Carolyn Edlund Blogs

Interior designer and author Bea Pila is focused on spaces that bring peace and relaxation into our lives. She explains her concept and how she does it. You say that you design "sacred spaces" - how would you define that? And how does this influen... 

Interested in pursuing opportunities in the wholesale marketplace? Join us for a one-day intensive workshop for artists and makers. Co-sponsored by Assets for Artists, MASS MoCA and The Arts Business Institute, this Wholesale Intensive Workshop wi... 

Guest blogger Jeff Mueller has used social media extensively to further his career as an artist. He shares his strategies, frustrations and results. For artists, social media is a different animal compared to how it functions for regular online b... 

by guest blogger Terri Lloyd Running a non-profit arts collective for the past five years, I have pretty much done it all and seen it all. When you found a non-profit collective, you wind up being the go-to person for pretty much everything and... 

Artist and author Nikolas Allen shares his experience with crowdsourcing, and the insights it can provide. Artists often create work in a vacuum, then put it on display and hope their audience likes it. For the most part, this works fine because, ... 

by Carolyn Edlund The lazy summer vacation season is ending, and it’s time to get serious about building your art business. Join me for one of these in-person learning events. I’ll be speaking at these upcoming Fall 2015 workshops on topics of ... 

by guest blogger Melissa Dowell What does it take to take a product idea all the way to the mass market? Melissa Dowell shares her experience. In 2013, I launched a Kickstarter campaign for a product idea I had. The idea was simple: to create a... 

by Carolyn Edlund Renting artwork to individuals or businesses is an opportunity available to artists. Have you ever considered it? I recently spoke with Samantha Ward, who is the Artist Relations Manager at Easely about this interesting twist ... 

by guest blogger Cindy Grisdela Would you like to have your art shown in the U.S. Embassy in Paris or Moscow, Ankara or Budapest? It’s easier to do than you might imagine. Since 1963, the U.S. State Department has run a program called Art in Em... 

By Carolyn Edlund There is recent news out about copyright infringement, and none of it is good. But, the upside is that there is something you can do about it. You will need to take action now. First, and most grievous, is proposed legislation... 

by Carolyn Edlund Is your art business about to pass away? Here are some reasons why your sales may be dying. Non-existent Website. At this point in time, if you don’t have an art website, there is simply no excuse. You are invisible to virtual... 

by Carolyn Edlund Selling some artwork? Soliciting a commission? Looking for representation? Know before you go. I’ve talked with many artists who are searching for opportunities to grow their businesses, and I certainly encourage that. It’s sm... 

by guest blogger Kate Ashton Need help in marketing and promoting your art? Consider these options and see if any of them are a fit for your small business. You’ve probably heard the old adage, but living as an artist is an actual career option... 

Guest blogger Emily Danchuk is an intellectual property attorney and founder of Copyright Collaborative, which is designed to educate, empower and unionize artists in the fight against copyright theft. Part Two: The Relationship That Keeps On Tak... 

by Carolyn Edlund Join us for a free webinar on July 7th, 2015 that addresses the biggest marketing mistakes that artists make, and how to resolve them now. Whether you’ve been selling your art for a while, or just getting started, undoubtedly ... 

by Carolyn Edlund I recently had a conversation with Ashwin Muthiah, CEO of Easely, on the topic of artists talking about their work. Here are some ideas on discussing your work with prospective clients. Carolyn: Since art does not sell itself,... 

by Carolyn Edlund You’ve seen them: food packages with a photograph on the front and the words “suggested serving” that idealize that frozen macaroni or can of corn you are considering. Showing the use of a product is smart marketing, and artists ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Do you currently have a marketing plan? Is it working for you? Why are you marketing your art? Your answer might be “To make sales of my work.” And that is definitely a goal that can spur you into marketing activities. But ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Back in the early 1980’s, I applied and was accepted to my very first retail fair, the Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is currently a highly respected show and at that time was considered a great v... 

by guest blogger Kelly Heck 4 Marketing Techniques YOU Can Use to Boost Your Web Presence 1. Your work is pretty… now what? You have an amazing portfolio to share with the world. You set up a website with your artistry, your bio, and an onli... 

by guest blogger Andy Derrick of ArtSquare Four reasons why your digital portfolio isn’t helping you the way it should. Engaging effectively in the digital world is now more essential than ever to be a successful artist— and after countless con... 

by Carolyn Edlund Years ago, my friend and tennis instructor Rick offered some sage advice. He said, “If you want to improve your game, make sure the person on the other side of the net is better than you. Play up.” “Playing up” challenges us t... 

by Carolyn Edlund Artist Joyce Huntington was chosen as a winner in the Manhattan Arts International Healing Power of Art competition. Her work is included in their online exhibition, which you can see here. She was chosen to receive additional re... 

by Carolyn Edlund In a recent conversation with my friend Ashwin Muthiah, CEO of Easely, we broached the subject of artists, portfolios and presentation. Carolyn: I think every artist can name others they know who have elevated their businesses... 

by Carolyn Edlund Amazon is launching a new “Handmade” marketplace to compete against Etsy, which went public in mid-April. Although it’s too early to tell which way things will fall, events are happening at a rapid pace that may affect the out... 

Most every artist deals with some level of fear, manifesting itself in a variety of ways. Fear often drives behavior, most of which is destructive to your art business. Some of these are: Fear that your work isn’t good enough. Can you even call... 

