Done With Google Blogger

OK..I'll get it off my chest right up front. Last year, my blog was shut down for over a week during their purging process against spam blogs. I was one of many innocent bloggers caught up in this mess.

The only tech support is a blog where you mainly depend on each other for assistance. There is no contact info what so ever where you can ask why or find a solution.

The past three weeks it has been one issue after another. First I was unable to upload images for 3 days, then I could not 'save' my blog post in draft.

Last week...when viewing my blog only about half the images show up on the computer screen and it is still this way. Apparently for viewers the images are there sometimes and others they are not.

Currently... when I go to 'edit' a previously posted article or a blog draft...the screen has only the HTML code...no text and no way to get to the regular text screen.

If I want to create a new post, like now...there is no way to add links, edit text, or add photos...NO WAY TO EDIT at all.  (this miraculously corrected it's self this evening)

Am I angry? Actually I'm just over it. I'm fed up and I'm done. I guess you just can't expect to get help or resolution of issues from a 'free' service.

I have had two blogs for the last few years. My Google Blog and My FASO Studio Blog...that is integrated into my website.

My FASO Studio Blog has always been the most important as it is a category on the Navigation Bar of my website. It isn't just added to the Navigation Bar...it is integrated into the website itself. (the two are a unit) Every time I make a new blog post I am updating my website with pages of searchable text....this is pure SEO juice.

___________________________________________

I'm not going to remove my Google Blog but will gradually be transferring information to the Studio Blog on my website and I will no longer be updating my Google Blog.

MarshaRobinett.com/blog

____________________________________________

Keeping up two blogs has been a challenge...so in some ways this is a blessing.


I know many of you follow this blog...and faithfully leave your comments. I hope you will make note of My Studio Blog address and continue with me there.

For future reference...My Studio Blog address is MarshaRobinett.com/blog

Thank you for understanding...hope to see you at my new address. I'll keep my eye out for you.

God Bless
Marsha

______________________________________

Matthew 18:3
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4 (in Context)

____________________________________________

The Importance of Links

Wine Country
carbon and graphite pencil on paper

"I thought since this was my first published article in sometime
a glass of wine might be in order!"

________________________________________

I occasionally submit articles to FineArtViews as a guest author. As most of you know I'm fascinated with marketing and marketing for artists in particular.

I feel strongly about the intelligent use of links and their benefits.

For most artists, the word 'links' refers to the Links Category on their navigation bar. Trust me, there is much more to this little word than what appears on the surface. You need to learn how to use links and how to make links work for you.

You can read "Linking...the mighty little 7 letter word" for more information on creating and using outgoing links, incoming links, and deep linking. Some great, easy to incorporate marketing for artists that will not only increase traffic to your site but encourage your readers to delve deeper and spend more time 'with you'. Isn't that what we all want...well besides chocolate and money.

Be sure to visit FineArtViews Archive for more art marketing articles written by artists just like you.

____________________________________

Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:10-12 (in Context)

__________________________________________

A Bit of Creative Marketing

Barrel Cactus
by Keith Bond

Keith Bond has the natural ability to see beyond the picturesque beauty of a scene to portray the spirit of the of the landscape. He has the gift of capturing the true essence of to the place and paints an emotional response to the scene, rather than the literal depiction.

Keith is not only an acclaimed artist but also writes regularly for the FineArtViews Newsletter. Recently while reading some of the back issues I ran across his article about 'Home Shows', and how they can be a new venue for artist.

We are all looking for ways to sell our art in today's economy. Keith's article, Home Shows, outlines how to use this venue, step by step. I had a small showing in a friends home last year. It went well but had I had Keith's insightful knowledge and instructions I know I could have done better.

I encourage you...take a few minuets to read Keith's detailed, thought provoking article. It's a great way to get your work in front of people who are collectors and do it in an intimate setting.

__________________________________

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-8 (in Context)

Marketing Is a Must...but where do we start?

I hear it over and over:
"my website has been up for months now and I have no sales and few visitors".

As artists, whether we categorize ourselves as full time or part time, marketing needs to be a part of our everyday creative process.


Look at it like this...if you acquired a new phone number and didn't give it out to anyone do you think you would be receiving calls? How about if you gave it to just 10 people and they each gave it to just one person (and so on)...do you think that would make a difference? Absolutely.

Your website is no different. If you want traffic you need to let others know you are there.

Now..for the next question. Do you just want traffic or do you want buyers? When it comes to traffic to your website a few good regular followers of your art is much better than several hundred 'occasional lookers'.

So, how do you garner the 'few good followers'? First of all...get that Newsletter Subscribe option on your navigation bar. The people who sign up for your newsletter are saying, "I want to know more about you and your art". They want to hear from you! Clint Watson says send your newsletter once a week...if once a month is all you can handle, then make it once a month, but be consistent.

It isn't necessary to write a long newsletter. In fact your newsletter is more likely to be read if it is short, simple, and offers the reader something they can't get elsewhere. My newsletters include a discounted print each month that only my subscribers have the option to purchase...and I always sell several. This one item more than pays for the time it takes to write my newsletter.

• You may not want to offer a discounted print but I'm sure you will be featuring at least one of your artworks...provide a link back to your portfolio and make purchasing easy.

• If you blogged about something of interest...make a short statement and link back to your FASO blog for the complete article. The blog article linked to doesn't need be current this month...just relevant to what you're writing about in this newsletter.

I don't know about you, but a 'live link' peeks my curiosity...I can hardly avoid clicking it to see where it takes me, and once there...well, it's rare that I leave without strolling through at least a couple more pages!

I'm a firm believer that 'live links' in your newsletters teach your subscribers to visit your website. A live link is telling them there is something of interest...something new...something they might want...something you think is important for them to see.

Remember, your subscribers signed up for your newsletter because they want to know more about you...tell them and tell them regularly.

