Personal note

November 17th, 2008 by Alyson

The weekend before last I attended a two-day conference in Denver entitled Thin Air Summit ’08 (#tas08 on Twitter). I called it the Geek Conference for short. Rooms full of techy people talking about Web 2.0 stuff (social networking, video, podcasting, blogging, etc.) and introducing themselves by their Twitter names. I felt oddly out of place, yet there I was. I guess I was one of them.

Super blogger and Twitter aficionado Amy Gahran presented a session at the Summit on blog writing. One of the first points she made is an excellent one: That you should think of your readers as community rather than an audience. And that is where we begin today’s newsletter.

Ready to get cozy?

Posted in Artist Self-Promotions and Networking |

Use questioning strategies to engage your viewers

November 10th, 2008 by Alyson

Background: A client and I were consulting last week about a gallery talk she had coming up. She wanted help preparing for it because it had turned into something much bigger than she had imagined. And she also had this dilemma: How to respond to questions about her process. Not only was she not quite ready to share her process, she also wanted people to be interested in the work beyond the surface. Everyone seemed focused on the surface and how she got it to look that way. How was she supposed to respond without responding?

Katherine Allen, Chinook. Textile, 58 x 18 inches.©The Artist

I shared with my client a technique we used in museum education: questioning strategies. Questioning strategies can help you engage your viewers on a much deeper level. They teach your viewer how to look at your art and form opinions. When done right, questioning strategies also validate those opinions. Remember that most people don’t know how to look at and talk about art. Using questioning strategies, you can make people feel more comfortable. The more comfortable they are, the more likely they are to spend time with you and your art

To apply the questioning strategies technique, the only rules are that the questions (1) require more than a Yes or No answer and (2) do not have a right or wrong answer. Oh, yes, here’s one more rule: You, as the questioner, must be willing to accept and embrace the opinions in the responses.

I thought questioning strategies would work for my client’s situation because I don’t believe it’s really the surface of her art that people are interested in. I think they are trying to start a conversation about the art, and asking how it’s done is their best entrée. That is what they can physically see. I think asking “How did you do that?” is an invitation for further dialog.

This is how my client and I role-played her situation. Pay close attention to the open-ended questions and keep in mind that the viewer is most often a non-artist.

Viewer: How did you do that?

Artist: I assume you’re talking about the surface. What do you find interesting about the surface?

Viewer: It’s just so different. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Artist: What’s different about it?

Viewer: It’s got texture–different from most paintings. It’s kind of glowing from within.

Artist: How did it make you feel?

Viewer: It feels very earthy, yet it’s mysterious. There’s something very spiritual about it.

Artist: You nailed it! That’s exactly how I want you to feel. It is mysterious. In my talk, you heard about my spiritual experience, and now you’re having one of your own. I want you to hold onto that feeling and explore it even further. The mysterious qualities and any divine connection you sense would disappear if I told you exactly how it was done.

Viewer: But I really want to know how you did it.

Artist: I’m sorry I can’t share that with you. I have to keep some of my secrets to myself, and I prefer that other people have the same experience with my art that you just had. Nothing is a higher compliment.

See how easy that was? You ask open-ended questions (three in this case) to engage the viewer, validate his or her experience regardless of what it is, and find a graceful and truthful way to answer any questions as you would like without upsetting anyone.

Related: See pages 53-67 in I’d Rather Be in the Studio! to find out more about speaking about your art.

KNOW THIS———-~> Questioning strategies can engage and empower your viewers.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> When could you use questioning strategies?

DO THIS————~> Use questioning strategies to engage your viewers. Here are some to start you off:

What do you see in it?
How did it make you feel?
How does the size affect you? What if it were smaller or larger?
What colors do you see? Look closer. Identify them all.
Do the colors evoke a certain mood?
Does it bring back a memory?
Does it make you think of something else?

Postscript: My client emailed me after her talk. She did indeed use questioning strategies, but she added a twist. Find out what it was, share your questioning techniques, and listen to the podcast on the Art Biz Blog.

Have you seen Affirmations for Artists? (Get the YouTube version while you’re there to plug into your blog.)

Posted in Writing the Artist Statement |

Personal note: don’t give up

November 9th, 2008 by Alyson

Did you affirm last week? Affirm that you’ll be working hard to weather this economy and come out smelling like a rose? If you missed the video in last week’s newsletter, please take a moment to view Affirmations for Artists.

I made the video to encourage all of my students, clients, and subscribers. You just can’t give up.

I have my own way of dealing with the downturn in the economy. It involves rolling up my sleeves and doing some practical marketing that I haven’t had to do in quite some time. I’ve been relying on this newsletter to get the word out. The truth is, I have a new shipment of books that I want to get out. Not just because I’d like the floor space back, but because I want copies of “I’d Rather Be in the Studio!” to be in the hands of artists who need it.