Glassblower and guest blogger Jake Pfeifer grew a solid business selling his work. Here’s his story and best advice for other new entrepreneurs. Creating glass art pieces is my life’s work. I have known this since I was 14, when I visited an open... 

by Carolyn Edlund I recently spoke with my friend Ashwin Muthiah about ways to improve online sales. As the CEO of Easely, he works with artists every day to sell their work. He shared some tips to help you avoid mistakes and increase customer eng... 

Guest blogger Emily Danchuk is an intellectual property attorney and founder of Copyright Collaborative, which is designed to educate, empower and unionize artists in the fight against copyright theft. Part One: Onboarding with Anthropologie, Wes... 

by Carolyn Edlund Painter Carroll Swayze has a long and accomplished history as a successful artist and leader in the arts community. As an experiment, she studied the realities of running her small business. We spoke about her experience and the ... 

by guest blogger Connie Mettler What is America’s Best Art Fair? Anyone reading this is invested in the business of creating and selling art. Artists have opportunities to share their best shows, but who asks the art buyers? Art Fair Calendar’s... 

by Carolyn Edlund Swedish artist David Sandum has a compelling story to tell about overcoming depression through his creative work as an artist. I interviewed him about his journey and his newly published book. AS: Your new book I’ll Run Till ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Recently I spoke with a woman who told me how frustrated she was trying to write about herself as an artist. She said: “I’m not sure what to say. I know all about my art, but what do others need to know? I’m a visual artist, not ... 

Guest blogger Jessica Marie Boehman shares her experience and resources to protect yourself and your art from theft. The only way protect your artworks completely is to keep them locked away in your studio. If no one sees it, no one can copy it. A... 

by Carolyn Edlund A recent trip to a Florida arts festival revealed artists using signage in different ways to catch the eye and interest of shoppers. Have you ever had trouble standing out in a crowded show? Using signs in your booth is a grea... 

Artsy Shark needs 36 new artists to feature and promote in the coming months. Featured artists are juried through submissions, which are now being accepted. Deadline is midnight, April 10, 2015. Visual artists in any medium who would like to be co... 

by Carolyn Edlund Has this happened to you? You’ve met people who absolutely love your artwork. It might be at an exhibit or a fair, or perhaps at a social event when you share an image of your art on your smartphone. They rave about your art, ... 

by Carolyn Edlund This article is part of an occasional series of conversations with my friend Ashwin Muthiah of Easely about selling art more effectively. This time we had more of a brainstorming session on how artists can get really creative abo... 

by Carolyn Edlund Not long ago, I spoke with an artist who was in an intense planning and transition phase in her business. She had lots of work to do, both in her studio and home office. She needed long stretches of time to focus on growing her p... 

by Carolyn Edlund There’s a big world out there full of people who shop at discount stores to buy “wall décor” and who purchase mass-produced disposable goods. They don’t buy original art or fine craft. They aren’t your customers, and that’s OK. Y... 

by Carolyn Edlund Lisa Ober of OA Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri has some creative ideas on ways that artists can work together with galleries to promote and sell. OA Gallery has become known as one of their city’s best destinations for represen... 

by Carolyn Edlund Online art sales are growing explosively, and gallery websites that sell art are increasing in number. Just check out Artsy Shark’s Directory of 250+ Places to Sell Art Online to see many of them. But how do these sites get start... 

by Carolyn Edlund There are ways to approach the press that don’t work and lead to frustration. But how can you make those connections that get results? Understand what is newsworthy. The press needs good stories to publish, on many topics. ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Are you making this huge mistake when reaching out to the press? Here’s how to take the right approach for better results. As an art blogger who publishes frequent business articles and features, I’ve been a “press member” for... 

by Carolyn Edlund Enhance the buying experience by providing your collectors with unexpected service. This is the second in an occasional series of articles on conversations I’ve had with my friend Ashwin Muthiah. He is the founder of Easely, a... 

Artsy Shark presents artists at work in the studio or on location, doing what they love. We asked them, “Why do you create?” 

by Carolyn Edlund Canadian photographer Michael Winsor is highly successful with e-commerce, making online sales of his work on a daily basis. Does he have a secret? Michael Winsor is a soft-spoken artist who doesn’t give the impression of some... 

by Carolyn Edlund Interested in participating in an online art exhibition? These two opportunities are available now! I’d like to invite readers to consider submitting their art to either or both of these upcoming competitions. If your work is ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Interested in licensing your artwork? Art Licensing Show is a new website where artists, clients and agents can connect and do business. Artsy Shark interviews Cherish Flieder, who founded the site. AS: How does your busine... 

Guest blogger Barbara Klar shares a life-changing experience and thoughts on critique and growth. I first saw Artwear while I was dragging a suitcase full of jewelry that I had made around SoHo back in the early 1980’s. I was looking for other jew... 

Interested in getting some high-profile exposure through a television episode about yourself as an artist? Read on. Colour In Your Life (CIYL) is a television show based in Australia that presents and promotes visual artists. It was originally dev... 

by Carolyn Edlund Join me in St. Louis, Missouri in February for a workshop on marketing and selling your artwork! The Greater St. Louis Art Association is presenting a comprehensive two-day business workshop for artists on February 21-22, 2015... 

by Carolyn Edlund There’s a lot of information out there on how to sell art on Instagram, with complex instructions. These two young developers simply created a super-easy way to do it. I recently found out about Spreesy, a new website launched... 

