FineArtStudioOnline Recommended Links

Seth Godin: "Stop worrying so much about comparing yourself to every other possible competitor you can imagine and start comparing yourself to nothing. Are you really worth the hassle, the risk, the time, the money? Or can't the prospect just wait until tomorrow?" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Interesting perspective on competition, especially for luxury goods.

Hugh MacLeod: "So if you get it right, you can just do your thing, delighting, thrilling (and selling to) the audience that you already have, without obsessing over which "A-Lister" is linking to you (or not), or how many new Twittter followers you've gotten (or haven't) since last month." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: You don't need a huge audience to succeed - you just need a select number of dedicated fans.

Tags: success | marketing | sales | | All Quotes by Hugh MacLeod

Harriete Estel Berman: "Why not create your own exhibition opportunities? Put together your own show just like the artists who organized the Armory Show in the early part of the 20th century." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Looking for other places to exhibit your work? Why not put together a show of your own?

Barney Davey: "If what you are passionate about in your art carries over to the rest of your life, it will immeasurably boost your art career." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How do you perceive yourself?

Maria Brophy: "If you want to make and keep customers, you have to smile. It's that simple." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: The secret to getting & keeping customers is to be friendly!

Alyson Stanfield: "You can start selling art at any time that feels comfortable for you. If someone wants to buy a piece and you believe in the quality of the work, sell it." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How to know if you're ready to start selling your art.

Brian Clark : "Despite repeated proclamations of its extinction, rumors of the death of email marketing have been greatly exaggerated - especially since email and social media are a powerful combination." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Email marketing is powerful, but are you writing subject lines that get your email opened?

Justine Smith: "By telling your story and having your personality shine through in your listings, biography page and any other ways you can, you'll warm potential buyers up and interest them in your work on a much deeper level." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some reasons why you might not be selling from your website.

Tags: | marketing | sales | websites | All Quotes by Justine Smith

Harriete Estel Berman: "Next time you put a show together either on your own, or with your local arts organization, think about documenting the exhibition event and your work with a self-published catalog. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some tips on designing and publishing your own catalog.

Tags: | marketing | exhibits | sales | All Quotes by Harriete Estel Berman

Alyson Stanfield: "Marketing is a combination of everything you do to sell or gain recognition for your art." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Your marketing encompasses more than you think.

Kesha Bruce: "The most important lesson I learned was that having a gallery [that you own] is not a substitute for using your contact list and taking care of your biggest supporters." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some advice on what to be aware of if you open your own art gallery.

Clint Watson: "Want the ultimate SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tip for artists? It's this: make sure that your name is so important, as a visual artist, that Google would be embarrassed not to have your name come up on page one when it's searched for. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: The best SEO tip for artists.

Bill Weaver: "As an artist you are your brand for the simple reason your work comes from who you are, it projects your vision into the world. The more you emphasize those elements the better position you'll have in potential buyer's minds." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: You don't need to "create" a brand for yourself. You already are your brand.

Alyson Stanfield: "When you get a compliment, do you have a way to record it? This is easy when it comes through an email or letter, but more difficult if it's spoken." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: When people give you a compliment, do you remember that it can be used as a testimonial?

Tags: | marketing | collectors | sales | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield: "Artists publish testimonials in brochures and on websites to share the experience clients have had with them. A powerful testimonial is particularly effective for artists who work in the following realms: teaching classes and workshops, accepting commissioned work such as portraits or custom jewelry or competing for public art projects." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Alyson gives an example of how to go about getting testimonials the right way.

Tags: | marketing | collectors | sales | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Luann Udell: "In our enthusiasm, perhaps we sometimes forget that a sale isn't just a transaction - it is a connection. It's a bridge forged between two strangers." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you talk at your customers instead of with them?

Aletta de Wal: "Your professional portfolio is a visual snap shot of your art and career. A great portfolio builds confidence. It helps viewers decide to buy your work, represent you or talk about you to friends and art professionals" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some tips on creating a great portfolio.

Barney Davey: "All social media is a stream, some running faster than others, but all are constantly moving. Email marketing potentially offers you the best return on your investment in time, expense and effort. Make sure you are doing everything you can to gather email addresses." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great thoughts on using social media and email marketing.

Ileana Sonnabend: "Today it is the artists who pull the strings, not the dealers... the artists are selling themselves at this point." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Thoughts on the rewards of selling art directly to your collectors.

Clint Watson: "Control your marketing channels. They are your lifeline to your customers. That's one reason that we continually beat the drum of utilizing an email newsletter as your primary marketing channel. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Is your marketing in the hands of others?

Seth Godin: "There are six billion people in the world. Even if your market is hand-made spoke shaves for left-handed woodworkers, there are more people in your market than you can ever hope to track down." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great reasons why competition should never be the reason to give up.

Bill Weaver: "The critical point here is to know the difference between just reaching many people and reaching and engaging the right people." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: It's quality not quantity that matters.

Maria Brophy: "Be sure to let your collector know that you appreciate their love of your art, and that you are happy to see the piece go to a good home. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: An excellent list of what to do once you've sold a painting.

Tags: | sales | marketing | action | All Quotes by Maria Brophy

Carolyn Edlund: "Create win-win relationships by giving referrals freely, staying connected with others and pursuing new contacts on a regular basis." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some tips on how to use networking to increase your business.

