Cinnamon Pink

Start Licensing Your Art from Lateral Action

Via Lateral Action, I discovered this post, How to Start Licensing Your Art (and Why You Should) written by Natasha Wescoat.

I like what Natasha says about Making the Pitch:

"You can create your own opportunities. Make yourself known to companies you want to work with. Research their sites, their brand and then write a thoughtful letter describing your interest and make a brief introduction of yourself."

"Offer links to your work, as sometimes attachments are marked spam or they won’t open. Show them how THEY can benefit. Not just that you want to work with them. Show how you two fit. Link to the best examples of your work that complement what they already license."

Check out the rest of this informative post. And start taking that first step to Licensing Your Art. 

Art Career Advice from Artsy Shark

Image from Artsy Shark site

Here's an inspiring post from Artsy Shark on How to Become a Successful Freelance Artist written by guest author & artist, Noah Bradley. I especially like his points on working hard - and doing the work you love.

You may also be interested in the Artsy Shark post on How Artists Can Build a Brand written by artist, John Borys. I like his messsage on style:

"If your work is quirky, whimsical or fun, your Web site, messaging, and social media efforts should reflect that vibe. If you are a traditional or realist painter, your Web site needs to look and feel like that. Colors, typeface, copy, images and layout are all tools to further communicate your brand, whatever that might be."

Check out these two posts and start working on incorporating some of the ideas into your own artist career today.

 

Generate Leads for Your Art Business with Social Media

A while back I did a post about Selling with Social Media. Aldo Baker contacted me about a follow-up post on this topic: 50 Ways to Generate Leads with Social Media. Check it out!

Here's Baker's favorite tips in what he calls a Tweet Sheet:

• Crowdsource content and credit your community as a way of giving back.
• Make ads visually appealing for Pinterest pins, since this market is growing fast!
• Integrate keywords into your LinkedIn page(s).
• Monitor Twitter tags for new and relevant conversations.
• Reach out to industry leaders with a Google Hangout.
• Host a video webinar answering questions for your customers.

Although SalesForce is a business-oriented site, I believe mixed-media artists can gather some great tips to use in selling their art.

 

Promote Your Art with Notecards & Post Cards

Check out this informative post from Artsy Shark: 7 Ways to Promote Your Art with Notecards.

A while back, I took the (above) photograph of one of my favorite flowers, the hydrangea, and then had post cards printed up. I like to include complimentary post cards along with the orders that I send to my customers.

I especially liked this idea from Carolyn Edlund's article: "Got a hot prospect? Send a whole boxed set of mixed cards showing a selection of your portfolio, inside of a larger box. It’s sure to get opened, and makes a much bigger impression than just one piece."

Carolyn also offered this marketing tip in her post: "Don’t forget to include your name, information about the image, a statement about your work, and your website address on the back of each card."

Check out the rest of the Artsy Shark post for more great ideas.

Tracking Art Trends for 2013

Image from PRNewswire site

If you own an Indie Business, following trends in fashion, pop culture, crafts, color and interior design can be beneficial to your bottom line. You may also gain new ideas that you can incorporate into your own art product line. 

Via PRNewswire, I discovered this post: Michaels Reveals Top Craft Trends For 2013. The trends focus on the following four areas:

• Nostalgia/Vintage - e.g., jumbo pom-poms, laser-cut frames, mason jars.
• Eco-Chic - e.g., wood grain, natural fibers, rope, paper and cork.
• Unexpected Materials - Think of using unexpected materials in traditional crafts such as wreaths, banners and garlands. 
• Personalization - Initials and monograms are showing up on all kinds of projects.

 Here's another informative post on Tracking the trends for 2013  from Craft Focus Magazine.

Try to set aside time each week to track trends by visiting design & art-related blogs, Pinterest and other similar sites. Visit department stores and boutiques keeping an eye out for the next big thing. Make note of the trends you find. Then figure out how you can take a trend and apply your own unique ideas to create a new product. 

You may just start a new trend.

Jumpstart Your Art Career - Tips from Lori McNeed

In the past, I've highlighted posts from other blogs on Jumpstarting Your Art Career.