Artsy Shark asked some photographer friends to share a favorite image from their portfolio and tell us why they feel it’s special. Many of them have portfolios on Fine Art America! They share their picks and tell why they love them. Which are your... 

by Carolyn Edlund Want to sell more of your artwork online? Make sure you have these essentials covered. This is the first in an occasional series of articles on conversations that I’ve had with my friend Ashwin Muthiah. He is the founder of Ea... 

by Carolyn Edlund Join us on a studio tour, where we asked our artist friends, “What inspires you? How do you express your creativity through your art?” 

by guest blogger McKenna Hallett You don’t have a lot of say about your exposure when it comes to using third-party sites. Here’s how to take back control. Have you been watching the changes? It was about a year ago that Facebook made a bunch o... 

by Carolyn Edlund Online art sales are mainstream now. Are you taking advantage of this opportunity? When surfing channels recently, I clicked on HGTV. I settled back, waiting to go into a coma watching people deciding whether to renovate their... 

Guest blogger Jenni Ward is an artist with a track record of museum exhibitions. She shares her thoughts on how artists can create “luck” for themselves. You know that moment when you have an amazing thing happen to you in your art career and you ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Many artist websites show artwork without prices. Is this a good idea or a losing proposition?  

by Carolyn Edlund Planning to sell your art into new markets? Consider whether your work fits into this lucrative niche. What happens when a hand thrown lidded ceramic vessel is sold as a cremation urn rather than as a decorative or functional ... 

Here’s the lineup of Artsy Shark’s most popular articles on the business of art this year. Enjoy, and share! Sell Your Art Into the Corporate Market http://www.artsyshark.com/2014/04/22/sell-your-art-into-the-corporate-market/ Put Your Busines... 

Why is abstract art so fascinating? Eleven artists share their work and their inspiration. Enjoy! 

by Carolyn Edlund Want to increase your show sales? Use these methods to draw shoppers in and convert them to customers. 1. Present a cohesive collection – organize work that goes together. Use a variety of price points to appeal to different s... 

Guest blogger Judith HeartSong shares how an art community is built – and her idea to help you start your own. Salon – an Artful Conversation is a monthly meeting of artists, writers, and arts professionals who come together to bond, network, and ... 

Artsy Shark needs 36 new artists to feature and promote in the coming months. Interested in being featured? Deadline is midnight, December 19, 2014. Visual artists in any medium who would like to submit their work for consideration to become a fe... 

by Carolyn Edlund Artist Nettie Price moved from selling only original paintings into a full-time thriving business, using strategies to appeal to different markets with different formats. Here’s how she did it. Recently, I visited a gift shop ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Confused or frustrated dealing with images of your artwork? ArtSquare provides a great solution for artists. I recently found out about ArtSquare and an amazing service they provide which is perfect for readers of Artsy Shark.... 

Artsy Shark presents a photo article featuring the work of artists who focus on the human figure, and portraiture. Enjoy and share! 

by Carolyn Edlund The other evening I had dinner with two artists. One was visiting the area, searching for galleries that might be a good fit for her work. I introduced her to the second artist, who had a working relationship with a local gallery... 

by guest blogger Anne Dalton Congratulations! You have achieved your heart’s desire. Your work has been accepted into the gallery of your choice. OH NO! You drop by to admire your work and….find a sign on the door that says “out of business – bank... 

by Carolyn Edlund Rowan Rose and Charles Hughes of Hughes Pottery raised almost twice their crowdfunding goal. I recently spoke with Rowan on their strategies, and how other artists can do it, too. AS: You had a plan to do a wholesale trade sh... 

An infographic celebrating the joys of being an artist. Click to view. 

by guest blogger Emily Danchuk Is there no end to the rip-offs being perpetrated on artists? My mother, Cindy, is pretty good at rug hooking. Once in a while, she sees a pattern or a design created by someone else, makes her own similar patt... 

by guest blogger Chris Davies With the online art market growing by 20% each year, it’s no surprise many creatives find selling art online so lucrative. And with sites such as Artfinder, Artsy, Etsy and even Shopify steadily replacing galleries as... 

by guest blogger Mckenna Hallett Are you ready? The holiday season will be here in a snap. Are you going to bundle up some great gift ideas, put together a campaign, and capture multiple sales for your art business? You can do this. You may thi... 

Cities can be hectic, sometimes gritty, always bustling and exciting. These artists share their unique impressions of life downtown in this look at Urban Art. 

by Guest blogger Maria Scrivan “Many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison The word “rejection” always seems to have a negative connotation. Just because something... 

by Carolyn Edlund In order to buy, customers need to see consistency in your body of work, and in your marketing efforts. The other day I spoke with a new consulting client and asked her why she decided to schedule an appointment. She said, “We... 

Artists have always painted landscapes. Artsy Shark celebrates the diversity of styles, colors and ideas that our artist friends use in their own interpretations of this popular theme. 

by Carolyn Edlund Want to bring customers and interested prospects to your art website again and again? Want to increase sales of your work? You need an email marketing program in your toolkit. The Artsy Shark Success Guide to Email Marketing for ... 

by Carolyn Edlund Looking to increase sales of your art? Then you are most likely trying to drive traffic to your website. But what happens then? I frequently review artist websites and take a close look at the experience they are providing for... 

by Carolyn Edlund Your level of commitment to professionalism defines you as an artist, and it has a ripple effect on every part of your business. It’s human nature. Things happen. Life can be hard. And second chances often exist. But the botto... 

Color inspires, excites and delights the eye. Enjoy this photo article as artist friends share their work and talk about the importance of color in their art. 

