Posts Tagged “art biz blog”

Initially, when I realized that we’re sneaking up on a New Year, I thought I’d write a lengthy post on my goals for 2008. Instead, I found myself on the Art Biz Blog the other day and perused Alyson’s posts until this one caught my eye. It wasn’t so much the title that caught my attention “Plan your art career wins for 2008″, but rather the small amount of text that precedes her podcast that spoke to me:

This is my favorite action to share each year. Take time to write down all you have accomplished instead of focusing on what is yet to be done.

I like this idea a lot! It’s not about resolutions, but rather a reflection on the good things that have transpired the last year. So, with no further ado, I give you a list of things that I’m thankful to have accomplished in the last 365 days in no particular order.

• I’ve managed to avoid getting a 9-5 job so that I’m available for my daughter before and after school - something about which I feel very good.
• I’ve secured 4 clay teaching gigs for next summer at the Art Student’s League of Denver and Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
• I’ve left the communal studios of the Art Student’s League and set up my own studio at home fondly named “el garagio”.
• I became a substitute teacher in Denver Public Schools which has opened my eyes to how wonderful it is to work with children.
• I started teaching clay classes after school in Denver which allows me to share my love of art and clay with other people - there is nothing more rewarding to me than having a child tell me how they can’t wait for Monday/Tuesday afternoon to work with clay
• I have made a lot of new contacts and friends that I hope to nurture in 2008 virtually and in real life.
• I embarked on a lot of learning and education this past year to help my art business - though it also spills over into my personal life such as learning HTML & other computer programs, reading and taking one of Alyson’s art marketing classes.
• I have volunteered many hours at my daughter’s school and have learned that I’m a good fund raiser when I believe in the cause
• My work has been placed at the ArtHaus66 Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and just received my first commission check.
• I received wholesale inquiries that I’m going to pursue in 2008.
• I’ve participated in 2 large fairs this past year, including the Summer Art Market and the Fancy Tiger First Alternative Craft Fair.
• I’ve donated a lot of my work to causes that are important to me
• I applied for membership to the Colorado Potter’s Guild.
• I bought a larger new kiln that will last me my lifetime.
• My blog is maturing.
• My work is getting better.
• I joined groups both in person and virtually which has allowed me to make new friends and build a stronger community.
• I am realizing what it is I want to accomplish and how I want to live. I have a true vision for 2008 and beyond that I hope to share with you in the new year.
• Best of all, I am creating a life for myself that feels true to me by not compromising my values.

I’m thankful for a lot - and while this list may not be complete, I want to end 2007 and begin 2008 on a positive note.

So from me to you, I wish you a Happy New Year in 2008 - may you have many accomplishments big and small!

Warmly,

Cynthia

An interesting connection happened recently. A gentleman in Michigan found my Flickr Photostream online and enquired about how he could go about purchasing some of my work. We’ve been emailing back and forth and it turns out that many of the pieces in which he is interested are no longer available. I directed him towards my Etsy Shop and he did choose the piece in the photograph above along with a custom order request. Yesterday he emailed me a photograph of my piece which is now in his possession. It’s interesting, because once the item leaves my home, I never see it again. I often wonder what people do with my work, how is it used, etc. Accompanying this photograph were several photographs of his beautiful garden. I can rest assured that gorgeous flowers will find a home in my vase. I’m honored that people think my work is a perfect compliment to their lives. It makes me very happy!

Meanwhile, I’ve been experiencing a bit of uncertainty in regards to my art career and if you read my last post, know that I applied for a job last week. Fast forward to a podcast that I listened to on Monday morning while I was out for my run and I had an ah-ha moment. Suzanne Falter-Barnes has a podcast on her blog with Andy Wibbels interviewing Seth Godin about his new book The Dip. It must have been a serendipitous moment, because it was exactly what I needed to hear right at that moment. Basically, in a nut shell, when faced with difficulty in your career (though the concept could be applied to about anything), do you know when to quit, or when to lean into “the dip”? Most successful companies know how to emerge from the dips stronger by being creative and basically just working harder. If it were easy, wouldn’t everyone be a millionaire? While the podcast is really geared towards businesses, as an independent artist, I connected to the discussion.

Seth also talks about being the best in your field - but don’t let that get you down. Best in the field is a matter of knowing your market and product - and there’s room for a lot of different businesses to exceed. For example he talks about the iPod. As a consumer, you either own an iPod or one of the other brands. iPod is a name brand like Kleenex or even Word, yet Microsoft’s MP3 player didn’t achieve stellar star status like the iPod - though it might have if it weren’t trying to play catch up with Apple. Anyway if you’re interested in hearing more, the podcast is free if you visit Suzanne’s blog.

Yesterday evening, I was invited, along with a handful of other artist’s, to Alyson Stanfield’s house to brainstorm book design for her soon to be published new book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No Excuse Guide to Self Promotion. I think Alyson’s newest book will be easy to read and a valuable reference for creative people trying to craft a successful art career. Lisa Call stopped by on the way over to Alyson’s house and we drove up to Golden together. I really enjoyed the drive with her. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk with another artist about the day to day challenges of being an artist in today’s world.

My in-laws left town this morning and I’m planning on spending some time in my studio this morning. For some reason, the humble pinch pot keeps popping into my head right now.

Until Later,

I received a nice email from a woman this morning telling me that one of my fiber pieces was chosen as art of the day on EBSQ. What a great honor! Can you tell, I don’t have too much to report right now? I’m still working on my new soft painting that I started last week. I also have so many new ideas floating around in my head. They’re all related to ceramics and fiber and how to make them work together.

I just finished a new fabric ACEO for Jafabrit, that I’m going to put in the mail tomorrow. You may remember, that last week, on my 200th post anniversary I promised a new ACEO to the first person to comment. Jafabrit was it and I tailored this one especially for her…or at least what I know of her through her blog. I was undecided on whether to post it or not, or allow it to be a surprise for her. Let me know what you think?

Meanwhile, I just started taking an online art marketing class taught by Art Biz Coach, Alyson Stanfield last week. This is a month long class that covers a lot of information about the business of art marketing. She just announced that one of her teleseminars which is taking place this Wednesday is going to be free, but is limited to the first 250 people who sign up. The teleseminar is titled What the Artist Needs to Know About the Artist-Gallery Relationship and will include a special guest, Paul Dorrell, author of Living the Artist’s Life. The class is a must for everyone who wants to know about getting into galleries, rejection & perseverance, choosing the right gallery, your relationship with dealers and much more! Plan to spend about 60 minutes Wed. evening, hours are posted on the class link.