____________________________

Proverbs 20:14
"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase.
Proverbs 20:13-15 (in Context)

_______________________________________

Increasing Your Visibility...Where to begin

...Salad Fixins...
Carbon and Graphite pencil on paper

Can you be an artist today and not have a website and a blog? I suppose so...but I think you are missing a Golden Opportunity. More and more, the public expects it and they ask for it. Times have just changed and our marketing must also change. The Internet has opened up opportunities that never before existed. Europe is just a click away. Why shouldn't we artist benefit?

Galleries are closing and from what I'm seeing personally, the Art Fair venue is also suffering...the "real world markets" that we have been so familiar with and so comfortable with are disappearing. We can either sit around, reminiscing about our past success or we can forge ahead.

The Internet is here to stay...it's time we artists got on board in a big way.

So why do you need both a website and a blog? How are they different? First of all they are very different and work together to compliment and strengthen each other. Your website and blog are the foundation of your online presence. They aren't all you need to do but they are most definitely the start. (I will write about other venues later)

Your website is your 'Professional Venue'...It says to the public "I'm an artist and I'm in business". It's where collectors and yes 'just lookers' can visit and comfortably view your work.

Your website should make the viewer feel as though they are in a gallery...quiet, easy to move through, and friendly. Keep your colors soft and neutral...let your art shine and be the center of attention. (When you look at your website what do you see first...the website colors or your art?)

Tell them about you, your vision, why you paint. Provided answers to their anticipated questions...perhaps a FAQ page. Make sure there's an 'obvious' way to contact you. Provide a way to purchase. Lastly, Put prices on your work...don't make them ask.

Your website is not an ad agency...it should be about you and your art.

Now...the Blog is a different animal indeed. This is a more casual setting. Here you can express yourself (within reason)...get personal, let them 'see' who the artist really is. Learn to write in 'speak'...less professional. I've said it before and I'll say it again...for those of you who think you can't blog because you can't write...you don't have to write well, you just have to write often.

I actually have two blogs. One is provided by FASO and is integrated into my website. The other is a Google Blogger site. They both carry the same post...and with good reason.

"My Studio Blog"...is integrated into my website, it's secure, and keeps my website, my name, and my art fresh and alive on the Internet.

When the viewer clicks on My Studio Blog, they never leave my website. All my collections and other pertinent information are just a click away. (Try it...click here to go to my website, then click on "My Studio Blog")

Why an Integrated Blog? Search engines love fresh content. Most websites tend to become static with time. After the initial setup the information and yes the art become stale...search engine rankings drop and your website ends up on page 86 when someone does a related search!

The integrated blog provides new content to my website every time I post an article...keeping my website fresh. For Example: If I write an article about the methods and materials I use to create my drawings...it will get indexed in the search engines and could be pull up if the keywords were good. My Studio Blog is a valuable marketing tool for my website.

My second blog..."The Extraordinary Pencil" is a Google blog. It serves as an additional Internet presence and traffic driver to my website. It is heavily linked to my website and has a more casual format. The down side is this...it is totally vulnerable to Google's whim.

I've experienced two shut downs in the last year because they marked The Extraordinary Pencil as a spam blog. My blog was held hostage several days each time...some innocent people have never had their blogs returned to them. Free is not always the best. Just make sure you have some kind of backup.

Can you put ads on your blog?...I suppose so. I don't personally care for them. I don't care for the way they look on my site and I feel they are distracting to the viewer. Do they pay off?...perhaps in some cases. The question would be how much monitoring does it take and is it worth the time it takes away from creating your art? Is the 'clutter' it creates worth the effort and payoff? I think you will find this article by Clint Watson enlightening....Why I dropped Google AdSense.

I guess I'm saying all this to acknowledge that today...more than ever before we are all trying to decide how we are going to 'best' survive until the economy turns around. I used the word BEST because WE WILL SURVIVE. It's just human nature. But the hierarchy will change...many of those who were 'on top of the pile' will no longer exist. Many business, (well known business) are going to disappear. While those who wisely adjust the dynamics of their business will remain and be poised to move forward when the time comes.

Where will you be?

I want to be on the top of the pile and ready to run when the economy turns around and it will turn around. We are all making tough decisions but when I see an artist close down their website it saddens me.

I know many of you have paid hundreds if not thousands to have someone set up your site and continue to pay each time it is updated. Others are sitting there with sites they're not pleased with...and some artists have no web presence at all and wondering, should I?

My website and the features it offers is the back bone of my art business. It is the glue that holds everything together. To give it up would be like hanging a CLOSED FOR BUSINESS sign on my door.

As an Artist...this is not the time to decrease your visibility. It's a time when we need to figure out how to ramp up our marketing...using methods that are proven, and affordable, if not a little creative.

PS...It's a time to share what works for you... so others can benefit.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Artist to Artist...A time to reflect and look ahead.

Yes..."Mr. Lincoln" is up here again
Not for you this time but for my benefit.
He's back on my drawing table and next on my addenda.
I hope to have updates soon.

This has been a year of many changes for me and most likely for you as well. Each fork in the road as we move through life changes the direction of our future. Some decisions are hard, some are major sacrifices, and some are out of our hands.

As most of you who read this blog regularly know...I am not a 'working artist' I am an 'artist who works'. It's a constant struggle for me to protect the precious little time I have set aside each week to be in my studio.

A couple of years ago I started taking off the month of January to regroup...to just reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. (no art and no blogging)

I use the time to analyze the 'business' end of my life, both my art and the salon. I clean out the files in my computer (perhaps a couple of closets while I'm at it), get my tax information together (which is usually an eyeopener), and plan for the coming year.

The computer files are cleaned out, my figures for 2008 are with the accountant, and I'm looking toward 2009 and the months ahead with hope and anticipation.

