I'm not generally a big fan of blog entries that simply link to other blogs. However, when I run across something that I find useful, I DO want to share it. I ran across the following on Seth Godin's blog.They're not targetted for artists as some of my recommendations will be, but they do emphasis an overall point about marketing strategy.I especially think more people need to heed number four.Top 10 Secrets of the Marketing Process:http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2006/10/top_10_secrets_.htmlSincerely,Clint WatsonSoftware Craftsman and Art Fanatic [...]

This may sound a bit like a manipulative technique, but I truly don't mean it that way. It IS a service that you really should provide for your clients (if you are a painter). It's a very simple, yet powerful marketing technique. Create a calender file system. Every time you sell a painting, mark you calendar to call the customer six months (or whatever is appropriate) after the artwork sold. The phone call is simply to tell the customer that the alloted amount of time has passed and that it is time to have the final varnish applied. [...]

Web Site Usability studies show that navigation bars that contain more than eight links, tend to confuse people. Site visitors end up skipping links in the middle. I am often asked why FineArtStudioOnline.com only allows eight navigation categories. Sometimes artists want to divide their portfolio into collections and then put every single collection onto the navigation bar. This is not a good idea unless you can keep the total to fewer than eight links. Better to just have a navigation link reading "Artwork" and then subdivide the portfolio page. [...]

In reading our current issue of Fast Company, we came across a short article that seems to have some value for artists.  Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, professor of psychology, Florida State University, has studied and interviewed successful professionals for 25 years.  The point he makes in his research is that most successful experts in a given field (say painting, for example) simply DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY from the rest.Here are a few quotes from the article:"...no characteristic of the brain or body constrains an individual from reaching an expert level""Elite performers engage in 'deliberate practice' - an effortful activity designed to improve [...]

  Great Marketing, Dubious Art – People really will buy anything. A few years ago we saw a play about a man who bought a completely white canvas.  The comedy was created in watching the man attempt to justify to his family and friends why he spent a ridiculous amount of money on a blank canvas.  The answer, of course, had everything to do with him being duped by the dealer’s marketing and nothing to do with the intrinsic value of the artwork.  Thank goodness such nonsense only happens in works of fiction!  Or does it?  We happened across a web site today [...]

We've been working on code to rotate images from our clients and show them more across our various sites. Visitors to my blog will now see selected artworks by our clients. We've also added the image rotator to the home page of FineArtViews.com and myfaso.com. All of these sites are in the process of being rebranded under a single name.Also, finally scrounged up a photo for my blog. Thought it might make it a bit more personal. Sorry, that's the best photo I could find. I don't take many photos or sit still for very long...Sincerely,Clint WatsonSoftware Craftsman and Art Fanatic [...]

Clients using our FineArtStudioOnline.com service often tell me that they wish that they could hide the subheader in their artwork portfolio. By subheader, I'm talking about the line that reads, "All • Originals • Limited Editions • Open Editions." Obviously I have not made it clear that our software CAN disable that particular line. It's really easy to disable it. Here's what you do: 1. Login to your control panel. 2. Click on "My Administration Info" 3. Next to "HideWorksSubheader" click "Yes" 4. Click "Update" Hope this information helps. Sincerely, Clint Watson Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic [...]

We’re pleased to announce a new coop advertising opportunity in SOUTHWEST ART MAGAZINE. This next ad will run in the January 2007 issue of Southwest Art.FineArtStudioOnline.com has created this opportunity as a part of our coop program and under OUR contract with Southwest Art. We are not partnered with Southwest Art to create this opportunity. We are simply offering to share our advertising space with FineArtStudioOnline.com members. This special rate is for our members only. Availability is limited to the first eight (8) members who take advantage of it. This price includes production and an electronic proof, paper proofs additional. We [...]