Artists in Their Communities

Beware of Poisonous Relationships

The second principle of no-excuse self-promotion, according to I’d Rather Be in the Studio is: “Connections are critical to your success. To succeed, you must make an effort to meet new people and to maintain relationships.” But not all connections are equal. Some connections can be detrimental to your art, your emotional well-being, and your growth. [...]

How I Collaborate

I want Conspiracy members to be proactive and seek out relationships that will further their careers. I want that for you, too. Perhaps sharing these lists about how I collaborate in my business might trigger something for you – a way you can make collaborations work for you. [...]

3 Ways to Be a Rock Star in Your Art Community

Be seen at openings, lectures, and events, and show your work – a lot! Be supportive of arts organizations and of other artists. Be a reporter. [...]

Educate Those Who Ask for Donations of Your Art

Fiona Purdy offers a solution to artists who are bombarded with requests for donations. She shares a letter she wrote recently in response to a donation request – a letter that educates the fundraisers. [...]

6 Limits for Donating Artwork

Kristina Bell DiTullo, Affect/Effect I (detail). Sheer and clear adhesive bandages on clear plastic shower curtain.

You cannot possibly donate to every organization in need, so consider and set your donating limits now to have your response ready when receiving these inquiries. [...]

Collaborate & Advocate on Behalf of Your Art

Even if the proclamation of National Arts & Humanities Month is for the U.S., we know that national boundaries are fuzzier because of the Internet. We feel a kinship with artists around the globe. I ask you to spend time this month on these two actions: collaborating and advocating. [...]

Advice for Local Arts Agencies

Artists are what defines any arts agency, be it an arts council, commission, or board. Artists are the reason you exist. Artists can be your best advocates or your biggest critics. To ensure the artists are on your side . . . [...]

5 Reasons to Join and Be Active in an Artist Organization

Except for the few artists who have reached the level of success that enables requires help from assistants to keep up with the demand for their work, we artists are a lonely bunch. Solitude is good for creativity, but only up to a point. Community, education, critique, support, and inspiration are good for our work and our psyches. [...]

They did what with your postcards?!

You can’t control what people do with the marketing material you hand out, but you can control how you respond when someone does something shocking with your images. Before you assume anything, ask questions and get the facts. Only when you’re armed with answers can you respond appropriately. You’re aiming for a win/win situation. [...]

Gift certificate wording

Artist Geri Dunn was stunned when someone purchased a gift certificate of hers at a silent auction and then wanted to either 1) redeem it for cash or 2) commission an original drawing for the amount on the certificate ($150). People really do ask/demand the darndest things!

Let’s look at the situation and start with the gift certificate itself, pictured here.

The small lettering on the bottom row consists of these three components.

The artist’s contact information–phone and email. The certificate number, expiration date (12/31/2010), and the words “Not redeemable for cash.” Having an expiration date is important! And the “not redeemable” phrase proved key when the recipient tried to cash it in. Geri was able to point to this language and quickly put an end to that discussion. The words “No Cash Value” could also be used or added. A place for the authorized signature (presumably the artist’s or the organization that auctioned [...]