<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Mon, 28 May 2012 05:13:39 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Artist Career Training Book Reviews</title><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/</link><description>Recommended Books &amp; Reviews from Artist Career Training</description><lastBuildDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:59 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright></copyright><language>en-US</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><item><title>Artist Websites: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start</title><category>Web &amp; Marketing</category><category>artist websites</category><dc:creator>Robin Sagara</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:59 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/artist-websites-10-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-star.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:16128337</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-right"> <img src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/Think2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1336152909655" alt="" /></span> When  I work with artists on their websites, they're often surprised  (and  delighted) when I insist on a preliminary phone call to discuss  their  vision, not just for their website, but for their art business as  a  whole. I ask a lot of questions because I want to make sure they're   ready to move forward.</p>
<p>These  days it's pretty easy to get a website (or change the one you  have), but before you start, it's wise (and cost-effective) to be able  to  answer "yes" to these questions:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Do I want to showcase my work online and give out information about myself</strong>? </li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I have a clear idea of who I am as an artist and what I want to accomplish?</strong> </li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I have well-written and up-to-date information about me and my art, like my artist statement, bio, resume? </strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I have at least 12 pieces of finished work to showcase on a website?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I have professional-quality, high-resolution images of my work? </strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do  I have complete descriptions of my work including dimensions,  title,  and a brief story about the inspiration and history of the  piece? </strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I know what I want to charge for my work?</strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do  I have the time/money to invest in getting a website, and  have I  budgeted time/money to make changes to it and keep it updated?</strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>If I already have a website, has my art business grown to the point where my website doesn't do what I need it to? </strong></li>
<br />
<li><strong>Do I have (or am I putting into place) other ways to market my art in addition to a website? </strong></li>
</ol>
<p>If  you answer "yes" to all the above, you are likely ready. To help  you  get started, read past articles about your online marketing (click  the  link) and stay tuned for upcoming topics:</p>
<ul>
<li>Myth busting: "If you build it they will come"</li>
<li>How to get a great website and keep it updated without going broke</li>
<li>What a website can, and cannot, do for you</li>
<li>When to DIY, and when to invest in getting help</li>
<li>How to work with a web designer on your template or custom website</li>
<li>Info that should be on every page of your website</li>
<li>SEO</li>
<li>Prepping images for your website &nbsp;</li>
<li>Social media and how it supports your website</li>
<li>Blogs</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXfWM1CgfywETDEuY8Tu_JNULmnPck-mIPBN0qjoSGYszv3BUWOVUg8LwLKLbaLxvH8=" target="_blank">Artist Websites: Custom or Template?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXfWM1CgfywETJtB97wLfPM1J4iCSJX4vWEofHhsdn-FqXKTJddrbzQ2P_ytZ_bE9WzrJpk4g97jyXjjTqYjaERHuO0jzqeSkzA=" target="_blank">Artists burning questions (and answers) about websites</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXewedlvjfb4iybsw3fAp72szlZyg4lK9cfIeIBwVLpAIxHmRtiXBU2Lzhp_fcvVoiSFLvNk0NcdRg==" target="_blank">Six standards for your digital images</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXfIydfmhtpbDS7AIGrJ_8Me9oj1hCm10E26KuESaYCbO3FCwAlgb6ed4MGlNWkvjEPi_Q198Yq_TSjyh3qoVai2ovfc2z73MQ8=" target="_blank">How often should you update your website?</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXfQ3GD93EF3dzIOsIAZENnlJtQbVxPvgMEaPY-7EnzKw6n5TlGjQJPWMOrtcMPVpAqK_5kkCQ1uXA==" target="_blank">Protecting your content and images from theft</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXclGaztFfOBlTi5BBr20KibZi4ELhmnq1T2QsaLhnhGzID3LGnE4dJBcXbC5lnEprdoJzqkJBRKGlWa2WqfK5gty3uKStXFFO4=" target="_blank">10 ways your artist website can support your marketing efforts</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7ryBrZoZfQmw6sbDvkZm0043KddcSB_ytXfIydfmhtpbDZuysofvvqTf_JcP2rPrUWeiVSYEoHHqztp78J_LTsFIPbERZ6MBSwHpk1jBYAPKQMWvtV1KkqF7DU5LuJdH_K5ckxyWKaoQm9a8PzGuv1ku" target="_blank">Your artist statement and bio: should you keep them separate on your website?</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>If  you want help with your website, social media, and art marketing,  feel  free to contact me. Whether you just need help getting started,  or you  want help with the whole darned thing,  <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7rxLWpqvrLiSgFr4yegNKoGO0_ROGJ4fGvkbkMLAEQp9xHkgXYMp3jRi" target="_blank">I'm here for you</a>.</p>
<p>The first 15-minutes are on us, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1U_MUUYgNO7Uy5pm1tiaSJimj6KgSDZ7rzoSBPfMs7IB48IzIBNNiI6G-Rz-k1zs3T4cvO6r2P7Rg==" target="_blank">click here to sign up for a free phone conversation</a>. If you've already&nbsp; had a 15-minute conversation, or have already worked with me and want to inquire about any of the above,  <a href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">drop me an email</a>. We have cost-effective packages for all your website and social media needs.</p>
<p>All my best to you and yours,</p>
<p><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/193.jpg" border="0" alt="Robin Signature Image" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="95" height="68.5" /></p>
<p><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/606.jpg" border="0" alt="Real Job Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="71" height="86" align="left" /></p>
<p><strong>If you're like me and love to have great resources around, I  suggest you  get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book "My Real  Job Is Being  An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day  Job (Or Get  One)."</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> to get on the notification list.</p>
<p><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1VCMrHlB_lBloU8YceMEiN20SOzzd3Ot9hG72QmNtlbFG3l9xAQ0jWdJ10-igkbQ7vQmgGsvLI1GQ==" target="_blank"><img title="Find me on Facebook" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_100.png" border="0" alt="Find me on Facebook" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LBHizAVCo5tUXz4h8kSu6TohWYoJi7gJck5IlFmPTG5Qrlz5vO1JOF9LEvNiYbGvydawrkgXS1WJoX89DWJHRm9ak7XY57py8h3B3hXGF3Kdxz4tIKDWsA==" target="_blank"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_twit_100.png" border="0" alt="Follow me on Twitter" /></a></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-16128337.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Artist Websites: Custom or Template?</title><category>Web &amp; Marketing</category><category>artist websites</category><category>template websites</category><dc:creator>Robin Sagara</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:03 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/artist-websites-custom-or-template.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15967403</guid><description><![CDATA[<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-left"><span><img style="width: 250px;" src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/639.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1335221293231" alt="" /></span></span>Before   you move forward on a new website, it's important to know what's   available. Websites have changed, dramatically, over the past couple of   years. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Basically, there are custom websites and template websites.</strong> &nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">A   custom website is created from the ground up by a webmaster. The sky's   the limit on what it can look like and how it functions. As such,  sky's  the limit on the price also. It's created with software on the   webmaster's computer, a place to store the website is rented (called   "hosting"), and the website files are uploaded to the host and connected   to your domain name (your <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.yourname.com/">www.yourname.com</a>). What you end up with is unique, like having tailor-made clothes instead of buying them ready-to-wear.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<br />
