Reading Recap: Can You Learn to be Lucky?

by | Apr 11, 2019 | Artisan Advantage Book Club, Learning

The latest Artisan Advantage Book Club pick was Karla Starr’s, “Can You Learn to be Lucky?; Why Some People Seem to Win More Often Than Others.”   A theme that kept popping up in my mind while reading this book was control the controllable.

Takeaways

Taking action is the first right step.

Remember the Kettering Principle:

Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it.  I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down.

Be memorable.

You may not be able to control the order in which your work is juried or your booth’s location at the arts festival, but it is within your control to be memorable.

Don’t take it personally.

You don’t always know the factors that are involved when people are making decisions about your work.  Choose to frame your losses as learning experiments.

Show up.

 Woody Allen was right:  80 percent of success is just showing up

Act the part.

Be professional.  Don’t unknowingly eliminate yourself with “weird online IDs, unprofessional looking websites or goofy profile photos…”

Be aware of yourself and others

Keep your eyes open for opportunities.

Focus on your own bright spots.

Don’t worry about or be envious of what another artist is doing.  Focus on the positive in your work and world.

Always be improving.

Take a class.  Clean your studio.  Take care of yourself.

Have a vision.

Focus on what you have to do today to get closer to your preferred future.

Write your vision out and reflect on it regularly.

Overall I enjoyed the read and found it to be a good reminder of how while we can’t control everything, there are many small things that we can do to make a big difference in our success.

How to Build an Art Business, Not an Expensive Hobby

by | Jun 20, 2016 | Planning

Do you want your art to be a business or a hobby?  If your answer is “hobby”,  great!   I’m guessing, though,  if you’re on this blog, your answer is more likely “business”.  For those of you who say business, here are seven ways to start a solid art business.

1.  Produce a solid and consistent body of work.

2.  Figure out what will differentiate your work from other artists.  You will be competing for eyes, attention and money.    Find something to make you and your art stand out from the pack.

3.  Have a vision.   Put together a picture of what your successful business looks like.  Every decision that you make should work towards your vision for your business.   Always be asking yourself, does this piece of art, this event, or this activity improve my business and move me towards my vision?

4.  Make a plan.  Figure out how you will get in front of buyers and collectors. There are many ways to do this.  Start with what you are naturally good at doing.   If you like to meet new people, then consider some networking opportunities.  If you have a gift for writing and media, then consider starting with a blog about your work.    Become great at what you’re already good at doing.

5. Have systems.  Figure out what works for you and put systems in place that allow you to repeat those actions consistently over time.

6. Build relationships.  Make a point to meet new people and then make sure to stay in touch with them.

7.  Follow up with everyone who shows interest or purchases your work.

8. Be patient.  Stay true to your vision, but don’t be afraid to tweak your plans and systems as you go.

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