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Are you an artist who finds it difficult to switch off your thinking about work, to take a break or to disconnect from your business? If so, this episode is for you.

 In this episode, you can learn: -

1. To understand and appreciate the necessity of stepping away from work, even if you're self-employed. -
2. How to identify different behaviors and thinking patterns in your business and time off for better work-life balance. -
3. To recognize frequently overlooked causes of business-related stress and anxiety in your life. -
4. Why it's important to set your business up in such a way that you're not constantly packed but still worried about where to find the next dollar. -
5. The importance of having a repeatable offer in your business, aimed at bringing in a good amount of revenue without being mentally exhausting.

What if your art business could be a place of creativity, excitement, and fulfillment, without the constant stress and business-related anxieties hanging over your head?

That's the vision we're here to help bring into reality. Never forget that you are the hero of your own art business story, and your journey deserves respect and admiration. With the right tools and mindset, you can shape your business to bring joy and balance to your life, while making your dreams come true.

www.theartistisguidetobusiness.com

 

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As an artist, do you find it challenging to put yourself in your customer's shoes and assign a value for your work? Does money mindset affect how you outline your pricing strategy? If so, this podcast episode could offer the momentum shift you've been searching for.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. The importance of viewing your art from your customer's perspective, circumstances and financial situations.
2.  How not understanding your customer's experience may cause you to undervalue or underprice your work.
3.  The significance of reframing how you prove or validate your prices.
4.   Why it's crucial not to make assumptions based on your own experiences and biases.
5.  How being an art buyer yourself can help in understanding your buyer's experience.

An art business thriving on right pricing and valuation is not out of reach.

Artists can align their mindset with a broader understanding of their customer's perception towards their art. With this understanding, artists can confidently price their work for what it's truly worth and experience a vision of success. In that vision, their art becomes more than an expression; it also becomes a sustainable and rewarding livelihood.

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Join us in this engaging Q&A session where we dive into your burning questions about running an art business. From the complexities of handling taxes to the nuances of seeking gallery representation and the eternal struggle of balancing business with creativity, we're covering it all. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, answering questions directly from you, our valued listeners.

What You'll Discover:

• Tackling Taxes: Do artists need to file taxes quarterly or annually? We discuss the essentials of managing taxes in your art business, including tips for tracking expenses and the importance of professional advice.
• Gallery Representation: How do you approach a gallery for representation? Learn strategies for making connections, presenting your work, and understanding what galleries are looking for in artists.
• Creativity vs. Business: How can artists balance the demands of their business with the need for creative expression? We explore ways to integrate creativity into your business practices and make time for pure artistic endeavors.

Episode Highlights:

• Practical advice on managing the financial aspects of your art business, including a straightforward approach to dealing with taxes.

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The Artist's Guide to Business has a lot of blog posts and some resources at: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

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In this episode, we dive into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of running an art business: adopting a CEO mindset for strategic decision-making. Perfect for artists at any career stage, we explore how to transition from day-to-day creation to big-picture thinking and strategic planning. This episode is your guide to navigating the art world with confidence and clarity.

What You'll Learn:

• Why is adopting a CEO mindset essential for artists?
• How can strategic decision-making propel your art career forward?
• What steps can you take to align your artistic passion with your business goals?
• How to assess what's working in your business and pivot where necessary?
• Tips for setting long-term visions and actionable plans.

Takeaways:

• Insights into making bold decisions that shape your art career.
• Practical strategies for balancing creativity with business acumen.
• Inspiration to take charge of your art business with a CEO's forward-thinking approach.

Join us as we unravel the art of stepping up as your own CEO, making decisions that not only align with your creative vision but also ensure your art business thrives. This episode is a must-listen for artists ready to take their careers into their own hands.

Send us your experiences and thoughts on adopting a CEO mindset in your art business at [email protected]. Let's create, strategize, and succeed together.

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Show Notes for Episode: Better Boundaries for Better Commissions

Welcome to a transformative journey for artists and creatives diving into the world of commission art. In this episode, we unpack the mystique and challenges of commission work, sharing stories and strategies that aim to empower artists to navigate this vibrant but often unpredictable path with confidence and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Boundaries: Learn why setting clear boundaries is not just about protecting yourself, but about creating a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both artist and client.
• Turning Chaos into Harmony: Discover strategies to transform potentially chaotic commission experiences into harmonious exchanges of creativity and satisfaction.
• Real Stories, Real Solutions: Hear firsthand accounts of both delightful and daunting commission experiences and the lessons learned from them.

What You'll Learn:

1. Understanding Boundaries: A deep dive into what boundaries are, why they're crucial in the commission process, and how they can revolutionize your relationship with work and clients.
2. Pricing with Confidence: How to establish clear pricing boundaries to avoid surprises and ensure fairness for both you and your clients.
3. The Art of Communication: The role of effective communication in setting expectations, the importance of a comprehensive contract, and how to navigate revisions and feedback.
4. Creative Integrity and Final Decisions: Balancing client expectations with your creative vision and retaining the right to final creative decisions.
5. Managing Deadlines and Flexibility: Strategies for dealing with deadlines, the unexpected twists in creative projects, and how to communicate these realities to clients.