Barney Davey: "It may seem rudimentary to say, because it is fundamental, but without a deep desire to succeed there will be no measurable success." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great tips on where to get started learning how to sell your art.

Eric Rhoads: "Careers thrive when artists become known. Awareness and continual exposure are critical to success." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Eric Rhoad's thoughts on galleries and agents for artists.

Miranda Aschenbrenner: "As an artist, you have a creative instinct. Don't ignore it or deny it for the sake of convenience or money. Do what you want to do, the way you want to do it. Don't let yourself get away with making excuses." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Are you letting excuses get in the way of creating the work you really want to?

Renee Phillips : "It isn't enough to say "I want to earn more money this year." The first step to prosperity is realizing what will motivate us to cross the financial finish line. We need an emotional component." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: What motivates you to earn more money?

Moshe Mikanovsky: "We are artists, thinking with the right side of our brains. Creativity is all that we care for. But at the bottom line, we have to think business to make it a real success." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you pay attention to the ROI of artistic opportunities?

Tags: | sales | money | opportunities | All Quotes by Moshe Mikanovsky

Bill Weaver: "The fundamental purpose of a Virtual Hub is to have a central "place" or "headquarters" for everything related to you and your stuff." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Your website and blog should be the center of your online marketing plan.

Tags: | websites | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Bill Weaver

Stapleton Kearns: "Do you know what type of paintings sell best? Good paintings. Take care of your art and it will take care of you." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Lots of great advice in this post from Stape.

Sue Smith: "Spending money is fine, if it's spent wisely. But the number of entries in the ego section of your vita - where things like Recent Exhibitions is listed, is not an accurate measure of success. I would place that measurement on number of entries in the bottom section of your vita, where "In The Collection Of" is listed." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How much money do you spend on opportunities that only feed your ego?

Gary Peters: "Trying to find a way for your artwork to at least pay for itself-especially if you've only ever sold a couple of pieces-is a challenge we all face." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A great idea to cover some of the cost of making your art.

Alan Bamberger: "You add value to artwork by informing, enhancing, and deepening the experiences people have when they see it" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Want to increase the value of your artwork? Here are some easy, straightforward steps to do just that.

John Unger: "It's no good just posting your artwork, writings, videos etc. and hoping this will magically lead to fame and fortune. Artists need to create content with their desired audience in mind (not pandering but being aware of what gets their attention), as well as considering their own goals, and having a content strategy that gets them where they want to go. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: This interview on Art Heroes Radio with Mark McGuinness explains how artists can use content marketing to their advantage.

Harriete Estel Berman: "Most artists are not pricing their work high enough to actually cover their overhead expenses such as rent, utilities, photography, bookkeeping labor, office supplies, tool purchases, equipment, etc. Artists frequently don't realize they didn't make money until the end of the year when they fill out their tax return." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Are you keeping track of how profitable your art business is?

Robin Sagara: "Genuine interest, good listening skills and pleasant conversation are very valuable marketing tools. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Being friendly and personable is a huge part of marketing your art.

Tags: | marketing | sales | attitude | All Quotes by Robin Sagara

Cory Huff: "People who visit from your newsletter are most likely to buy." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Newsletter, newsletter, newsletter. It's just so important!

Nemo : "You need an original style that's all your own and you need to put it out there as often and as much as you can. Then brand the hell outta your name." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Want to be a rich and famous artist? Nemo has some ideas for you.

Mark McGuinness: "The Internet gives you the chance to gatejump, to build your own platform, find your own fans and sell your work directly to them. And it won't cost you a fortune. Most of the software and tools you'll need are either free or very low cost." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some reasons why your creativity is an advantage in internet marketing.

Unity Marketing: "The days of buying a painting because it fit over the couch and matched the room are over. Consumers see their selection of art as more important than just matching decor. It is an emotional choice that reflects them. Art purchases are driven by how the piece makes the potential buyer feel, rather than by decorating decisions" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Good info about why customers buy art - it's the way it makes them feel.

Aletta de Wal: "Flyers are a great Do-It-Yourself promotional tool for artists on a tight budget. They are easy to create, produce and distribute." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Practical tips on how to create flyers to promote your art.

Tags: | marketing | sales | action | All Quotes by Aletta de Wal

Harriete Estel Berman: "Tags drive Search Engines more than ever. If you don't have tags on the images of your art and craft, how is someone going to find you or your work?" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you remember to tag your images on social media sites?

Keith Bond: "Each of you is a unique individual artist with unique artwork. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach [to marketing]. It simply doesn't exist. You must be willing to do a little trial and error to find what does work. Sometimes you need to just choose something and go for it." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How do you decide what marketing actions to take? Keith Bond helps you decide.

Tags: | marketing | sales | action | All Quotes by Keith Bond

Michael Martine: "Whenever you create objects by hand, the thing to remember is that it's not the object you're selling at the end of the day - it's the stories behind the object. What's important isn't the object, but the process. And there's nothing better than a blog for documenting this process." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Here's some tips on how to use your blog to share your story with your readers.

