target market.

The other good news is that you are free to create this value and assert it any which way you please, kind of like you do when you make art.

Marketing is a creative process like making art.  And that’s why I love it too.

Artists Who THRIVE is growing!

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Below is an example of the messages that I received just yesterday.

I’m inspired to see so many artists join and benefit from ArtistsWhoTHRIVE.  And it helps me up my own game!

You’ll benefit the most when you engage with like-minded, positive, and productive artists, when you too join the conversation.  Share your recent success and comment to posts.

Although I established ArtistsWhoTHRIVE, the community belongs to you.  And through the power of the Internet we can help each other thrive artistically and financially.
So I’d like to hear from you!

  • What’s working for you on ArtistsWhoTHRIVE?
  • What questions or other topics would you like us to explore?
  • What resources are you looking for?
  • Do you know that we are interested in guest writer submissions?
  • Do you have examples of your recent or past business success?
  • What are your current challenges?

“I’m really excited and you’ve got me even more thrilled to be an artist.
Thank you for the motivation! You’ll be hearing from me soon!

rebekah joy plett”

www.catchtheredballoon.com

“’bravo!’ Your gallery is wonderful and from a Blue Ocean perspective, I think you have a fantastic opportunity to create new market space. The very best to you.  I look forward to following your success!
Best regards,
Chuck”
founder
www.blueoceandiscovery.com

“I’ve been getting your newsletters for a few months now. They’re always useful and inspiring — thank you! You’re a great model!

Best,
Melissa”
Melissa Dinwiddie
www.melissadinwiddie.com