Writing the Artist Statement and Communication

How Your Artist Statement Can Engage More Eyeballs

Reading about the artist, but did they look at the work after this photo was taken? Photo credit unknown.

In I’d Rather Be in the Studio I lay out guidelines for your artist statement, where I say that my litmus test for an effective artist statement is that it compels people to look at your art. Think about it: What good is your statement if people only read it and then move on to the next label, the next statement, the next page, or the next artist? [...]

Your Artist Statement Is Like A Coconut

Friends and I were reminiscing about Gilligan’s Island last week when I revealed too much about my TV-watching habits as a child. Remember how the castaways on that series made everything from coconuts? The Professor fashioned a radio and battery charger from coconuts. Why, oh why, couldn’t he make coconut glue and repair a boat to get them off the island??? Maryann was famous for her coconut cream pie. [...]

Finish Your Writing Project Using These Secrets

Want help finishing your newsletter, catalog, blog post, book, or even your artist statement? Listen up. My friend and writing coach, Cynthia Morris, shared a secret with me. Print It Out. Really? That’s it? “Print it out” is all you have for me? Yep, it’s that simple. Or at least it’s a good first step. [...]

Stop Typing And Start Talking

Caption: ©Tami Bone, Tributarius. Photograph. Used with permission.

If you call my business phone and I’m unavailable, you will get a recording that says I respond fastest to email. I love email. Like most business owners these days, I prefer it for my primary communications tool. There are numerous situations when you must stop typing and start talking. Here are five examples. [...]

Empowering Art Viewers

That’s me looking at Mel Ristau’s sculpture inside a locked building.

One of the most valuable things you can do in your marketing is to teach people how to look at and appreciate your art. It’s not just good for you, but a gift that will last throughout the lives of those who experience it. I learned long ago when I worked in a museum that teaching people how to look at art empowers them and gives them confidence. Teaching people how to look at art empowers them and gives them confidence. Empowering them with skills is invaluable – to both you and them. [...]

Untangling Blogs and Newsletters

© Bonnie Jean Woolger, Ink drawing. Used with permission.

Have you wondered why you write regularly on your artist blog and send a newsletter? Seems like you’re duplicating effort, right? You’re tangled up in knots because you can’t see the difference between the two or the value in having both. Let’s see if I can help untangle this mess for you. [...]

Pick Up The Phone and Dial

Email is easy. I prefer email to the phone in almost every situation. Almost. Sometimes you have to talk. Email is not good for picking up on subtleties about situations and building trust. Unless we’re extra careful with our messages, email can be easily misunderstood by all parties involved. [...]