"I'm not going to do Art Fairs this year."...WOW!...there I really said it out loud. This was a tough decision. My season last year was not that bad. Sales were pretty close to the year before but towards the end, expenses were just over the top. I didn't say 'never again'...but I will say the last year was just hard...this artist isn't getting any younger and outdoor venues are grueling.

As the season was coming to a close and I saw the writing on the wall...I wondered what I would do. This was a major source of income for me and income I depended on. Besides, once set up, I enjoyed the contact with the people.

As one door was closing another opened. In late August I was approached to do Tech Support for my website hosting service, FineArtStudioOnline. What can I say?...I absolutely love it. I was scared to death, afraid I couldn't do the job. I have learned so much and I've made connections with so many wonderful artists. It blends perfectly with my salon hours and I have my weekends free for my art...who could ask for more?

Isn't it interesting...we think we know where our lives are going. We plan, make life altering decisions, hit bumps in the road and think we have failed only to realize...it was that part of the trip that got us to where we are now. Failure isn't always as it appears...failure is doing nothing...failure is not trying.

Had I not stepped out as a 'late in life artist', seven years ago, to see if I had what it took to be at least minimally successful, I would not have this tech support position. It was my journey that provided the knowledge for the position.

So, if I'm not going to do art fairs...what then? First of all, I intend to fine tune my website and blog...post new information more consistently and build more content with better use of key words and phrases. Link more to other sites and provide more 'deep links' to my own content. And yes, be more appreciative of your efforts by being a better 'commenter' on your blogs.

I want to refine my newsletter. It's been fairly consistent, sent out around the first of the month...but I can do better. I can write a more interesting newsletter that my readers will anticipate receiving. I believe I can improve on the content.

As far as sales go. My commission work is fairly consistent as a result of my website and blog and print sales have increased since adding PayPal, (I know, you said they would).

But I still need to search out some additional venues for my original pieces. Perhaps some galleries or national exhibits...You know, where my art goes on the trip and I get to stay home.

This will take some time and research to develop properly. We'll just have to see. I will keep you posted.


PS...It feels good to be back. I missed blogging and I missed you.

"Build It and They Will Come"

In the 1989, the movie "Field of Dreams" staring Kevin Costner was a big hit. I'm sure most of you remember it. The movie was about a struggling farmer named Ray, who while walking through the cornfield, hears a voice whisper, "If you build it, he will come." He imagines a baseball field in his cornfield. Annie, his wife, is skeptical but she encourages him to follow his vision.

Ray works on the field for the next couple of days, hoping the old players will come. Neighbors stop along the road to watch and heckle as he plows under the corn. Ray waits and watches all year to see what happens...and nothing happens, leaving Ray dejected and confused.

For many artists today just venturing into the world of internet marketing...you are in essence building your own "Field of Dreams". There is much to be learned from Ray's experience.

Just as you, Ray had a dream. He plowed up his cornfield and built a regulation size baseball diamond. You ventured into unknown territory and built a website or perhaps a blog. Now you both are waiting for the people to come!

After waiting a year with no results Ray saw he was going to have to get out there and shake some bushes....let people know his "Field of Dreams" existed. You need to do the same.

You say "how do I do this?"...here's the short list.

• Put your web address on every piece of literature, on the back of each original and reproductions...always carry business cards. Talk about your website.
• Add "text" with every image you post. You need to understand, Google does not read images...it only reads text. Write about your art, and how you created it.
• Be sure to title each artwork with a keyword rich, descriptive title. "Old Train Depot in Lincoln, Illinois" is a MUCH better title (for search engines and humans) than "Trains #11."
• Submit your site to Google http://www.google.com/addurl
  
• Use a "Links" page...Ask other artists to EXCHANGE LINKS with you. When you place another artists link on your site it's a free add for them. Why should you advertise for someone who is not advertising for you? This is not personal, it's business.
  
• Submit comments to online Art Forums and Blogs
  
• Send a Newsletter...at the minimum, once a month
• Start a Blog...Every artist needs a blog. This is absolutely the best traffic driver out there.
• Blog regularly...you don't have to write well, just write. Search engines love fresh new material.
  

Marketing is difficult for most artists. We would rather be in the studio doing our craft. Some well established artists will succeed through the momentum of their art alone, while others will create websites that are only viewed by a few family members and friends.

Many artists are like Ray, in "The Field of Dreams"....They build their websites or blogs and wait to see what happens becoming frustrated and discouraged because no one comes. It doesn't have to be this way. Incorporating just a few things from the list above can change this pattern.

The Internet is just another Cornfield. It is vast and easy to get lost in. There are over 13 million blogs out there at present and over 75 thousand more being added daily. Whether you have a website, a blog, or both...a clear marketing plan is needed to let people know you exist. Marketing is time spent now that will pay off in the future.

As the Movie ends you see Ray and his father playing catch on the "Field of Dreams" and in the distance we see a long line of cars begin approaching the baseball field...people were coming to watch the game.

It took a while, but marketing my website and blog is now a habit...just part of my weekly to do list, part of my thought process. I realized that if I didn't learn how to market my art I was going to end up with a very large private collection of my own personal work! Not a desirable ending.

The three most valuable things I've done to generate traffic are my two blogs, my links page , and my monthly newsletter...in that order. It took some time to get them set up and going and 6-8 weeks to see consistent results as I waited for Google to re-index my site. I'm now experiencing a monthly increase in traffic...both new and repeat visitors. Do they all buy, no...have I had significant sales, yes.

"Build It and They Will Come"...not even in baseball! Ray had to promote his "Field of Dreams". He had to develop an interest and gather his players. THEN THEY CAME and they came from everywhere to see the game!

____________________________________

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

An Artist Lost a Sale Today...Was it you?

I may not purchase enough fine art to be called a "Collector"...but I do purchase original pieces for myself and as gifts.

I found the perfect piece today for a friend. THERE WAS NO PRICE LISTED...I will not chase an artist down to find out the price of their work.