Here's another article, from professional artist Lori McNee who is founder of Fine Art Tips, entitled, How to Jump Start Your Art Career.  You will surely find a plethora of valuable tips in Lori's post that you can use to promote your own  art career.

 Here are a few ideas from Lori that I especially like:

• Make creative time a habit. Just like you make time to exercise, make time to create!

• Start producing finished, frame-worthy pieces of art.

• Document your artwork

Set aside time to read Lori's complete post - and then go forth and Make Art.

Best Sites to Sell Art Online from Artonomy

A little while back, I blogged about Artsy Shark's post detailing 150 Places Artists Can Sell Online. Here is another great marketing source:

Helen Aldous, founder of Artonomy  (Business, Marketing & Survival Savvy for Creative Folks), provides a wealth of information for Indie artists on her site. Check out her post on where to Sell Art Online – A List of the Best Sites to Sell or Promote Your Art. Helen lives in West Yorkshire, England.

Visit Helen's site for additional focused Indie Business advice.

 

Top Marketing Experts from Launch Grow Joy

If you sell your mixed-media art, take some time to check out this List of Top 36 Product Marketing Experts You Need to Know from Andreea, host of Launch Grow Joy.

Visit each expert's Web site, including Andreea's site, for a wealth of marketing knowledge and information. In fact, you may want to bookmark the post so that you can check back later.

Keeping an Idea Notebook

I know that many of you do Art Journaling? But do you keep a Notebook of Ideas? I've been filling notebooks with ideas for many years now. I believe it's the writer in me that likes to capture my thoughts with pen and paper.

Here are two posts from other people who also keep Idea Notebooks:

• On Keeping a Notebook in the Digital Age by Elizabeth Spiers

• The Spark File by Steven Johnson

I like what Johnson says about ideas:  

"...... Most good ideas (whether they're ideas for narrative structure, a particular twist in the argument, or a broader topic) come into our minds as hunches: small fragments of a larger idea, hints and intimations. Many of these ideas sit around for months or years before they coalesce into something useful, often by colliding with another hunch."

In order to exploit this particular quality of idea formation, Johnson keeps what he calls a 'spark file.' He explains: “A single document where I keep all my hunches: ideas for articles, speeches, software features, startups, ways of framing a chapter I know I’m going to write, even whole books.”

Johnson doesn’t try to organize them. The randomness is intentional. He reads them over every few months and finds themes emerging — connections between fragments that wouldn’t seem apparent if those fragments were presented in isolation.

Take a few minutes and read both of the above articles to determine how you might benefit from cataloging your thoughts. In my own Idea Notebook, I jot down notes for articles as well as ideas for mixed-media art projects.

What kind of Idea Notebook would you keep?

150 Places Artists Can Sell Online from Artsy Shark

Do you remember the Artsy Shark list, 125+ Places Artists Can Sell Online which I posted about a while back?

Well, Artsy Shark founder, Carolyn Edlund has expanded the list to 150 Places to Sell. The list is in alphabetical order and at the same link. Grab a cup of coffe and check out the additions to the list.

On a different note, my laptop crashed yesterday. It's at the Repair Shop now. I'm typing this post on Ron's laptop. I am feeling a bit lost since I don't have access to a scanner. Hopefully, I'll get my laptop back on Monday. Maybe Tuesday?

 

Art Licensing & Networking from Joan Beiriger

I'm passing on this quote that really resonated with me today: "Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."  Napoleon Hill

And, here's an information-rich article from artist Joan Beiriger - Art Licensing Editorial: Why, Where & How to Network. There are many valuable links in her post. Check it out.

10 Ways to Make Your Art Business Stand Out from Artsy Shark

Image from Artsy Shark site

Carolyn Edlund, founder of Artsy Shark, just posted an informative article on 10 Ways to Make Your Art Business Stand Out.

I especially like her advice on planning and goals:

"When you start a new project, think, 'Does this advance me towards my goal? What results do I want from this? What contacts will I make – and how will I follow up with them?' When you pursue your business plan with focused intent, you will break out from the large group of artists who don’t have focus, and won’t get noticed."

