Mastering the “Business Side” of Art . . .

Almost every artist I know struggles with the business requirements that can make the difference in their search for success and recognition. And not just visual artists—it’s true for writers as well, and probably anyone in the “small business” category. There seems to never be enough time to attend to networking, marketing, or building an Internet presence. Yet, today, it’s a huge road block to your career if you don’t do them. Oh, I know, you’d “rather be in the studio”—but few of us can afford that luxury. We either have to get out there and market, or we have to hire someone who will do it for us.

ALYSON B. STANFIELD has published a fantastic roadmap that is geared toward artists in particular, but that I find to be a great guide to marketing for any small business owner. I’d Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion (Pentas Press). An experienced artist advocate, workshop leader, and art-marketing consultant, Stanfield knows all about self-promotion and has written a book crammed with checklists, tips, and resources to help her readers benefit from her experiences. It’s the kind of book you want to keep on your desk at all times. Got a minute? Pick it up, do one or two things, and you are on your way.

Of course, there are some essential basics that every creative person who wants to make a living at their craft must accomplish—like having a website, for example. But Stanfield breaks this down into manageable, understandable steps to prevent intimidation overload, and the same is true for the wealth of other materials in this book.

I’ve already placed post-its on a couple of passages I need to work on myself. Wishing you a successful year of moving forward with your marketing plans!

Resources:
Alyson Stanfield’s website: http://www.artbizcoach.com/
Author’s blog: http://www.artbizblog.com/
Book website: http://idratherbeinthestudio.com/

-- Rosemary Carstens
http://www.CarstensCommunications.com