True, the price if listed, could have been more than I wanted to spend and the sale would have been lost anyway...but don't make me contact you and wait for an answer and don't make me embarrass my self if the price is more than I can afford. Pricing your work allows me to make this decision before I contact you.

Think about it. If you were car shopping and found what you thought to be the perfect vehicle...Would you want to chase down a salesman and then wait for him to contact you with the price.

How about those new shoes or the jacket you found at the boutique. Lets just say that the clerk said she would have to contact her boss to find out the price and would send you an email in a day or so.

Tell me, is this the way you would like to shop? The situation here is no different. If you are in the retail business...and want to sell your art...pleeeeease put a price on it.

_____________________________________

• Do you still question whether you should post your prices? Are you having difficulty setting your prices? Check the links below.
  Allison Stanfield's Art Biz Blog...art pricing
  Clint Watson's FineArtViews Blog...post your prices

__________________________________

FINAL THOUGHT: Will posting prices increase your sales? I can only say this...today, it would have increased the sales of one artist in particular. Were you that artist?

Just so you know, I'm still shopping for that gift for my friend.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Recession-Proof Marketing Strategies

Times are bad...just listen to the news. Banks are failing, factories are closing, and small business are going under. Congress will be passing legislation to bail out the banks while we are left suffering the fallout.

Sounds pretty "doom and gloom" doesn't it. You know...you can either dwell in the mess and go down with it or you can change your direction a bit and forge ahead. I'm choosing to forge ahead.

The economists say that during a recession business slow to a slow crawl. You don't have to get caught up in this if you're willing to explore new venues and make some marketing changes.

How Do We Survive?

Be more creative in your marketing. Look for venues in your home town and surrounding communities that will allow you to hang your art...restaurants and up-scale hair salons are perfect for this. How about a one man show at your local library or bank lobby? Do you have a patron that would do an open house for you? Announce an "open studio" day.

We've all heard these things before...it's now more crucial than ever that you take action. Set aside one morning a week to market yourself locally.

Increase your visibility...sponsor a Literary Contest at your local High School. Get involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Sponsor an award at your local art fair, volunteer at a community outreach, be active in your church.

It's a proven fact that the consumer responds to businesses that support the greater good of the community....you need to be known locally as one of these businesses.

Another thing...we are told that consumer purchases are grinding to a halt. This just isn't true. The consumer doesn't stop buying...but they do adjust how much they are allowing themselves to spend. Therefore you need to adjust the price points you offer by creating smaller less expensive works.

I did not say...lower your prices or discount your art. This is especially true if you are in the higher end of the market. Discounting your art always raises the expectation of receiving a discount again the next time they purchase and lowers the perceived value of your work.

Try offering a 'gift with purchase'. This could be one of your smaller pieces...developed just for this purpose, or how about a Gift Certificate redeemable on their next purchase.

Update your mailing list. This is one of your greatest business assets in good times and bad. It's a proven fact...80% of your sales will be generated from 20% of your customers. It's more important than ever that you cultivate and coddle this 20% while keeping your name in front of the other 80%. If they purchased from you once they are your best bet for additional sales.

If you've let your mailing list slide...get it updated. Keep your name in front of your clients by sending a regular newsletter at the very least on a monthly basis . It doesn't have to be lengthly...give them a peek into your studio, your life as an artist, update them on new pieces and upcoming shows. Always include a photo of one of your pieces and a link to your website.

Consider Teaching...others will pay to learn the techniques you use. For decades artists have supplemented their income by teaching others. Private classes where the client receives one on one instructions are always in demand. for larger classes, contact your local library, class room space is sometimes free to those in the district.

Today's internet makes teaching even easier...if you have a video camera, record your process and present it on your blog via U-tube or Blogger...or make a CD or DVD and retail it. Consider producing an "E Book" that can be downloaded by your customer.

See how Susan Carlin is maximizing her internet exposure using video and Ustream TV.

Finally, I would tell you to GET A WEBSITE AND A BLOG. Yes, I said...BLOG! These are both inexpensive when compared to return. To learn more, read my series It's the Journey that Defines You.

Don't ever say you're too "technically challenged" to have a website. Give FineArtStudioOnline a try...sign up for their "Free Trial", you've got nothing to loose.

I will unashamedly attest to their "extraordinary artist support staff" and their willingness to help you throughout the set-up process.

___________________________________

Final Thoughts: This recession isn't going to last forever, we need to be ready when it turns around...and it will. Keep a positive attitude, stay focused on your goals, feed your creative mind and keep on producing your wonderful works of art. Play it right and we will all still be here when this crisis subsides.

God Bless this wonderful nation and it's people.

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Literary Contest
Your Greatest Business Asset
It's the Journey That Defines You
Susan Carlin's Art Journal
FineArtStudioOnline


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

It's the Journey that Defines You! (part 4)

"You've begun your journey, you have your map, and you know your destination. Myself, I'm destined for the "long road". Like many artists, I began my career later in life. I have no "Fine Arts Degree" and to top it off, I live in a small Midwestern town...right in the middle of corn country. Yet against all odds I've managed a satisfying degree of success."

On a personal note: I've been touched by everyone who sent emails and posted comments...the response to this series has been overwhelming. I believe as we share our own experiences we encourage others. Thank You

Developing Real World Marketing Strategies:
As an artist, it's my creativity and my passion for the "vision" that inspires and moves me forward. The process involved in the development of a new piece gives renewed energy and purpose. Where as the idea of "hitting the streets" with portfolio in hand to garner gallery representation can put me in a fetal position in the corner of my studio! Well...sort of.

The internet is a great marketing tool for today's artist, but it's not the only answer. If you read the blogs or websites of professional artists you will notice they are also mentioning other venues... private shows, juried exhibits, teaching, and galleries.

