listopada 10 2008
Generating Creative Business Ideas (Lori Woodward Simons)
To view the html version of this newsletter on the web please visit:
http://fineartviews.com/808
Fine Art Views Daily Newsletter
ISSUE #267 - (Sponsored by FineArtStudioOnline)
Straight Talk about Art, Marketing, Inspiration and Fine Living
Generating Creative
Business Ideas
by Lori Woodward Simons
TODAY:
“When everything’s going well, I stay the course, but if all business
indicators are telling me that I’m losing… then I have nothing to lose
by experimenting with new ideas. . . .”
_____
IF YOU WISH TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK:
http://fineartviews.com/d/72637
_____
Monday, November 10, 2008
San Antonio, Texas
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Generating Creative Business Ideas
* Drop Everything and have a Cup of Tea (Keiko Tanabe), Revisited
* The Bookshelf
* From the FineArtViews Blogs
_____
Latest Ruminations from Clint’s Blog
Generating Creative Business Ideas by Lori Woodward Simons
Be a big fish in your own pond . . .
A Time to Play by Lori Woodward Simons
New FineArtStudioOnline Artist Websites
Do artists need galleries anymore?
_____
–Advertisement–
Today’s the Last Day to
Impress 6,500 Gallery Directors
With Your Artwork!
Order by November 10th and Save $100!
Do You Need a Gallery?
Do You Need to Add Another Gallery?
Trying to Increase Your Art Sales?
FineArtViews has arranged a special opportunity for you with Artist
AdvocateT Magazine, the publication designed to expose your work to the
top galleries in the world. Filled with artist listings that will
highlight your work and your accomplishments, this publication will be
distributed to the top gallery owners and directors within the United
States and in several foreign countries, as well as to all major art
publishers and licensing companies.
Simply include promotional code FASO8A when you submit your order and
save up to $100 off the normal rate.
This is a limited opportunity just for readers of FineArtViews.
Why Artist Advocate was Created
Gallery representatives tell us they are inundated with discs, slides,
e-mails, and photos from artists seeking representation. The images are
stored in a file and rarely reviewed. Those representatives have
expressed a need for the ability to review all artists’ works in one
easily accessible location. Artist AdvocateT accomplishes their goal -
and yours-by placing artists like you in front of galleries that sell
original artworks.
As a former gallery director, I know how important it is to discover new
artists. Believe me, Galleries are searching for artists as much as you
are searching for galleries. Artist Advocate Magazine is an exciting new
and effective way to reach thousands of galleries with your work. At the
special pricing we have arranged, it is a “no-brainer.” Artist Advocate
Magazine’s digital edition links to your website giving galleries and
collectors a direct contact with you. This is a marketing opportunity
like none I have seen and I am sure you will want to take advantage of
special offer we have arranged.
Finding Hidden Gems
How do you find a new gallery? Logically, you choose several to phone or
submit images. But how many can you call? How many images can you send?
Artist Advocate has done the work for you by developing a powerful list
of nearly every gallery in America selling original artworks, both on
the traditional and the modern-contemporary side. We will put your
artwork in front of more galleries than you can on your own.
Who Artist Advocate Shows Your Artwork:
. Nearly Every Gallery in America Selling Original Art
. Top Galleries in Europe
. Top Galleries around the World
. Online to over 30,000 galleries, art collectors and art enthusiasts
via email and web
. Permanently via back links to your website from
artistadvocatemagazine.com
What do Artists say about Artist Advocate?
“As a result of my ad in Artist Advocate, I have received several
inquiries from galleries interested in my work. The magazine has been
out only a short time, but I am anticipating even more response. After
painting 7 or 8 hours a day, then marketing another 3 hours every
evening, I have felt frustrated and exhausted. I now have Artist
Advocate to help me market my work. The advertising dollar investment
with Artist Advocate seems small compared to hiring a marketing
assistant! This is the sort of thing that artists have needed for a long
time.”
-Lori Putnam
http://www.loriputnam.com
Lori’s experience could be yours too! Just click the link below for more
information about showing your hidden gems to over 6,500 gallery
directors.
Click the link below to be a part of the next issue of Artist Advocate
Magazine:
Hurry, the closing date for this issue is days away on November 10th
Order by November 10th and Save $100!
Be sure to use promo code FASO8A to get credit for the discount.
http://artistadvocatemagazine.com
_____
Today’s Sponsor:
Today’s newsletter is being sponsored by:
Michele Usibelli Fine Art
http://clicks.canvasflyer.com/ad_click.asp?GUID=8066-(No Picture)-MicheleUsibelli-2008111015324072637&fid=8066
_____
Generating Creative Business Ideas
by Lori Woodward Simons
Dear Oil,
Today’s Post is by Lori Woodward Simons ,
Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.