Episode Highlights:

• The Joy of a Fulfilled Client: A touching story of delivering a commissioned piece and witnessing the client's emotional connection to the artwork.
• Learning from Challenges: An honest recount of a difficult commission, the stress of endless revisions, and the takeaway of needing clear boundaries and better client management.
• Setting the Scene for Success: A detailed walkthrough of establishing boundaries around pricing, work expectations, and communication to enhance the value of your work and foster deeper connections with your clients.

For the Aspiring Commission Artist:

If you're curious about commission work but apprehensive about managing client relationships and navigating the intricacies of commissioned projects, this episode is a beacon, illuminating a path through shared experiences and actionable advice.

Call to Action:

Embrace the strategies shared in this episode to dial in a system that not only protects your creative energy but also enhances the value of your work. Whether you're navigating your first commission or looking to refine your approach, remember, boundaries are your scaffolding for building a successful, satisfying commission practice.

Tune in to transform how you view and manage 

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Show Notes:

In this heart-to-heart episode, we dive into a dilemma that many artists grapple with: how to price their artwork. We start with a compelling story that challenges our perceptions of value and time, likening the pricing of art to the simple act of buying a cup of coffee. This narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the complexities of pricing art, moving beyond traditional methods that often undervalue an artist's work.

Key Highlights:

• The Pricing Paradox: We address the common pitfalls artists face when pricing their work, including the flawed logic of hourly rates and the emotional turmoil of attaching a price to one's passion.
• A Holistic Pricing Strategy: Shifting the focus from traditional pricing models, we discuss the importance of viewing pricing as a tool for business viability and personal comfort. We explore strategies for setting yearly income goals and breaking these down into achievable sales targets at various price points.
• Embracing High-Value Art Sales: The episode challenges the hesitation around high-ticket items, emphasizing the rewarding experience of selling art that is both highly valued by the buyer and profitable for the artist.
• The Psychological Impact of Pricing: We delve into how pricing affects brand perception and client experience, underscoring the strategic role of pricing in positioning and the potential pitfalls of underpricing.
• Personal Anecdotes and Industry Insights: Drawing from personal experiences and industry observations, the discussion highlights the consequences of underpricing and the empowering effect of a well-considered pricing strategy on an artist's career and self-worth.
• Actionable Advice: The episode concludes with practical advice for artists struggling with pricing, encouraging a shift towards a more strategic and confident approach to valuing their work.

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're an artist uncertain about how to price your work.
• You're looking for a sustainable way to balance your passion for art with financial viability.
• You want to understand the psychological and strategic aspects of pricing in the art market.

Takeaway: Pricing your artwork is not just about covering costs but about valuing your talent, time, and contribution to the art world. By adopting a holistic and strategic approach to pricing, you can ensure your art business is not only sustainable but thrives, allowing you to continue doing what you love most.

Join us as we unravel the art of pricing, empowering you to confidently tag your masterpieces with the price they truly deserve.

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The Artist's Guide to Business has a lot of blog posts and some resources at: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

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Crafting Your Artistic Voice: Writing Emails that Connect and Inspire

Introduction: Welcome, artists, to a special episode where we delve into the art of effective email communication. Our host shares her recent experiences with Christmas commissions, capturing the joy of creating art that touches hearts during the festive season. Get ready for an inspiring journey into crafting a unique artistic voice for email marketing.

Personal Touch in Emails:

• Creating Deep Connections: Learn the importance of personal touch in emails, and how sharing authentic stories can build stronger bonds with your audience.
• Embracing Vulnerability: Discover how being open and vulnerable in your emails can resonate with subscribers, leading to meaningful interactions and feedback.

Finding and Using Your Brand Voice:

• Defining Brand Voice: Unpack what a brand voice is and its significance in differentiating your art business.
• Aligning with Audience Needs: Explore how to tailor your brand voice to resonate with your audience's desires and values.
• Evolving with Your Business: Understand that your brand voice can grow and change along with your artistic journey and business goals.

Content Creation Strategies:

• Diverse Content Categories: Get insights into creating various content categories that align with your brand voice, whether it's inspiring, whimsical, or expert.
• Balancing Art-centric and Varied Content: Learn the balance between showcasing your art and offering varied content to maintain reader engagement.

Email Writing Tips:

• Length and Skimmability: Tips on crafting concise, skimmable emails that respect your audience’s time.
• Visuals and Formatting: Utilize photos, gifs, and text formatting to make your emails visually appealing and easy to read.
• Engaging Subject Lines: Master the art of writing captivating subject lines to ensure your emails stand out in crowded inboxes.
• Special Offers and Exclusivity: Occasionally treat your subscribers with special offers or giveaways to show appreciation and keep them engaged.

