Friday, August 31, 2012

Sell More Art, Brag

Art by Delilah

No one can possibly achieve any real and lasting success or get rich in business by being a conformist."
- J. Paul Getty (1892–1976),

We all know of artists who constantly need to verbalize their weaknesses and failures. Is the lousy self-esteem they project because their work is actually lousy, or is their work lousy because they're always saying how lousy it is?

thought verbalizing humility was a naughty thing to do. The Greek lyric poet Pinda took a more balanced approach: "Humble in a humble state and great in greatness."  

There is nothing wrong with promoting yourself. Something we are taught as children, " Don't talk about yourself, People will not like you." Is so wrong. No one is going to look out for your art marketing  and your best interest better then you.

Alyson Standfield, Author of "I'd Rather be in the Studio! " has this questionnaire for you on bragging about your art.

Your Bragging Questionnaire

1. What would you and others say are five of your personality pluses? [Your responses will come in handy when you're interviewed for a job, workshop appointment, or any position that requires working with others.]
2. What are the ten most interesting things you have done or that have happened to you that have contributed to your art career?
3. How did you end up becoming an artist? [This is a frequent topic of conversation. Be prepared to respond with a good story.]
4. What do you like/love about being an artist? [Substitute the specific medium if you prefer: What do you like/love about being a sculptor, painter, fiber artist, metalsmith, photographer, etc.?]
5. What projects are you working on right now, and why are you enthusiastic about them?
6. What career successes (education, exhibitions, collections, . . . ) are you most proud of having accomplished?
7. What new art or business skills have you learned in the last year? [This is something you'll want to document if you're an instructor in any capacity.]
8. What professional and personal obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today? What essential lessons have you learned from any mistakes?
9. What training/education have you completed, and what did you gain from those experiences? [Include self-education. How have you taught yourself? Also include non-art training/education that contributes to your worldview.]
10. What organizations are you associated with and in what ways? (member, officer, founder) How does each organization contribute to your art career or personal development?
11. How do you spend your time outside of the studio, including hobbies, interests, sports, family, and volunteer activities? [This kind of information can spice up anyone's biography.]
12. In what ways are you making a difference in people’s lives?
FINAL WORD: Brag better about your art by spending time reviewing your accomplishments. If you can’t stand the word “brag,” just think of it as truth-telling. You’re not going to embellish or lie about what you’ve been up to. You’re just going to be able to provide a more coherent response that doesn’t beat around the bush.
 To listen to a pod cast by Peggy Klaus on the Art of Bragging ,"tooting your own horn.



 POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Things worth putting to memory, sell more art



This is worth putting to memory. Eliminate words such as could, if and would.  Nothing good can come out of using those words. Instead memorize will, when and where. See how simple selling is?  By changing a few key words you can double your chances of closing a sale.

Here are some examples:
 “I assume you are thinking what the next step is?” 
If talking about a commission I always ask, “When will you need your commission? 
What is your budget? 
Is this for a special occasion? 
Where do you plan to hang your piece?”
“How do you want me to personalize your painting?” 

 Notice the use of the word “your”; this assumes the commission is already closed.
If you find yourself pressing and using a HARD Close then you have not done a good job. 

 For more information on selling read Jack White's book:

Selling Art. Magic of Selling Art
READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FREE, then if you like it down load it. I like instant gratification and so does my Ipad.

Serenity
Serenity, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Serenity means maintaining a sense of inner peace even in difficult situations. We gain serenity by accepting the things we cannot change and focusing our energy where we can make a difference.Most people are enslaved by their predominant thoughts and habits. It does not occur to them that they can become free from their grasp. From the moment they wake up in the morning, to the moment they fall asleep at night, the chatter of the mind continues incessantly, giving no moment of rest. Step back take breath enjoy the world push all those chatter self talks out of your mind for a few minutes and enjoy nature.
 
Serenity
5x7 oil paintng on canvas
Media: oil painitng
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $100 USD
How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h

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All images are © 2004-2012 Delilah Smith, Art by Delilah
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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Art at the Black Door Gallery


First Color
First Color, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting: Yesterday I spent the day at a Plein Air Painting event in Tecumseh, Mi., Three of my Plein Painting are on display at the Black Door Gallery in Tecumseh and will be for sale there through the month of Sept. If you are in the area stop in and view the Art from many local artist.



Art in August is a  downtown Tecumseh  even that  featured  Artists  working in local parks and around the downtown area creating paintings from 7 AM to 4 PM.

The Art in August event took place at  6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, as merchants and area artists bring art into downtown Tecumseh businesses. Merchants offered refreshments, and artists were on hand to greet people and talk about their work. Artists gave live demonstrations of their creative talents, which included pottery, photography and jewelry.

 Art in August. Street performers and artist demonstrations are also planned for inside and outside the stores during the event.

This was really fun event and very well attended. Here is one of the paintings on display at the Black Door Gallery




The reception was wonderful. People were in and out all night enjoying,art,beverage,food and the wonderful weather we had.
I don't have a picture of the 3rd painting I did for the show so If you want to view it stop in at the Black Door Gallery and view all the wonderful art. To view more of my art stop in at my Web site Art by Delilah
 
 
First Color
8x10 oil painting on stretched canvas
fall colors.
Media: oil painting
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $200 USD
How to Purchase:

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Monday, August 20, 2012

Never sing in the chorus


"Never sing in chorus, if you want to be heard."
- Jules Archibald (1856–1919), Australian journalist
I am thrilled when I see work where an artist has thought outside the box and taken his artistic voice to the next level.  Great things in art happen when you find your own voice and that is when your real journy as an artist will start.

Devil in the Red Dress
Devil in the Red Dress, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Media: oil painting on canvas on a museum quality panel
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $100 USD
How to Purchase:






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