"When it comes to $, we are not working with a blank canvas. We have lots of history and emotion when it comes to the topic of $. Some of this is from our past and some may even be 'inherited' conversations, so to speak, from our parents, grandparent's, schools, other communities or society in general. Other people's beliefs about money and our own early experiences may have shaped what we believe today. Some of those old beliefs may be limiting what's possible for us now. It might be time to take a look at those beliefs and see it's time to challenge or let go of the ones that are no longer serving us. Think of a closet, before you can stock it with lots of beautiful new things, we have to do a little housecleaning and throw out the old junk and clutter." ~ Successful fine artist and workshop leader Pat Fiorello.

Myths about money abound. The most harmful myths imply that great artists do not concern themselves with "the sordid business of coin." It's bad enough that the public believes that this is so. Debunking these harmful thoughts begins with you - the artist.

"Too many artists buy into the myth of the starving artist. If you believe opportunities are limited, that's what you'll find, but if you see that opportunities are truly abundant, that's what you'll experience. If you have a positive attitude and take appropriate and focused actions, you can make a living doing what you love."

A healthy art business starts with clear thinking about what you want from making art and the lifestyle you want to lead. Then add persistent actions over time, good work habits and a dose of common sense. The trick is to make all of this into common practice.

You can create your art business with the resources you have. You do not have to feel helpless now or be fearful about the future. You may need to adjust your attitude, your actions or your aptitudes.

Sometimes, you are not even aware of how your mind gets stuck on the broken record of old messages you got about money when you were growing up. And it doesn't stop there. When I left a high paying corporate job to reduce stress that was affecting my health, my well-meaning family was shocked. I had a prestigious "real" job. How could I throw away my career and benefits? My new business of coaching entrepreneurs brought in more income than I had ever earned on salary. I heard "Well, that was a fluke - it won't last." My health got better. My income allowed me to build an art studio and co-op gallery. And still, they were doubtful. I am doing what I love supporting artists to do what they love. My health has rebounded and my persistence has brought me more than one kind of wealth- many that cannot be bought.

You can change the "tapes"running in the background.

"I thought about those old beliefs, how much negative energy was involved and how they have crept into my life. I have been concentrating on action instead of inaction and pushing those beliefs out. The A.C.T. teleclasses made me think about some of the activities that I have been doing to promote - and I am really rethinking my strategy. I mentally had been saying to myself 'Get rid of the poor beliefs'. I really embraced replacing them with new thoughts and with a real sense of success." S.J., Painter, California.

You can adopt timeless strategies to make art and make money to suit your personal economy.

"I am so excited about having this Artist Career Training group. I've been doing my daily 15 minutes of journaling and thinking about money everyday and feel so good about the process. I've had many good insights and ideas as a result and want to share just a few of them here with all of you. The synergy we can create together is amazing, so let's play!

"As I was reading Aletta's email, I created a new mantra. I'm going to write it here in the first person - feel free to use it.

'I am a Thriving Artist.' How's that for changing an old, sorry cliché? I'm a believer in the idea of replacing old thoughts with new. It's much easier than trying to simply eradicate the old." Patrice Federspiel, A.C.T. Art Marketing Mentor.

If you really want to change your relationship with money, help is here. Think of us as training-wheels to help you gain momentum while you build a sustainable art business.

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Here are 3 resources to guide you. If you follow the directions and suggestions, you will more than recoup your modest investment.

Resource #1: A Teleclass Series (Three Recordings of live classes by phone plus Worksheets) called "Making Money as an Artist: Taking Charge of Your Bottom Line" Artist and A.C.T. Art Business Mentor, Pat Fiorello led this 3-part series.

This program is designed to empower artists to be clear about your economic reality and take charge of your financial health. It will help you uncover blind spots where your history with money may be limiting you today, get clear on your actual financial results and guide you in developing a realistic plan to achieve your financial goals.

Artists at any career stage who want to make enough money to live comfortably or do better than they are doing now, will benefit from what Pat Fiorello teaches. She has a track record of coaching artists to be more capable about managing money.

This is a self-study program that you can use in your studio at you own time and pace. You listen to a recording of a live class where artists discuss common money issues. Simply follow along with the worksheets to apply each recommendation to your life.

Each session has a specific focus and builds upon the previous one:

#1: "Getting Past Your History with Money"
#2: "Getting a Handle on Your Money Today"
#3: "Creating a Future of Your Money Possibilities"

• "Getting Past Your History with Money" uncovers your blind spots where past thoughts, upbringing and experiences with money may be limiting you today. You learn how to turn those beliefs around with a few simple questions you can ask yourself in the privacy of your studio.

• "Getting a Handle on Your Money Today" shows you the path to get clear on your actual financial results. To get your fears and hopes out of your head, you record them on a worksheet, so they can see the light of day, instead of waking you up at night.

• "Creating a Future of Your Money Possibilities" guides you in developing a realistic plan to achieve your financial goals.

$79.95 includes Three Class Recordings and 10-page pdf workbook
Buy now


Resource #2: Individual coaching
A.C.T. Art Business Mentor, Pat Fiorello is available to work with you individually on your Money Matters! There is no minimum time requirement (beyond 1 hour) and a coaching program can be customized to meet specific needs. Register here for hourly coaching at $90/hour.

Or, in a year-long program which includes a one hour call, a follow up call 3 months later and a call at year end to assess results and adjust, as needed for the coming year. Register here for ongoing coaching at $250.

Pat brings a unique blend of both the business and art worlds. For 20 years she worked in the corporate world as a marketing and general management executive. She received her M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and has been Vice President, Marketing for Coca-Cola and Nabisco. She left her "first" career to more fully pursue her passion for art and has been doing so successfully ever since.

In addition to selling her original paintings, Pat's artwork has been on over 60 juried shows, featured in over a dozen solo exhibitions, and licensed for greeting cards and home decor products. Pat is a Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society has served as Chairman of the Atlanta Artists Center and President of the Georgia Watercolor Society. She has helped hundreds of artists develop their business skills through her work with arts organizations, workshops and private coaching.

Resource #3: Books and recordings for independent study
If you want more independent study resources, please visit the Art Business Library to purchase other A.C.T. Art Business Tools.

You will also find a wealth of resources through our link to Amazon.

If you want help deciding which resources are best for you, please call Aletta de Wal at 650-917-1225 weekdays. No charge for the first15 minutes of guidance. It's on us!