Submissions From www.artsyshark.com

 "Should artists work for free? There are a lot of people out there who seem to think so. This attitude hurts the business of art and can destroy self-confidence." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Empathy for the retailer's struggles rewards us in so many ways. When we ship to them and give them our awesome creations and give them plenty of room for marking up, we get re-orders. And then we get another and another. We can cultivate a relationship with one client and keep a steady income going for years." (Mckenna Hallett )

 "Make your Home page inviting with a compelling image of your work and a professional design. Be sure that your website is easily navigated. Frustrated visitors will just click away." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The concept of fine craft, as well as fine art, I think we can all agree, include words like excellence, standards, and quality. When I hear of a master-crafted item, I think about something out of the ordinary or beyond the usual. I think of an object that inspires awe." ( Georgianne Holland)

 "Several times a year, Artsy Shark issues a call for visual artists working in any medium who would like to submit their work for consideration to become a Featured Artist. This is a juried submission process, and is competitive." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Professional artists must develop a vision of the kind of work they want to produce and sell. It takes time to find your artistic voice and determine what you want to create, the way you want to create it (what medium), and what you want your work to communicate. It is an ongoing process." (John Borys)

 "As an intellectual property attorney representing artists, I can tell you that the anger and powerlessness is contagious; I oftentimes feel frustrated and just as infuriated as my clients when I'm hired to combat the arrogance of large companies stealing designs and original works of art and making cheap, mass-produced knock-offs." (Emily Danchuk)

 "It takes a lot of luck to be a successful freelance artist. And it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to be lucky." (Noah Bradley )

 "Going the extra mile to present your work beautifully will wow your audience. Plus, the more professionally your work appears, the more seriously you will be taken as an artist. Avoid clutter when displaying your work. Allow each piece to stand out by using pedestals, or grouping work in bestseller packages or suggested minimum orders. And make sure you've got plenty of good lighting to highlight your booth - it can make all the difference." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Successful people in any business, including artists, have a game plan which they have thought through carefully, and they act on that plan." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "With the easy availability of just about any kind of custom printing today, many artists have hardbound books of their portfolios printed. Since these books are available with no minimums, changing the content is easy, and one-offs are simple to acquire." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "It's easy to order blank cards with your artwork on the front from a printer or a print-on-demand website, or even make them yourself." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Becoming an artist in mid-life is a great choice, because you are never too old to be who you are. As with any career course change, it requires that you take charge of your inner life and your outer life to make it a successful transition." (Rhonda Schaller )

 "Art communities can thrive with a membership mix of ages and life experiences. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You may not think of them as systems, but you have developed ways to operate your business - some parts may be highly functional and others maybe not so much." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Over at the website Constrvct.com, you can create wearable art and get some amazing results. Calling themselves an endless dream closet and open design studio they offer anyone the opportunity to turn designs into custom garments that look a lot more like couture than tee." ( Carolyn Edlund)

 "Blogging allows you to tell your story as an artist, so each visitor to your site gets to know you better and understand what inspires you. When you build that type of familiarity, you have more opportunities to make sales and good connections." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Do you have a blog on your art website? You might want to consider it." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Jester Jacques Gallery features emerging artists in a pop up space in London. Artsy Shark interviewed co-founder Karen Shidlo on this trend and how artists can get involved." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Press releases, press kits and emails directly to reporters and editors with your content which is relevant to their audience should be regularly submitted to publications, and tailored to each, with interview topic suggestions." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Many artists feel they do not have strong business skills, and would rather remain in the studio than do any networking. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Other painters sometimes tell me that moving to Italy to live and work is their dream. I had the opportunity and took it, not having a real plan other than to make it work and figure it out as I went." ( Kelly Medford )

 "Whether neatly organized or in complete chaos, art studios are havens for artists and incubators of inspiration." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artists with vibrant businesses that stand out stay on top of new trends and techniques to share their work. They remain relevant to their customer base, open to feedback and ways to innovate even further. You probably know some of these artists, because their names show up in the press and their ideas get noticed." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The art group or organization who is conducting the call for art will want the entries in a certain form for identifying, administering and for judging purposes. " (John R. Math )