Seth Godin: "If all you're doing is increasing the number of digital spectators to your work, you're unlikely to earn the conversion you deserve." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: This is why I say artists shouldn't spend so much time worrying about SEO or Social Media but should truly engage.

Cory Huff: "Build a List. This is crucially important, and too many artists miss this. Once you start getting attention you need a way to keep their attention." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: We say it all the time - you need a mailing list!

John Unger: "One of the most common questions I hear from artists is "How do I get my work into galleries?" The myth of being discovered is a wonderful bedtime story, but it provides little practical advice for how to get your work shown now." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A great interview with our very own Clint Watson.

Tags: galleries | sales | marketing | myths | All Quotes by John Unger

Tara Reed: "People are often interested to see "an artist at work" - can you set up a camera and draw, paint or sculpt while the film is rolling? You could speed up the video to make it look like you are working top speed and add audio or music to go along with it." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some ideas for adding video to your marketing mix.

Cory Huff: "If you are smart, you'll also have your website set up to display your art in a gallery that gives each piece it's own page. If you've done this, then you can turn your artwork into an army of likable objects that do a ton of marketing for you. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some thoughts on how to use Facebook to market your art.

Clint Watson: "The one thing you actually can't afford not to do: ship great art." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Creating great art should be your #1 priority.

Alyson Stanfield: "Having a sale just because you need money fast is never a good idea. As was noted in the comments yesterday, sales of desperation are rarely successful." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: More thoughts on having sales on your art.

Lori McNee: "Communication is the most important ingredient in any healthy business relationship, such is the case between artist and gallery. This is particularly important for the gallery represented artist who is also self promoting their artwork or craft via their website, blog and Social Media." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some thoughts on balancing gallery sales and self representation.

Alyson Stanfield: "Your collectors have already purchased similar works from you at a higher price. They might not be happy to learn that they could have gotten it at a lower price if they had waited. Make your collectors happy by sending them a personal letter well in advance of your starting sale date and offering them first choice." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Want to have a sale of your artwork? Make sure you do it right with these 8 tips.

Tags: sales | marketing | | collectorclan | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Danielle LaPorte: "If you're making art, you are not separate from your brand. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some thoughts on art and money from Danielle LaPorte.

Robert Genn: "To get obscene prices you need provenance. This means critical approval, applied journalism, promotion, advertising, big dealer commissions and perhaps the appearance of participation in a movement or a greater cause. No matter the merits of the work, a lot of informed insiders up the ante. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Robert Genn talks about what it takes to get obscene prices for your art.

Renee Phillips : "Be consistent and persistent. Whether the market is up or down, whether the weather is hot or cold, your confidence and your activities should be unrelentless and steady. Set aside a block of time each week to devote to marketing and promotion. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some really great art career advice.

Luann Udell: "Always include an invoice showing the full retail value of the piece. Rather than give a piece outright, offer to sell it to them at your consignment price or wholesale price. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some ideas on how to make donating art to charity work for you.

Tags: donations | opportunities | sales | | All Quotes by Luann Udell

Tyler Tervooren: "No one can give the permission you need to sell your art. I totally understand the need for approval - I've been there many times myself - but it's a dangerous rabbit hole to go down." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: There will always be someone who wants to buy the art you make - don't let these 5 reasons hold you back.

Bill Weaver: "Show your passion for your work, don't describe it in purely technical terms, use language that helps potential buyers understand how and if your work is what they are looking for. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy:

Barney Davey: "Why should artists, dealers, galleries and printers be forced to shut off their income stream when a print with viral potential gets shelved because we are beholden to an antiquated form of marketing that doesn't make sense for anyone? " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Barney continues his case against limited edition giclee prints.

Tags: prints | marketing | sales | business | All Quotes by Barney Davey

Clint Watson: "What would happen if you spent your time and creative energy on outbound? What if you asked yourself how you could "wow" 10 or 20 of your best followers? " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Clint is right on the money with this one - appreciate the followers you have instead of always trying to get new ones.

Bill Weaver: "Your effort at establishing a trusted connection with your buyers will go a long way in building your personal brand and your position in your buyer's mind" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you work to create trust with your clients and potential collectors?

Cory Huff: "When you stop doing business like everyone else, you find yourself sailing on a completely different sea. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How can you be creative in your marketing?

Tags: marketing | sales | creativity | success | All Quotes by Cory Huff

Lori Woodward Simons: "In order to get looked at in a publication where pages and pages of artwork are vying for attention, your work must stand out from the crowd - and that is a tall order. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Lori shares her thoughts on advertising for artists.

Tags: marketing | sales | advertising | | All Quotes by Lori Woodward Simons

Barney Davey: "You cannot judge how an image you reproduce as a giclee might sell. It is entirely possible you could create a print that would have enormous demand beyond your imagination." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Barney Davey gives his reasons as to why he doesn't agree with limited edition giclee prints.

Victoria Lansford: "Get references about a prospective gallery. Discover other artists that they represent and contact them directly to ask of their experiences concerning timely payment, the condition of returned work, and the accessibility of the owner or manager." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some ideas on how to assess if a gallery is reputable or not.