So, along with the current members of my Artist Breakthrough Program, I’m having a breakthrough of my own. I’m promoting my book to art schools because students need this book, and many teachers aren’t teaching this information. If you know of an art school that needs the book or anyone else who might carry it, please email me. I’d love to follow up with you.

Posted in Artist Self-Promotions and Networking, Personal Notes |

Affirm who you will be in this economy

November 3rd, 2008 by Alyson

Frightened by the latest headlines predicting dire times ahead? You’re not alone. I’ve received lots of requests to address the economic situation, and I’ve been mulling it over. I’ve been torn since I’m certainly not an expert on the economy. Heck, no one appears to know what the economy is going to do next! And if they say they do, they’re often proven wrong within 24 hours.

I’m also not an expert on the art market during recessions. When looking back at what the BIG art market has done during previous times of recession, I’ve read that the art market usually lags about a year behind the financial markets. But these are numbers from auction houses and big art fairs. Those numbers don’t really apply to most of my readers, so I caution not to read too much into them.

How can I possibly be of any help if I’m not an economic expert?

The best ways to help, I decided, is to (1) lead by example and (2) continue to encourage you as I always have. The first–leading by example–is something I always try to do. People say they hire me because I’m so good at marketing myself and my services and products. I don’t intend to let up now. In fact, I intend to do more.  The second is a given. Encouragement is what I hope I do in my newsletter, blog, classes, consulting, books, and workshops. I mostly offer how-to tips and advice, but there is an underlying message of encouragement in each. You can do this! Others have done this before you, others have lived to tell about it, and you, too, can learn to promote your art–even in an economic downturn.

What I do know is that some people will still buy art. Sure, many people have lost a lot of their wealth in the market, but many of them will regain a lot of it. There will always be people who buy art. And, if I’m reading the calendar correctly, the holidays are just around the corner. It’s gift-buying season!

You need to decide and affirm who you will be in this economy. Will you devour the negative forecasts and give up? Will you pretend nothing is wrong? Will you lie low until the storm has passed? Or will you buck up and affirm that you are going to weather the storm and come out stronger than ever?  I vote for the latter.

You can’t pretend that things aren’t different. They are. But you have it in your power to decide how you will show up.

Since it’s after Halloween, I’ve got a treat for you! I’ve made a video for you. Check out Affirmations for Artists. You can get the YouTube version there, too. Drink it in.

KNOW THIS———-~> Things are different.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> Who will you BE in this different economic environment?

DO THIS————~> Affirm that you will show strength and determination. Affirm that you will tune out negative thoughts (especially your own) and tune in to positive messages that nurture you. Affirm that you are an artist and that artists keep making art regardless of the world around them. Affirm that you will do more, not less. And don’t forget to check out Affirmations for Artists.

Tell us about the fear that motivates you and listen to the podcast on the Art Biz Blog.

Posted in Art Inspiration and Motivation |

Personal note: Look for good omens

November 3rd, 2008 by Alyson

The sky is falling!
Or at least you’d think it is if you listen to news–especially television. We’re in for hard times, we’re fighting two wars, and things just don’t look good.

Wait. Stop! Things aren’t that bad if you think of everything you have. I am truly grateful each and every day for the roof over my head, our beautiful home and neighborhood, a loving (and fun!) husband, friends, family, good health, freedom, YOU, and much more. I take time at night to write out my list of gratitudes. And I look at the list in the morning. I have more than probably 95% of the earth’s population. Life is very good. I am blessed.

Me and my new car, Margot

Still, last week when I was going to pick up my new car that had been on order since July (before the sky
started falling), I had a pang of guilt. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. Maybe it’s not the best time to take on new car payments. And then I stopped myself. Not only did I need some kind of new car (the old Beetle was 10 years old and truly not feeling so well), but I worked hard for it. And I’m putting money back into the economy–helping the energy flow and all of that good stuff.

After picking up the new car, I took my husband out to dinner and we found a parking place in the front row. It was the place closest to the door. This was surely a good omen. Things are just getting better.

Look for your own good omens this week, and write them down when you notice them. You’ll be surprised.

Posted in Artist Self-Promotions and Networking |

Spook yourself into action

October 27th, 2008 by Alyson

Halloween is as good a time as any to spook yourself into action. While I usually try to be reassuring and supportive with these newsletters, I’m here to scare you this week. Boo!

What if a collector calls for a commission? Are you ready with your pricing and conditions? Can you say “No, Thank You” if it’s not something you’re interested in? Can you under-promise and over-deliver? See articles on art pricing.

What if a venue has an opening for your work next month? Is it photographed? Is it framed? Is your mailing list in shape? You sure want to spend your time on last-minute promotions rather than inputting names into a database! See Promote Your Exhibit.

