Defeat the Starving Artist Mindset
Banish the myth of the starving artist – and give yourself permission to be successful. A “starving artist” mindset can really set you back. You may feel, consciously or unconsciously, that you...
View ArticleHow to Get Rejected Every Time
Submitting your art or craft work to a jury? Here’s how to guarantee your results. 1. Wait until the last minute. In fact – be fashionably late. You’ll get more notice that way, and probably make...
View ArticleHow to Write an Artist’s Statement That Works
A well-crafted artist statement helps you define who you are as an artist, explain your motivation and your inspiration. It can be a description of how your work evolved, and what makes you unique....
View ArticleHow to Use Your Artist’s Statement
Once you have an artist’s statement that works for you how can you make use of it? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Use it to create your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Your artist’s statement...
View ArticleConnecting Emotionally with Your Customer
This post is an excerpt from The Arts Business Institute’s popular e-course “Marketing for Artists & Craftspeople.” Most artists are inspired to create art which is very meaningful to them and...
View ArticleBuild Your Business Relationships
As an artist, you want to pursue your passion for art, and express yourself in the studio. If you sell your work, you are also a businessperson, so you must nurture and grow business relationships in...
View ArticleWhen to Say NO to a Sale
Would you ever turn down a sale? Initially you might not think so. Here are some circumstances that may have you reconsidering: Under minimum. Buyers who cannot come up with a minimum wholesale...
View ArticleHow to Sell to Major Retailers, Part 2
Interested in doing business with large retail chain stores? Here’s the skinny on how it works. Taking the Order Once you’ve been approached or have presented your work to a chain store buyer, you...
View ArticleHow to Sell to Major Retailers, Part 3
Artists, are you ready to do business in the big leagues? Start planning ahead of time. Small creative entrepreneurs such as artists and craftspeople usually work alone, or perhaps with a partner,...
View ArticleHow to Sell to Major Retailers, Part 4
Is thinking and selling big in your game plan? Many creative entrepreneurs have sold their handmade work to chain stores and other large retailers. Experiences vary. This could be a major break...
View ArticleThink Like Your Customer
Effective selling means understanding what people want to know rather than just what you want to tell them. Recently, an artist debuted a new series of exciting large-format images, lit from...
View ArticleStreamline Your Time
Spending too much time on paperwork and the computer? Use these tips to trim your schedule and get back in the studio. Email got you down? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your inbox. Stop...
View ArticleDealing with Overwhelm
“There are so many things to do, I don’t even know where to start.” “I get confused about what to do first, so I do nothing and freeze.” These aren’t unusual feelings for new entrepreneurs in any...
View ArticleStarting out on the Right Foot with Your Left Brain
By ABI faculty member Mckenna Hallett I want reorders. I want my shop owners and wholesale buyers to have as much upfront support as possible. I want them to be completely up to speed when my first...
View ArticleStarting out on the Right Foot with Your Left Brain, Part 3
By ABI faculty member Mckenna Hallett The retailers that want my line also want (and need) my story. They express great excitement when they learn about my unique raw materials and my unusual tools;...
View ArticleSeek Criticism to Improve Your Work
Remember the dreaded critique from art school? Despite the fact that it was nerve-wracking and embarrassing at times, critiques can be catalysts for improvement. Even if you didn’t go the art school...
View ArticlePledge Your Support for American Craft Week
Volunteers from American Craft Week reach out to gain traction from the tourism industry. American Craft Week 2013 may have just ended, but the staff putting forth the time and energy to publicize...
View ArticleSmart Holiday Merchandising Tips
Nancy Markoe It’s fourth quarter, and holiday buying has started. The owner of the Nancy Markoe Gallery in Florida shares some ways to increase sales. What do shoppers want? A fabulous gift that is...
View Article15 Point Checklist for a Successful New Year
It’s the end of the calendar year, and sales may be slowing down – but there is plenty to do to prepare for 2014 to be your best year ever! 1. Look back over this past year to evaluate what...
View ArticleAre Minimum Orders Important?
Should artists and craftspeople set a required minimum opening order for wholesale customers? We say “Yes” and here’s why: When artist are first starting out in business, there may be some...
View Article
More Pages to Explore .....