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I want to talk about something that gets in the way of how you think your art business possibilities: The ladder of success.
I want to help you reframe your daily decisions, actions, and results (or lack thereof)—to embrace the volatility of an artist life. To understand that there will be highs and lows, and that just comes along with the territory. To do this, let's consider a circle rather than a ladder.
Marilyn Fontaine, a multidisciplinary artist whose work is spiritual with a strong foothold in feminine themes, finds fulfillment by collaborating with others outside of her studio walls.
Marilyn and I talk about the work she does within her Afro-Carribean community in East London, including how it is funded and why her growing network is essential. We also discuss her studio rituals, leaning into the discomfort of rejection, and learning to let go.
For some artists, being asked why they make art is unfruitful—even debilitating. A better strategy is to focus on the people who will be viewing, talking about, and living with your art.
How does your art make people feel? Bernadette Jiwa says, “People don't buy why you do something. They buy how it makes them feel.” If you think about it, this, ironically, leads to your Why: Connection.
When I teach about collaboration, I’m usually talking about an exhibition or event. Lori Sokoluk and Susan Purney Mark took collaboration to the next level by collaborating on the artwork itself—resulting in a two-person exhibition.
We discuss finishing a piece on top of someone else's marks, how they titled the pieces, how they divided up the work, how the exhibition was organized, and what they learned from the process that they'll carry forward.
Have you heard that reading complex works of fiction isn't just enjoyable, it can also combat dementia? As long as we're reading novels, why not look for ones with art and artists at the center?
This updated post, which is as much for me as it is for you, has 7 personal recommendations plus 28 that others have added to the list. Add yours!
Your artist mailing list is your most valuable marketing asset. It is the primary tool you use to share your art with the world. It’s your #1 marketing asset.
Let me emphasize that by saying it a different way: There is nothing more important you can do to build your art business and career than to nurture your relationships.
In reality, most artists have 3 mailing lists, not just 1. Here's what I mean.
Get a transcript of episode 182 of The Art Biz (Rethinking Mailing Lists for Artists) followed by a 3-page worksheet to evaluate the overall health and usage of the 3 types of artist lists.
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You’ll also receive my regular news for your art business.