Tags: galleries | money | sales | | All Quotes by Victoria Lansford

Clint Watson: "If the art is good.... then the. art. is. good. Period....If the art isn't good....your cover letter won't save you.�" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: A former gallery director explains why cover letters really aren't all that important

Cory Huff: "You can make the most exquisite sculpture. You can be the greatest singer in the world. You could have the capacity to make people weep with a single glance. If no one sees it, no one will ever know. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you believe any of these marketing myths?

Aletta de Wal: "A good cover letter captures your reader's attention. Attention is the first step to relationships. And relationships lead to sales." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some tips on how to create an effective, professional cover letter.

Tags: marketing | sales | writing | | All Quotes by Aletta de Wal

Pamela Wilson: "Learn about typography, copywriting and white space. Add these skills to your toolbox and use them in your business marketing. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Learning some of the basic rules of design can help you market your art more effectively.

Tags: marketing | sales | design | | All Quotes by Pamela Wilson

Hugh MacLeod: "Most people are not reading your blog because they have an inherent love for purple dogs and green sofas. They're reading your blog because THE PERSON YOU ARE inspires them." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Harsh but honest advice on why people don't read artists' blogs.

Diane Helbig: "Sales is always about relationship building. It is your job to create a process that will build positive relationships - not negative ones. You want to be engaged in those relationships for a long time. That won't happen if you fail to ask for permission first. " Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Don't spam people - get permission to email them and build relationships

Hugh MacLeod: "none of that "hot PR media action" has moved my business forward nearly as quickly or effectively as this one simple thing: My newsletter subscribers telling their friends about my newsletter, and suggesting that they sign up." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: More proof that your number 1 marketing asset is your mailing list

Clint Watson: "Just because someone is a great salesperson in another industry, doesn't mean their ideas will work to sell art. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: People buy art because they love it, not because it solves "problems".

Tags: | sales | marketing | passion | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Alyson Stanfield: "Stop thinking of your business actions as separate from your art. Everything you do for your career and business should be directed by the art you do. Your art should be central to your business plan, your marketing, and your goals." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you separate art & business? Or do you see one as an extension of the other?

Keith Bond: "Do you have purpose when you socialize? What is that purpose? Have you ever thought about that? Do you steer the conversation to attain that purpose? Do you market yourself or your art or both? " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great thoughts on having purpose in your social interactions.

Hugh Macleod: "They're not reading your blog because they're thinking of buying your paintings, they're reading your blog because the way you approach your work inspires them." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Hugh doesn't sugarcoat this one - why people aren't reading artist's blogs.

Lori McNee: "It was my belief before the advent of the Social Media phenomenon that self-promotion was the primary job of the artist. Yes, there are cases of art dealers and promoters who have driven an artist's success, but they are few compared to the thousands of artists who are on their own when it comes to gaining recognition." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A really great discussion about the changing art market.

Tags: marketing | success | galleries | sales | All Quotes by Lori McNee

Cory Huff: "Before the Web, an artist had to market themselves through galleries and other set channels. That doesn't need to happen now. Insurgent creatives can market themselves with great power and authority while running circles around the big corporations that are doing things the way they've always been done." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: The web has changed the art marketing game completely.

Aletta de Wal: "Your promotion materials don't all have to look the same, but they should have a consistent look and feel. Keep your fonts, colors and overall design consistent with your work." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some tips on how to do promotional materials the right way.

Kathy Swift: "Ask a gallery what they are doing to promote their artists. If they give you a few items, then follow up and verify what they are telling you is correct. If they can't give you anything, well that says it all right there. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Great comment from Kathy Swift about questions to ask potential galleries.

Tags: galleries | sales | agents | All Quotes by Kathy Swift

Bill Weaver: "Now, more than any other time artists wanting to support themselves by their art will need to do more than just make their work. They will need to work harder at standing out, being visible, and building a strong network of buyers." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Bill discusses the mindset and attitudes necessary to success.

Hazel Dooney: "...the only stuff less successful artists think to ask me about is promotion, as if my success is some magic trick that has nothing to do with making good art, that it's all down to some glib schtick rather than a substantial body of art and writings, that it's plain dumb luck." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Hazel talks about what it takes to be successful - hard work.

Alyson Stanfield: "It would be an error to give workshop participants everything in a handout or an email." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Alyson talks about how to get workshop participants or clients at an event to visit your website.

Lori Woodward Simons: "We are sole proprietors with two goals: Make Art, Sell Art." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A brilliant article about writing your art business plan.

Clint Watson: "As an artist, one major reason you want to blog is to bring traffic to your website in hopes that at least some of those visitors will be interested in your art work." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Clint talks about blogging and how it can help artists.

Renee Phillips : "You must be an active prospect seeker. Remember that potential buyers are everywhere. Never leave home without an ample supply of your business cards. Make networking an integral part of your daily activity. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great tips on how to increase your art buyers.

Vangile Makwakwa: "It is a fallacy to believe that a brand is something that only Coca Cola and Pepsi should worry about. As an artist you are your own brand. Whether or not you know it or acknowledge it, you are already a brand." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some great thoughts on branding for artists.

Barney Davey: "Changing times require artists learn to be self-reliant. Fortunately with the available tools, this is the best time ever for visual artists to control their destiny and to sell direct." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Barney Davey & Lori Mcnee discuss the future of art marketing.

