inspiration Archives

Lucky You

When it comes to building an art career, I subscribe to Thomas Jefferson’s view of luck:

I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
― Thomas Jefferson

In other words, don’t rely on luck to hand you a successful art career. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Every. Single. Day.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves how lucky we are. But every lucky gold coin has a flip side to be aware of.

Self-Expression

You’re lucky you can express yourself freely through your art form. We take this for granted, but not everyone in the world can safely get away with doing so.

In many countries, artists are a dangerous lot because they refuse to go along with the status quo and have “outrageous” ideas about democracy and freedom of religion.

Above all, be grateful for freedom of expression.

On the flip side:

Lucky You Read

Art Is About Being In The World

[Art] isn’t about being in the studio, it’s about being in the world. – Robert Irwin I count myself lucky that I ended up at an art talk with Robert Irwin last April. Irwin didn’t just get off the art school bus. He’s been in the ‘hood for a while now. He’s 86 and was

Art Is About Being In The World Read

34 Marketing Insights from the Authority Rainmaker Conference

It’s a Memorial Day tradition at Art Biz Coach to offer a list of reminders for your art business.

This is a twist on that tradition.

With inspiration from the stage of Copyblogger’s Authority Rainmaker conference, I opened up my notes and share my biggest takeaways with you.

The thing to remember about live events, books, and even online classes is that not everything shared is going to apply to you. You’re either not ready to receive it, you’re past its relevance in your growth, or it doesn’t match your business model.

You have to look for the nuggets in these situations. I find that there is usually at least one thing from each talk, lesson, or chapter that is worth the investment.

Here are some of the highlights worth remembering.

34 Marketing Insights from the Authority Rainmaker Conference Read

Entrepreneurial Freedom

Many people become entrepreneurs because of the freedom it affords them. When you own your own business, you are free to set your own goals, get out of bed when you like, and control your brand. Of course, most people who seek this path of independence have no idea what they’re getting into. They don’t

Entrepreneurial Freedom Read

Speak Up on Behalf of Your Art Career

In her book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg says, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” She encourages women, whether they are in the workplace or at home, to “lean in” to their potential rather than sitting back and accepting unfavorable situations. I’m asking you to speak up.

Speak Up on Behalf of Your Art Career Read

Clarity

My word for 2014 is clarity. I didn’t sit down and randomly select a word or force it. I paid attention to what’s going on in my life. I listened to what I was asking for. I have been feeling a little discombobulated and even unsure about how I can best serve you. In the last few months, I found myself repeatedly asking for clarity in specific situations.

Clarity Read

Twitter Tweekly for November 17 2013

Just in case you missed these tweets from my fingertips >>> 50 tips for free publicity via @PublicityHound pinterest.com/publicityhound… New pics of Art Biz Makeover day 2 at facebook.com/media/set/?set… Artist shares how she turned real-estate article into a mention of her art artistmarketingguide.com/1/post/2013/11…

Twitter Tweekly for November 17 2013 Read

Twitter Tweekly for November 3 2013

Here you go! My top tweets from the last two weeks . . . RT @PublicityHound: 250 free holiday stock photos from @HubSpot. ow.ly/pZrYX

Twitter Tweekly for November 3 2013 Read

6 Tips for Recovering Your Focus

I’ve been thinking a lot about Focus lately – enough that it deserves a capital “F.” It’s not that I’ve never written about focus, but it seems more critical than ever to remove ourselves from the chatter of social media, family squabbles, and needy pets. We have to give ourselves space to focus on a project.

6 Tips for Recovering Your Focus Read

There’s Only One Way to Fail

I run my life and my business as if I have never failed. I never thought about failure until I asked people on the Art Biz Blog about the role of failure in their art practices. It might seem strange to you that I have never, until now, considered failure, but it’s true. True failure is rare. It’s more likely that one experiences disappointment or dissatisfaction.

There’s Only One Way to Fail Read

inspiration

Self-Expression

Your Artist Mailing List: Rethinking + Assessing