 "If you've been an artist for a while, you have also experienced rejection and failure. But these tough lessons can make a bigger difference in your career than successes can." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You see, an artist's website, no matter what it is or is not, is a reflection of the artist. It is your storefront, your image, your gallery, your repository, your go-to place to direct prospective buyers. In short, if you don't have one in my opinion, these days you're just not serious about being a professional artist." (Gregory Peters)

 "What were the most-read articles published on Artsy Shark this year? Here's the annual countdown." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The Christmas season is over, and it may well be the quietest time of the year for your art business. You can still make the most of this slow period, even if you're not meeting customers and selling your work." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Choosing to be an artist means that you have decided you aren't going to take the easy road. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Procrastination is a self-defeating behavior that can have a crippling effect on your art career or small business. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "If you had no obligations, If you had enough money to live for six months, If you could travel anywhere that would inspire you, Where would you go? What would you do? What would you create?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The best treatment for the Curse of Knowledge is to have someone visit your website for the first time and give you their honest reaction. In fact, if you can get a complete stranger to do this, all the better." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Art publishing is a trend-driven business, thus we are continually analyzing and re-evaluating what themes and styles are selling, what wall décor formats are selling, and what available technologies we should be utilizing to create our products efficiently. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "A look through Artsy Shark's featured artists tells many stories of how artists became inspired to live the creative life." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Selling art and craft to museums is different than traditional galleries and stores. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "I work very hard promoting the art in the gallery and bringing people to Saxapahaw. I cannot afford for anyone who is not serious about working with us to take up valuable real estate in the gallery. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "How do you fight the whole world when your image has spread virally? Or do you? " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Today's collectors seek out specialized, exclusive and hard-to-find items from people who know their stuff." (Suzanne Connors)

 "You might be under the impression that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your home studio and your business. You would be wrong." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "As an artist, your work should be representing itself. " (Natasha Wescoat)

 "It's sensible, helps the economy, plus it's trendy - buying local and supporting your creative community." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You must now think of yourself as a marketing company entitled I-Am-An-Artist, Inc. You are not just a creator of imagery; you are running a small business with responsibilities of marketing, shipping, and accounting, as well as product development (sorry for the business terms, but that's how you should think.)" (Harriet Rinehart Flehinger)

 "Deciding how you want to live, rather than just deciding how you want to work, is essential to making your plans successful in the long run, and making yourself happy while you are doing it." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You don't have to be hopeless when it comes to finances. Here are some answers to make sense of business, art and money." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artsy Shark asked Andrew Kitchen for his best advice for selling online, and about an opportunity he is offering for artists to write articles for the Handmade Artists website." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Alex Colombo of Creative Concepts Design Studio shares her thoughts on licensing art, and the learning process." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Be ready to speak about your work and what inspires you. What is your story? Visitors love to hear about artists, and the way they think and create. Your story becomes a part of your art, which collectors will share with others." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artsy Shark asked four industry experts to share their best (art licensing) advice." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Like a living organism, your business depends on many parts working together effectively." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Keep your work and personal life separate. Create structure in your environment by making your studio work space only for your art, and ask others to respect this. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "From first concept through end sale, here is how one entrepreneur created a line of greeting cards." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Rather than react to slow sales by discounting, think about adding extra value instead." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Before you even start thinking about soliciting large retailers, you need to have a solid product line that is priced profitably at wholesale. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "There is a lot of talk about the fear of failure, but what if you aren't afraid to fail? What if the opposite is true? What about the possibility of being afraid of succeeding?" (Terri Loyd)

 "Art Schools top the list of institutions with the most deeply in-debt students" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Twenty years of studio work. Leaning forward to paint and do close-up work, and hauling 50 lb. boxes of clay, tents and exhibit equipment had caused a lot of back and neck pain and sciatica. I knew my chiropractor on a first-name basis. And even though I'd hired studio assistants, the damage was done." (Carolyn Edlund)

 " Artists and craftspeople who want to sell wholesale need to know the facts before they jump in." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Check out these creative apps for your phone that will make your photos awesome!" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Having just enjoyed my first sold out show in the Panhandle Plains Invitational, I'd like to share some tips which helped to make this happen." (Ruth Soller)