Aletta de Wal: "The [post] card was so successful that we had a record turnout for the reception because people wanted to see the original painting." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: This story demonstrates just how effective postcards can be!

Alyson Stanfield: "Follow up." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: I think Alyson said it all.

Alyson Stanfield: "You can't force people to like something. Remember that the more people see your art, the more likely you are to hit upon someone who falls in love with it." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Selling is hard - Alyson lists some reasons why the sales might not be flying in.

Cory Huff: "Networking makes your career. It makes your business. It can make you as an artist. If you're just spamming Twitter with sales listings, you're wasting a valuable opportunity." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Are you using Twitter to sell or to connect?

Lori Woodward Simons: "When you're first starting out, it's a good idea to make your work as affordable as you can while being able to cover your costs and make a small profit. Don't charge so little that you don't break even." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A real life example of how to use Lori's pricing schemes.

Tags: | pricing | sales | money | All Quotes by Lori Woodward Simons

Seth Godin: "Is it better to acquire new customers at $2,000 each (advertising is expensive) or spend $10 a customer to absolutely delight and overwhelm 1,000 true fans?" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Don't underestimate or ignore the value of your avid collectors.

Stephen Filarsky: "Your cannot price your art to sell. You can't do anything to make your art sell. Your art won't sell itself. You (or someone else) has to sell your art." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A great insight on pricing your work.

Carolyn Edlund: "An agent can find niches for an artist's work that the artist may not have the time to explore. Also, they often have a collector base to whom they can introduce your work. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: A great interview with an artist's agent.

Aletta de Wal: "Postcards are a powerful, cost-effective marketing tool that fits every size business. They cost pennies to design, print and mail. Postcards can help you reach new customers and remind existing customers about your business." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Want to use postcards in your marketing? These are some great tips to make postcards work for you.

Tags: | marketing | sales | success | All Quotes by Aletta de Wal

Stacey Cornelius: "Smart entrepreneurs know where their customers are, what they want, and how to deliver, and are always mindful of the evolving marketplace." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Stacey offers some brilliant advice on how to find out if online sales are the right choice for you.

Cory Huff: "There are a lot of important things you can do to sell your art. Great technique, good connections, the right background, and a beautiful website. If you don't have confidence, however, you'll find it difficult to seal the deal. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: When you sell your work, are you confident?

Tags: | marketing | sales | attitude | All Quotes by Cory Huff

M. Theresa Brown: "...the artist with no plan is lacking the direction, thus the necessary perseverance that self representation requires." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you have a plan for your art business?

Hazel Dooney: "An artist's work might be thought of as inaccessible - it might be too refined, self-indulgent, highbrow, repulsive or obscene - but if enough people get to see it, then the odds are that a percentage will relate to it and respond." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Part of marketing is about getting your art in front of the right people.

Stapleton Kearns: "Making a living with your art is not necessarily incompatible with making good art. In fact I think the process has made me a far better painter." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: More thoughts on working with galleries from Stape.

Lori Woodward Simons: "Today's art marketing is not about 'getting', stalking, or pestering -- it is about 'giving'. In order to develop a relationship with collectors - either seasoned or new to the art realm -- it helps if you set yourself up as a trusted source of information." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Fabulous advice from Lori about how to cultivate new collectors.

Wivi-Ann Weber: "When a client purchases a work of art they are creating their own soul as a reflection outside themselves. Therefore their choices reflect their inner feelings and desires but now mirroed in the outside world." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some really great advice from a gallery owner on what sells.

John Unger: "The business side of being an artist can absolutely kill the joy of making art if you're not careful. It doesn't have to - it can even become a creative, fun and challenging extension of your art - but to make your art business successful on your own terms, you need to understand the basics." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Learning about the basics of running your art business will help you be more successful.

Stapleton Kearns: "If you want more from the world you have to put more value out there." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Stape shares his thoughts on improving sales.

Tags: sales | value | marketing | success | All Quotes by Stapleton Kearns

Mark McGuinness: "Build lists of contacts who want to know about your ideas, products, and services." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Your mailing list is a vital part of your art business.

Gregory Peters: "Dare to be different, address the needs and wants of your buying public and you'll make art sales a reality you can take to the bank. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How do you make sure that your art stands out?

Hugh Macleod: "Worry about the people who really matter to you. Create killer content that really matters to them. Create a killer product people actually want to buy. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Hugh talks about writing for other writers, but it's also important not to make art for other artists - focus on your collectors.

Clint Watson: "Do you include photos or a catalogue of other artwork you have available?" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you do these things when you mail artwork to your collectors?

Tags: | marketing | collectors | sales | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Stacey Cornelius: "When you align your marketing message with the quality and spirit of your work, you create an extraordinary brand." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Are you creating the right marketing context for your art?

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Stacey Cornelius

Eric Rhoads: "A steady drumbeat of visibility over time will eventually get you where you want to be." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Try to spend at least one hour a day doing stuff that promotes your art.

Tags: | marketing | visibility | sales | All Quotes by Eric Rhoads

Carolyn Edlund: "Why do people buy art, and why will they buy from you? The truth is that in order for people to be motivated to make a purchase, there has to be a connection between your work and something that they need, love or want. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you cultivate the connection between your collectors and your art?