Do you sell your collection wholesale to galleries and retailers? The American Made Show presents a marketplace that draws members of the trade, and all types of buyers for handmade goods. Selling wholesale is a business model that helps create su... 

by guest blogger McKenna Hallett There are a lot of do’s and don’ts that can make or break your career as an artist. If you’ve been creating in the studio and honing your skills, you are in that foundational place. Perhaps you have done some of th... 

by Carolyn Edlund A conversation on what artists and photographers have to offer the corporate market, and how to compete. I recently had a conversation with Danny Murray, Founder and owner of ArtVogue, a consultancy based near London which sup... 

by Carolyn Edlund Is launching into a full-time job as an artist a good idea? Maybe yes. And maybe no. Several people lately have asked my opinion of simply quitting their day jobs and going solo as an artist. I’m self-employed myself, and owne... 

by Carolyn Edlund Erik DeAndre’ Robinson, an artist originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been creating since an early age. After art school, he traveled to Europe to take advantage of an atelier internship which gave him a fascinating beh... 

by Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett Just how important is that direct personal contact with your prospective customers? Here’s the best way to connect and grow that relationship. First a few definitions – Important Definitions: Email – electron... 

The natural world provides an endless source of creativity. Artsy Shark celebrates the love of nature by sharing works by our artist friends, and their inspiration. Enjoy! 

As an artist, you’d like to find potential customers and sell your work. But do you know what inspires them to buy? Artwork doesn’t sell itself. That is a common misperception, usually resulting in low sales volume. So, what is the magic that will... 

by Carolyn Edlund A few months back, I talked to a very well-known artist who had made a fortune licensing her popular paintings several years ago. She still has licensing contracts – but her income was down 20% over last year, customers were hesi... 

by guest blogger Mckenna Hallett Some people have a knack for putting out tidbits of interesting stuff. They can fire up a tweet and get great conversations started on Facebook. They just seem natural at reaching out and engaging. They blog every ... 

Do you dread writing your artist statement? You know you have to write one, but are frustrated because time is scarce and your internal voice screams, “I’m an artist expressing myself visually – why do I have to write about my work?” You’re not alone... 

by Carolyn Edlund Frustrated by all those potential art sales you didn’t make? Here’s why they slipped through your fingers. The average art sale isn’t made on the spur of the moment, on impulse or by one visit to an art website. Making a sale ... 

Events for artists to show and share and network with their community have lots of benefits. New York artist and agent Samantha Levin describes how an artist salon happens, and how it can grow. A few years ago, my colleague and friend, artist Alli... 

Artsy Shark needs 36 new artists to feature and promote this fall and winter. Interested in being featured? Submissions are now being accepted. Deadline is midnight, August 21, 2014. Visual artists in any medium who would like to submit their wor... 

Ready to make the commitment to launching or growing your small business as an artist? Make an investment in your future by joining me at one of these upcoming workshops on the business of art. Presented by The Arts Business Institute, our studen... 

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett shares amazing statistics and insights on email marketing and how it can make a dramatic difference in your art sales. When I started my art jewelry business in 1992, I knew immediately that my location on Maui was no... 

Every artist has a story to tell. Steller offers a way to share it with the world. When the Steller staff invited me to become a Featured Author for their launch by creating stories about artists that I know, I checked out their app right here and... 

by Chris Davies Virtual art galleries may be an emerging concept for many, but there are several good reasons why these could provide an exciting new avenue for artists working in all mediums. Ever-advancing technologies, combined with radical ... 

by guest blogger James Thatcher You’ve prepared a wonderful exhibit of your artwork. Now preparation is the key to making a wonderful presentation of yourself and your ideas on opening night! Avoid “Artspeak” at all costs—people intellectualize... 

Photographer and guest blogger Pamela Viola shares her experience with the realities of being in business as an artist, including the hard work involved and the ultimate rewards. I know. You’re an artist. All you want to do is be creative and make... 

by Carolyn Edlund A fun and wide-ranging conversation shares thoughts on how artists can carve out a business model that works. Enjoy! Potters Cast host Paul Blais contacted me recently for an interview to talk about how ceramic artists ca... 

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett shares an incredible story of selling fine art to a customer who thought it was out of her reach. It goes to prove that you cannot be the judge of what is “affordable.” When I walked into work that day and saw this im... 

by Carolyn Edlund Customers can be resistant, and they will have reasons not to buy art from you. Here’s how to deal with those objections. First, understand the objections. I’ll bet you know some of the reasons people don’t buy from you, be... 

by Carolyn Edlund I’ve reviewed many artist websites, and see many common mistakes that can easily be fixed. One of the biggest errors is failing to give enough information to your website visitors. You’d like to sell some of your artwork onlin... 

by Carolyn Edlund The other day, while my husband and I were walking our dogs in the park, we met a young man with a really unusual and impressive bicycle. We couldn’t help but stop and speak with him about it. What kind of bike was this? We’d ... 

by guest blogger Michael Soltis Being a gallery owner was rewarding, exciting, challenging and fulfilled my desire for creativity in ways that nothing else in my life ever has. I loved that my time, energy and resources were being used to promote ... 

by Carolyn Edlund When I was contacted by Luisa Nims, the editor of Mixed Media Art Magazine about creating a special issue based on my business articles for artists, I was thrilled and honored to work on this project. Today that special issue ... 

Leasing artwork can be lucrative for the artist … and a good deal for the customer too. Over the years I’ve known some artists who developed an income stream from renting their work, but it was just recently that I looked into it in depth to see j... 

You’ve got it – a new twist on an old concept that will really work. Or will it? I once received an email from an entrepreneur who had what he considered to be a great idea. He wanted to start a greeting card line, but it would be focused only on ... 

Guest blogger Brenda McMahon shares insights that helped her transform from a reluctant artist/salesperson to falling in love with the process of building customer relationships. I’ve been a full time artist for a long time. I’m easing into my 19... 

It’s not just about motivational quotes and pictures of cats being crazy. The potential of social media for artists is huge, so if you’re not growing your audience here, you could be missing out. But which networks should you use and when? Here are 5... 

Guest blogger Renée Phillips, founder of Manhattan Arts International, shares her insights and expertise on how to get your work accepted to competitions. Last week we completed the jurying process for our annual Manhattan Arts International “Cele... 

You’ve probably seen them – paintings and other works of art listed online that are $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 or more. And next to them, a “Buy” button. You may have thought, “Does anybody actually ever put those expensive things into a shopping car... 

Guest blogger Chris Maynard of Featherfolio combines his scientific knowledge, his artistic sense, and his love of feathers in a new art form that is being recognized worldwide. He shares his experience and insights on the process of selling art. ... 

Seattle-based artist Keiko Suzuki faced frustrating challenges in her business, but was determined to find solutions. Here’s how she made some major changes that are helping move toward her goals. After learning a collage technique that creates so... 

Each year the best in fine craft is presented at the NICHE Awards. Entries from students and professional artists are being accepted for the 2015 awards now. It’s hard to resist the lineup of incredible work by extremely talented artists who are h... 

Do you make and sell only original work? Or do you sell each of your images many times over, thus earning more income for every studio hour? If you sell reproductions of your artwork, you are part of a time-honored tradition. Whether in the form... 

Create ongoing income through repeat sales to existing customers and grow your business. Perhaps you run a production studio and ship your work regularly to wholesale accounts. Or, you might be cultivating collectors of your original art, encourag... 

here is no perfect substitute for meeting potential collectors of your artwork in person. Shaking their hand, sharing your story and your inspiration, listening to their impressions of your work and their questions are critical parts of the sale. Esp... 

Ah, the dreaded committee, the place where ideas go to die. Selling to a committee can be tantamount to banging your head against a wall. I will admit that when my full-time job was selling art, committees were my least favorite thing (can you tel... 

Guest blogger Doug Hoppes speaks from the heart about family support and the realities of selling your art. Friends and family. You gotta love them. If they are truly there for you, they’ll say lots of kind things about you and your artwork. I rem... 

Please join me at the Capitol Arts Network near Washington, DC for a two-day intensive learning experience with The Arts Business Institute in May. Are you interested in launching or growing your creative small business? Would you like to find out... 

Are you interested in having your artwork purchased for offices, boardrooms, lobbies, hotels, restaurants or healthcare environments? This can be a viable market for artists who have the right type of work and understand the needs of these particu... 

Guest blogger Glen Kessler, an artist and teacher, takes on the art schools and shares his thoughts on changing the very structure of learning. Today, whether you’re taking art classes at a university or in open-enrollment classes/workshops at you... 

Is there anything more wonderful than a work of art? Artsy Shark takes you on a tour of our artist friends creating in their studios and on location. Click the link in any caption to see the artist’s portfolio. 

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett is the owner of My Golden Words and the author of the E’s of Selling. She helps artists brand and market their work more effectively. My 90 year old mother-in-law, Betty Hintz, has a solo show in July this year at a... 

There can be a world of difference between making a sale and making a profit. Do you know if your small business is profitable? by Carolyn Edlund There can be a world of difference between making a sale and making a profit. Do you know if your ... 

Offering your art or craft for sale online is an excellent way to get many eyes on your work, and has the potential to give you a global audience. Online sales of art are steadily increasing, as is the comfort level of purchasers. But, the online ... 

Will being an authority or expert in what you do sell your art? Not by itself. Your customers buy pretty much what they are interested in, and what they like. But art buyers also like to feel that they are buying from a professional, who is recogn... 

Guest blogger Rachel Biel shares her thoughts about the power of community in helping to market and sell handmade work. Four years ago I launched an organization called TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List. Social media was just starting to take... 

Manhattan Arts International is a creative community of art professionals that provides mutual support, encourages camaraderie, and rewards artistic excellence. One of my greatest pleasures as its director is to present an annual “Celebrate The He... 

Artsy Shark needs 36 new artists to feature and promote this spring and summer. Interested in being featured? Submissions are now being accepted. Deadline is midnight, March 24, 2014. Visual artists in any medium who would like to submit their wor... 

John Lund’s humorous photography has sold like hotcakes on a variety of products, especially greeting cards. In Part One of this interview, John discussed his start and how he became such a successful photographer. In this follow up, he shares his ex... 

John Lund’s humorous photography has sold like hotcakes on a variety of products, especially greeting cards. We recently spoke about his long career and how he has succeeded. In Part 2 of this interview, he will share his best advice for new photogra... 

Years ago when I had my studio business, I planned an ambitious schedule of retail shows and fairs. One day I did something I’d never done before. On a Saturday morning in August, when driving to yet another fair (somewhere in Pennsylvania), I did... 

Guest blogger Mickey Bond offer a comprehensive look at types of art calls, and what you need to know to respond to them. Peruse art call listings on artshow.com; CaFE™ Call Listings; art deadlines list; or Zapplication, you’ll find a great variet... 

Guest blogger Mckenna Hallett is the owner of My Golden Words and the author of the E’s of Selling. She helps artists brand and market their work more effectively. Back in the 70’s, pre-internet (heck – PRE-computers, even!), I was selling art in ... 

I’ll admit I am a little geeky when it comes to selling – understanding why people buy, giving talks on the subject, creating sales strategies with my clients and so forth. So although I subscribe to a few art blogs, I love to follow blogs that talk ... 

“Through art we can change the world.” It may be a lofty goal, but that is the mission of the #TwitterArtExhibit, begun four years ago by artist David Sandum. This annual social-media inspired event is making an impact. It provides an opportunity to... 

Almost 20 years ago, I opened an e-commerce website to sell my art. Surprisingly enough it worked, although at the time customers had to print out a form, fill in their credit card information, and fax it to me in order to make a purchase. The big... 

In the studio or at a gallery opening, artists are some of the most fascinating people we know. Enjoy these photos of our artist friends and what they love best! 

We already knew that pricing was a major pain point for emerging artists – where to start and the hassle of negotiation with buyers. But, we didn’t expect buyers to share so much frustration. Before we got started building a new way for people to b... 

Ready to grow your art career this year? Make an investment in your future by attending one of The Arts Business Institute’s intensive learning experiences for creative entrepreneurs. Our graduates have called these workshops “transformational.” I... 

Artist Graeme Stevenson is bigger than life. He has developed “Colour In Your Life” which is a popular Australian television series featuring visits to art studios, showcasing the artist with their work. Each episode opens with Graeme riding his H... 

As artists we all want our work seen, preferably in venues that show our pieces to advantage, can help build our resumes and enhance our careers. Indeed, there are many wonderful opportunities for artists listed online through websites such as “Artsh... 

Having a strong mailing list is a huge asset for every artist. Here’s how to build one. If your goal is to sell artwork, you will need to reach out to potential customers and collectors on a regular basis so that they become familiar with your wor... 

Want a more effective website that provides a better experience for your visitors? Read on … 1. Set a clear goal. What do you want to accomplish with your art website? Sell your work? Send collectors to your galleries? Promote your workshops? With... 

Testimonials are powerful statements that get your work taken more seriously. Here’s how to obtain them and how to use them. Do you have happy clients? Collectors who love your work? Repeat customers? These are all great sources for obtaining test... 

The About page is one of the most visited on any website. Are you satisfied with yours? Creating an About page that really works takes time and effort. Check out these tips to improve your own page: Make it compelling. Your website visitors wil... 

Does your art website Home page need greater impact? Try these tips: Keep it simple. Don’t confuse your website guests with too much clutter or distraction. Check out the home page of artist Sandi Neiman Lovitz’s website (below) which features a c... 

A conversation with bestselling author and artist Nick Bantock about art, the creative process, and writing his 27th book. AS: Tell us about the new book you have just released. NB: The title is The Trickster’s Hat, and the subtitle is “A Mis... 

I recently had a conversation about the jury submission process with Bruce Baker, a jewelry designer/maker, gallery owner, long-time juror and creator of the CD, Your Slides & The Jury. He shared his insights for artists who want to improve their pre... 

A few thoughts on why it should be harder for artists to get into business. Back in the day when I graduated with an art degree, I worked long hours creating a portfolio, had slides professionally taken, and started submitting them to shows and ex... 

A countdown of the most read business articles on Artsy Shark in 2013:  

Have you ever wanted to design tattoos and earn money doing it? New startup Tattoodo offers an opportunity for artists to do just that. Launched in May 2013, Tattoodo is the brainchild of Danish entrepreneurs Johan (Joe) Penge and Mik Thobo-Carls... 

Injured in a diving accident at the age of 14, Baltimore native Rob Florio hasn’t let his disability stop him – he focuses on his ability instead. Artsy Shark caught up with this inspiring young artist for an interview about life, his work and his fu... 

What better time than the holidays to sell your art to an audience who’s got gift-buying on the brain? The shopping season officially kicked off with the one-two punch of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, and in 2013 online spending reached a... 

New York City artist and agent Samantha Levin shares her expertise on how artists can make connections with the right galleries for their work. It can be very demoralizing when you get no response from multiple galleries to which you have submitte... 

Open Studios are a wonderful way to begin and augment your artistic career. For those of you who are thinking of participating but are uncertain, let me encourage you to do so. Open Studios can be a very rewarding event and a great transition to beco... 

Marilu Norden is an impressive lady. A multi-talented actress, artist, and author in her eighties, she has combined her interests to create a novel about the art world. Artsy Shark caught up with her recently to find out more about her life and work.... 

Referrals from existing customers are just about the best prospects you can get, and many artists grow their business mainly through being referred. Here’s how to get started. When you really think about it, you may realize that many of your curre... 

This time of year, many artists are frantically busy, especially if they are traveling to retail shows and fairs, delivering commissions and making the most of the holiday rush. And after the rush is over, unless you travel south to catch the snowbir... 

Artsy Shark presents some favorite quotes on Creativity & Life. Do you have any to share? If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. ~Maya Angelou All life is an experiment. The more experiments you m... 

The curatorial process at its most basic level begins by finding relationships between pieces and, by arranging them in a space so that a sense of harmony and balance may be achieved. There is not a singular approach, but a range of methods. The p... 

What’s the secret behind creating art that inspires interest, excitement and conversation? In my everyday work, I’m exposed to a lot of work that artists are currently making. And in looking at artwork every day, I see a lot of sameness. Similar s... 

The Crafts Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) recently released a comprehensive study called “Sustaining Careers, A Study of the Status of U.S. Craft Artists” which contains many insights into the reality of the craft community today. The survey conduct... 

Despite what the tech pundits will have you believe, there is still a place for traditional media in your art marketing arsenal. When you need a potent device for bringing your message offline and putting it on the doorstep of your community, look no... 

Artsy Shark needs 36 new artists to feature and promote. Submissions are open until midnight, November 14, 2013. Are you interested? Visual artists in any medium who would like to submit their work for consideration to become a featured artist on ... 

Guest blogger Wendy Rosen, founder of the American Made Show, dispels artists’ myths and misperceptions. MYTH – The jury system is the best way to select artists. The truth is that images alone can be misrepresented, or may not tell t... 

Check out the results of this recent survey of the best art fairs in the country. The votes are in and counted, and Connie Mettler of Art Fair Insiders has come out with results of her survey to find the top art fairs in the country. She didn’t ask ... 

This article is written by Ruth Soller, a successful painter from Colorado, who explains how to create an artist newsletter that gets real results. Art marketing experts including Carolyn Edlund, Alyson Stanfield, Jason Horejs and Barney Davey ag... 

Do any of these business killers seem familiar? Many artists experience frustration from lack of sales without realizing they have sabotaged themselves. 1. Remain in the dark. It makes sense that anyone in business should keep up with their indust... 

Artist Lisa Congdon was stunned earlier this week to find out that her original illustrations of animals with Nordic-inspired designs have apparently been ripped off. Giftware company Cody Foster and Company has displayed holiday ornaments for sale i... 

Recently, I had a conversation with an artist who felt she would never be able to make a good living from her fiber art. What she loved was the process of making her art. She didn’t want to compromise the time and effort she put into each piece, e... 

When marketing your art, it’s tempting to put the focus solely on you: “Check out my art, my show, my newsletter, my Facebook page.” However, your promotional efforts will become exponentially more effective the minute you understand this fundamental... 

I once spoke with an artist who told me she had been preparing her portfolio for the past two years. She said it would be about another six months before she could launch her website, because she needed everything to be perfect before she did that. ... 

Kate Harper is an occasional guest blogger on Artsy Shark and a real expert on the greeting card business. Check out this wonderful resource she has created for greeting card designers and entrepreneurs! 

Photographer Scott Mead winds up his three-part series on how to get the perfect image of your work. Now that we have all the pieces to the product photo puzzle, it’s time to make some magic, and we’ll take it step-by-step. Set the stage – For ... 

Your work may be appealing on the surface, but what do you see when you flip it over? Years ago in a fiber art class, my professor looked at a piece I had completed as an assignment. Then she turned it over, frowned and said, “The back of your wor... 

Professional photographer Scott Mead continues his series on capturing great images of your work, with lots of technical information on getting the right equipment and the right shot. As artists, we’re often asked by galleries or clients to s... 

Professional photographer Scott Mead gives a few tips on capturing great images of your work, in Part One of his series on the importance of the picture. Last week at one of my regular shows, a fellow artist asked me for some advice on taking imag... 

The deadline is coming up fast for the 2014 NICHE Awards – a celebration of the best work in fine craft mediums. Don’t miss your opportunity to apply. One of my favorite art competitions each year is the NICHE Awards, which recognizes both professio... 

Who is collecting your art? How much do you understand about your customer? My friend Ann lives in Orange County near Los Angeles, and has been collecting art for the past 12 years. Volunteering as a docent at a nearby museum has not only educated... 

Artists, do you know your collectors? What do they want, and why do they buy? My friend Marsha recently spoke about downsizing, and moving to a smaller place. She is willing to get rid of some furniture, and sell or give away many belongings – but... 

Guest blogger Brennen McElhaney discovered a new way to share the story of his art and his inspiration with his website audience. He shares how to “show your story” in a beautiful format. Enjoy! Recently, in the process of redesigning my artist we... 

Exhibiting at art or craft fairs this summer? All exhibitors want to have a profitable selling experience, but as we know, that’s not always the case. What can you do when sales are slow? Try these tips to attract more customers. Do you have any ... 

Artist Matt Tommey, author of the new book “Crafting Your Brand” shares an excerpt with Artsy Shark readers, telling the story of his transition to becoming an entrepreneur and what artists also need to know. “Most entrepreneurs are merely technic... 

As an artist, you want to pursue your passion for art, and express yourself in the studio. If you sell your work, you are also a businessperson. This means that you must nurture and grow business relationships in order to be successful. The most b... 

Many artists might be surprised, or even shocked at the thought of selling their work at Walmart. Photographer Sandra Canning is not one of those artists. She is actively pursuing business with the retail giant, and would like your vote to move her f... 

Don’t miss these upcoming events! The Arts Business Institute will be presenting this series of intensive business workshops that help artists take their work from local sales to the nationwide marketplace. Speakers include Carolyn Edlund, founde... 

Artist James Thatcher ran his first crowdfunding campaign, which was quite successful. It was also more emotional, difficult and surprising than he imagined. James shares his experience, and offers tips and encouragement for running a campaign that w... 

Artsy Shark interviewed card designer Kate Harper, whose popular collections have been loved and purchased by fans for many years. She shares her experience and insights for card entrepreneurs. AS: When you first come up with a concept for a ca... 

Craft artist Matt Tommey works full-time as a basket maker whose work is widely collected. In a former life, Matt worked in the marketing field. He has written a new book “Crafting Your Brand” to share his insights, experience and recipe for success ... 

Artsy Shark celebrates artists in the field, hard at work, showing, selling, or gathering inspiration. 

Flakey, snobby, dark and brooding. Do these stereotypes make any sense? I got a huge kick out of the article “Who Art Thou? Artist Stereotypes” by Alexandra Gjurasic on Pyragraph and recommend it as a “must-read” if you suspect you may fit a stere... 

Artist and gallery owner Jane Cowley of Cowley Fine Art in South Haven, Michigan speaks about the challenges of owning a resort gallery today, and what artists should know. AS: You are an artist who bought an art gallery. What have you learned fr... 

There is a huge hunger (and confusion) among artists about how to sell their work. Would an agent be the solution? Each month, I receive at least 25 emails from artists asking me to represent them and sell their work. Now, I don’t represent indivi... 

Jay Etkin is the owner of Jay Etkin Gallery, with locations in both Santa Fe, New Mexico and Memphis, Tennessee. Specializing in local, regional, and international contemporary artists and vintage African tribal art, his client base ranges from indiv... 

This one-day intensive educational event for artists is hosted by the ValleyArts District, a dynamic community for artists in northern New Jersey, 20 miles from New York City. It will take place on Saturday, August 10th Carolyn Edlund, the founder... 

ArtHaus Gallerists James Bacchi and Annette Schutz have good cause to celebrate. 2013 marks the 17th year of ArtHaus in Francisco, and their SOMA gallery has been voted BEST ART GALLERY IN THE BAY-AREA on the ABC-7 TV – BAY AREA “A” LIST for the past... 

The other day I talked with a gentleman and his wife during a consultation who were working together diligently to produce and sell his art. It was a real pleasure to strategize with a team of people who were totally supportive of each other. But ... 

The other day a good friend and I walked through an art show taking place on the grounds of a park in beautiful San Diego, California. Art was displayed in booths along a walkway filled with visitors, with perhaps twenty artists exhibiting their work... 

Guest blogger and industry expert Barney Davey shares some smart strategies on how to grow your art business locally. Many factors go into selling art and building a successful art career. Top selling artists learn to achieve a balance between mak... 

Artist Judith HeartSong is the Executive Director of Capitol Arts Network near Washington, D.C. She shares her insights on the benefits of a community for artists. Building Community – and growing an art center For decades my mantra when i... 

Guest blogger and intellectual property attorney Emily Danchuk shares how artists can empower themselves to fight copyright theft. Many of my clients complain about knock-offs of their products being imported from China or India and sold in the Un... 

I regularly view artist’s websites, and have visited thousands of them in the past couple of years. There is a huge disparity in online portfolios. It isn’t hard to tell who is serious, and who is not. Are you truly proud of the portfolio you are ... 

This guest article is written by Emily Danchuk, an intellectual property attorney and founder of Copyright Collaborative. Why Artists Hesitate and Why They Absolutely Shouldn’t I’ve made my fair share of approaches to artists in my capacity as ... 

Artsy Shark interviews art licensing expert and author Maria Brophy on how artists can protect themselves when negotiating art licensing contracts. AS: What has changed in the licensing world in the past few years? MB: Wow, so much has chan... 

In this photo article, Artsy Shark celebrates the artist's studio. It's where inspiration takes form, hard work is done, and masterpieces are created. Enjoy these candid shots of our artist friends at work! 

We all know how important it is for an artist to have your own artist website: an artist who sells work or services for money is a business, and every business needs a website. It is often the only “real estate” an artist owns, after all, and often s... 

The WalnutArtApp for iPhone and iPad can “virtually” increase your art sales. Making an art purchase just got a whole lot easier! Four Australian IT developers/art enthusiasts put their heads together and came up with a brilliant idea to help arti... 

Whether you exhibit your work at trade shows, or just want to publicize your collection, you need a press kit that works. When attending a trade show, it’s an advantage to prepare kits for the Press Room, such as these seen recently at the Nationa... 

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

Artist and guest blogger Mckenna Hallett creates jewelry from scrap metal and upcycled junk, and sells her work wholesale to galleries and retailers all over the country. She shares her view on how artists who wholesale can become better partners wit... 

Want to increase sales of your art? Prime your customer’s imagination by showing your work in situ. These step-by-step instructions by guest blogger Carol McIntyre will get you started. 

Getting website traffic is step one. Now, keep those visitors in the loop and coming back. Here are ten tips on increasing engagement with visitors to your art website: 1. Make your Home page inviting with a compelling image of your work and a pro... 

Artsy Shark is seeking visual artists in any medium to submit their work for consideration to become a Featured Artist. Deadline is midnight Eastern time on the evening of Wednesday, May 8th. As a Featured Artist, you present your portfolio, and ... 

Guest blogger Georgianne Holland shares her thoughts on the profound changes in the handmade industry over the past few decades, and how artists can communicate the value of their work. The concept of fine craft, as well as fine art, I think we ca... 

There are many avenues you can follow, depending on what your work is about. Regardless of what road you take, you need to brand yourself as a particular kind of artist. Be specific. 

I think it’s safe to say that the word “infringement” conjures up visions of Chinese factories and dusty marketplaces in India, right? In reality, the practice has become a striking and integral part of many U.S. companies’ business models. 

Successful artist and guest author Noah Bradley shares some tips for artists who want to sell their work as freelancers. It takes a lot of luck to be a successful freelance artist. And it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to be lucky. H... 

Artsy Shark's mission is to help artists build better businesses. Founder and author Carolyn Edlund presents content focused on the business of art, with articles on marketing, selling, websites, art publishing, greeting cards, art licensing, wholesa...