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">A   template website is more like buying ready-to-wear clothes but having   them customized by shortening a hem or taking them in to make them fit   better. Like ready-to-wear clothing, template websites usually cost  less  than tailor-made. They start with, natch, a template, from a  company  offering those types of sites, then it can be customized for  design and  functionality, so that it's unique. Design usually takes  place online at  the hosting company's website system, it's then  connected to your  domain name, and you're in business.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>These days template websites are so good that most artists can get a   very customized website for much less than a custom one, but not all   template website companies are the same. What you get for your money   varies widely; so first, it's wise (and cost-effective) to think about   what you want your website to do for you and how much time/money you   have to invest, not only in getting a website, but for ongoing   maintenance and updates.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />To help you get started, stay tuned for upcoming topics for this newsletter:</p>
<ul>
<li>10 questions to ask yourself before you start on a website</li>
<li>What a website can, and cannot, do for you</li>
<li>How to work with a web designer on your template or custom website</li>
<li>Info that should be on every page of your website</li>
<li>SEO (Search Engine Optimization)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prepping images for your website</li>
<li>Social media and how it supports your website</li>
<li>Artist Q&amp;As</li>
<li>Blogs, and more!&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">If   you want help with your website, social media, and art marketing, feel   free to contact me. Whether you just need help getting started, or you   want help with the whole darned thing, <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/support-services-robin-sagara" target="_blank">I'm here for you</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The first 15-minutes are on us, <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/request-a-conversation" target="_blank">click here to sign up for a free phone conversation</a>. If you've already&nbsp; had a 15-minute conversation, or have already worked with me and want to inquire about any of the above, <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">drop me an email</a>. We have cost-effective packages for all your website and social media needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p>All my best to you and yours,</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/193.jpg" border="0" alt="Robin Signature Image" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="95" height="68.5" /></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/606.jpg" border="0" alt="Real Job Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="71" height="86" align="left" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>If   you're like me and love to have great resources around, I suggest you   get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book "My Real Job Is  Being  An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or  Get  One)."</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a style="color: #004db4 ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> to get on the notification list, and get special goodies too!&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Helvetica,Calibri,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Helvetica,Calibri,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/ArtBusinessLibrary"><img title="Find me on Facebook" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_100.png" border="0" alt="Find me on Facebook" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.twitter.com/artmktglibrary"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_twit_100.png" border="0" alt="Follow me on Twitter" /></a> <br /></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15967403.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Art World Insiders Interview with Robert Patrick (part 2)</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>Chuck Jones</category><category>Robert Patrick</category><category>art marketing</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:00:15 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/art-world-insiders-interview-with-robert-patrick-part-2-1.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15661315</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
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<td class="imgCaptionImg" style="text-align: center;" width="141"><a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://www.lje.com/"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/619.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="131" height="131" /></a>&nbsp;</td>
<td style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.lje.com/">www.LJE.com</a><br />
<div>Chuck Redux</div>
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div><strong>Have you ever wondered how art professionals see artists and the  art world? <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/robert-patrick" target="_blank">Click here to get The Inside Story of Marketing the Art of Chuck Jones  with&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/robert-patrick" target="_blank">Robert Patrick.</a></strong></div>
<div><strong><br /></strong></div>
<div>With his background in French, English Literature and studies at   the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago, it seemed   only natural that a career in the arts would suit Robert Patrick's   creative temperament.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />
<div>Living in the arts community of Pilsen East   on Chicago's near   south side gave Patrick his first opportunity to  work  closely with   young artists, bringing their work to the art  marketplace  through   gallery, showroom and collector placement.&nbsp; During   this time he   managed the showroom of famed Chicago interior designer,   Hudson Brown,   where he cut his teeth merchandising and designing window   displays   for this noted Chicago celebrity decorator.</div>
<br />
<div>Patrick   lives along the southern coast of Orange County with his   life-partner   of 29 years and two dogs, Billy and Joey, where he can  be  found   indulging his passions for photography, writing and  gardening.</div>
<br />
<div>I   met Robert through LinkedIn and contacted him because of his    compelling  profile. Robert's career is a study in art marketing from    many angles.  Then I discovered the connection with Chuck Jones and my    Saturday  mornings watching the Roadrunner came right back to me.</div>
</div>
<div><br />Note: We had such a wonderfully wide-ranging conversation that we talked for 90 minutes. <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/robert-patrick">Here is Part One</a>. We'll bring you Part Two in April's issue of ArtMatters!</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>
<div><em><strong>A.C.T.: How do you feel artists can benefit from the types of programs, services and products we offer at <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/" target="_blank">Artist Career Training</a> and <a href="../../" target="_blank">The Art Business Library?</a>&nbsp;</strong></em></div>
<p><br /><em>Robert: Listen up, artists!&nbsp; You can't have enough help. Let   someone help you  become the sales person you need to be. Aletta knows   her stuff and she  is that person.&nbsp; And I'm not just saying that to   curry favor with her. &nbsp;<br /><br />What  if I told you that you could have a   successful career as an artist, but  you'd have to give me your   first-born?&nbsp; In most cases, you'd refuse,  wouldn't you?&nbsp; What I'm   saying is: there are no trade-offs on the way to  success, you cannot   wait for luck or fate or fortune to fall into your  lap; you have to   make it happen for yourself.</em></p>