What if you sold something? Do you have your sales tax license? Are your Thank You notes ready to go? Do you have a computerized inventory list where you can input the collector’s information?
See software for your database.

What if someone unexpectedly asked you about your art? Are you ready to talk about it? Do you carry a portable portfolio (or pictures on your iPod or cell phone)? Can you hand them a business card? Will you go home and send a It’s Nice to Meet You note? Will you ask if they would like to be on your mailing list?
See The Relatively Pain-Free Artist Statement.

What if you experienced loss due to smoke, fire, theft, or water damage? Are you well covered by your insurance? You probably need home and business insurance in order to be completely covered–even if your business is in your home. See info to help you prepare for an emergency.

Boo!

Don’t be haunted by fears of having to be both artist and businessperson. As the title of the book says, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” The real fear shouldn’t be in the doing; it should be in the NOT doing. What’s the worst that could happen if you took action in one of these areas? What’s the worst that could happen if you decide not to take action? Which will be easier for you to live with?

KNOW THIS———-~> Fear can be a good motivator if you don’t dwell in it.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> Which scenario above will spook you into action?

DO THIS————~> Spook yourself into action. What questions scare you the most? Think of how good it will feel for you to conquer the fear. Really: Think about it. How will your life be better? How will tackling the fear help you sleep better at night?

Tell us about the fear that motivates you and listen to the podcast on the Art Biz Blog.

Posted in Art Inspiration and Motivation |

Personal Note: Scary stuff

October 26th, 2008 by Alyson

I don’t like being scared. I never enjoyed haunted houses and never dressed up in a scary outfit for Halloween (I was always something like Raggedy Ann, a princess, or a gypsy). To this day, I hide my eyes and plug my ears during scary parts of movies. And I wouldn’t dare seek out an entire scary movie for the thrills. I think most Arnold Schwarzenegger movies are scary. To me, violence=scary. The only Schwarzenegger movie I’ve ever seen is Kindergarten Cop!

Okay, you get the picture.

In some aspects of my life, I’m fearless. Building my own business might have been scary–IF I had stopped to think about it. For me, it was something I had to do. Yet there is an element of fear in each new class, program, article, or workshop that I produce. I don’t dwell in the fear. I use it to persevere.

Tomorrow’s newsletter is my annual Halloween issue. Even though I don’t like being scared, I love to celebrate the holiday. I do love visiting cemeteries, putting out pumpkins and scarecrows, and playing the haunting organ music for Trick-or-Treaters. And I love the ritual of this annual newsletter. I hope it spooks you into action.

PS That’s me with Sean Brown and Douglas Brugger at the grand opening of Sean’s Studio 12 Gallery in Denver. Douglas is the co-owner of Show of Hands gallery.

Posted in Personal Notes |

Play nice (artist ethics)

October 20th, 2008 by Alyson

Artist ethics is a subject that is usually overlooked until someone has done something unethical. Dictionary.com defines ethics as “the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics.” Of course, the particular group we’re concerned with is artists. So, artist ethics is the rules of conduct recognized in respect to artists.

As the Internet brings us closer together, the world becomes smaller and smaller. Ethical violations that might have gone unnoticed in the past can spread like wildfire today. Your little misstep can get you blackballed, and your story remains online for everyone to access instantly.

Make sure this doesn’t happen to you. Play nice. Here are 6 common ways for you (artists) to exhibit ethical behavior.

1. Don’t copy someone else’s art and try to pass it off as your own. Painting directly from photographs that were taken by someone else is not only unethical, it’s a copyright violation.

2. Do not undersell your galleries . . . ever, ever, ever. You have one price for your art. Likewise, if a collector finds you at a gallery and then tries to buy directly from you, you either (1) send the collector back to the gallery to finalize the sale or (2) give the gallery their standard commission since the collector would never have found you outside of the gallery.

3. Don’t add people to your email list without their permission. That doesn’t mean you can’t email them. It just means you can’t send them regularly scheduled newsletters and updates if they haven’t asked to receive them.

4. In an email that goes out to numerous people, don’t put all of the addresses in the TO line. This is sharing your list with everyone else on it and is a violation of any privacy policy you may have.

5. Don’t promise your work to one place and pull it if you get a better venue. (Thanks to aspenshimmers on Twitter for this one.)

6. Don’t use someone else’s art or words on your Web site, blog, or in your marketing material without giving proper credit.

Here are 4 more that I’d like to see in place:

7. Do not harm a living creature for the sake of your art. The thought of hurting a person (including yourself) or an animal seems to fly in the face of everything art is, should be and can be.

8. As much as possible, use materials that do not endanger the environment. Materials that hurt the environment are probably also damaging your health. Start demanding politely that art-supply companies pay attention to the ingredients in their products and how they are made.