 "Are you serious about getting your work juried in to competitions, exhibitions and shows? Have your images taken by a professional photographer who knows what they're doing." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "If you make the decision to start your own business as an artist and work towards success, you must be willing to face failure - and do it anyway." ( Carolyn Edlund)

 "Are you ready to move forward with a focused plan to sell more of your work? Make a self-evaluation of your progress this year. See where you stand now so that you can do some strategic planning." (Carolyn Edlund )

 "You might be under the impression that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your home studio and your business. You would be wrong." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Start a business on your own terms. Part time, full time, with a partner or solo. The most important thing is to take action. Start with your vision of what you would be doing if you couldn't fail, and work backwards" (Carolyn Edlund )

 "That moment of clarity. A sudden realization, a point where everything clicks. It may change your life." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Your artwork has value. Not everyone will appreciate that value, however. In fact, most members of the American public don't buy original art or prints, or purchase handcrafted items. Let's put those people into the category called not your customers." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Art has long been recognized as being emotionally therapeutic as well as an effective force in physical healing. Artists interested in partnering with the helping professions can find opportunities to work with patients in a number of settings." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Is time management a big issue for your art business? Are you multi-tasking yourself crazy? Here are four tips to help you stay focused on what's important." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Notice the participatory nature of this list. Networking, meeting the right people, going to events. Gallery owner and popular arts blogger Edward Winkleman says you must get in the game." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Are you making the most of your time to take advantage of sales opportunities, or are you sabotaging yourself with these common behaviors that turn off customers and lose sales?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "What has your best friend taught you?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "If you wholesale your work, you may be exhibiting at trade shows. You might also do some prospecting yourself to land new accounts with gallery and store buyers. But sooner or later, you will probably be thinking about hiring sales reps to extend your reach to new territories and retailers you would never sell to otherwise." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "This is a generation with buying power, but not the kind of ready cash that generally allows them to make high-end purchases. A visit to a gallery is a way to put their toe in the water and learn, and find out what turns them on in the art world. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Take a look at some phenomenal ideas that artist Judith HeartSong is successfully using to make her studio a center of attention and help others at the same time, especially local arts and charities" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Want to increase your art sales at fairs and festivals? " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The secret to successful networking, both in-person and online, is to approach it with an attitude of giving, not receiving." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "What have you done to make yourself be seen and known?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Selling art and craft to museums is different than traditional galleries and stores." (ABI)

 "If you don't believe that you are an artist, you are starting a process to give up on your dreams." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The Gifts and Greetings Directory is another way for artists to build their presence online and improve the visibility of their company and brands. " (Charlotte Cowell)

 "The easiest way to close deals is to remove barriers to the sales process, and make it easy to say "Yes." " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You want to start your own business as an artist. But what if you fail?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Before you even start thinking about soliciting large retailers, you need to have a solid product line that is priced profitably at wholesale. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Take a look at your sales strategies." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Want some unusual ideas to promote your art, and make yourself and your work more memorable to prospects or potential collectors?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You might be under the impression that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your home studio and your business. You would be wrong." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Is it pure luck when an artist sells every piece in a particular show?" (Ruth Soller)

 " If you're looking to get rich overnight, the only advice I can give you is to keep playing the lottery homie." (Todd McPhetridge)

 "As long as you go into art publishing with clear expectations, I don't think you will be disappointed with your experience, especially if you work with a top art publisher." (Todd McPhetridge)

 "Make it easy for press to find you, use your images, and write stories about you - and they will." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Media outlets are hungry for stories, and artists make for good stories." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Her opinion is that all artists have a niche, even though they may not realize it." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "I've been reminded lately of why I closed my studio - and painfully so. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artists need a cohesive, signature body of work." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artists talk about the year just passed, and their resolutions for 2012." (Carolyn Edlund)

 " It's not a race, and success is different for everyone. " (Jacqui Hawk)

 "One of the best ways for artists to gain  visibility is to get the media to help promote them. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Artists who have unprofessionally made websites are not doing themselves any favors." (Jodie Woodward)