The truth of the mater is this...unless you get out there and promote your work you're going to end up with a huge private collection...your own "private collection" to pass on to your children. I would much rather be in my studio working, but it didn't take long to realize that I needed to get out there and personally market my art.

First things First...promotional and presentation materials:

• Business Cards and Brochures...I designed and printed my own for my first few exhibits, keeping them simple and professional. My first brochure was a half page...It had a photo of my art on the front, with a short bio. and artist statement on the back.
• Presentation of your art...all original art should be properly matted and framed, unless using deep edged canvas. Prints need to be either in mats or mounted, and packaged in clear bags for protection.
  
• This is your introduction to your public...present yourself and your art as professionally as your budget will allow.

Exhibiting at Juried Art Fairs:
1. A good starting point...join a local art club. My first exhibits were group exhibits held by the art club I belonged to. Exhibiting with others was a secure feeling. I could test the waters without a huge investment and get feedback from the public. I made connections with other artists that proved helpful when I began doing my own shows.

2. Preparing for my first "solo" art fair...Where better to find out the truth about the art fair circuit than from an art fair exhibitor. I spent the summer before my first show going to juried art fairs close to home. I was not there to see the art but there to see how the art was displayed.

I "tent shopped", checked out displays, packaging of prints, framing, quality of art being shown, and in general how the artists set up their area for traffic flow. I asked questions, made notes, getting names of suppliers for display materials I thought I might want to use the following season, and a list of other recommended art fairs.

• Local Art Fair Listings: Every state has a registry for arts and craft fairs. You can usually contact them for a free catalog or view a list on line...a good place to start.
  
• CraftLister.com...Art Fair Source Book...Art Fair Calendar are national registries for juried and non juried fine art and fine craft venues.

Juried Art Fairs have proven to be both an excellent source of income and exposure. I was careful of my set up costs and able to pay it off with my first summers income. Hundreds, of people pass through my both each weekend. They look at, touch, and talk about my art. They're able to make a deeper connection with my drawings as I answer their question and explain the process and inspiration for my work. It's a personal connection.

Sales for the most part have been good. I read somewhere that 80% of your sales will come from 10% of your shows...and this has proven to be true. I book most of my portrait commissions during the summer months as a direct result of my art fairs. I build my mailing list and get names of those interested in classes. For me it's been a win win experience.

Creative Marketing:
1. Specialty Shows...I once raised and showed Standard Schnauzers...there's usually a vender's area at these shows, selling breed specific items, and there was always at least one person offering commissioned portraits and selling prints.

If you specialize in a subject such as dogs, cats, horses...this could be a good venue to try. Thinking "out of the box". How about wedding shows, home shows, or antique car shows?

2. Talk to business owners about hanging your work in their establishments. Good venues for this would be car dealerships, libraries, furniture stores, interior decorators, frame shops, banks, hair salons, and restaurants. With some thought, I'm sure you could come up with even more.

• Have a portfolio and a plan for each call you make.
• Be ready to explain how your exhibit will benefit them.
• For some you could just do a "hanging"...bringing in new pieces every few months.
• For others you could present the idea of doing an "opening night" to meet the artist...with invitations and refreshments.
  

3. Plan a "Private Showing". Consider doing a private show from your studio...it could be just the excuse needed to get it de-cluttered! Your patrons enjoy seeing your work space. You could even leave out a partially finished piece. It's spring...plan a garden party. One of my artist friends had a very successful one man show at a "collectors" home.

Bonnie Luria of St. Croix-nicity converted her breezeway into a beautiful gallery setting for a one evening show. Be creative in your thinking. A large invitation list is wonderful, but not a necessity. JUST GET YOUR ART OUT THERE TO BE SEEN...as your reputation grows so will your sales.

4. Email and "Snail Mail" Marketing...I know this sounds like "Internet Marketing" but I would rather refer to it as "Personal Marketing". I purchased a piece of jewelry from an artist two years ago. I receive a note from her twice a year...around the Christmas Holidays and again in the spring to let me know her show schedule. She is a wonderful artist and I've worn the earrings often, yet I would have forgotten about her had she not done this one thing.

Court your clientele...by regularly communicating with those who have shown an interest in your art or have made a purchase. In order to do this you need to have an organized mailing list.

Clint Watson of Fine Art Views has some of the best information I've seen on the subject of email marketing...and you can learn how I conquered my mailing list challenge here.

In closing I would say this...Marketing is not my favorite thing to do. Like you, I'm an artist first...I'd rather be in the studio making art. As for the marketing end of things, it was the learning curve that got me...I simply had to figure out how to make it palatable.

Is it easier today than six months ago? Yes. Has it been worth the time it took away from creating my art? Absolutely Yes!

"It's The Journey That Defines You." Internet marketing alone will not get you there, but combined with a good real world marketing plan and done consistently your journey will become much easier.

Success is no accident...Success is hard work...Success is sweet!

This article continues here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3


Links:
Marsha Robinett Fine Art...website
My Squidoo...drawing techniques


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209)
and extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

It's the Journey that Defines You! (part 3)

"At a minimum today's artist needs a website and a blog. Your website is your online "gallery" where collectors and others interested in your art can view your works in an organized manner.

The major difference between a website and a blog is that a website needs to be promoted to be seen. Blogs on the other hand are like the "Energizer Bunny"...with the ability to announce themselves and keep on doing so with every posted update you make."

Link your blog to your website and like magic it will pull your website right along with it."

Don't Be Left Sitting on the Curb.
The above quote is from part one of this series...I put it in front of you because you need to read it again...you need to digest it, you need to believe it, and you need to do it.

The internet is here to stay. Businesses, large and small, are making their presence known to the world. Why should you as an artist be left behind? In the right hand column there's a list of marketing blogs for artists...they all say the same thing "Today's artist needs a website and a blog".

I'm just guessing, but I'll bet if you are familiar and comfortable with computers you already have a website. It's those of you who don't know how to do much more than send an email or do a simple web search that find the idea of setting up a website overwhelming.

