Recent Posts
How to Become #1 as a Result of This Financial Downturn
You, me, and every artist on earth is wondering the same things right now. How do we survive this virus shutdown? How do we survive this economic downturn? Today I’d like to suggest some ideas you may want to consider. I have had the benefit of surviving three recessions before this one (whether this is a recession, a depression, or a temporary downturn). Survival was not easy. But I came out on the other side ahead. Here are a few ideas. I’m sure I’ll have more later. Be smart. Don’t close your doors for business. I’ve been in the media business (mostly radio and TV) for decades, and I have deep experience in this. Though you want to react, if you overreact, you’ll be out of business forever. I’ve probably seen it happen to a few dozen companies. If you’re selling art, you as an artist are a businessperson or a company. The same things apply to you. Let me explain. The first thing we all do when there is no money coming in the door is trim expenses. It’s a must, of course. Yet when I held a company meeting this week, I outlined what we were going to do and not do. One of the things we’re not going to do is turn off the income faucet. Few people understand that the income faucet is their [...]
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 8
Get advice for pricing your painting, especially if you’re new to selling your art, and learn if it’s smart to take on an exciting painting project that might not pay that much.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 7
In this Art Marketing Minute, you’ll learn if you might want to consider using a different name, and how to make the most of Instagram.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 6
Learn when it’s better to outsource your marketing, and get advice for designing your own print ad.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 5
In this Art Marketing Minute: Advice for artists who have a difficult time with the sales aspect, and how you can get more people to buy your paintings.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 4
In this Art Marketing Minute, you’ll learn how to build your confidence if you feel as though you’re “too shy” to begin selling your art, and why it’s important to go to (and network at!) painting events.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 3
In this Art Marketing Minute, you’ll learn keys to selling art on Facebook on Instagram and how to get exposure through your local media outlets.
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 2
In this Art Marketing Minute, you’ll learn what you should be doing right now to plan for your yearly art goals and how the company you keep can affect your “halo marketing.”
Art Marketing Minute Podcast: Episode 1
ICYMI > In this Art Marketing Minute, you’ll learn a quick tip on where to start if you’re not selling art online yet, and specific ways to help your gallery sell your paintings.
The Gallery-Artist Debate: Is Each Earning Their Percentage?
Recently a well-meaning artist posted this statement on Facebook: “The standard gallery practice since I started selling in galleries has been a 50/50 split of the retail price sale with the artists. However, in the last 7-8 years it seems like galleries are doing much less for artists but still demanding the same split. So many shows now require that artists pay for shipping both ways. So many shows feature artists the gallery does not represent. If you are not representing me and trying to build my career, if you are not trying to get magazine articles for me, if you aren't really presenting my work to collectors, then you are no longer earning 50% of the sales. Is anyone else standing up to galleries? Are we so afraid of missing out on being part of shows that we all just do whatever galleries ask of us? Why are we, as artists, giving so much power to people who are offering us little other than wall space?” The artist isn’t necessarily wrong, but he isn’t necessarily right. Here’s why: Complaint: “In the last 7-8 years it seems like galleries are doing much less for artists but still demanding the same split.” Maybe instead of the question being “Why aren’t you doing more for me?” the question should be, “Are you selling my paintings?” From my perspective, though it [...]