 "Is there anyone out there in the creative community who doesn't know that products Made in America are under attack?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "It is through juried art competitions and juried art shows that an artist's career and professional development will progress." (John R. Math)

 "It is easier and more relaxing to watch and listen to an artist speak about his or her work than it is to read an artist statement or resume." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Here's what one art glass studio did to attract customers and put their business into overdrive." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Are you planning an open studio for the holiday season, and want to draw a crowd? Have you been brainstorming about ways to meet new prospective customers and create interest in your art?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "It's a great idea to reach out to your peers and audience through social media, but how much is too much?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Even if you don't love your day job, you can take a few tips from how you work there and use them as you develop your own business as an artist." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "How many ways can you connect with your audience?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "One of the most important factors in determining the success of a card line is balance." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Constantly evaluate the marketplace and where you fit into it." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Writing a concise, effective statement that encompasses your ideas, methods, practice and intention is not easy, but it is really worthwhile. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You don't have to be hopeless when it comes to finances. Here are some answers to make sense of business, art and money." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Avoiding eye contact or ignoring booth visitors is about the worst mistake you can make at a trade show (or at a retail show)." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Staying on topic in their chosen niche creates a tight, focused body of work which has become a signature look for the company." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Samantha followed up with a message that I felt was so on-point and instructive, I'm posting it here as an article in itself." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Plan ahead and work on creating new opportunities for sales, even though you may have plenty right now. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but having your ideas stolen feels more like a punch in the stomach than a compliment." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "How planning and excellent presentation put one new company on the road to success" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Jill Marshall came to Alaska in 1975 for a three-month stay, and hasn't looked back since." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Take a look at your body of work - an objective look. Let's be honest." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "A bright spot in this economy is hearing that a new independent retailer has opened its doors, and is buying from artists." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Use "crowdfunding" to invite others to become a vital part of your project by backing you financially to achieve your goal." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "As an artist, craftsperson or designer, you could have the opportunity to hire sales reps as well." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Recently I had the pleasure to meet with Julie Ager, who is the Licensing Director for Artistic Designs Group, an agency in Crownsville, Maryland." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "We don't want our mothers to tell us how talented we are. We want Simon Cowell." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "A well-planned strategy to connect with and court your prospective clients can make them fall truly, madly, deeply in love with you and your work." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You choose your market, and also choose your customers, even if you are doing this unconsciously." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The only real failure in life is the failure to try." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Pricing work can be one of the strangest, most nebulous areas of an art practice to navigate. " (Karen Atkinson)

 "The Energy Art Salon 2011 is an international effort by artists who create art which shimmers, pulsates, and crackles with energy, or the depiction of what energy can do. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 " If your goal is to grow your business, you need to be keenly aware of what your customers think of their purchase, and what they may be looking for from you in the future." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Plan what you can do to really hone your craft and sharpen your skills." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Destry's approach is that his networking relationships with others should be a win/win proposition." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "What Artists Must Know about Selling into This Market" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Do you have an email list and are you ready to go with your newsletters? Now grow that list and reach more potential customers!" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Building and using an email database of your contacts is crucial to maximize your exposure and create repeat sales of your work." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Anything that's really worth it is difficult." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "You will quickly find when crunching the numbers if your pricing structure is working for you." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Some artists seem to have the attitude that anyone who wants to buy their work will buy it, and that they are not responsible for knowing what color sofa their buyers have." (Annie Strack)

 "Are you interested in knowing more about how children's book illustrators work? Here's a step-by-step process and how to get involved in this exciting field." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Online galleries are a dime a dozen, but certain ones really stand out." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Merry agreed to speak on some topics which are crucial to artists looking to license their work, and give a perspective from the side of the manufacturer." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Visitors are checking out your website because they want to have a good experience seeing your work." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "We discussed how artists can use their "outsider" status to enhance their work and their marketability." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "The second most common thing that people are afraid of is death. The number one fear, is public speaking." (Jim Hornickel)

 "Don't sacrifice your heart and your soul and kill your dreams because you believe that you need to pay your rent and buy your groceries from sales of your work. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "It's well-known that you don't have a second chance to make a first impression." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Do an honest self-evaluation. How many times have you said you would call and failed to do so? Are you dependable to be on time, deliver as promised and give a totally professional experience to your customers?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "If you want to make art, make art. If you want to make art to sell, make art geared to appeal to buyers. It's a choice. Both are valid." (April Metternich)