My college tennis coach had this wise saying, “If you’re winning, don’t
change anything; if you’re losing, change your strategy until something
works.” I’ve applied this wisdom to my business practices in the
following way: When everything’s going well, I stay the course, but if
all business indicators are telling me that I’m losing… then I have
nothing to lose by experimenting with new ideas.
When Things Get Tough, The Tough Get Creative
While positive thinking may improve confidence levels, confidence
without action rarely results in sustainable growth. If your work is
selling just as well now as it did before the stock market went crazy,
why mess up a good thing? Stay the course that is working for you.
However, if sales are slowing or coming to a grinding halt, don’t sit
around wishing and hoping for improvement… rather, think of ways to
tweak your business strategy.
Notice, I’m not saying to change your artwork… continue to create what
you have a passion for and what you’re good at, especially if you’ve
experienced a demand for that work in the past. What I am saying is -
ponder ways that you might sell your work in a depressed economy. If you
are also an art collector, think about the kind of opportunities that
might make you continue to collect when your finances have taken a
beating.
Here are a few ideas that I’ve dreamed up in recent years, but haven’t
yet pursued. Right now, I’m in a good position to put these ideas to the
test because I’m no longer working with commercial galleries. I can’t
say whether or not any of the following strategies will be successful,
but my hope is that they’ll get the ball rolling again by re-sparking my
collector base’s interest. While I might fall flat on my face, I don’t
have much to lose, and may even gain a new audience.
Experimental Strategies
Home Shows
I’ll ask one of my collectors to hold a show for me at her home - where
she and her husband invite their friends for a casual evening of fun,
food, and art. I’ll introduce these folks to the idea of art
collecting… maybe give a short talk on 19th century American Artists
– something that might direct the general public’s interest toward
appreciation of art. Meanwhile, I’ll have some of my best works
attractively displayed and hand out copies of a price list. My hosts
will proudly show their art collection to their guests, and in return
for hosing the event, I’ll offer these hosts a small, free original
painting. If all goes according to plan, some of the guests (who may
have different set of friends) will offer to host a show at their home!
I’ve even considered selling the work of other artists and taking a
smaller commission than a commercial gallery - since I have no overhead.
Perhaps those of you who enjoy meeting with the public might set
something like this up for your fellow artists.
“Limited Edition Originals”
This is something I’ve wanted to do for years but never got around to
it. The Idea: I paint the same image, same size, maybe 10 times. These
paintings are essentially reproductions, except I have painted each one
entirely myself. Because I’m not a machine, each iteration is bound to
be a bit different, and progressively better. So that the 10th painting
is likely to be superior in quality to the 3rd. I’m considering raising
the price slightly on the latter iterations if this turns out to be the
case. Because I save a lot of time by painting the same image
repeatedly, I can offer these works for a lower price than my “one of a
kind” originals, thereby giving buyers an incentive to collect when
their purse strings are tight.
Reduced Pricing - for a Limited Time
Because I’ve decided to pull out of galleries and sell on my own, I’ll
offer paintings from my web site at a reduced price for a limited amount
of time. My thinking on this is that the limited “bargain” will entice
buying from my past collectors, or maybe a few folks who’ve been eying
my work but are concerned about spending money right now. When I raise
my prices next spring (not astronomically), the work they buy from me
now, at reduced prices will have automatically appreciated. I realize
that I’m going against the grain of the way art pricing has worked
historically, but I’m willing to find out if this idea will work. One
caveat: if I were currently working with galleries, I could not lower my
prices - my retail prices would have to stay consistent across all
selling venues.
Compromise on Price but Not Quality
Most importantly, I will not compromise the quality of my work, no
matter what my prices are. I don’t think my past collectors will mind if
they can buy my art at a lower price temporarily. I could be totally
wrong… We shall see. The point of my writing this blog is to share my
brainstorms, but not necessarily to have you follow my experiments.
Please don’t contact me 5 months from now to say that my theory has
failed. Remember, I’m willing to take the risk and experiment. My hope
is that artists out there will not settle for despondency, but feel
compelled to generate ideas and perhaps act on the ones that make the
most sense. Please feel free to share your ideas with others by posting
a comment below.
–
Editors Note: Marketing art is certainly not easy. It’s always
important for artists to consider creative options in their marketing
plans. One place where you can get some new, creative and inspiring
marketing ideas is from Alyson Stanfield’s 50-minute audio recording
about generating “buzz.” You’ll learn how other artists are getting
creative with their finances, their venues, and their self-promotion and
how you can apply creative promotional ideas from other artists. You’ll
also learn 10 principles for generating buzz , why teaming with a
nonprofit might be a good idea, and much more. These amazing stories
come from a chapter in Alsyon’s book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The
Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. But they are added to and
expanded on. And she’ll walk you through a process to help you come up
with ideas for generating your own buzz.
