Showing posts with label friendly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendly. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Importance of Selling Yourself as an Artist.

   
   
      Hello lovely artists. Today's blog is all about you. Who are you? No, not what is your art....WHO are You! Knowing who you are as an artist and human being is KEY for selling your art. Let's dive in today on The Importance of Selling Yourself as an Artist!
    

     When people buy art, they want to feel a connection to the artwork they are purchasing. What do you mean connect with art?  They may feel a connection emotionally to the subject matter, it may be their favorite color, the piece could have been bought on a special trip or vacation, or maybe even as a gift for someone else they care about. There are so many reasons someone might form a connection with a piece of art. 

      Did you know you can help someone form a connection with your art? The easiest way is by selling YOU. There is a reason why there are so many articles on artists "behind the scenes". People want to know the soul behind the piece. If they feel like they know you, they feel like they know your art and quickly can become connected to it. 


     What if you only sell your artwork online like an Etsy Shop? Just because people might not see you in person doesn't mean selling yourself isn't just as important! In fact, it might be even more important! Anytime you are contacting someone, whether it's another artist or potential client, you have the ability to sell yourself. Come up with a signature that fits you and your art when emailing back or communicating with others regarding your business. How are you promoting your online shop? I am sure that it didn't just happen overnight?


         Promoting yourself and your art is one of the most important topics for having a successful career and I am sure I can write a novel about this subject. But connecting promoting your art with the help of promoting yourself is a tricky topic! There is no fine line with what works or not because everyone is different and will have to find their way that fits themselves. For me, writing is natural and I have an easy time expressing myself, so a BLOG has been a great avenue for promoting.  It is a great way for people to get to know me more personally and see behind the scenes to my art. 


         A blog is a big investment of your time and energy and if you don't want to go down that road there are many different ways to promote yourself and art. Whichever you choose just make sure you are adding your own personality into everything you put out for people to see. If you are a shy minimalist, make sure you are promoting to fit YOU. Odds are your art reflects your personality and if you are promoting yourself in a big flashy way that doesn't feel right, people will be more likely to turn away.


       If you are out in person meeting people for your art, dress the part. When I say dress the part, I don't mean you have to have on jean overalls with dried paint marks all over it. Who are you as an artist? Wear what makes you feel as much of that person as possible. When I say dress the part what I really mean is BE YOU. Trying to dress as someone else or what you think people will want to see isn't going to sell you or your art. Find your style and embrace it and people will be interested in what you have to offer.


      I am always working on promoting myself as the truest me I can. Recently I have stumbled upon an app called Periscope. It's a way to connect with live streaming all over the world. I am able to allow people inside my art studio and to get to know me as an artist. I have already had sales from it. When people listen to me and see a piece being worked on in my studio, they connect with it. Come follow and join me inside my world of art! Periscope: Cloudninestudios


        Who am I? I am an artist. business women, blogger, painter, dog mother, wood burner, jack-of-all trades, handy-woman, girlfriend, lover of all things pink, roommate, outgoing bubbly personality, dreamer, rustic junky, athlete, astrologer, nature goddess, crafter, YouTube addict, and much much more, Thank you for all who already know me and are a part of my life. Thank you for all who are new and I hope to get to know you more. Who are you? Let me know in the comment section below. I can't wait to hear about you and your art!


Until Tomorrow - Dream Away
Samantha Menzo






Etsy Featured Item of the Day:

stay weird, home decor, rustic decor, office decor, quote block, black, quote, customize, personalize, distressed, rustic sign by - DaisyThirteen



Song of the Day:
Audioslave - Be Yourself


Color of the Day:
Benjamin Moore's 'Champion Cobalt' #2061-20


Friday, August 7, 2015

Artists Talking Art - Meet Up #1 Recap


       Here we are again another day, another blog! Wednesday night we had our very first Artists Talking Art Group meet up! I was very nervous and I really tried to go through my day like normal and really make sure I wasn't distracted at my regular job at the glass gallery. By the time it was time to meet I was so excited I could barely contain myself!



We decided to meet at a local Panera Bread, that I actually worked at just a few years go! (it's crazy to think how much can change in such a short time) There was just a few of us that made it out for the first time but we ended up added two more by chance and I have to say it was so nice just to have a few people for the first time because it really took a lot of pressure off of me. 



We came up with some really great ideas for future meet ups and I really enjoyed our discussion about why this group is a good idea. I am obviously a big Social Media Gal but you can never put a price tag on how important actual social interaction with others is. Especially others who are like-minded! It was positive and encouraging which is exactly what I was hoping for.


We decided to meet for the second time at the same place and same time next month. We will be meeting on the first Sunday of the month and I will be just as giddy until then as I have been since I thought up the idea for the group! We talked about how we can play easy quick quirky games to break the ice and do introductions into topics and eventually doing some sort of volunteer work. Let's not forget the networking and self-promoting! AHHH I am so happy everything went well and will be looking forward to even more people coming out next time to chill with fun people and talk about art.


