Recent Posts
Clobbered By My Own Advice
The Power Of Repetition My kids desperately want a dog, but their mother and I have mixed feelings about taking care of their animal once the kids go off to college in three years. But at every turn, when we ask them a question of any kind … like, “What do you want for dinner?” or, “What do you want to do this weekend?” the answer is always, “I want to go get a dog.” Just yesterday my wife saw twin dogs online that are available for adoption. Suddenly the kids went into sales mode to convince us to get one of those dogs. Last night as I walked into my studio there was an 8” x 10” glossy of the dog on my easel. When I went to bed, there was one on my pillow. When I got up this morning, there was one at the breakfast bar. And today when I came to work, there was one on my keyboard. Though I’ve been pretty opposed to a dog for all the practical reasons, I have to admit, each time I see the picture, it melts my heart a little more and I get a little closer to saying yes. In fact, I’ve already gone from a firm “no” to a “maybe,” and I’ve even agreed to go visit and meet the twins this weekend. Of [...]
Your Thanksgiving Demo, and My Thanksgiving Wish for You
Perhaps, as you gather with family and friends this week, and through the holidays, you can change a life or two by offering a little Thanksgiving painting demonstration for those uninterested in football. Maybe you can inspire a child, a teen, an adult, or a senior. It’s never too early or too late. Your willingness to take the time to inspire others could give them the gift you were once given.
The Magic Lamp: Just Rub It and Your Art Career Will Soar
Much like the Fountain of Youth, I think we all tend to seek out a “magic lamp.” All we have to do is rub it, and “Poof!” A genie will grant us the success we dream of. Over decades as a marketer, I have sometimes fallen prey to the belief that a magic lamp exists — and I’m happy to report that yes, indeed it does. There is a way to rub a magic lamp and watch your career go “poof” toward success. It will take more effort on your part than you might have hoped, but if you rub the lamp, it will happen. A “magic lamp” is usually the promise of something too good to be true, raising unrealistic expectations of success with little effort or small investment. I’m always looking for shortcuts, and even when I know something seems too good to be true, it often tempts me. So I spend my money in hopes of magical results, and poof! Nothing happens. The biggest seduction in art marketing is the belief that big audience numbers can equal instant success from a single ad. Yet every time I fall into that trap, I wish I had realized that the physics of marketing always matter. There are things that will give you that desired success, and things that won’t. Violating the physics [...]
Mining Old Gold: The BEST Way to Sell More Artwork
A wise marketer once helped me understand the most overlooked marketing opportunity, which is not only the easiest way to sell more art, but the best way to sell more art.
Drawing a Line in the Sand as an Artist
Years ago my wife asked a couple to spend a holiday weekend with us at the lake. When the power went down on Friday afternoon and we realized we’d blown out the breaker box, the husband, an electrician by trade, generously offered to fix it. So we went to the local hardware store to buy the parts.
How You Can Sell More Artwork by Becoming a Celebrity Artist
Its important for artists to understand that they can sell more of their artwork by creating a strong brand and becoming a celebrity.
Six Tips to Get More Money For Your Paintings Without Hurting Sales
Pricing is the least understood facet of any business, but it’s one that can easily be fixed — without a negative impact. Most of the artists I know are underselling their art, struggling, having to paint too many paintings to keep their heads above water. They are on an exhausting treadmill because their prices are too low.
Double Down on Direct Mail
Though many thing an older media like direct mail is dead there is huge business opportunity for artists to use direct mail to be a very effective tool for artists.
Christmas In July: A Money Tree for Artists
Artists? Want to sell more paintings? Here is a promotion you can do in the summer to book business for Christmas that will start bringing income in now.
How Do I Know If My Ads Are Working?
How do I know if my advertising is working? It's not that simple unless you're selling a product via direct marketing where you can measure results, especially if you're selling artwork and branding your name.
