I am a Pittsburgh oil painter, preservationist, and LEED AP. I have been a professional oil painter for 15 years.

Like many creative thinkers, I struggle to stay organized, consistent and focused on specific short and long term goals. Part of this was because I had no clear vision of what success looked like for me.

For a long time, I attributed this to a lack of experience. As my career progressed (and I got older), I came to the frightening realization that avoidance was the larger factor. Measurable goals and clear definitions of success meant not only would I know when I was succeeding, but I would also know with absolute certainty, when I was failing.

I had resigned myself to a passive approach to sales, shows, and avoided critical judgment.  My career was static.

In 2014 I sat down with Becky Sciullo, founder of Artisan Advantage. We talked about my paintings, interests, and found that a common thread ran through everything. My work with Pittsburgh preservation efforts, training in sustainable building and love of the city was a narrative I had been acting out for years but had never been able to articulate. Together we developed an organized plan to achieve long term success through sustained incremental progress. Creating an overarching vision of success and laying out small, actionable goals that would lead me to it.

The key was to start small enough that the goals were achievable. Practicing consistency and watching the momentum build.  It was amazing.

I think of Artisan Advantage as a GPS for success. To use a GPS, you have to have a starting point and a destination.

The first step is to figure out where you are in your career- your current location.  The next step was to enter a destination- where you want to be, your goal.
Once you know where you are and where you want to be, Becky helps you map out a course that will move you to that goal.

With a clear destination, I worked through the Artisan Advantage process, and every day moved closer to my goal. Over the last five years, the closer I get to my goal, the more my definition of success develops and sharpens. My path has narrowed and become more efficient.  When I make a mistake, I recognize it quickly and course-correct without much lost time.  The important thing is that even with the missteps, I am always moving forward.

I can’t overstate the positive impact working with Becky has had and is still having, on my career as a creative professional.
I highly recommend sitting down with her and mapping out a plan.  You’ll be amazed where you end up.

Cory Bonnet, LEED AP

Thank you, Becky! Today’s roundtable was so informative. I very much appreciate your knowledge, information, suggestions, generosity, style, on and on. Thank you so much.

Elaine Abramson

Any artist entertaining the thought of promoting their artwork for profit should take Becky’s Artist Bootcamp. During this workshop Becky shares her Marketing background and experience from an “artist’s perspective” in an easy to understand format. She guides you through the process of creating your own business plan to maximize your potential. She’s done the homework for us….and she shares it generously during this class.”

Cindy Gilberti

I thought the presentation was very well done. The materials were organized and there was continuity throughout the presentation. I liked that you presented several ways to market our art. You were encouraging to those who are “very artsy types” vs business types.

Personable presentation, good flow and hand-outs with pertinent topics to consider.

You did all the common-sense organization and provided outlines for us to use as we see fit.  You  obviously have the skills, background, experience, etc. necessary, and you very thoroughly covered all the bases we could need for an artist’s market strategy.   Since time is my most precious commodity now, you saved me a lot of it by outlining the essentials. and I’m looking forward to the rest of the “goodies” forthcoming!

re-motivated me to focus, focus, focus on what I really want for myself

…taught me to think about my art differently…’finding my niche’ in art. I came away finding it as a painter and remembering another niche in sculpting, that I thought about doing from my past…thank you!

…gave me a clearer understanding of the various elements involved in the making of an art business, from the ground up, and that this growth involves careful, step by step, planning by the artist.

You provided so much information and made me ask myself am I really prepared to put my artwork out there?

You presented the extensive material and ideas in a very organized, relaxed, and interesting way.

You helped me to see the value of making skills I already have  work to my benefit.

Loved your energy.  Loved the personalized anecdotes, especially when they clearly illustrated or illuminated a point.