Today we are answering a question Catherine gets often, so often that she decided to do a series of interviews on the topic of how collectors think, and what influences their decision when buying artwork. In this episode, François Rochon, entrepreneur and contemporary art collector who candidly shared how his passion for the arts all started and how it evolved with him dedicating half of his portfolio management firm’s profits to purchasing contemporary art, and creating his own foundation, The Giverny Foundation for Contemporary Art.

Conversation Highlights:

• What François Rochon looks for when he researches an artist
• The importance (for artists) of having their work seen and exhibited as much as possible
• Why artists (and collectors) have to be patient

PLUS: Discover the one mistake artists should avoid!

For more about François Rochon:

His firm: http://www.givernycapital.com

His art foundation: https://fondationgiverny.org/

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on Instagram and Facebook to submit your question for an upcoming podcast episode, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice and free resources!

Catherine recently dug up an article that she wrote a little while ago explaining seven mistakes that keep artists from thriving. Much to her surprise at the time, it had a huge impact and she received a lot of positive feedback from artists when it was published. Years of experience in the art world and working with artists show how pertinent the subject still is. In this episode, she spells out each mistake and explains them fully.

Conversation highlights:

• Why you should try to improve your art business by 1% increments
• Why it's important to follow through and follow up
• Why storytelling is so powerful
• How a few simple tweaks to your plan can lead to big changes

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on Instagram and Facebook to submit your question for an upcoming podcast episode, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice, and free resources!

As a creative entrepreneur + certified coach whose work is mainly focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. In today’s episode, Erica and Catherine discuss how her approach to conversation and dialogue can serve many areas of business, how artists can get involved in social and human rights movements through imperfect allyship, and how she, as a creative entrepreneur and poet, navigates multiple passions and interests.

Conversation highlights:

• How integrating imperfect actions in your business can give you the confidence to move forward
• Why well-intended actions don’t always lead to the expected outcome
• Why you should “listen” – and be willing to really hear

For more about Erica Courdae:

• Instagram: @EricaCourdae
• Facebook: @EricaCourdae
• Website: EricaCourdae.com
• Podcast:  pauseontheplay.com
• "Compassion" Art in the Twenty-First Century: art21.org

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How can I go from being a part-time artist to a full-time artist? In other words, how can I quit my day job?!

Thirteen years ago, April Lacheur was working as a registered nurse and had never considered becoming a full-time artist. But after successfully selling several pieces on Facebook and through a local venue, she began building her business and went full-time in 2018. April and Catherine discuss how she balanced two careers, the mindset shifts she had to make, and how she is pivoting her business in response to the global challenges currently taking place. 

Conversation Highlights:

• Why she chose to be independent instead of seeking an agent or gallery representation;
• Why looking at “the numbers” was critical to her business growth and made it possible to become a full-time artist; and
• How investing in an online platform and talking about her “Why” has benefited her business.

Links and resources:

For more about April Lacheur: 

• Instagram: @AprilLacheurArt
• Facebook: AprilLacheurArt
• Website: https://aprillacheurart.com/

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook to submit your question for an upcoming podcast episode, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice and free resources!

How can you keep moving forward in your business during a global crisis?

Businesses are beginning to open again after shutting down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. But it will likely be some time before people are comfortable attending art gallery shows and art fairs in large numbers. In the meantime, is it possible to continue growing your art business and earning an income? The answer is absolutely yes. In this episode, Catherine shares three important shifts you can make in your business operations and mindset, which will allow you to pivot and adapt to these new challenges.

Conversation Highlights:

• What questions you should ask yourself before you do anything else in your business;
• Why having a social media presence and offering online sales is more important than ever; 
• What is motivating art collectors and buyers to purchase now; and
• How consistency is critical if you want to achieve your art business goals.

AND — how to “immunize” your art business by prioritizing community and connection over sales.

Links and resources:

• Follow Catherine on Instagram: @catherineorer
• Check out The Artist Entrepreneur for more info and resources!

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook to submit your question for an upcoming podcast episode, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice and free resources!

How can I sell my work without going through galleries? I don’t have many followers and I don’t think they can afford my work. 

Montréal artist Olicorno joins Catherine today to talk about building a social media audience and attracting clients — even when you don’t believe your clients are following you or can afford your work. An entirely self-taught artist, Oli started out in Business Administration and became a full-time artist 7 years ago. His work can now be found in clients’ homes across the globe. He shares the methods he uses to transform followers into clients, his guiding business philosophy, and the important mindset shifts he’s made over time.

Conversation Highlights:

• How small successes and wins over time added up to a healthy full-time art business;
• The social media post formula he uses to engage followers; 
• Why artists shouldn’t assume their followers can’t afford their work; and
• His philosophy on risk-taking and why you should push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Links and resources:

For more about Olicorno: 

• Instagram: @OliCorno
• Facebook: OliCornoOfficial
• Website: http://www.olicorno.com/

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice and free resources!

Who is Catherine Orer, founder of The Artist Entrepreneur and Business + PR Strategist for artists, and what is this podcast all about? 

Catherine Orer knows exactly what it’s like to leap into the unknown and follow your dreams. After her PR and marketing job made her miserable, she took a step back and created a new career as an ally and coach for artists. In this intro episode, Catherine is interviewed by Shauna Bennis, who asks Catherine what she has learned on her journey, the core beliefs she brings to her coaching practice, and what listeners can expect from this podcast going forward. 

Conversation Highlights:

• How having a business plan but staying flexible are not mutually exclusive goals;
• Why all entrepreneurs are artists, even if they don’t realize it;
• How Catherine’s experience in PR, marketing, and the art world helps artists create their OWN dream businesses instead of emulating someone else’s “success;” and
• The #1 way to overcome perfectionism and analysis paralysis!

PLUS – learn how to get YOUR burning business questions answered by Catherine! 

Links and resources:

• Follow Catherine on Instagram: @catherineorer
• Check out The Artist Entrepreneur for more info and resources!

Don’t forget to follow Catherine and The Artist Entrepreneur on social media, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates, advice and free resources!