<p><em>&nbsp; <br />You're going to have to work for it and if that's the case then you should find the most efficient approach to that success. &nbsp;<br /><br />Aletta    can help you create a plan so that you can focus more of your   attention  on creating.&nbsp; Who wouldn't want that?&nbsp; Her approach is   simple, but not  juvenile.&nbsp; Her programs play to your strengths, but do   not ignore your  weaknesses.&nbsp; Her plan, well, the fact is Aletta has a   plan and there's  no one I know who can't benefit from a <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/coaching-with-aletta-de-wal" target="_blank">well thought-out life/career plan</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
</div>
<p style="color: #000000; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/199.gif" border="0" alt="Aletta Signature" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="98" height="52" align="left" /></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15661315.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Art World Insiders Interview with Robert Patrick (part 2)</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>Chuck Jones</category><category>Robert Patrick</category><category>art marketing</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:00:15 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/art-world-insiders-interview-with-robert-patrick-part-2.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15661314</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15661314.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Grants: Searching For Your Perfect Match</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>grants</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:00:05 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/grants-searching-for-your-perfect-match.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15614724</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-left"><img src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/Binoculars.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1332869446769" alt="" width="245" height="163" /></span></p>
<p>Last time I offered up four steps to help you get ready to look for grants. If you missed it, <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/act-art-marketing-blog/grants-four-steps-to-get-ready.html" target="_blank">read it here</a>.</p>
<p>This week I want to focus on what is probably <strong>the most important thing you can do when searching for grants</strong>.  It may seem obvious, but the best thing you can do from the start is to   make sure you are a good match for the grant you are considering: &nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Know what you are looking for.</strong></h2>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Funding   for a specific project? Money to help you run your art business? An   opportunity to partner with a civic organization to create a public art?   Funding for advanced education? Write it down, in detail, so you can   get really clear. &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Artist grant expert Gigi Rosenberg makes a good point when she says, <em>"That   process of naming your project is something that many artists actually   can't do...you need to write about your projects as if they're already   completed so somebody else can see what your vision of your art is in   the world."</em>&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h2>Research the grant, in detail. &nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong> <strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><strong>Most of the time I spend on a grant website such as <a href="http://www.foundationcenter.org/" target="_blank">The Foundation Center Online</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;is   spent doing searches for grants based on keywords that fit the artist   and then reading the grant information (all of it) to make sure the   artist is a really good match for what the grantors are looking for. &nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><strong>Many   times I think I've found a gem of a match and get to some small   statement buried within the info that makes it very clear that the   artist would not be considered for that grant. It can be the area you   live in, the type of art you produce, your gender, your ethnic   background, your goals, anything. Grantors often have very specific   criteria that you will have to meet in order to be considered. &nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>
<p>Those two things done  will give you a huge advantage, not to mention  that you won't waste time  and money looking in the wrong places! &nbsp;</p>
<p>Do get a copy of Gigi Rosenberg's book <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823000702/artistcareert-20" target="_blank">The Artist's Guide to Grant Writing</a></strong> </em>(Watson-Guptill,  2010). In it Gigi will teach you how to win grants,  fundraise  creatively, and ensure that every second you spend writing a  proposal  pushes your art further into the world. Also, read <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/gigi-rosenberg" target="_blank">Aletta de Wal's interview with Gigi</a>. Lots of very valuable info there as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p>All my best to you and yours,  &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<span class="ssNonEditable full-image-block"><img src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/R-Sig.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1332869154878" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-left"><img src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/632.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1332869245218" alt="" width="50" height="57" /></span><strong>Artists   get their art marketing questions answered in these two audio   recordings. Reeeally valuable info here for a song. Each hour-long   Q&amp;A session is only $15. <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/classes-by-phone/#1stQA" target="_blank">Get more info and order them here</a>.</strong> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 50px;" src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/BookCover.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1332869546939" alt="" /></span>I</strong><strong>f  you're like me and love to have great resources around, I suggest you  get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book <em>"My Real Job Is Being  An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or Get  One)."</em>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com">Email me</a> to get on the notification list, and get special goodies too!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span class="ssNonEditable full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 50px;" src="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/storage/GiftWrapBox.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1332869574231" alt="" /></span>Got a burning question about your art marketing?</strong> If you haven't already had one, you can <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/request-a-conversation" target="_blank">request a free 15-minute conversation here</a>. It's a great start! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Helvetica,Calibri,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109595842819&amp;s=0&amp;e=001m2pQXQh3JowHbDJ7ycxfGACXq58dMEMT5e1ZrQMSCCveALzLRzcrlNnNOUgUCBsWYlKlkByQ9iubOIk9DoOfMR_Dafj7i6WjprVA8NLamLj6uqFP8tG9Wf2VZpzHHVqVCZA3RnwxS-UDPiawoDnmvFhVne6UtJP7" target="_blank"><img title="Find me on Facebook" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_100.png" border="0" alt="Find me on Facebook" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109595842819&amp;s=0&amp;e=001m2pQXQh3JowHbDJ7ycxfGACXq58dMEMT5e1ZrQMSCCveALzLRzcrlNnNOUgUCBsWYlKlkByQ9iubOIk9DoOfMVFV6D72S0OiizLvVUr8cn4OszNmJwHmXjz9-Y5PR8YP" target="_blank"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_twit_100.png" border="0" alt="Follow me on Twitter" /></a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15614724.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Grants: Four Steps to Get Ready</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>grants</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:00:17 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/grants-four-steps-to-get-ready.