Conclusion: This episode is a must-listen for artists seeking to enhance their email marketing skills. It’s filled with practical advice on using personal stories, defining a unique brand voice, and crafting emails that truly connect with your audience. Embrace these strategies to deepen relationships with your patrons and add a touch of creativity to your email communications.

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Building Your Art Community: First Steps to Growing an Email List of Buyers

Introduction: Artists, welcome to a practical guide on building an email list to connect with your buyers and fans. Dive into the host’s personal anecdotes from her artistic journey, offering a glimpse into the life and experiences shaping the discussion.

Value of an Email Address:

• For Artists: Learn why every email address is a gateway to potential lifelong fans and customers, and how it can deepen your connection beyond social media.
• For Subscribers: Understand the significance of an email address from a subscriber's perspective and its psychological value, encouraging artists to respect each subscriber.

Effective List Building Strategies:

• Offering Value: Discover ways to provide value to your subscribers, such as giveaways, exclusive content, and special promotions, making their subscription feel worthwhile.
• Creative Partnerships: Explore partnership opportunities with companies and artists to extend your reach and engage new audiences.
• Welcoming Friends and Family: Don’t overlook the potential in your immediate network; inviting friends and family to join your email list can enhance personal connection and feedback.

Welcome Email Series:

• Setting the Tone: Learn the importance of crafting a welcome email series that thanks new subscribers, outlines what to expect, and invites further interaction.
• Personal Touch: Use welcome emails to establish a personal connection, making subscribers feel valued and part of your artistic journey.

Engagement and List Growth:

• Recognizing Lurkers: Understand that not all subscribers will actively engage, but many are silently appreciating and valuing your content.
• Handling Unsubscribes: Learn to view unsubscribes as a natural part of email marketing, focusing on those who remain interested and engaged.

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Introduction: Welcome, artists! In this enlightening episode, we dive into the art of email marketing, a tool often overlooked yet incredibly potent for deepening connections with patrons and amplifying your art business. We start with a heartwarming story of how a simple Christmas card underscores the power of personal connections fostered through email communication.

Deep Dive into Email Marketing:

• Building and Sustaining Relationships: Learn how email marketing helps nurture lasting relationships with art patrons, sharing an inspiring story of a connection that blossomed over seven years.
• Why Email Marketing is Essential for Artists: Understand the deeper motivations behind your art and business, and how email marketing aligns with these goals, offering more than just financial returns.
• Empathy and Community: Explore the idea that your patrons and supporters form your community, making email an invaluable tool for ongoing engagement and sharing.

Email Marketing Terms Demystified:

• Email Service Provider (ESP): Discover the significance of ESPs and how they serve as your digital studio for crafting emails.
• Metrics Explained: Learn about open rates, bounce rates, and the importance of understanding your audience’s engagement.
• Segmentation and Personalization: Find out how categorizing your audience can lead to more effective and personalized communication.
• Automation and Efficiency: Dive into automation features that streamline your email marketing efforts, saving time and ensuring consistency.

Addressing Hesitations and Encouraging Action:

• Overcoming Time Constraints: Tips for integrating email marketing into your busy schedule without feeling overwhelmed.
• Building Confidence: Why asking for email addresses isn't as daunting as it seems and how it opens doors to meaningful connections.
• Commitment and Consistency: Learn to balance consistency with the flexibility inherent in the creative process, and why it's okay not to be perfect.

Conclusion: This episode is a treasure trove for artists looking to harness the power of email marketing. It’s not just about selling; it’s about creating a narrative and bringing your patrons along on your artistic journey. Embrace email marketing as a key strategy in your art business, and watch your connections, and success, flourish.

 

 

Link for worksheet: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com/build

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The Artist's Guide to Business has a lot of blog posts and some resources at: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

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Wondering where to invest in your art business — especially when money feels tight or unpredictable?

In this episode of The Artist’s Guide to Business, I take you behind the scenes of my own business and share exactly where I spent money last year — from tools to coaching to systems — and what I’m changing as I plan for the year ahead.

We’ll talk about:

The difference between smart investments and shiny distractions

What to spend money on when you’re just starting out vs. when you’re ready to scale

How to reflect on last year’s ROI (return on investment) so you can make sharper decisions this year

Why sometimes the best investment isn’t money — it’s time or structure


Whether you're running your first real art biz or trying to make the leap to full time, this episode will help you get intentional, clear, and confident about how you’re spending your money and energy.


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Mentioned in this episode:

My actual art biz expenses (real numbers, no fluff)

Tools I loved — and ones I might ditch

A simple framework to plan your next 90 days of growth



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The Artist's Guide to Business has a lot of blog posts and some resources at: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com

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