Read Carolyn's article and then choose one of her ideas to start working on today.

125 Places Artists can Sell Online from Artsy Shark

Image from Artsy Shark Blog

Carolyn Edlund, host of Artsy Shark, offers a valuable list entitled 125 Places Artists can Sell Online.

 The List is in alphabetical order with brief descriptions of each venue. Here are the first ten entries. Check out Carolyn's blog for the rest of this informative list.

1.   20×200.com – Jen Bekman’s site focuses on art, prints and photos, priced affordably. Juried (not currently accepting submissions, but sign up for their newsletter to get updated when submissions reopen.)

2.   500px.com – Photography site – store your photos, share them and sell them. Features work of beginners to experts. Sell your work by opening a “store” account, which is available to free as well as paid memberships.

3.   AbsoluteArts – Claiming to be “the most trafficked contemporary arts site” it offers levels from free to premier. Artist bio/statement and portfolio displayed with shopping cart.

4.   AffordableBritishArt (UK Site) – Artists sell their work with no middleman, commission free, but there is a charge to have an account (4 tiered levels). You must have a PayPal account to receive payment for your work.

5.   Amazon – Upload your images to sell on one of the biggest marketplaces on the web. Jewelry is a huge category here, but you are competing with manufactured items.

6.   Art.com – This highly ranked e-commerce site has a division called Artist Rising, where emerging artists can upload images. They provide a print-on-demand service to sell your work. Two levels of membership – free and paid.

7.   ArtBreak – Describing themselves as “a global community of artists sharing and selling their work on the web,” this site is a commission-free way to upload images and sell with a shopping cart. Curiously, their blog and social media sites are inactive.

8.   Art-Exchange – B2B site where artists can get connected to interior designers, architects and others in the trade. Work is sold wholesale here; they take 10% commission.

9.   ArtFire – Huge marketplace of crafts, art, supplies, vintage and more. Customize your own shop on this site. $12.95 monthly fee.

10.  ArtFortune – Create your own online art gallery here. Site visitors can see the images that you have uploaded, and click through to your website, where you make the sale. They charge a monthly fee, and have several different plans. There is also a forum and community on this site.

If you are new to Carolyn's blog, take some time to check out her other posts for important information on Marketing Your Art.

Colors of the Year for 2013

As you plan your art projects for the coming year, you may want to incorporate the top color choices for 2013 from Pantone and Sherwin Williams. I'm glad to say good-bye to Tangerine Tango. I've never really been an orange person.

The 2013 Pantone color of the year is Emerald. I especially like the soothing look of their Spring colors.

 

 

Every year the paint company, Sherwin Williams, selects a color of the year. For 2013, the chosen color is Aloe which is part of their Vintage Moxie collection. For more inspiration on color, check out the Sherwin Williams Pinterest site.

Image from Sherwin Williams site

So what do you think? Are their any shades of blue or green in your future mixed-media art work?

Your Art & the New Year Ahead

During the lull between Christmas and New Year's Day, you may want to take some time to think about Your Art and the New Year ahead. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Rework your artistic goals for 2013.
• Plan new art projects for the next few months. Better yet, plot out your projects for the entire year.
• Experiment with (new to you) art media. Dig out those new art supplies that you haven't used yet. Or invest in that hot new art tool/supply that you've been hearing about online.
• Sign up for an online art course - or Mixed-Media Art conference.
• Start fresh - Clean up - And declutter your Studio. The result will be a more relaxing work environment.

For more great ideas, check out these two excellent and informative posts from Artsy Shark written by Carolyn Edlund:

• Six Ways to End the Year Creatively
• Strategic Planning for Artists - Although this article was written in September, the tips are still relevant when planning for the new year.

New Art Work & Market Advice from ABI

I have been busily working on some new art projects. When I checked my blog, I was surprised to learn that I hadn't posted in a few days.