I've been there, I was you. I exhibited my art for the first time in the summer of 2004. At every art fair as I passed out my brochure, people ask about my website. I told my friends that just hearing the word WEBSITE was a threat...and they told me I needed to get over it. I have brutally honest friends!

I spent every evening for the better part of two months searching the internet, looking at artist websites and web hosting services. I looked at so many sites that I had to start cataloging them.

The artist websites that I found most pleasing to the eye were all from the same web hosting service...Fine Art Studio On Line.

Developing a web presence that works:
The following is my "personal journey" into the world of internet marketing...the steps I took and the resulting growth in visitors to my website.

1. In late October of 2005 I set up my website. I chose FASO (Fine Art Studio Online) for two simple reasons.

• I loved the websites other artists had developed. They may have chosen different layouts and color schemes but they all had one thing in common...THEIR ART WAS THE FOCUS. There were no advertisements and nothing jumping around at you.
  
• FASO offerd 24/7 Technical Support. This was a huge deal for me. I even contacted several artists to verify that this was true...I needed the security of knowing there were "real people" to talk to. Remember, I barely knew how to email!

The basic set up went smoothly...I had a few questions but on the whole I have to say the instructions are clear and everything went quite well. Any questions I had were answered promptly...and YES there are real people if you need them! Very pleasant real people!

The Results...after all my friends and relatives did their "look see", things calmed down to where by December 'o5, I had 46 real visitors/with 510 page views. I was so excited...people I didn't know were actually looking at my work. Google had my name!

Traffic dropped off in Feb-May and then took a jump again when my art fair season began in June of '06. When my art fairs ended traffic dropped again drastically. The reality of it was this...I was no longer out there promoting my website!

2. In the April of '07 I set up the blog that was integrated into my website...calling it simply "My Studio Journal". This blog was part of my website package and had been there all along, but I never fully comprehended it's importance.

The Results...my monthly website traffic for May increased to 261 visitors/3271 page views and continued to increase monthly. December totals for '07 were 580 visitors/7721 page views compared to December of '06 (27 visitors/346 page views) ...close to 300% increase!

• I need to say this...In the beginning I wasn't a good blogger nor was I a faithful blogger. You can read more about my beginnings here.

3. In January of '08 I set up my first "Squidoo Lens" Squidoo is a website hosting hundreds of thousands of web pages called "lenses". Each lens is one person's look at something online. It's FREE and totally non-techy. I first became familiar with Squidoo on Katherine Tyrrell's website, Making a Mark, when I clicked on her Artist Resources link.

My Squidoo Lens, Drawing Techniques: using carbon, charcoal, and graphite, is just a baby compared to the information for artists found in Katherine's lens. Here's what I did.

• I chose the subject I'm ask about most by my customers.
• I kept it simple,concise and interesting.
• I linked back to my website and blog liberally and I put links to my new Squidoo Lens on my website and blog.
  
• Most importantly...I included the "module" on my lens that contains an RSS feed. This means that every time I update my blog my Squidoo Lens is also updated with a link to my new article. This not only keeps my "lens" fresh in the eyes of search engines but sends people back to my blog to read the article!
  

The Results...To date, in three months, there have been 1127 visitors to my lens. In the past 30 days the "most important" stats are as follows.

Visitors coming directly from: My Website...38, from The Extraordinary Pencil, blogspot...128, visitors, as a direct result of blog articles I've written, clicking the provided Squidoo Link...45

Clickouts...Squidoo visitors clicking on links back to my website and blog: In the last 30 days alone there have been....246 clickouts to my Website and 105 clickouts to my Blogspot.

The beauty of my squidoo lens is this...I never have to do another thing to it. It updates regularly via the RSS feed from my blog just keeps sending people my way through the links I provided. It just sits there working for me.

4. In February of '08...I set up an additional blog (outside my website) with Blogger...giving me yet another web presence. I'm not going into great detail here because by now you should be getting the picture of how linking to yourself delivers. But I will tell you this, since The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot went on line, the page views on my website, Marsha Robinett Fine Art, have increased to over 12,000 per month.

I still post in regularly in My Studio Blog that is integrated into my website because it keeps my website updated and the search engines love fresh material.

I give you this information to encourage you.
To prove to you that someone who once considered the word "Website" a threat can do this. I could have used percentages instead of actual figures but I wanted you to feel the impact as real as I did, as I took these steps forward.

I'm not going to feed you a line and say this was all quick and simple. None of it was as difficult as I thought but it does take time to do it right.

• Once your website is set up, you need to upload your new works regularly and update your "About The Artist" page to keep it current...otherwise, unless you desire to make changes, your website is fairly maintenance free.
  
• Your Blog...I'm of the opinion that you should post at least once a week, two or three times is better. This could be as simple as a photo of your art and a short explanation of how you did it or what it means to you.
• Squidoo...if you decide to do this...keep in mind, it's not a "stand alone" answer. It doesn't take the place of either your website or blog. It compliments them.

The Secret is This...link to yourself.
On my website in the center of the home page is a link to The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot and my squidoo lens has it's own topic on My Studio Blog. On my blogspot, close to the top in the side bar, are links to my website, and squidoo lens. On my squidoo lens, people are referred back to my website and blog. It's just that simple.

In addition...every newsletter, every email, and every blog post now have links to my sites at the bottom. As you can see I keep my "E Bunny" hoppin!

Note: Your Google ranking, your page views, and the number of visitors to your website will in time increase sales but cannot replace a personal contact with your customer base.

In the final part of this series I'm going talk about this and the importance of "Real World Marketing Strategies".


Remember, it's the Journey that defines you.

• Are you prepared?
• Do you know your destination?
  
• What do you need to do to get there?
• Why are you waiting?