Save Money and Generate Buzz on a Shoestring Budget Details:
http://clicks.studiotopia.com/D
–
Related Articles:
Do artists need galleries anymore?
Alyson Stanfield’s Six Principles of no-excuses art marketing
Sell More Art and Enjoy Life by Encouraging Engagement
Celebrate Your Relationship
11 Art Marketing Questions Answered
————
This article is reproduced with permission.
Copyright 2008 - Lori Woodward Simons
To get more of Lori Woodward Simon’s insights into art, marketing,
inspiration and fine living, check out her blog at:
Woodward Simons Blog:
http://www.woodwardsimons.com/blog
This article originally appeared at the following URL:
http://clintwatson.net/blog/6358
Do you have your own FineArtViews to Share?
Submit your own article for publication on FineArtViews
————
Editor’s Note: Each day we republish selected comments and artwork by
artists who comment about the previous day’s article. If you would like
to share your thoughts, artwork and views with thousands of artists and
collectors, (not to mention getting a valuable inbound link to your
website) be sure to post a comment on today’s article at the following
link. To be considered, be sure to provide your comment through the link
NOT by simply replying to this email. Make sure to comment before the
end of the day to be considered for inclusion in tomorrow’s newsletter:
Make YOUR Opinion Count:
A chance to get your opinions, artwork and web site featured in
tomorrow’s letter:
http://fineartviews.com/808
_____
Art by Misty Beauchamp
Today’s Selected Commenter
http://mistybeauchamp.com
YOUR artwork could be pictured here tomorrow
just comment on today’s article before midnight,
and your artwork could be in front of thousands of people
tomorrow.*
(*If you a right-click disabler on your images, we will select a
different artist to feature, as it is too much trouble to display the
image)
_____
Drop Everything and have a Cup of Tea (Keiko Tanabe), Revisited
Misty Beauchamp Wrote:
It is so true that we have such harried lives that we often sacrifice
what is truly important on the altar of the squeaking wheel. In other
words, with everything clamoring for our attention, we tend to the
things that clamor the loudest, often forgetting or putting off the
lunch with a friend, the playdate with the other moms on the block, or
the grandparent we really should go visit- not to mention the painting
that we want to do.
We also tend to be motivated by fear. We fear what others will think of
us if we don’t do what they expect. We fear our employers, fear our
clients, fear failure, and yes, even fear success. We so often allow
fear to dictate our agendas and shape our destinies. We want to go to
the kid’s game, but we don’t want to offend the boss who wants us to
work late. We want to take our art in a new direction, but we fear
losing our collectors.These fears blur the boundaries of our lives and
cause us to rush maddeningly around trying to do it all and to please
everyione. In the end, we cannot do it all, but we lose ourselves and
our loved ones in the mad rush of busy-ness as we try to do it all.
This brings us to my final point: We are so busy living in the future or
the past that we do not live in the “here and now”. Our kids or spouses
talk to us and we don’t hear what they say, because we are preoccupied.
We don’t enjoy the small everyday moments with family because we think
“quality time” can only be had in large hunks doing something unusual,
instead of folding the laundry or cooking a meal together. We daydream
about the future or mull over the past, and often minutes and hours pass
us by in the here and now, because we are contemplating something that
has already transpired or that may never occur. Bottom line- no one is
guaranteed tomorrow, and we need to be sure we are satisfied with “what
is”. Wisdom is making choices today that you will be satisfied with
tomorrow, but, should you not live until tomorrow, you would still be
satisified with those same choices. When everything is said and done,
our legacy will be what we have created, and how we have inspired,
helped, or loved others. We cannot wait for the right moment; instead we
must sieze the moment that we have as though it is the last one we will
ever have, and we must live every enounter to the best of our ability.
More Comments >>
All Past Issues >>
_____
>From the FineArtViews Blogs:
WEEK TWO OF 52 WEEKS—Wake up and stay awake. by
(terry teaters Fine Art)
Posted: 11/10/2008 1:31:55 PM
necessary evils by bach
(SmallCanvas Studio- work from b.a.c.hennig-loomis)
Posted: 11/10/2008 1:07:00 PM
Painting Meduim by Ruth Housley
(Ruth Housley Fine Art)
Posted: 11/10/2008 12:59:57 PM
Matisse and a Fountain of Youth by Keiko Tanabe
(Keiko Tanabe Fine Art)
Posted: 11/10/2008 12:05:01 PM
Keiko Tanabe Daily Painting - Balboa Park December Night II by Keiko
Tanabe
(Keiko Tanabe Fine Art)
Posted: 11/10/2008 12:03:55 PM
Want your blog posts to appear here? Sign up for a website at
FineArtStudioOnline and start blogging!
http://fineartstudioonline.com/ref/FAV74A
_____
–Advertisement–
Only for FineArtViews Readers:
Save 15% on Art Instruction Videos
Through Nov 24th
Kick Your Artistic Skills Up a Notch from the comfort of your studio!