Does the time go by so quickly due to this hurry-up world of Smart Phones, Pinterest, Web trolling, Texting and Apps? My two guilty pleasures are the Web and Pinterest. How about you?

Back to my art, here are the two newest art pieces that I completed yesterday:

Shabby Chic Ornament in my Etsy Shop

Eiffel Tower Wall Decor in my Etsy Shop

I do want to leave you with links to two excellent articles that I found on The Arts Business Institute (ABI) blog. (I do receive updates from ABI which I highly recommend for good marketing advice).

• 50 Ways to Promote and Sell Your Art or Craft
• Hot Marketing Trends for Your Art Business

Check them out!

 

Organizing Project Lists & To Do Lists

 

If you're like me, you probably juggle many mixed-media art projects at any given time. Well, I realized my To Do Lists and Project Lists were getting a bit disorganized - and many times misplaced in my pile of papers.

I decided to finally print up the Library Cards Template that I spoke about a while back. The cards come courtesy of the Creature Comforts blog.

I had them printed at Office Max in two different colors so that they won't get lost in my paper clutter. I used a set of mini stamps to print out To Do and Projects. I used masking tape to hold the individual letter stamps together for ease of stamping.

How do you stay organized?

 

Style, Theme and Technique in Art Licensing from The Moon From My Attic blog

Image from The Moon From My Attic blog

Via The Moon From My Attic blog, which is hosted by Alex Colombo, I came across an enlightening post entitled, Style, Theme and Technique in Art Licensing - Artist Julie Dobson Miner.

Here's what Julie Dobson Miner says about her initial creative process:

"I put a considerable amount of thought into my collections. They may start with a store walk or a web search to see what's currently offered in the given theme. I'm looking for a new twist or following an emerging trend and applying it to an old theme." Julie has found if it is too similar to current market choices it will likely not be well received.

Check out the rest of the article for some great tips. And take some time to explore The Moon From My Attic blog. Alex regularly offers valuable tips on her Art Licensing blog.

Selling Wholesale on Etsy

Image from Etsy

Etsy administrators have announced that they plan to launch an Online Wholesale Marketplace in the near future. A start date has not been set and details are still being worked out.

Check out this informative post, from Artsy Shark to determine if wholesale selling can enhance your indie Etsy business - Etsy is Going Wholesale - Will it Work for You?

For more information on this subject, read the Etsy News Blog Post - Etsy Wholesale on the Horizon.

What do you think about wholesale selling on Etsy?

Building Your Brand with Content Marketing from Copyblogger

Image from Copyblogger site

Well, my ISP problems are continuing. I connect with the Internet for about ten minutes and then I'm knocked off. An ISP technician will be making his fourth visit tomorrow. Hopefully, I can complete this short post before I get knocked off the Web again.

Via Copyblogger, I came across this intriguing post - How an Unknown Street Artist Used Content Marketing to Build a Global Brand written by Kelton Reid.

Are you creating compelling content? Read the article for some great content marketing tips. And make sure you check out the rest of the Copyblogger site for more quality posts.

 

Free E-Course: The Holiday Rush Etsy Marketing Formula from Handmadeology

Image from Handmadeology site

Timothy Adam, editor of Handmadeology, is currently offering a free 5-day e-course: The Holiday Rush Etsy Marketing Formula. 

Here's some additional information about the e-course from Timothy: "This e-course will help you learn how to get the most traffic to your Etsy Shop this Holiday season."

"If you are ready to learn how to decrease the amount of time you spend promoting your Etsy items on social media sites - and at the same time maximize your results - then this is the e-course for you."

You will also receive a 5-day Pinterest Bonus E-course. Check it out and sign up today. I did!

SMART Planning for Artists from Arts Business Institute

Image from Arts Business Institute

Check out this informative article from Arts Business Institute (ABI) - SMART Planning for Artists: A Technique to Help You Visualize Your Goals and Create Better Outcomes.

Then take the first step and Prioritize today.

25 Great Promotional Ideas for Artist Postcards from The Arts Business Institute

Image from The Arts Business Institute (ABI) site

Here's an informative, marketing article from The Arts Business Institute (ABI) - 25 Great Promotional Ideas for Artist Postcards.