 "Visualize yourself and your situation when it's complete. See yourself winning the race, not just running it. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Although there is no "big secret" to creating a successful greeting card line, there are some basics that are always necessary - compelling images and great writing." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Are you an artist thinking of different ways to reproduce your work for sale? Have you considered having giclee prints made?" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "I'd been working without insurance for too many years, and this was a wake-up call." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "One of the most effective strategies for growing business is to focus on the clients you already have." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Here are three simple and accepted methods of marketing and selling to add value to your customers' purchases and increase your own profits. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Depending just on galleries is like putting all your eggs in one basket and then deliberately flinging it to the ground. So, what's an artist to do? My recommendation - diversify. Create multiple streams of income, so when one is down, you have others to count on." (Ariane Goodwin)

 "If done the right way they [artist residencies] can be inspiring, productive and a great boost for your career. If the wrong choices are made they make you feel secluded and empty your pockets of cash." (Joseph Cavalieri)

 "You don't need to get a degree in Business, become an expert in accounting, or learn Gregg shorthand. But you do need a sound background so that you can do something with your art skills that will turn them into a money-making career." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Art consultants are looking to form relationships with artists that are professional and who present themselves as business people." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Your goal is to know your audience, know your options, and then fit your message into the conversations where they fit." (Rhonda Schaller)

 "At the heart of your marketing is a series of conversations designed to build a bridge between you, your art and your audience. That means you have to be clear on your intentions, your talents and your appeal." (Aletta de Wal)

 "You make your own luck. Success doesn't just happen. It takes many small deliberate steps, focus, persistence and determination to get "lucky." Anyone who has achieved great success also knows the meaning of great failure." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Exhibitions are first and foremost a marketing activity. Remember at the heart of your marketing is a series of conversations designed to build a bridge between you, your art and your audience. Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Viewers need time to absorb your work." (Aletta de Wal)

 "Setting goals without scheduling action. Without an end point, the commitment is too vague. It tends not to happen because you feel you can start at any time. Nothing is achieved without action." (Aletta de Wal)

 "It doesn't matter if you haven't ever promoted yourself before, or if you are introverted, shy or petrified. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but nobody else is judging you - they are all too worried about themselves to be aware of the fact that it's a leap for you to engage in marketing." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Though an art website is the beginning of the selling process, a poorly designed and ineffective website can stop a prospect from investigating that artist's work further." (John R. Math )

 "Referrals are like gold - they are the best advertising you can get, and one of the most effective." (Lucia Cullinane)

 "Making it a priority to maintain a professional atmosphere with all visitors will help you fend off the urge to be short or unresponsive to prospective customers who are demanding, time-consuming or unhappy." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Create win-win relationships by giving referrals freely, staying connected with others and pursuing new contacts on a regular basis." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Use your studio time to extensively explore different directions, and perfect a style that is recognizable as your own. Then take the product of your hard work and present it professionally as a collection." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Write a rambling, vague artist statement that no one can understand so that you appear to be intelligent and unfathomable" (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Tell the story of your art. Talk about what inspires you. Engage with your prospective collectors on a real, authentic level which says that you respect them as people, are interested in them, and have something of great interest to them. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "It doesn't matter if an artist's work is portraits of Zombies or paintings of fields of flowers, if it's not presented professionally and in a way which draws the viewer into it, then very few people will notice it." (Carolyn Edlund)

 "An agent can find niches for an artist's work that the artist may not have the time to explore. Also, they often have a collector base to whom they can introduce your work. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "Why do people buy art, and why will they buy from you? The truth is that in order for people to be motivated to make a purchase, there has to be a connection between your work and something that they need, love or want. " (Carolyn Edlund)

 "There is no such thing as overnight success. All great achievements are made up of many small acts. Tenacity, perseverance, and preparedness dispel the illusion of instant success." (Aletta de Wal)

 "It is a fact in business that the longer the "sales process" takes, the slimmer the chances are of making the sale." (Carolyn Edlund)