Lori Woodward Simons: "Many artists struggle to make a profit each year, and although it might sound noble to give art away, sometimes it does the community of artists more harm than good." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Lori describes the right way to do fundraisers and why giving your art away will hurt you in the long run.

Lori Woodward Simons: "Galleries aren't the only way to sell artwork, and for many of us, we are perfectly able to make a full-time living by selling online, at outdoor and community shows, and even by setting up our own exhibitions." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some good advice on learning how to sell your art without galleries.

Tags: | sales | galleries | All Quotes by Lori Woodward Simons

Aletta de Wal: "To turn buyers into your "tribe," send them personalized invitations to preview new work in your studio or a link to a special section of your web site where they can see the evolution of works-in-progress." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some good ideas for creating raving fans.

Seth Godin: "if you're having trouble persuading people to buy what you sell, perhaps you should sell something else. Failing that, perhaps you could talk about what you sell in a different way." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Sometimes you just need to change your sales message

Tags: sales | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Alain de Botton: "The Law of Money & Complexity: An artist needs 20 followers to survive; a writer 20,000; a newspaper 300,000; a TV station, a million." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: How many followers do you think you need to survive?

Tags: | sales | All Quotes by Alain de Botton

Carolyn Edlund: "It is a fact in business that the longer the "sales process" takes, the slimmer the chances are of making the sale." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Do you follow up with sales and other opportunities?

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Carolyn Edlund

Barney Davey: "I believe in giving people what they want instead of trying to force them to buy what you have." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Having several price points for your art business helps people say yes to your work.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Barney Davey

Seth Godin: "In the race between 'who' and 'how many', who usually wins" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Focus on getting the *right* customers, not more "friends" and "followers"

Katana Barnett: "If you believe in something, you're morally obligated to sell it, and if you don't believe in your own artwork, perhaps you need a job. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Your artwork is meant to be shared with the world.

Tags: | sales | All Quotes by Katana Barnett

Bill Weaver: "Each piece of your work has a gift included in it, the gift of you and the emotional labor of your vision. One key way to decommoditize your work is to help your buyers see the gift it is." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: You want your work to be more than just a commodity.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Bill Weaver

Barney Davey: "Your job is to make art people want to own, then to build a case why they should buy, and finally to always always ask for a buying decision." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Making the best art you can should be your #1 sales tactic.

Tags: | sales | All Quotes by Barney Davey

Stapleton Kearns: "When you set prices, don't take into consideration your own ability to pay for things. Price is relative and there are people who have the money and the willingness to buy fine, carefully crafted art and spend enough on it to provide a good living for its creator. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Don't price your art for what you can afford.

Tags: | pricing | sales | All Quotes by Stapleton Kearns

Stapleton Kearns: "NEVER EVER assume that someone can't afford to buy or is to dim to buy your art,. It is impossible to tell . You must treat each encounter with another air breather as serious. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some sales advice from Stape.

Tags: | sales | All Quotes by Stapleton Kearns

Stacey Cornelius: "be yourself, keep your wits about you, respect the process, and see it through." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Stacey Cornelius breaks down marketing into an easily understood formula.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Stacey Cornelius

Maria Brophy: "What if we SHIFT our thinking and instead of calling it "selling" we call it "making a contribution?"" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Selling doesn't have to be a dirty word - it just means you're sharing your art with the world.

Tags: | marketing | sales | money | All Quotes by Maria Brophy

Alyson Stanfield: "Are you having fun? Is your delight in art evident to others, or are you caught whining and complaining too often?" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Enthusiasm is contagious - make sure you share your enthusiasm for your art with people!

Tags: passion | sales | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Luann Udell: "Sometimes an item sells slow because it's really expensive, or very unusual. It can still be a huge draw to your other work. And it can make the rest of your work seem more affordable. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Just because something you make doesn't fly off the shelves doesn't mean it doesn't have devoted fans.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Luann Udell

Eric Rhoads: "Advertising fails when marketers run single ads instead of campaigns. As in football, momentum is gained with consistent forward motion. Advertisers who start, stop, and start again are losing momentum. You make the most progress when you hang on to the ball. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: When marketing to your collectors, don't be discouraged when they don't buy straight away.

Tags: | sales | marketing | All Quotes by Eric Rhoads

Stacey Cornelius: "When you write promotional copy, make sure you fully understand the words you're using. Otherwise, you can end up with an embarrassing redundancy, or worse, completely misuse a word or phrase. Fluffing your copy is dangerous." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: It can be hard to write promotional copy for yourself, but being clear & concise is your best bet.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius: "I see people present their work in a way that undermines their customers' perceptions of it. A poorly designed website or amateurish business card or retail display doesn't convey a sense of quality." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: The context in which your art is seen plays a huge part in how people perceive the value of it.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Stacey Cornelius

Clint Watson: "You're not selling insurance, you're selling art: what you need is a wordless USP. I'm redefining "USP" for artists. Your "Wordless USP" is your Unique Style of Painting. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy:

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Alyson Stanfield: "Until you are excited about sharing your art, how can you expect us to be overly eager about looking at it or buying it? " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: You don't have to know the latest sales techniques to sell your work - you just have to share it.

Tags: | sales | marketing | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Hugh Macleod: "I could see that in another five years, ANYONE who wants to market ANYTHING successfully- be they small mom n' pop shops to large companies, will have to be fluent in Gift Economics" Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Marketing isn't about taking anymore - it's about giving to your collectors and clients.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Hugh Macleod

Alyson Stanfield: "You need note cards with pictures of your art on them. Cards picked up at the stationery store won't have the same impact when you want to keep your art in front of people." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Alyson Stanfield discusses the virtues of old-fashioned "snail" mail

Seth Godin: "The goal shouldn't be to have a lot of people to yell at, the goal probably should be to have a lot of people who choose to listen. Don't need a bullhorn for that." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: It's not the amount that matters - it's the quality of people who listen to you.

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Alyson Stanfield: "Sending stuff in the regular mail will help you stand out. You'll be diversifying your delivery and content while keeping your name in front of people. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Your collectors will really remember you if you send them snail mail!

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Alyson Stanfield

Clint Watson: "The wrong kind of traffic costs you time, money, bandwidth and resources." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: It doesn't matter how many people "walk through the door", if they aren't interested, they're costing you money.

Tags: | sales | websites | marketing | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Danielle LaPorte: "everything you do is promotion, so you may as well do it with aplomb." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Some help for those who loathe self promotion.

Tags: | marketing | sales | promotion | All Quotes by Danielle LaPorte

Seth Godin: "you'd happily pay again for the transaction. It touched you. In fact, it changed you." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Even kids know that marketing is conversations

Tags: | conversations | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Robin Sagara: "Whatever happens first, and last, are the things people will remember." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson:

Tags: | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Robin Sagara

Aarron Wall: "Traffic Is Not An Asset, Traffic Is A Cost. Traffic only becomes an asset when it translates into something else." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: The problem with assessing art services based on raw traffic nmbers

Aaron Wall: "It is easier to sell in small steps over time than it is to go from anonymous to sold. " Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: This is why artists should strive to get 1st time site visitors to sign up for a newsletter rather than expect to sell an artwork.

Tags: | websites | sales | marketing | All Quotes by Aaron Wall

Lori Woodward Simons: "Outstanding art has intrinsic value. Collectors recognize that value. All the sales techniques and art marketing knowledge in the world will not sell your work if it does not attract an audience. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Lori Woodward Simons offers emerging artists some advice on building a collector base.

Bill Weaver: "This part of the Second Law is all about knowing that you can't be all things to all people." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Remembering that your work won't be loved by everyone lets you focus on those who do love it.

Tags: | collectors | collectorclan | sales | All Quotes by Bill Weaver

Keith Bond: "Sending a note of thanks is good business and simply the polite ...I have also learned that occasionally it leads to immediate sales." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Keith Bond talks about thank you cards, and how sometimes they lead to more art sold

Hazel Dooney: "What surprises me most, as I get to know the people most interested in my work, is just how much they care about it." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Hazel Dooney is making people's lives better with her art...you can too...

Hazel Dooney: "Keeping in touch with collectors and supporters of my work takes time. And yet making their ownership of my work a richer, more enjoyable experience is important to me and justifies my decision not to sell my art through a gallery." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: This is what building a "collector clan" is all about

Hazel Dooney: "It occurred to me that had I persisted in the traditional gallery system, neither the collector nor I would have met like this. The gallery would have sent a staffer - if they had bothered to send anyone at all. And they, not I, would have gotten to see the work in its new environment and experience (and take credit for) the collector's happiness." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Hazel Dooney talks about how much better it can be when the artist and collector form a direct connection

Lori Woodward: "When you're first starting out, it's a good idea to make your work as affordable as you can while being able to cover your costs and make a small profit." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Lori Woodward with some practical ideas on pricing artwork.

Tags: marketing | sales | pricing | All Quotes by Lori Woodward

Rachel Perlmutter: "One of the pieces had a story that spoke deeply to us both, and we both purchased a copy of it. " Visit this link >>

Woodward Simons: Rachel Perlmutter - how the story behind the painting made her into an art collector.

Tags: | sales | story | selling | All Quotes by Rachel Perlmutter

Rachel Perlmutter: "if I had made a decision to buy (or not to buy) based on the appearance of the painting(s) alone, I would have walked out without a purchase.� But, the salesperson sold me the story that the picture would retell me everytime I looked at it." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: How a story helped sell a painting - told by the person who purchased the artwork

Lori Woodward: "Marketing your art gets easier when your artwork is remarkable!...It usually takes years of concerted effort to get good enough to entice the best collectors." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: "It usually takes years of concerted effort to get good enough to entice the best collectors." @loriwords

Lori Woodward: "When this happens, I don't take it personally. Good galleries don't let your work hang forever," Visit this link >>

Woodward Simons: "When this happens, I don't take it personally. Good galleries don't let your work hang forever," Lori Woodward

Tags: sales | galleries | goodgalleries | All Quotes by Lori Woodward

Ann Rea: "So if you're just starting out, you may want to show it everywhere that you can and that makes sense. But if you are in business and you're interested in profiting from the sale of your art it needs to be in front of your target audience when they are in an art-buying mode." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: There's an important distinction between showing your work & selling your work.

Tags: marketing | sales | success | All Quotes by Ann Rea

Seth Godin: "8 Questions & Why: How much money are you trying to make?" Visit this link >>

Woodward Simons: List of vital questions: "How much money are you trying to make?" Seth Godin

Tags: marketing | sales | goals | happiness | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Ann Rea: "Discounting luxury items is a very big mistake. You're asking people to pay a big premium for something that they don't need and then changing your mind. It's very confusing. No wonder people are reluctant to buy art." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: This advice makes you think twice about having a sale on your art.

Tags: sales | pricing | All Quotes by Ann Rea

Bill Weaver: "When you are attached to something you have made, a large part of your pricing can be influenced buy an impending sense of loss." Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: I definitely never thought about pricing like this.

Tags: marketing | sales | pricing | All Quotes by Bill Weaver

Lori McNee: "a red dot or two gets that ball rolling with sales!" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: "a red dot or two gets that ball rolling with sales!" L McNee - from an interesting comment thread on sales and psychology

Tags: marketing | sales | All Quotes by Lori McNee

Lori Woodward: "If a collector falls in love with one of your artworks, and sees that others have invested in your career by buying, it is more likely that you'll make subsequent sales." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Sales beget sales

Tags: marketing | sales | All Quotes by Lori Woodward

S. Kearns: "There is no reason an artist that is selling well shouldn't earn a living wage. " Visit this link >>

Sarah Lacy: Stape advises an artist on how to raise her prices.

Tags: sales | marketing | money | All Quotes by S. Kearns

Stapleton Kearns: "Not every painting you do is going to work out and some just won't sell. You need to get paid at least a little for that time too" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Stape discusses paintings that don't work out

Tags: sales | marketing | money | All Quotes by Stapleton Kearns

Hugh MacLeod: "Artists have to create stuff out of thin air, then somehow find a way to sell it at a profit." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: "Artists have to create stuff out of thin air, then somehow find a way to sell it at a profit" /by @gapingvoid

Tags: marketing | sales | pricing | All Quotes by Hugh MacLeod

Clint Watson: "Make Amazing Art, Be Authentic, Tell Your Stories and the Art Will Sell" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Make Amazing Art, Be Authentic, Tell Your Stories and the Art Will Sell

Tags: authenticity | stories | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Hugh MacLeod: "Why artists still enslave themselves to an outmoded gallery model that proves itself ineffective..still baffles me." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Hugh's thoughts on being an artist

Tags: galleries | success | sales | marketing | All Quotes by Hugh MacLeod

Lori Woodward Simons: "successful galleries I've worked with do not leave unsold artwork on their walls for more than a few months" Visit this link >>

Woodward Simons: Finding a Successful Gallery - American Artist Forum

Tags: success | galleries | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Lori Woodward Simons

Clint Watson: "only 2 reasons art doesn't sell: 1. art isn't good/interesting enough 2. artist isn't trying hard enough to find/his or her fans" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Only 2 Reasons Art Doesn't Sell

Tags: marketing | sales | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Tony Moffitt: "In the last few months alone, this little book has generated literally thousands of dollars worth of direct sales and commission jobs" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: A look at why you need to make yourself a brag book

Tags: marketing | sales | All Quotes by Tony Moffitt

Clint Watson: "Larger paintings are almost always less per square inch than small ones." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: A look at art pricing

Tags: pricing | sales | marketing | All Quotes by Clint Watson

Keith Bond: "I would rather lose a sale or two than my integrity. The net loss of giving discounts far outweighs the up-front loss of a sale or two." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Keth Bond Discusses how to respond to discount requests

Tags: sales | discounts | integrity | All Quotes by Keith Bond

Tony Moffitt: "Secret: People want great value more than they want a cheap bargain." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Tony Moffitt explains why discounting your art is not a good idea

Tags: marketing | pricing | sales | All Quotes by Tony Moffitt

A Paypal Horror Story: "Using PayPal for online sales can be great, but know the drawbacks of PayPal before you get burned." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Luann Udell

Tags: sales | paypal | All Quotes by A Paypal Horror Story

Amy Evans: "He sold several of them to other workers. Interesting...having original art had an effect on his workspace." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Artist Amy Evans discusses collectors who take paintings to work as "Cube Grenades"

Tags: sales | collectors | All Quotes by Amy Evans

Seth Godin: "f you don't pay the salesforce (because you go direct, or you go free), then who is going to do that for you?" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Seth Explains the Difference Between Marketing and Sales

Tags: marketing | sales | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Seth Godin: "Unlike records or shoes, it's hard to buy a lot of art. Pretty soon, you've got no place left to put it, do you?" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: One of the few times I disagree with Master Godin - and why my closets are full of art

Tags: sales | All Quotes by Seth Godin

Henry Lee on Problogger: "the fact that email leads all other channels by a wide margin in terms of performance is something every blogger should not overlook" Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: More evidence that email marketing is still the most powerful

Tags: email | marketing | sales | All Quotes by Henry Lee on Problogger

Robert Genn: "the hard cold fact is that artists are always entering the market with substandard art that also just happens to be difficult to sell. Vanity galleries will see these folks as their natural prey." Visit this link >>

Clint Watson: Caveats regarding vanity galleries

Tags: galleries | sales | All Quotes by Robert Genn

Links and Quotes Tagged Under "sales"