This article continues here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 4


Links:
Marsha Robinett Fine Art...website
My Squidoo...drawing techniques


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209)
and extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

It's the Journey that Defines You! (part 2)

In Part One of this series I compared developing an art career to taking a road trip. I touched on preparing for your destination, the importance of having a map and the need to stay focused. You've had a few days to consider your art career. It's now time to start preparing for your journey. Lets get started.

Preparation is Key:
Whether you're just beginning your art career or you're a seasoned professional preparing for a gallery opening... inadequate preparation is opening the door to failure.

For the seasoned professional artist, you've achieved many of your goals and gone on to set new ones...don't forget the good habits that got you here.

If you're a college student majoring in art, I envy you...absorb all you can, knowing that you will be getting on the road to success closer to your destination than many of us.

For those of you without professional training who are "thinking about", "dreaming about", or wondering "could I really" become an artist...I say, choose your destination, get out your map and start planning your trip!


The "To Do" list for Your Journey
1. Make a Conscious Decision...Say to yourself everyday, "I am an artist".
You have to believe you're an artist before anyone else will believe. Get the image into your head, make it part of your being. Develop and fine tune your vision...we generally get, in some fashion, what we think about and focus on most. It simply works.

2. Refresh and Fine Tune Your Skills:
Knowledge builds confidence. Depending on your level of skill, search out appropriate art education. There are online communities that will critique your work...join them and submit regularly. In 'part one' of this series and I gave you links to the two online forums I found most helpful. (see additional links below)

Take some basic drawing classes...regardless of your medium, drawing teaches you to see. And there is a tremendous difference between seeing and looking. Get on the web and find artists whose work you admire and ask questions. If they offer classes, sign up. I take a class or workshop two or three times a year...returning each time to my drawing board with renewed enthusiasm.

Join an art club, get together with other artists in your area. Once a month I meet with a group of painters...sometimes I paint but most times I draw. The exchange of ideas from others who see the way you see is exhilarating. Don't have a group in your area? Start one.

READ...there are lots of instructional art books by great artists crammed full of information. Most book stores today have a reading area or coffee shop where you can sit and browse before you purchase or...not. Many artists who write books also offer workshops. Some of my favorite books on drawing and watercolor are listed under the topic... Artist Resources.

What ever your medium is...make a schedule, setting aside creative time for your art...and don't let anyone or anything steal it away from you. There will be exceptions but when exceptions become the rule, you need to reevaluate...finding a schedule that is workable.

3. Create an Artist's Statement:
You may think it is a little soon for this, but it will give you strength for the journey ahead, define your goals, maintain your focus, and help you explain your work to others. For now your artist statement needs to simply explain who you are, what your art is about, and what you want it to say.

Asking a few simple questions can help you decide what to write: WHY do I draw? WHAT do I draw? WHERE do I get my ideas? WHO do I want to touch with my work. (At this stage, your artist statement is for your benefit) It will be revised many times in the next few months before it's presented to the public.

4. Develop a Plan:
To start with, on the back of your artist statement, make a list of achievable short-term and medium-term goals, creating a time line. It could be as simple as "taking a workshop" or "setting aside studio time each week"...to researching and planning a "small exhibition for friends in 12 months to unveil your new career as an artist".

Identify and list some steps for achieving each goal: noting the deadline for your workshop and making necessary travel plans, scheduling your weekly studio time, or preparing for your first exhibition...finding a venue, framing, designing invitations, contracting caterers, arranging for music.

Your "Artist Statement" and "Goals" are powerful tools...mine are always close at hand. In fact I keep a copy in my billfold.

5. Build a Strong, Cohesive Body of Work:
Start producing "frame worthy" pieces on high quality paper or canvas. You'll need 20 to 30 works in a style, medium, and subject matter that distinguishes you from other artists in some way.

If you work in more than one medium, select one to move forward with. You need to be recognizable if you want to get peoples attention. Galleries expect to see continuity in their artists work. Art Fairs are more tolerant but will charge a premium if you're showing more than one medium in your booth.


Well, I think this is enough to keep you busy for awhile. Remember...don't rush things, it's one step at a time. Take it slow, enjoy the journey and never, never give up on you!

Part 3 is next....Developing a Web Presence That Works.

This article continues here: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4


Links:
Carol's Drawing Club ...Scribble Talk ...artist forums
Wet Canvas...Art Papa ...artist forums
Books on Watercolor...Books on Drawing

Marsha Robinett Fine Art...website
My Squidoo...drawing techniques


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209)
and extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

It's the Journey that Defines You! (part 1)

I remember taking family vacations when my daughter was young. She would wear us out asking "Daddy are we almost there?" We finally gave her a map and a marker and every time we passed a city she put a mark on her map. Of course then she wanted to know.."How much longer to the next town!"

Developing an art career is very similar to taking a road trip:
You have to make plans for your destination and you need a map to get there. You have to keep focused on the map and the road ahead. If you get lost or take too many side trips, arriving at your destination will take longer. If you don't pay close attention to others while you're driving, you could crash and not make it at all.

Don't rush things:
I know sometimes it seems like others always get the breaks. But in truth some artists simply get on the "road" closer to the destination. A fine arts degree would certainly do this for you, so would living in a large metropolitan area or having connections with other successful artists.

Many artists, including myself, are starting at the beginning. If you want to succeed you must have a plan...your plan is the "map" for your journey.

Hone your skills, build a cohesive body of work, and get feed back from others in your field. If like me there's nothing in your area, check out some of the many art forums on the internet...Wet Canvas and Art Papa are just two. You can view the work of others and post your own art for critique. Posting in forums will also help you develop a web identity.

If you have no formal education in the field of art, some classes from a local Art Club or Center for the Arts might be helpful. I also took workshops from well known artists in my field. Like many artists, I had a natural talent but it needed to be refined and stretched. Just being with other artists gave me a high!