9. Don’t elevate your own art at the expense of another artist. Example: All artists who sell giclées should use that term (or “reproductions”) instead of calling them prints. Saying a mechanically reproduced giclée is a print is dishonoring the tradition of handmade prints that has been around for centuries.

10. Be aware of the materials you use and how they interact with one another and any kind of support. If you don’t know how your materials behave, you can’t guarantee they’ll last six months.

We’re talking about all kinds of business practices in the INSIGHTS series of conversations with artists. Join me for this Thursday’s conversation with Hilary Pfeifer.

KNOW THIS———-~> Your code of ethics is a big part of who you are and how you are perceived by others.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> Ethics are fairly transparent these days. And unethical people get tagged quickly. Word gets around!

DO THIS————~>Play nice. Create a code of ethics that you live by and that helps you live with yourself.

Add to this list, read my code of ethics, and listen to the podcast on the Art Biz Blog.

See similar articles: Art Business Practices

Posted in Art Business Practices |

Personal note: frazzled

October 19th, 2008 by Alyson

Today (the day I wrote this) is Wednesday. I’ve traveled two out of the last four weeks, I was gone last Sunday for a lovely drive into the mountains and a book event, and I’m leaving this weekend to go to a wedding in Estes Park. I’m waiting for a new car to arrive and trying to decide what to do with the old one. Oh, yes, and 5,000 copies of my book arrived. Well, one of the skids was delivered to Shari, my assistant, in Vermont. But the pressure is on to sell 5,000 copies of the book.

Alyson & Ellen Woods

I’m a little frazzled. Last Friday there were 0 messages in my inbox by the time I hit the pillow. Today, there are 80. People are waiting to hear from me, and I’ve not been able to respond immediately.

We all do our best. And most of us are pretty hard on ourselves. After Christine Kane’s retreat, I took the Enneagram test (see the book The Wisdom of the Enneagram) and discovered I’m a 3 (of 9)–a healthy 3, but a 3 nonetheless. The 3 is The Achiever: success-oriented, driven, and image-conscious. My success is centered mostly around work but, more and more, success includes balance and taking care of myself. I hope that you, too, achieve your goals with balance.

(Tomorrow’s newsletter is “Play Nice: Artist Ethics”)

Posted in Artist Self-Promotions and Networking |

Write a better blog post

October 13th, 2008 by Alyson

Someone–perhaps I–told you to get a blog. And you did it. Now, you aren’t feeling the love. Your traffic is almost nonexistent, and your posts are boring even you.  If you’re intent on building traffic for your blog, here are some tips for you.

1. Write with respect for your readers.
You can write anything you want in your private journal, but if you want traffic to your blog, you can’t forget your readers (or potential readers!). If you want to write about what you had for breakfast, make it the best darned post about breakfast food in the history of posts about breakfast food.

In my experience, people spend time on blogs and Web sites for one of three reasons. They want to be (1) informed (2) entertained, or (3) inspired. Cross-check each post against this list to ensure you’re hitting one of these reasons.

2. Write with authenticity.
Readers can tell when you’re out of your element–and you can tell, too. You struggle with words when you’re trying to write about something for which you have little enthusiasm. Write about what matters most to you and draw us in with your passion for the topic.

3. Write in depth.
“Surface blogging” is just yammering about your day, your studio, your art. It’s blogging to fill up space. It’s blogging because someone–perhaps I–told you that you needed to post to your blog twice a week and you can think of little to say.  Surface blogging is all about your ego, not about your reader. To get beyond surface blogging, take one sentence and make an entire post out of it. Explore your subjects in depth.

4. Write with repetition.
Just because you’ve already said something once doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say it again. If it’s important enough, you can repeat it as often as you think necessary. As your blog matures, your readership will turn over so you’ll constantly have new readers (who rarely dig into your archives).

5. Write with illustrations.
Don’t forget to post images of your art and images that help illustrate your topic. We like pictures and we want to see more of your work. Got video? Post it to your blog, too!

Related: See the chapter titled “Amplify Your Online Presence” in I’d Rather Be in the Studio!
KNOW THIS———-~> Just because you write it doesn’t mean people will read it.

THINK ABOUT THIS—~> Do you want more traffic to your blog?

DO THIS————~> Write a better blog post. Above all, honor your readers by remembering them. It’s so easy to get caught up in the Gotta Post mode and forget your readers. You can write for yourself anytime. But when you put it online and expect traffic, you can’t forget about the people on the other end.

Got tips for writing a better blog post? What artist-bloggers do you follow? Share with us and listen to the podcast on the Art Biz Blog

See similar articles: Web sites, Blogs & Technology for Artists

Posted in Web sites Blogs and Technology for Artists |