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15399237</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 200px;" src="http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/storage/MoneyBag.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331565507509" alt="" /></span></span>Having  some extra cash for your projects sound good? Grants are available for  artists at all stages of their art career, but they're not a "quick fix"  for cash flow problems. Applying for grants can be labor-intensive and a  long process. Plus, it can be difficult to articulate an idea for a  project that doesn't exist yet. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">However,  with some preparation and thoughtful research, grants just might be a  way for you to get that extra cash to fund your projects. Here are four  steps to take to get yourself ready:&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Don't do it all alone, get help from experts.</strong> <br />Start by getting and reading a copy of Gigi Rosenberg's book <em><strong><a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823000702/artistcareert-20" target="_blank">The Artist's Guide to Grant Writing</a></strong></em> (Watson-Guptill, 2010). In it Gigi will teach you<span> how to win grants, fundraise creatively, and ensure that every second  you spend writing a proposal pushes your art further into the world.  Also, read <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/gigi-rosenberg" target="_blank">Aletta de Wal's interview with Gigi</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li>
<br />
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Get really clear about who and what you are, and what you want to do with your art.</strong> You're going to be communicating that to a grantor and to potential collectors of your work too.<span><br /><br />As Gigi Rosenberg says, <em>"Imagine the project done and then describe it...</em></span><em>The  process of forcing yourself to articulate 'this is what I want, this is  what I'm doing, this is what this is about,' will actually help you  make better art. That process of naming your project is something that  many artists actually can't do...you need to write about your projects  as if they're already completed so somebody else can see what your  vision of your art is in the world."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</em></li>
<br />
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Get your stuff together.&nbsp; </strong><br /><br />- There are grants for artists at all stages of their art career. You can even be an emerging artist, but you should have <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/act-art-marketing-blog/create-a-solid-body-of-signature-work.html" target="_blank">a body of work in your signature style</a>.<br /><br />- <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/act-art-marketing-blog/six-standards-for-your-digital-images.html" target="_blank">Get great images of your work</a>.  A snapshot from your cell phone won't cut it. If you don't have the  skills to take professional-quality images of your work, get help.<br /><br />-  You'll be supplying written information to the grantor. If you are not  skilled at writing in an engaging and clear style, hire a professional  editor to help you. Good grammar and spelling are essential. Check it  yourself, do not rely on the spell checker in your software as many  mistakes can slip through.<br /><br />- Keep it all organized and  at-the-ready. Going through the process of applying for a grant will be  much (much) less stressful if you can easily put your hands on what you  need.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<br />
<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Give yourself plenty of time to find the right opportunity for YOU</strong>.  Make sure that you are a good match for any grant you are considering.  Read their guidelines and info. If it's not a good fit for where you  want your art career to go, pass on it. Then, when you apply, be sure to  follow their directions to the letter. Seriously, the biggest mistake  artists make is not following the directions. &nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Hope that helps. If you would, please, help us all learn and grow by sharing any ideas/comments you have on this topic by leaving a comment here.</p>
&nbsp;
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">All my best to you and yours,</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/193.jpg" border="0" alt="Robin Signature Image" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="95" height="68.5" /></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/632.jpg" border="0" alt="Q&amp;A" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="52" height="61" align="left" />Artists  get their art marketing questions answered in these two audio  recordings. Reeeally valuable info here for a song. Each hour-long  Q&amp;A session is only $15. <a style="color: #0067ce ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/classes-by-phone/#1stQA" target="_blank">Get more info and order them here</a>. &nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/606.jpg" border="0" alt="Real Job Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="71" height="86" align="left" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>If  you're like me and love to have great resources around, I suggest you  get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book "My Real Job Is Being  An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or Get  One)."</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a style="color: #004db4 ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> to get on the notification list, and get special goodies too!&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/589.jpg" border="0" alt="Gift Box" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="78" height="88" align="left" /></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>Got a burning question about your art marketing?</strong> If you haven't already had one, you can <a style="color: #004db4 ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/request-a-conversation" target="_blank">request a free 15-minute conversation here</a>. It's a great start! &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Helvetica,Calibri,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/ArtBusinessLibrary"><img title="Find me on Facebook" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_100.png" border="0" alt="Find me on Facebook" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.twitter.com/artmktglibrary"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_twit_100.png" border="0" alt="Follow me on Twitter" /></a> <br /></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15399237.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Art World Insiders Interview with Robert Patrick (part 1)</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>Chuck Jones</category><category>Robert Patrick</category><category>art marketing</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:44 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/art-world-insiders-interview-with-robert-patrick-part-1.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15365137</guid><description><![CDATA[<div>
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<td class="imgCaptionImg" style="text-align: center;" width="141"><a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://www.lje.com/"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/619.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="131" height="131" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" href="http://www.lje.com/">www.LJE.com</a><br />
<div>Chuck Redux</div>
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<p><strong>Have you ever wondered how art professionals see artists and the  art world? Get The Inside Story of Marketing the Art of Chuck Jones  with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/robert-patrick" target="_blank">Robert Patrick.</a></strong></p>
<div><strong><br /></strong></div>
<p>With his background in French, English Literature and studies at  the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago, it seemed  only natural that a career in the arts would suit Robert Patrick's  creative temperament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Living in the arts community of Pilsen East   on Chicago's near  south side gave Patrick his first opportunity to  work  closely with  young artists, bringing their work to the art  marketplace  through  gallery, showroom and collector placement.&nbsp; During   this time he  managed the showroom of famed Chicago interior designer,   Hudson Brown,  where he cut his teeth merchandising and designing window   displays  for this noted Chicago celebrity decorator.</p>