Develop a web presence. At a minimum today's artist needs a website and a blog. Your website is your online "gallery" where collectors and others interested in your art can view your works in an organized manner.

The major difference between a website and a blog is that a website needs to be promoted to be seen. Blogs on the other hand are like the "Energizer Bunny"...with the ability to announce themselves and keep on doing so with every posted update you make.

Link your blog to your website and like magic it will pull your website right along with it! Or better yet get a website with an integrated blog.

Develop other "real world" marketing strategies. This is a topic on it's own...but for now, think about how you will get your art out there in front of people? I suggest you start locally...by joining an area art club...they usually have two or three exhibits each year. Check out the Juried Art Fairs in your area. Talk to business owners about hanging your work in their establishments. You could plan a private showing...inviting friends and business associates. Work on building your mailing list...getting both email and snail mail addresses.

Stay focused on the road ahead:
You've begun your journey, you have your map, and you know your destination. Myself, I'm destined for the "long road". Like many artists, I began my career later in life. I have no "Fine Arts Degree" and to top it off, I live in a small Midwestern town...right in the middle of corn country. Yet against all odds I've managed a satisfying degree of success.

Imagine if this were a real road trip, you wouldn't just quit 300 miles from home. You would at least try to get somewhere. True, you might stop for gas and to stretch your legs...checking your map for accuracy, and gather your thoughts. But you would get back on the road again until you reached your destination.

"Daddy are we almost there?"
Your career as an artist is a journey. The gift of the journey is what you see, experience, and learn along the way. These experiences build your confidence and hone your craft.

It's one thing to read about another artists climb to success but nothing can replace living the artist's life as you travel your own road to success. There are sure to be some pot holes and speed bumps along the way. You'll know you're making progress by the milestones and landmarks you pass as you mark your own achievements.

Remember, it's the Journey that defines you.

• Are you prepared?
• Do you know your destination?
  
• What do you need to do to get there?
• Why are you waiting?

This article continues here: Part 2, Part 3, Part 4


Links:
Wet Canvas...Art Papa...artist forums
Art Marketing Links...other articles of interest

Marsha Robinett Fine Art...website
My Squidoo...drawing techniques


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209)
and extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Feed Know How... for the FEED frazzled

Does this sound familiar...while drinking your morning coffee and surfing the net you find a great site, and you have full intentions of coming back to take a really good look right after you take the kids to school.

You get back to the computer and guess what...you can't find that mind blowing site. It's like it just vanished off the face of the earth!

There's a quick remedy for this...it's called RSS.

If you're an active internet user all the content is sometimes hard to keep up with. You want to know when a favorite site updates it's information. Your bookmark bar is great for some things but for regular updates it makes you do all the running!

RSS is automatic...it brings fresh information from your favorite websites to you, rather than you going to the web, or scanning through your search history.

What does RSS mean? I'll bet you're ready for some real technical stuff here! Not from me, I'm not that technically savvy. RSS is most referred to as "Really Simple Syndication", but it actually stands for Rich Site Summary. Oprah even has her own name for it..."Ready for Some Stories".

Either way, it really is just that, "Really Simple Syndication". Why? Because it's an easy way for information that appears on your favorite websites to be regularly delivered to your computer in organized files, ready to read at your convince....kind of like the way the paper boy delivers the morning paper, but unlike the paper...its a FREE subscription!

When you "subscribe" to an RSS feed, you are simply telling that blog or website..."Yes please, send me your story headlines." It's like subscribing to your favorite magazine or newspaper, only instead of getting the whole magazine you will get just the headlines. If you find a particular headline interesting, click on it and like magic...you'll be sent the whole article. How perfect is this?

Let me say it again, It's Free! Just look for the word "subscribe" or "the RSS icon" on this blog or any other blog/website.

There are two places to look for a site's feed.
1. In Your Browser...You can typically find these RSS symbols or text links in your browser window, in the address bar or just to the right and below the address bar. (See the orange icon shown above.)

2. On the Site...Over the last few years you may have noticed a lot of little buttons and widgets appearing on your favorite blogs. Links called RSS, XML, ATOM, little Orange Buttons, "counters", and the list goes on. (see photo to left) These can usually be found on the sides of the website page, or at the bottom of the page. Once you know what you're looking for its easy to find.

Because nothing is standard on the web many of you are using not only different operating systems (Mac vs. PC), but you are also using different flavored browsers like Internet Explorer, and Firefox. The way to get an RSS reader will be dependent on what Browser you like to use and how you like to receive and organize your feeds.

Just like there are different flavors of browsers, there are also different flavors of RSS XML feeders like RSS 1.0, RSS 2.0, and Atom. Again, the flavors are only important if you want to be a techie...and if that's the case you don't need my advise. If you will just stick to looking for an RSS symbol like I have shown you above, you will do just fine.

Now here's where I'm going to hand you over to the professionals. Below you will find links to very easy instructions on how to Setup and Subscribe to Feeds...by people who know a great deal more than I and can explain it much better.

1. For "Firefox" users...How to set up Google Reader

• Note: Google Reader is a breeze when using FireFox. You can download FireFox Free and still keep your current browser on your computer as I did.
  

2. For "Internet Explore7" users...The FEED lesson

• Note: From my understanding Internet Explorer 6 is difficult if not impossible to use with Google Reader.
  

I'd like to leave you with this thought:
Now that you know how feeds work, did you ever wonder who's subscribing to your site feed? Collectors and Galleries use feeds regularly to keep abreast of the new works of artist they are interested in. Clint Watson says it like this.

Is your website and blog "feed ready"? As a collector could I subscribe and be updated each time you post a new work?


Links:
How to set up Google Reader....Firefox setup instructions
The FEED lesson....Internet Explorer 7 setup instructions
Clint Watson talks about the importance of feeds for today's artist
FireFox Free Download

Marsha Robinett Fine Art....website
My Squidoo


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209) and
extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment