Why I Love Instagram

Why I Love Instagram

How Instagram cuts through the noise and provides a nearly perfect platform for artists: Are you on Instagram? If you're not you can disregard this blog post. The last thing you need is "one more thing." But, if you're like me, you've found Instagram to be refreshingly different than other social media. It's primarily a visual platform, without most of the "noise" of Facebook and Twitter, and yet there's plenty of opportunity for more in-depth connections. Lately, I've been using Instagram more to share my art and my process as a painter. If…Read more
Why I Enrolled in the Profit Canvas

Why I Enrolled in the Profit Canvas

At the end of March 2018 I enrolled in an online course for artists in business, called The Profit Canvas, created by Alexis Fedor. I first learned about Alexis from an interview she did with Owen Garratt (Marketing Tools for Artists). Now Owen is a successful artist and a straight shooter. And his recommendation goes a long way with me. Last October, I signed up for a free training that Alexis was offering called The Money + Magic 30 Day Challenge. Never have I seen such a valuable free course! And throughout the…Read more
Telling Your Artist Story

Telling Your Artist Story

Inspiration and advice for artists. In the process of building my artist website I ran across a wonderful online photo-journal that absolutely inspired me. In The Make – http://inthemake.com is a beautifully produced website that documents studio visits of West Coast artists. Each article features dozens of large photographs of the artist, the artist’s work and studio in order to tell the story of the artist’s creative process. Interspersed between the photos is the transcript of an interview with the artist. Artists fascinate people. Folks who are interested in your artwork also want…Read more

Greeting Card Set

I am delighted to offer a set of 5 greeting cards that feature my landscape paintings. This set of greeting cards developed organically from promoting my artwork. I produced one card, “Green Fields”, for a campaign to introduce my artwork to major donors of the Asheville Art Museum - http://www.ashevilleart.org . And while postcards are nice (and more cost effective), they don’t have the same class as a greeting card — especially a hand written card in a hand addressed envelope. My production schedule was accelerated by a friend of mine, Trent Adams, who enthusiastically…Read more

Artistic License

Artists periodically need to be reminded, (or remind themselves) that risks, exploration, and innovation are part of the artistic process. Conversely, staying with a safe tried-and-true formula kills creativity and produces something that's not really art (sorry T. Kinkade.) In this spirit, I submit to you, my Artistic License. Artistic License – n.  the freedom to create an artwork, musical work, or piece of writing based on the artist's interpretation and mainly for effect; also called poetic or creative license. The back of my Artistic License reads: “The bearer of this license is…Read more

Art Gallery Prospecting Package

For your consideration: A more efficient alternative to sending your portfolio to prospective galleries. - More bang for your buck. When you’re seeking representation for your art, I recommend sending a letter of introduction with a rack card (9 x 4 in. postcard) and a business card, instead of sending a “complete” portfolio package to every single prospective gallery. This is not a “shot-gun” approach, there’s still a lot of research and effort required, but this method will allow you to send out many more prospecting packages with less cost and effort than sending…Read more

A Practically Perfect Portfolio

As an artist, your portfolio is one of your most essential marketing tools. Everything in an artist's presentation, including your portfolio, should show off your work. For your consideration, here is my "blueprint" for a very professional, inexpensive, and extremely flexible book. I hope you find these suggestions useful.   The ITOYA I-Series Art Profolio 12 page (24 view) is my first choice. ($4.50 plus shipping. Dick Blick Art Supplies) Do not make the mistake of getting a 24 page (48 view) portfolio. That's just a few too many images for most folks…Read more
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