With art instruction videos from Creative Catalyst Productions.
FineArtViews is please to introduce you to Creative Catalyst
Productions. They take pride in producing the highest quality art
instruction videos and art instruction video workshop DVDs available
anywhere in the world. These instructional workshops are available for
all skill levels. Try Free
previews and purchase DVDs directly on their website.
I have very much enjoyed the DVDs I have ordered so far. Nice
alternative to expensive workshops and they can be viewed over and over.
Judy L. - Quechee VT
Save 15% on Art Instruction Videos - Only Good Through Nov 24th, so
don’t delay:
http://clicks.studiotopia.com/R
_____
Want more FineArtViews?
Visit Clint’s Blog for his latest unconventional thoughts about art,
marketing, inspiration and fine living!
http://clintwatson.net/blog
_____
– Highly Recommended –
Learn Art Marketing Wisdom from the Best of the Blogosphere!
Do you have Questions for Other Artists and Art Professionals? Want to
know what’s going on in the “art world?” Want a convenient place to
share ideas and comments about all your favorite art blogs?
Then you’ll love the new artist community, BrushBuzz
™.
BrushBuzz brings you the best art-related content from around the
blogosphere so that you can have one simple place to keep your finger on
the pulse of the art world.
You can vote stories up so that the most popular articles are always
near the top!
You can submit your own questions too! Need help with marketing? Want
to ask other artists about gallery relationships?
Submit your question at BrushBuzz.com.
Vote up your favorites and we’ll feature the best ones right here in the
FineArtViews newsletter!
Stop by and vote for your favorites now!
Remember the more artists who participate, the better the community will
work and the more valuable it will be for all of us!
Learn more, Submit a Question, Make a comment at BrushBuzz:
http://BrushBuzz.com
_____
About FineArtViews
DO WE SELL ART?
FineArtViews is a Free email newsletter. We do not sell art or have a
commission structure with any of the artists discussed in this
publication. If you wish to purchase art by any of the artists featured,
we will assist you in contacting the artist or the artist’s gallery
representatives.
DO YOU OWN A GALLERY? WANT YOUR EXHIBIT FEATURED HERE?
If you’re a gallery and would like us to mention an upcoming exhibit or
to consider a particular artist, please email us. We don’t guarantee
inclusion but we are all about sharing with the art industry so would
like to know about it.
_____
Republish FineArtViews Insightful Content on
your own website, blog or enewsletter free of charge!
You may republish your favorite articles from FineArtViews without
charge. Use of this material without adhering to ALL of the following
instructions is a violation of copyright laws:
Republishing our articles is simple. You must include attribution of the
author(s) and the following short paragraphs (everything between the
dashed lines), in the same font size and visibility as the article:
———————————————-
This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews.com by Clint
Watson, a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and
fine living for artists, collectors and galleries (and anyone else who
loves art) .
For a complimentary subscription, visit:
http://www.fineartviews.com
———————————————–
_____
Suggest FineArtViews to a Friend:
If you would like to suggest FineArtViews to a friend, please point them
to:
http://www.fineartviews.com
Tell them to click the “Join” link.
_____
Have a Question for Clint?
FineArtViews welcomes your questions, thoughts and comments. Send them
to:
clint@fineartviews.com
_____
The Fine Print:
This copyrighted material is published here by permission of its sole
author, Clinton B. Watson, except as noted otherwise.
As law-abiding citizens who wish to comply with our republic’s anti-spam
laws (unlike actual spammers), we offer our postal address below:
FineArtViews.com
PO Box 700534
San Antonio, TX 78270
Thanks for your friendship.
If you liked today’s newsletter, please forward it to a friend, if you
didn’t like it, feel free to forward it to your enemies ;-)
Essays by guest authors reflect the opinions of the authors only and do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of Clinton B. Watson or
FineArtViews.
The inclusion of an ad in FineArtViews does not constitute an explicit
endorsement. It means that, as far as we know, the product is not a
rip-off. When we really endorse something, we’ll tell you explicitly in
an editorial piece. Otherwise, view these ads the way you would
commercials on TV or display ads in the back of your favorite magazine.
Check them out. Make a decision. If you don’t like it, ask for a refund.