 The article tells you how to make postcards work hard for you in growing your art business. Do you use postcards to promote your art work? Please share the methods that work for you.

 

Share Your Art Work on Pinterest from Fresh Gloss Blog

Image from Fresh Gloss blog

Via an Artsy Shark tweet, I found out about this article: Pinterest For Artists: Five Creative Ways To Share Your Work on Natasha's blog, Fresh Gloss.

You can see a larger image of how Natasha uses Pinterest to promote her work here.

 

Take an Art Break and check out the articles on Artsy Shark. Carolyn Edlund provides a wealth of valuable information for artists.

Watching the Trends & Here Comes Newism

 

Image from MillionLooks.com - Spring/ Summer 2012 Color Trend #2: Orange

As selling artists, we're all trying to keep up with trends in the marketplace. What's Out? What's In? What's the latest trend? Or is it merely just a fad?  What's an artist to do?

Well, for starters, check out Joan Beiriger's article, Art Licensing Editorial: List of Recent Trends. Joan's posts are always spot on. If you are new to Joan's blog, check out her other informative articles too.

If you think dealing with changing trends is difficult, Trend Watching talks about the current buzz on the horizon: Newism. Today, it seems consumers lust after the new. Here's the definition from the Trending Watching site:

 "The ‘new’ has never been hotter, as the entire world, from emerging to mature economies, is now creating new products, services and experiences on a daily, if not hourly basis, in every B2C industry. Which moves 'new' from being a tired marketing ploy by ‘old’ brands ('new and improved!'), to a genuine, exciting proposition for consumers."

Check out the site's article, Half a Dozen Forces Propelling NEWISM into Even More Prominence. Lots of things to think about as we head into the Holiday Selling Season.

Note: Source: www.trendwatching.com. One of the world's leading trend firms, trendwatching.com sends out its free, monthly Trend Briefings to more than 160,000 subscribers worldwide.

 

Check Out Wanelo!

As if being addicted to Pinterest wasn't enough to keep you glued to the laptop, there's another social media platform that may make you (and me) just as obsessed. Via Arts Business Institute (ABI), I learned of Wanelo (“wah-nee-lo,” shortened form of Want, Need, Love).

Here's a recap of Wanelo taken from the ABI post:

"Wanelo puts a focus on shopping, says Daniela Governatori, Social Media Manager for the new company. She explains that members can upload images of their own work, and sell directly on Wanelo (no commission is taken)."

"Etsy vendors love Wanelo – and more images posted on the sharing site come from Etsy than any other source. Retailers such as Anthropolgie, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and others are major players on the site." Read the complete ABI post here.

Here's what you'll learn on Wanelo's About Page: 

"Wanelo is a place to find the most interesting and unique products online. Products on Wanelo are posted by members. The first product was posted in 2010. To experience shopping ecstasy, simply find and save products you want, need and love, and follow users and stores you like. Sounds kind of fun, doesn’t it? :)"

I haven't explored the complete site yet but I soon will. What do you think? Check it out!

Artists Helping Artists - Check it Out!

 

While trolling the Web, I came across a site that may be of interest to you - Artists Helping Artists. Here's what the site is all about (description taken from their home page):

"Welcome to Artists Helping Artists, the #1 Art Show on Blogtalk radio! Join in each week as your host Leslie Saeta discusses how to market and sell your art, along with interviews with guest artists, gallerists, and others sharing their knowledge of the business side of art."

You can also listen to Previously Recorded Shows. Check it out!

Thinking About an Artist's Web Site?

Although I blog, I do not have an Artist's Web site. I've heard that all artists should seriously consider creating a customized site for their art. Here's some information that I gathered that may help you if you're thinking in that direction.

First read Joe Cartwright's post on The Benefits of having Your Own Artist’s Website.

Then check out the post on Artsy Shark detailing, Websites for Artists – the Easy Way. In the article, Leah Markham offers the Top Ten List of Things You Need to Utilize Your Web site Effectively.

So what do you think?

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.