<p>Patrick   lives along the southern coast of Orange County with his  life-partner   of 29 years and two dogs, Billy and Joey, where he can be  found   indulging his passions for photography, writing and gardening.</p>
<p>I   met Robert through LinkedIn and contacted him because of his   compelling  profile. Robert's career is a study in art marketing from   many angles.  Then I discovered the connection with Chuck Jones and my   Saturday  mornings watching the Roadrunner came right back to me.</p>
<p>Note: We had such a wonderfully wide-ranging conversation that  we talked for 90 minutes. <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/robert-patrick">Here is Part One</a>. We'll bring you Part Two in  April's issue of ArtMatters!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>A.C.T.: How do you feel artists can benefit from the types of programs, services and products we offer at <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/" target="_blank">Artist Career Training</a> and <a href="../../" target="_blank">The Art Business Library?</a>&nbsp;</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Robert: Listen up, artists!&nbsp; You can't have enough help. Let  someone help you  become the sales person you need to be. Aletta knows  her stuff and she  is that person.&nbsp; And I'm not just saying that to  curry favor with her. &nbsp;<br /></em><em>What  if I told you that you could have a  successful career as an artist, but  you'd have to give me your  first-born?&nbsp; In most cases, you'd refuse,  wouldn't you?&nbsp; What I'm  saying is: there are no trade-offs on the way to  success, you cannot  wait for luck or fate or fortune to fall into your  lap; you have to  make it happen for yourself.<br />You're going to have to work for it and if that's the case then you should find the most efficient approach to that success. &nbsp;<br /><br />Aletta   can help you create a plan so that you can focus more of your  attention  on creating.&nbsp; Who wouldn't want that?&nbsp; Her approach is  simple, but not  juvenile.&nbsp; Her programs play to your strengths, but do  not ignore your  weaknesses.&nbsp; Her plan, well, the fact is Aletta has a  plan and there's  no one I know who can't benefit from a <a href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/coaching-with-aletta-de-wal" target="_blank">well thought-out life/career plan</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/199.gif" border="0" alt="Aletta Signature" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="98" height="52" align="left" /></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15365137.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Six Standards For Your Digital Images</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>digital images</category><dc:creator>Robin Sagara</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:24 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/six-standards-for-your-digital-images.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15211013</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>High quality, high resolution digital images of your work are critical to your success as a professional artist.</strong> They are a visual record of your work (very important) and once you  have them prepared you'll save time, money and aggravation in the future  when you need to use them in various ways, like in print catalogs and  on the web.<br /><br /><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/625.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="87" align="left" /><br />Get quality high-resolution images</strong><br />Get  your work photographed or scanned by a pro, as soon as you finish the  piece and before it leaves your hands. No, snapping a photo with your  digital camera is not good enough.&nbsp; Your livelihood depends on the  images of your work.&nbsp; DIY? There are lots of <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENH8ariQ0ot6l17xGUBeIYmOY1DVhgr4HYjqUwEuvCt1T1seaK1FbuJNdA7aiLmbGymGBzAArpafu-zn2cPfCLc7YapaMuHePgPMPV6Kle_EmaR4VQrTgZsjNNJC6kScFQgYZBUMIhZMj0u9XAsfwN82fHKyH1O6CELSeWi4tGm_M_4h9EVoUE72jmUSHIPBEw8BjgIbp0R6WZ-5PxMjOhY_" target="_blank">articles on the web</a> about how to photograph artwork, but be warned, it's not something you can learn in a day. It takes skill.<br /><br /><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/629.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="65" align="left" /><br />Copyright your work</strong><br />Do it right away, don't wait. This can be done <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENESGOktqziM8xR_3P2YQziumxAnWc-DADVd39FMF4lh4h3TxaXN3uhmpXC_P4-NPpujHUInGeTbKvs1ex38ZoDp" target="_blank">individually or as a group</a>. It's not expensive or difficult. You will need to gather info about each image to document it. If you've got your <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENHjhvUSzdA31xV31UU1Z6ahvDrJ98tFvalCgbD-oRZGrhzzmaeLTfAvxY_uiOeuHdvhi9lNTa0H1p_Gc-xirWQwVjgALmKCCssHcvjygcBkJJYDkTtKdWONSvPijT3SK0eR2qH1J9UHnA==" target="_blank">artist inventory</a> set up and current, it's a piece of cake.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/628.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="70" align="left" /><br />Get your images ready for print and web use</strong><br />Again,  if you're not skilled at it, have a pro do it. Making images ready to  use is an art, and how they are made ready depends on their final use.  To DIY: You'll need image-editing software, use something low-cost and  easier to use than Photoshop, like &nbsp;<a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENH1sotvdbC7eh3tONXHpnpkUmPG6eCVV5KNzW5E3_NU9rap6m8YID75yWUt0IxP6IV2uungS7w2Aw==" target="_blank">Photoshop Elements</a> or software that allows you to color-correct, rotate, crop, watermark  and save in various formats.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> <strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/623.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="70" align="left" /><br />Security: To watermark or not to watermark?</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are several schools of thought on this. <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8u_35JqfqCqkznz6Dq8AEHS4XPFIWaiVncM2WbTxu1d7t_n26szvl5zWvirqSXrAAYM8tBJc4OzQ06ESJzWx-YVZBA8cXrhKYGOTUyyxsDLFgDUxDuOw5xw==" target="_blank">Watermarking your image</a> with the copyright symbol and your name can appear bold or subtle and  will help slow thieves down, but it also interferes with viewing the  image. For web use, if your image is sized properly it will be a small,  low-resolution file that thieves can't do much with. If you're sending  someone a high-resolution image, it's probably large enough to be of  value to thieves, and it may be a good idea to watermark it. <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP84DDIE691EVeAgOLlvQ4sqcKdteoYcmwl47pw8MrGdmn0Xk5fryihU-x7emXwhKQteFZyLVsVRpI=" target="_blank">Digital watermarking</a> (the process of embedding information into a digital signal which may  be  used to verify its authenticity or the identity of its owners) is  another option.<br /><br /><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/622.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="74" align="left" /><br />Protect Your Rights to Your Work</strong><br />In addition to <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENESGOktqziM8xR_3P2YQziumxAnWc-DADVd39FMF4lh4h3TxaXN3uhmpXC_P4-NPpujHUInGeTbKvs1ex38ZoDp" target="_blank">copyrighting your work</a>,  ask people who use your images (both for print and on the web) to  properly credit you every time they use it. For example, under each  image (or on the side of the image) require that people add the image  name and a copyright symbol followed by your name. If you want viewers  of your website to have permission to use your images on their website  if they properly credit you, say so on your website, show them how you  want to be identified, and state that you reserve the right to have them  removed it if you feel their content is questionable. Also, a clever  file name can help you find your images on the web (using your name in  the file name).<br /><br /><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/627.jpg" border="0" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="65" height="68" align="left" /><br />Backup your digital files</strong><br />Oh my oh my, the stories I can tell about artists who didn't back up their files and lost it all. There are many ways to <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENHjhvUSzdA31xV31UU1Z6ahvDrJ98tFvalCgbD-oRZGrhzzmaeLTfAvxY_uiOeuHdtldwLVmzJYpFAX3odAIRR1IWq-rqQOSbRcvnJioUzBaeTbDaheuryIeb_b2u2edfwndBuZ7RzRjz7svkuxYHEKbl-3n9bkuZE=" target="_blank">backup your stuff</a>.&nbsp;  I use two (for a redundant system):&nbsp; Mozy for online backup, and a  large capacity external hard drive with Time Machine (I'm on a Mac) for  hourly backups. There are other online backup companies, and here is  info for <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENGPEnkmzBlNKBRKQEMhdJ6tNaM3HenhQUIPMuQQLclLfbjYs3HsIc75H-BTtmsRIHtZEFRjN53ZDQ==" target="_blank">PC's</a> and for <a class="false" style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENF8ITf0ip4HyRV8A-MG2NwfoGm8D5FnWscDtTeI_kfkexMlVklWM0R5nJHjplZKyruIraRYvkHG9N7OQkaANZQK5S-oh1YQuHw=" target="_blank">Macs</a>.<br /><br /></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">If you would, please, help us all learn and grow by sharing any ideas/comments you have on this topic by <a style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/act-art-marketing-blog" target="_blank">leaving a comment on the blog</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">All my best to you and yours,</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/193.jpg" border="0" alt="Robin Signature Image" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="95" height="68.5" />&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/606.jpg" border="0" alt="Real Job Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="71" height="86" align="left" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>P.S.  If you're like me and love to have great resources around, I suggest  you get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book "My Real Job Is  Being An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or  Get One)."</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> to get on the notification list, and get special goodies too!&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/589.jpg" border="0" alt="Gift Box" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="78" height="88" align="left" /></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>Got a burning question about your art marketing?</strong> If you haven't already had one, you can <a style="color: #004db4; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENHjhvUSzdA31xV31UU1Z6ahvDrJ98tFvaliKnlz2EkjO-FFav7Fx7bqtRlPb5ktLh-6G8LbUSpm2g==" target="_blank">request a free 15-minute conversation here</a>. It's a great start! &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Helvetica,Calibri,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENGe5YfZUJd_wEHXHgST6lCT-2AM-QABLpvL80oVW83NcqsZe0PBSCoPIXoOKjoRr9xlcsb03M1yEg==" target="_blank"><img title="Find me on Facebook" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_100.png" border="0" alt="Find me on Facebook" /></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109372393524&amp;s=0&amp;e=001cL53WK6OnpmDT7JEfsuOmdKAbkBzJqqFvCO4DpBngMkQIYPi9znTLdxJ7ORiGPP8yCSLLUsmENH3u6O2iWHA0-WopGZKc8e_LFO_y0kBVFyaMBQwVcQqQw==" target="_blank"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/btn_twit_100.png" border="0" alt="Follow me on Twitter" /></a> <br /></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15211013.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Life, Paint &amp; Passion</title><category>ArtMatters! Tip</category><category>enterprisiing artist survey</category><category>life paint &amp; passion workshops</category><dc:creator>Aletta de Wal</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:21 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/life-paint-passion.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15116840</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div style="margin-left: 60px;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/616.jpg" border="0" alt="Nice Studio" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="412" height="271" />
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Last weekend I completely disengaged from my computer, dishes and laundry. Instead I went to a weekend workshop called <a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1ISPwwKbUhr7lkiaz7bvRYQrwiADUTxE3bi0JtrKwPXUyzBqLTo7Q4fA==" target="_blank">The Painting Experience</a>.   I had booked it last year, before I planned my 2012 schedule. As the   dates approached, I considered cancelling. I told myself I was too busy   to take that much time away from work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><br />I   listened to that nagging voice drone on and I realized that the best   thing to do was to ignore it and get away from everything.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">For   2&frac12; days I gave myself the freedom to paint without any thought of   producing a piece that would end up in an exhibit. The whole idea was to   explore what showed up - painting for process instead of product.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">I   am goal oriented and like to produce results, so throughout the   experience I had to remind myself that, just for the weekend, the goal   was not to have a goal. This simple thought challenged me to trust   whatever showed up and to enjoy the freedom and surprises.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><br />I   know you have to work hard to make a living as an artist. Just keep   sight of the reason that you chose this profession - and remember to   make art just for the joy of it whenever you can. You deserve a life.</span><br /><br /><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/538.jpg" border="0" alt="Aletta-headshot-new" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="131" height="86" align="left" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
<p style="color: #000000; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/199.gif" border="0" alt="Aletta Signature" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="98" height="52" align="left" /></span></p>
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<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">&nbsp;<br /><br /><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/617.gif" border="0" alt="Life, Paint &amp; Passion Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="142" height="156" align="left" /><strong>P.S.</strong> If you can't make one of these workshops, you can get the book here:</span><a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10pt;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1ISPwwKbUhr7lkiaz7bvRYQqT6qK9ClVkcSOy29tKBX7pRr7ubSemK2A==" target="_blank"> http://budurl.com/LifePaintPassion</a></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><strong>FTC Disclosure:</strong> When we find people like Stewart Cubley who have deep, proven   experience in a topic that will help you make a better living making art   and still have a life, we put them front and center.&nbsp; When these fine   folks offer services and products that are first class, we like to   promote them. We do not earn any cash from this particular relationship,   except maybe your appreciation and a way to pay it forward to our   dedicated readers</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style="margin-left: 60px;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/618.png" border="0" alt="The Enterprising Artist Survey" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="444" height="133" />
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<br />My colleagues <strong>Right Brain Rockstar</strong> and <strong>Artonomy</strong> asked  for my help to spread the word about their survey of aspiring,   part-time and full-time artists. Since I encourage you all to network   and support each other, naturally I agreed. </span></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong>What's in it for you?</strong></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">You may get some insights into what you could be doing more of to advance your career from answering the questions;</li>
</ul>
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<li style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">You   can learn how other artists operate from a summarized copy of the   results 30 days after the survey closes (if you leave your email   address);</li>
</ul>
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<li style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">You'll   get some exposure by being included in a roundup post on Right Brain   Rockstar shortly after the survey is closed (if you leave your name,   website and/or Twitter details.)</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1ISPwwKbUhr7lkiaz7bvRYQidy88RfwPZBFqQH0tCISEw=" target="_blank">Take me to the survey</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong>P.S.</strong> Read my series of posts to debunk <a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1ISPwwKbUhr7lkiaz7bvRYQiZtQrh__kR_ZXqZkQ9kuFS4dgUnb_rlcQ==" target="_blank">the 'starving artist' myth here</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">&nbsp;</span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/257.jpg" border="0" alt="question button" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="93" height="69" align="left" /><br /><br />If you missed the <span style="color: #008000;"><strong>Art Marketing Q &amp; A</strong></span> this month, <a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1IgnO32W2-jQ_9THQEKqJBA5T5TlWK5rAkxYQWVmoWw1Rp0Bl8C0gW1EqGaLFsWv2eoOVRFQPo440A9fZ8XyJKwtyREQUblb8_bEymBWX-TOjKfnTZ2KVYaYG0ttAhHs-in9_ghdwAiheK0LN57AUJOw==" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong><br /><br /></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/589.jpg" border="0" alt="Gift Box" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="84" height="94" align="left" /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong>Want to k</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><strong>now exactly how we can help you set up your ongoing learning and get it all done?</strong> If you haven't already had one, you can <a style="color: #0a74db; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109326830662&amp;s=0&amp;e=001f9GGxhn7MvkOy6qoXqZ58-gjFe2vqvUUt7fELGxo9B_0PWZiBZrL6mHUZKGz8t1IgnO32W2-jQ_9THQEKqJBA5T5TlWK5rAkxYQWVmoWw1QaY9PtMR5fdCW-8ie1yu6tM7EUauCO8YUlhK5_lavkiA==" target="_blank">request a free 15-minute conversation here.</a> It's a great start!&nbsp; <br /></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/rss-comments-entry-15116840.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Artists' Burning Questions (and Answers) About Online Marketing</title><category>Web &amp; Marketing</category><category>marketing Q&amp;A</category><dc:creator>Robin Sagara</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:36 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.artbusinesslibrary.com/art-books-learning-blog/artists-burning-questions-and-answers-about-online-marketing.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">186871:2096738:15017093</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/613.jpg" border="0" alt="Smokey Question Mark" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="219" height="333" align="left" />Here   are a baker's dozen of questions and answers from our last Art   Marketing Q&amp;A. If you missed it, or just want a recap, here are the   most popular art marketing questions from over 70 artists who   participated in the call:<br /><br />First, a bit of background info. There   was a theme running through all the questions and it was "how little  can  I spend on..." So, first, I want to mention one important thing: If  you  are going to be in business you will have to spend money to run  it.  There is no free ride to a successful art business. As <a style="color: #0067ce; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8opnvrbab&amp;et=1109247269400&amp;s=0&amp;e=0015nDpT17TDawSxMJgSVkEC1Sr4JaHuHtx8dTqtDuoAQkQitUt1-_DBmmDncKCzWj8eUzMimfCfE7PNi5sVCLe08quW6sg8DK6qCqLDIHqLbWZc4RDkPQLS15M78iPNdgHFFJ9--c8FJE=" target="_blank">Aletta de Wal</a> says, <em>"If you do not have the money to do it well, you may be squandering the money you do spend."</em>&nbsp; She's right.</p>
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<p style="color: #f2960d; font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>1.&nbsp; What is the best way to create a web site with very limited startup funds? &nbsp;</strong></p>
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<div>The  best way to do any type of marketing, both online and offline,  with  limited funds, is first to be very very clear on what you want it  to do  for you. You also need to have a budget and that includes  knowing how  much you can do yourself and how much of it you'll need  help with. Then  you can research solutions and pick the best, most  cost-effective one  for YOU. That's how you get the most for your money.  <br /><br />There is no  one best way, it varies from artist to artist.  There are many low-cost  options out there. Remember, a website is only  part of your total  marketing. You still need in-person marketing and  print marketing for a  three-pronged approach to a stable business  foundation.<br /><br />
<div><span style="color: #f2960d; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>2.&nbsp; Is there an excellent software program that is cheaper than hiring a web designer?</strong></span></div>
<br />Unless  you want to become a web designer (or already are), buying  software and  learning it will take a huge chunk out of your money and  your time to  be in the studio and run your art business. I wouldn't  recommend it for  most people. There are many benefits to hiring a web  designer, and even  if you maintain your website yourself, it's wise to  get help at the  beginning.<br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong><br />3.&nbsp; Is there a way to get your own website for free (aside from the cost of a web designer)?</strong></span><br /> <br />There   are free websites out there, but I don't recommend them. They will   limit you at the beginning and may cost you more than other paid   solutions in the long run. You can get a low-cost website that you can   grow into over time.&nbsp; And please, never use a website, free or   otherwise, that is not located at your own domain name or that contains   ads. I mean, not if you want to be taken seriously as a professional   artist.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>4.&nbsp;   I know a lot of artists who have websites, but I've never heard that   they actually sell anything online.&nbsp; So is it worth the time, money and   effort, sales-wise, to have a website?</strong></span></div>
<br />Yes,  it's worth it to have a website, even if you ultimately don't  sell  anything online. It will help you sell your art in other ways. As a   professional artist you must have an online presence that is yours, at   your own domain name and not just a page on some organization's  website.  The website, at a minimum, will serve as an online brochure  and will  support your other marketing efforts. But if you think that  you only  need a website and you do no other marketing, don't waste your  money.  When it comes to websites, the saying "If you build it they  will come"  is not true. A website is part of your total marketing, it  should not be  your only marketing.<br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong><br />5.&nbsp;   How do I go about selling my art on the internet at a reasonable cost   and not have to develop an expensive web site to start?</strong></span><br /><br />
<div>You  don't have to have an expensive website to sell online. There  are  several ways, including having the buyer contact you directly to   purchase, using a low-cost shopping cart system or a service like   PayPal, or by participating in a reputable online retail website that   sells art. You should still always have your own website, even if you're   not directly selling your art through it.</div>
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<div><span style="color: #f2960d;">6</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>.&nbsp; What are the best places for affordable art websites?</strong></span></div>
<br />There  are many places to get an affordable website. Which one is  best for you  depends on what type of artist you are, your budget and  DIY skills, and  what kind of art business you want. What is a wonderful  solution for  one artist may be the worst possible choice for you.  Again, you need to  be clear on who and what you are, and what type of  art business you  want. When I work with artists, sometimes it's just to  help them choose,  and then they take it from there. Other times I work  with them to  create a custom and affordable solution.&nbsp; Do your  homework, make sure  what you select will support you in what you want  to do, and that it can  grow with you.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>7.&nbsp; What are the benefits if any of using Wordpress over Blogger or my own website to market my work?</strong></span></div>
<br />Template  websites like Wordpress and Blogger are a good solution  for most  artists. We love Squarespace, and there are good companies  like FASO and  Foliolink.&nbsp; Again, it comes back to finding the best  solution for YOU.  Take the time to research possible solutions, get  advice from a  qualified professional (like me) if you need it.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>8.&nbsp;   For someone just starting out using online art marketing and  ecommerce,  what would be a good progression of steps to take?&nbsp; Is it  better to use  my own website for ecommerce vs. using a provider such as  amazon, etsy,  etc?</strong></span></div>
<br />A good progression is to first (as I  said) be clear on what you  want and also how you want to grow your art  business. Often times  artists are short-sighted and end up spending a  lot of time and money  to start over when they outgrow what they have,  because it's a system  that can't grow with them. Once you're clear on  your art business and  how you want it to grow, research website and  e-commerce solutions to  find one you feel good about, both for the short  and long-term.&nbsp; <br /><br />As  for knowing whether to use your own website  or go with a provide like  Amazon and Etsy, don't think of it as  either-or. Think of how you can  use several online selling solutions to  work together to support your  other marketing efforts. You will need to  make an educated choice,  track your results, and perhaps discontinue or  change solutions that  don't work well for you.<br /><br />
<div><span style="color: #f2960d; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>9.&nbsp; Can it be profitable to sell on Etsy?</strong></span></div>
<br />Yes,  it can be profitable to sell on Etsy, and on EBay, Amazon, and  on other  online venues. But remember, it's not so much that it's Etsy  or EBay,  it's how much thought, time and effort you put into setting  yourself up  and maintaining your marketing efforts there. <br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>10.&nbsp;   Are sites like Amazon and Etsy worth the effort or are they a waste of   time? And who can assist me with adding Etsy or Ebay stores to my   website or blog?</strong></span></div>
<br />Not if you do your  homework and research other artists who are  trying to sell their work  there. On EBay, for example, check for  Completed Sales to see what's  actually selling and for how much. If  someone looks like they're doing  well on a particular venue, study how  they set up their account, what  they say, how they present their art,  and so on. It's only a waste of  time if you haven't done your homework  and end up choosing a venue  that's not right for you and your art. If  after you research it and you  think it's worth a try, then either set  it up yourself or hire someone  (like me) to help you set it up  correctly and add it to your website or  blog. Every venue is different,  so read their instructions carefully.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>11.&nbsp; Is it worth it to pay for SEO opportunities?</strong></span></div>
<br />There  are two basic levels of SEO, which is Search Engine  Optimization.&nbsp;  There is the first level where you set up your website,  blog and other  online venues like Etsy, FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube,  to make sure  the search engines and people searching that particular  website know  you're there. It's absolutely worth it to make sure your  website and  online activities are set up properly. That will go a long  way towards  helping people find you. That's why it's not always the  best idea to  DIY, or to have an inexperienced friend or family member  do it for you.  Again, if you're going to do it, don't waste your time  and money by  doing it badly. <br /><br />After that, there are additional  paid-for SEO  services that can cost several hundred dollars per year to  several  hundred dollars per month. Before you spend money on that,  make sure  those SEO services are appropriate for you. I have a client  with an  online retail store that sells art and accessories. For him,  the  additional monthly SEO fees from a reputable "white hat" SEO  specialist  are necessary. (The term "white hat" refers to ethical SEO  practices, as  opposed to "black hat" which is, well, not so good.) <br /><br />Depending   on where you are in your career, the additional expense may not be   warranted.&nbsp; What will get people to your website is your other marketing   efforts and their becoming aware of you, by your name and company  name,  and through your in-person and other marketing efforts. Let's  face it,  most people won't find you by Googling "buy fine art."&nbsp;  They'll find you  because they met you in person, got one of your  postcards, and decided  to look you up online.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>12.&nbsp; How can I add an affordable shopping cart online and how do I process credit cards at live in person events?</strong></span></div>
<br />One  of the easiest (and safest) ways to add a shopping cart online  and even  take credit cards in person at events is probably by setting  up a  business account at PayPal and using their shopping cart and other   products and services. I recently helped an artist at a show and we  got  her a card swiper from PayPal and used it with her notebook  computer to  process purchases at the show, and it worked very well  because she was  free to walk around and talk to people while I stayed  put and processed  orders. It was a very successful event.<br /><br />
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #f2960d;"><strong>13.&nbsp; How do I get links to my website for greater exposure and increased market?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<br />When  other websites link to your website it will help the search  engines  find your site and give you greater site visibility on the  search  results.&nbsp; If someone wants to link to you, don't automatically  say  "yes." Make sure they are reputable and that a link to your website   makes sense.&nbsp; For example, a grocery site linking to your art website   probably won't help you. A gallery that shows your work? Absolutely   great.&nbsp; They should ask your permission, and you theirs if you add a   link to them on your website.<br /><br />That's it, hope these questions and answers were helpful to you.<br /><br /></div>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">If you would, please, help us all learn and grow by sharing any ideas/comments you have on this topic by <a style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.artistcareertraining.com/act-art-marketing-blog/" target="_blank">leaving a comment on the blog</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">All my best to you and yours,</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><img src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/193.jpg" border="0" alt="Robin Signature Image" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="95" height="68.5" />&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong><img style="text-align: left;" src="https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101178256859/img/606.jpg" border="0" alt="Real Job Book Cover" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="71" height="86" align="left" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>P.S.   If you're like me and love to have great resources around, I suggest   you get on the email list for Aletta de Wal's new book "My Real Job Is   Being An Artist: What You Should Know Before You Quit Your Day Job (Or   Get One)."</strong>&nbsp; It'll be published later this year. I've read it,  it's  fabulous, and will be ordering 10 copies for family and friends.   Honest. It's not just one size fits all "how to" or cheerleaderish "self   help." It  will help you get really clear about where you are and what   YOUR most  effective next steps are. <a style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="mailto:robin@artistcareertraining.com?" target="_blank">Email me</a> to get on the notification list, and get special goodies too!&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>Got a burning question about your art marketing?</strong> If you haven't already had one, you can <a style="font-family: Helvetica; color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8opnvrbab&amp;et=1109247269400&amp;s=0&amp;e=0015nDpT17TDawSxMJgSVkEC1Sr4JaHuHtx8dTqtDuoAQkQitUt1-_DBmmDncKCzWj8eUzMimfCfE7PNi5sVCLe08quW6sg8DK6qCqLDIHqLbUqh4fPPZGvpX3ufn5Tk8C19UvSb-vRp_9LyeE7t-7L9w==" target="_blank">request a free 15-minute conversation here</a>. It's a great start! &nbsp;</span></p>
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