Cinnamon Pink

What's Your Artistic Potential? from Carolyn Edlund

We all continue to hear about the Bad Economy. If you keep listening to the news, your hopes of selling your art work slowly begin to diminish. However, Carolyn Edlund, from Artsy Shark, tells us that the Market isn't shrinking - and that opportunities are there for artists.

Edlund says, "In today’s global marketplace, there are more possibilities than ever to sell your work and make money as an artist. The key is to understand those potential opportunities so that you can unlock them and position yourself."

Check out her inspiring post entitled - What's Your Potential? - and then start polishing up your potential as an artist today.

Why Agencies Won't Represent an Artist from Joan Beiriger

I enjoy reading Joan Beiriger's Blog on Art Licensing. Her posts provide both solid and interesting information. Check out her recent article - Art Licensing Editorial: Why Agencies Won't Represent an Artist.

Next, take a few minutes to read her post detailing a: List of Over 50 U.S. Art Licensing Agencies.

Then - Take an Action Step and Challenge Yourself - What first step can you take to get your art ready for licensing? Baby steps count!

 

Want More Publicity for Your Art? Check Out Artsy Shark!

Are you interested in gaining more exposure for your Art? Then check out Carolyn Edlund's informative Artsy Shark article, Want Some Publicity? How Artists can Finesse the Press.

Carolyn encourages Artists to:

• Become the Story
  
• Be a Guest Blogger
  
• Be a Source
• Submit to the Right Publications
• And much more!

Check out her article for the details.

 

 

Art Licensing Primers

 Are you thinking of licensing your Art this year? Then check out these two links:

This excellent, primer article, How and Where Do You License Art?, was written by Alex Colombo and features an interview with Lance J. Klass, President of Porterfield's Fine Art Licensing. Klass is host of The Business of Art Licensing blog.

The second, equally informative article, Top 10 Checklist for How to Get Moving in Art Licensing was written by Linda Mariano.

If you come across any Art Licensing articles, please leave a comment and share your findings.

 

Five Ways to Improve Your Product Design from The Arts Business Institute

I read an interesting fact today. According to a recent article on The Arts Business Institute (ABI) site, "If you don’t offer new products, you are losing sales. Most successful artists change their product line by 30% each year."

Now, I'm always trying to come up with new art work for any upcoming Seasons and Holidays. But maybe I need to do a little more strategic thinking - and brainstorming - about my product line. And maybe you do too.

First, read the ABI article, Five Ways to Improve Your Product Design. Then start making plans to improve, and expand upon, the goods that you offer. Don't forget to put those ideas in writing and make them stick with specific deadlines.

A Mixed-Media Trend Report from Rebecca E. Parsons

Via the createmixedmedia site, I read a thoughtful article, entitled A Mixed-Media Trend Report, written by Rebecca E. Parsons. In the article, she discusses how Fashion and Design Trends ultimately impact our own mixed-media art.

Rebecca says artists are influenced by color schemes, shapes and patterns that appear in the clothing and home fashion markets. She suggests that we use current trends as a source of inspiration to energize our own creativity.

Rebecca also talks about the Hot Trends for 2012. Make sure you read her entire report. Afterwards, you're bound to come up with some new ideas and paths to explore. And don't forget to continue to track the newest trends to help you enhance your Art in 2012.

Jumpstart Your Artistic Goals by Checking in with Carolyn Edlund

 

Need some Artistic Business Inspiration for the New Year? Then carve out some time to read Carolyn Edlund's article, Want to Rock Your Art Business This Year? Start with Your Collection. 

I often refer people to Carolyn's articles, on ArtsyShark, because readers get solid information that they can readily apply to their Art-Related Business. Her blog, Artsy Shark, is geared toward emerging artists and includes articles on business, marketing, networking and inspiration. 

In fact, as I was surfing the Internet today, I came across another one of Carolyn's articles, this time on artbistro.  The article entitled, 25 Ways to Spread the Word About Your Art, will help you jumpstart your Artistic Goals for 2012.

These two articles should get your Creativity Percolating. You know what that means? It's time to clear out the holiday decorations - and Start Putting your Art Plans into Action.

 

Jump-Start Your Art Career - Tips from Carolyn Edlund

On ARTSY SHARK, I just read Carolyn Edlund's article, Eight Steps to Jump-Start Your Art Career.

I especially like Step Four where Carolyn tells us:

"Take action now. Do something every single day to move your art career forward. It may be placing a phone call, improving your website, finding a great photographer to shoot your portfolio, or making a To Do list. Cultivate this habit, because it’s something you are doing for yourself, and it really matters."

It's such a simple step to take but many of us (including me) get lost in the day-to-day blur of busyness that we neglect to take just ONE positive step toward enhancing our Art Career.

Why not Start Taking Action Today? What small step can you do right now to rekindle your Art Business?

 

Creating a Series of Art from Katherine Tyrrell

Artist and writer Katherine Tyrrell draws and writes about art for artists and art lovers. Her content- rich blog, Making a Mark includes articles on: drawing, painting, art techniques and tips, art business and marketing and art blogs. And that's only the beginning. There's much, much more to explore.

In the past, I have cited many of Katherine's informative posts. Today, I came upon her collection of articles (on Squidoo) that offers An introduction to creating a series of drawings or paintings.

If you're interested in beginning a series of paintings, Katherine provides excellent guidance on all the how-to's of this endeavor. Check out her articles. If you're short on time, bookmark the page.

Ten Real Tips for Successfully Selling on Etsy from Handmadeology

Put some time aside today to read Handmadeology's bookmark-worthy article entitled: Ten Real Tips for Successfully Selling on Etsy.

Many of the tips are jam-picked with links (i.e., articles) referring to more valuable selling advice. When it comes to reference-rich articles, Timothy Adam is the guy to read.

Bookmark the article so that you will have these Holiday Selling Tips just a few clicks away. Let me know what you think.

The Look of Success from Ann Burton

For the past few days, I've been working with clay, glue and glitter. Sometimes, too much glue and too much glitter on my hands, the floor, my studio. Finally, I decided to take a quick break and do some Web surfing. I checked out Handmadeology - a site that always delivers useful content for indy businesses.

I enjoyed reading Ann Burton's perceptive article, The Look of Success. Ann makes some great points.  How do you project success with your online shop?

Take some time - now or during the week - to explore the other articles on the Handmadeology site. You'll be glad you did.

Check Out: Design 2 Market Success

Need a shot of inspiration? Check out Jane Button's blog and Web site, Design 2 Market Success.

Here's just one example of her thought-provoking articles and posts, From Hobby to Business: Hobbies cost money, businesses make money.

Blurb from Jane's site: "Online creative product mentor Jane Button publishes the "Design 2 Market News" weekly ezine packed full of tips to help make you money from your Invention, Sewn or Knit Product, Art, Design, Gift, or Craft Business. If you're ready to take off the training wheels and turn your creative passion into a profitable business, get your FREE tips now at www.Design2MarketSuccess.com"

Artsy Shark on: Evaluating Your Greeting Card Line

The days, weeks and months have been moving by quickly. Just finished a commissioned art piece - and my submissions for PFATT Marketplace. Trying to keep up with social media. What happened to Summer?

Here's a helpful article from Artsy Shark: Is This Greeting Card Line Ready for Retail? Check it out! Lots of good information here.

Self-Promotion Tips from Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy

If you want solid, and valuable, information to reinvigorate your art career, check out Maria Brophy's blog. You may want to begin by reading this article: Self Promotion is NOT a Dirty Word – 11 Ways to Market Yourself.

I especially like Brophy's reminder to artists that "Consistency is Key." Many of us get so involved in art making (me included), that we forget all about the marketing end of our business. But if we want to see results from our marketing efforts, we need to consistently get out there and Self-Promote.

What have you done to promote your art today?

Check Out: Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Art from Lori McNee

Image from Lori McNee's Blog

Artist Lori McNee recently posted an article on Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Art.

I can especially relate to her first suggestion: Create an Inspirational Work Environment. Since I recently reorganized and cleaned out my Studio, I have increased both my joy in making art and my output. Allocating specific areas for my tools/supplies makes it so much easier to find things. Why didn't I do this earlier?

But back to Lori's post, check out the rest of her informative tips on improving your art here. However, don't stop there. Her blog achives contain a wealth of valuable information for artists.

 

Cleaning Out My Studio

For the past two days, I've been cleaning and reorganizing my Studio.

My work table was overcrowded with art supplies. There was not even an inch of open space. In order to get any work done, I had to create on a drawing board on my lap. I'll spare you the before picture.

The big problem was that I did not have any storage space. I spotted a Stanton Cart on the Home Decorators site. (I have no association with the company.)

The cart features six small drawers and two large drawers. Since the site is offering free shipping and a 10% discount, I ordered it in dark cherry. I really do love the cart. Just one more day of cleaning - and I should have a neat and organized Studio.

Time for a Mid-Year Review?

We're midway through the year of 2011. This may be a good time to do a review of your Indie Business. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself.

• Are you on target in meeting your 2011 Indie Business goals?
• How about finished projects? Are you ahead of schedule - or behind - in finished projects?
• What about holiday goals? Are you currently working on art for the upcoming holidays?
• Have you regularly set aside time to work on new product ideas?
• Are there some art and/or business tasks that you can simplify?
• Do you regularly look for new markets?
• Do you actively pursue social media opportunities?

Why am I bringing up all these questions? Because these are the business/art questions that I am asking myself. How about it? Are you doing a Mid-Year Review?

Get the Most from Your 'To Do List' from HandmadeSuccess

I love making To Do Lists. When I spotted this interesting post on the Handmade Success blog, Practical Tips to Get the Most from Your To Do List, by Irene Zuccarello, I just had to share it with all of you.

On Irene's blog, Imaginative Bloom, you can snag a free copy of the E-Book, Social Media Blog Series. In this 36-page E-Book, nine creative women share secrets to succeeding with Social Media.

Do you make a daily To Do List? 

 

10 Types of Digital Products You Should Consider Selling Online from meylah

Just found out that meylah is offering a new (free) eBook Supplement, entitled, 10 Types of Digital Products You Should Consider Selling Online. This informative supplement is written by Jason Dirks.

When you visit meylah, check out their other eBooks and helpful articles. I always enjoy reading their business tips and other related posts.

 

Trends at National Stationery Show from Joan Beiriger

Image from Joan Beiriger's Blog

Joan Beiriger has posted another fabulous article on her blog, Trends Spotted at National Stationery Show (NSS) 2011.

At the end of her post, Joan links to other articles for more information on trends that were seen at NSS by publication editors, buyers, and others attending the show. You may want to take a coffee break while you read. There is a lot of solid material to explore.

 

Mixed-Media Arts and Trends

 

On his Licensing Course site, Michael Woodward has an informative article: Trends And How It Affects Your Work. The article was written in 2007 but it is still relevant today.

In his article, Woodward says, "On many Art Publishers Web sites, you’ll have menu items such as Best Sellers as well as New Releases. These are important sections as it gives you an idea of what’s sold really well as well as new images and the colorways and styles they are starting to promote."

For more trending information, check out the Trend Watching site where you can sign up for a free monthly Trend Briefing. What about you? Do you regularly check out current - and future trends before you create?

Joan Beiriger on: What Can You Learn from Art Licensing Trade Magazines?

image from Joan Beiriger's Art Licensing blog

Joan Beiriger regularly offers artists valuable information on her Art Licensing blog. Her recent article What Can You Learn from Art Licensing Trade Magazines?  features three such magazines.

They include: Total Art Licensing (TAL), Art Buyer (AB) and Art & Design Licensing Source Book (A&D). Check out her article for the details. And take a look around her blog for more informative articles.

Free Ecourse: Social Media Blitz from Handmadeology

 
Timothy Adam, creator of Handmadeology, is offering a FREE, 5-day Ecourse Social Media Blitz. Here's what Tim says about the course:

"I am excited to share this free ecourse with Etsy sellers , because I have been using these 10 steps for years and I have seen great results.  I have increased my traffic to my blog and Etsy shop, moved up in the Google ranking, and have even seen my customer base grow."

Get ready to maximize your sales results on Etsy - and sign up for Social Media Blitz. I just signed up.

Advertising & Promotion Ideas for Etsy Sellers from Anne Burton

In case you didn't see this Handmadeology article, Top 40 Low Budget Advertising & Promotion Ideas for Etsy Sellers, written by Anne Burton, you need to check it out. I usually get so involved in creating that I know I don't do enough in the advertising & promotions arena. So I'm glad I found this article.

Anne is the creator and owner of the successful Beantown Handmade site so she has plenty of helpful marketing ideas to share. Her shop offers pet apparel and accessories. You are looking at one of her pet neck warmers - Too Cute!

 

Check Out Artsy Shark

I enjoy reading Kate Harper's blog, Greeting Card Designer. She regularly provides solid, informational  posts about the business of art.

Via Kate's site, I came across Carolyn Edlund's blog, Artsy Shark, a site for emerging artists. I especially liked the following article on Artsy Shark, 25 Ways Artists & Craftspeople Can Market their Art. There is a lot to read on this site. Check it out!

Selling On Etsy

Eventually, I plan to open my own Etsy Shop. But I seem to be getting delayed by the Details and Perfection Traps.I tell my self that I need to take care of all the details, both big and small, before I can sell on Etsy. And that everything has to be perfect for opening day.

On the other hand, maybe it's in the promoting and selling that all the details get worked out. And that perfection is an ongoing work-in-progress.

As I deal with these issues, I like to visit Etsy's The Storque for inspiration and useful information. I particularly like the Etsy Seller Handbook. It includes a "handy index of all the useful How-To's about selling on Etsy."

There's also an excellent post on Shop Makeover: Welcome to Your Online Presence. Etsy says, "This is a Shop Makeover for the crafter or artist who has, as of yet, only delved into the real, "offline" world of selling their art, craft, or vintage wares." That's me.

How about you? Are you selling offline or online?

Crafty Business Resources

If you're looking for ways to energize your current crafty business (or thinking of starting a new business), check out the Crafty Business Resources on the One Pretty Thing site. You'll find a wealth of articles offering sound business advice.

And while you're there, don't forget to check out the cool craft projects on One Pretty Thing. Every day, Rachel Klein highlights fabulous DIY projects from around the Web.

Start Getting Ready for Your Craft Fairs

I created these tags for a Craft Fair that I participated in last year. Many customers purchased the tags and I received good feedback on them after the show too. (Note: I've since changed the name of my business from Pink Chalk Studio to Cinnamon Pink.)

I'm going to again participate in a Fair this Fall. One lesson I learned was to start early. I've already begun making a list, in my Art Journal, of possible crafts to make. I want to produce different tags - and dream up some other new ideas.

I've found that it's also important to keep good notes on cost of supplies and time spent making each item. This tactic helps when it comes time to price your goods. I use my Project Detail Sheet to track this information.

Have a Creative Day, Darlene