So we had a great time and I can't wait for next meet up. I can't believe I forgot to take pictures or even just a group photo! I was very nervous and excited don't be too mad! I promise next time I will get it together and have better images for a recap with the blogs. If you have any questions that I didn't answer about the group or you would like more information, please ask in the comment section below! Have a beautiful art-filled day!

Until Tomorrow - Dream Away
Samantha Menzo


Etsy Featured Item of the Day:

Shark art, made of recycled fence wood. JAWS, Great White, outdoor art - BY JohnBirdsong



Song of the Day:

Brandi Carlile - The Eye



Color of the Day:
Cobalt Blue




Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Can anyone be an artist?

   
      Thinking about what to write today a thought popped into my head. There are so many people out there who don't use their creativity because they are afraid it won't be amazing. This makes me so angry! I can't tell you how many times I hear, "I wish I could draw I can't even draw a stick figure." That is the stereotypical phrase anyone uses when they appreciate art but think they can't make something themselves.

      If you think you can't, then you won't. I am a big believer in positive thinking. Yes, I do believe a great deal of my artistic talents have been passed down genetically and reinforced through growing up around art; but why does all art have to be a masterpiece? Why can't you try and make something with stick figures? Who says art has to be realistic and detailed?


    So many artists throughout time have tried to think out of the box and make art that means something and expresses their feelings and thoughts. Look at most of Picasso's work! Most people would laugh at their paintings if it turned out like his work but he is one of the most famous and idolized artists of all time.


Ever remember how satisfying coloring as a kid was. Even how great you felt after completing your horrible macaroni necklaces? I want you to feel that way again. Get carried away in something and not be afraid of it's outcome. OKAY, I think you are getting my point. So what should you do?



Abstract art is a great place to start. Pick a few colors that you are really drawn to. Go to your local craft store and pick up a few bottles of acrylic paint for a dollar or two a piece. Get a canvas, or paper, or wood or whatever you feel you want to paint on! Then just start applying the colors however you want. It may mash together and look like baby poop. Or it may come together and look like a beautiful sea of colors. Either way don't be afraid of the final outcome. Get lost in the process and I grantee you will LOVE IT!



Recently there has been a great business that has opened up called  "Painting with a Twist."  I am not sure if this is only sprouted in Metro Detroit area so far or if it is nation wide yet, but I am sure it won't be long before it is. It is a place to go with friends and family and have some drinks and learn how to step by step paint a picture of your choice. What a wonderful way to hang with good company in a stress free environment and create something! I am all for it!

So whether you are Van Gogh reincarnated or a regular business salesman, go make something creative! I promise it will really make you feel great.

Until Tomorrow - Dream Away
Samantha Menzo



Etsy Featured Item of the Day:

Create Art Necklace in Sterling Silver - By rockmyworldinc


Song of the Day: (One of the most inspiring music videos of all time)

Coldplay - Strawberry Swing


Color of the Day:
Citrus Orange


Monday, July 20, 2015

Thinking about participating in an art fair?

        It's an early night for me tonight as I lay in bed rest for some sleep. I want to make sure I'm really rested to wake up tomorrow and be fully ready for my day ahead, so today might be a shorter blog since I'm feeling the sandman already trying to wisk me away. 


         I have an opportunity at the end of next month to participate in an outdoor art fair that is very DIY friendly, in fact it's encouraged. I have never been apart of an art fair and am apprehensive and motivated at the same time.      

     Being apart of an art fair can be very rewarding if you have a great booth with great products in a great location; so long as it doesn't rain out or have poor attendance. I have always felt that the type of art I produce would sell really well at a fair.

           Any artist thinking about doing a fair needs to take in account that you have to take off work all weekend. So you want to try and make at least as much as you would at your normal job to make it worth it. Also there is normally a booth fee to just be there as an artist and sell work. So if you think your inventory of work can sell more than the time you might take off and to pay off your booth fee then you are off to a great start!


Another thing to think about is the networking opportunities that an art fair provides. So maybe you don't make quite enough to break even for the weekend like you thought. The contacts you made with the other artists or people walking in the fair,  might pay off triple that in the long run! That alone makes a strong agreement to why it's always a great idea to do an art fair if possible. 

            I have been to many art fairs and some I've had some money in my pocket I was willing to spend and other times I have had little to nothing,  but I've always seemed to walk away with at least one item. When setting up inventory for an art fair I think it is extremely important to make sure you have a wide variety of different priced items. If you bring all large and high priced pieces you may bomb because the people walking around only have $20 in their pocket and they want to spend it but can take on your pieces because you only brought your best and most expensive work. So think variety in size and price.

         My current inventory is a decent size and when I get home after this week if I decide to go in on  this fair I will really start turning out some work to make sure I have a sizable stock. Anyone have some pointers they can give me that I haven't already covered? Is anyone thinking about doing their first art fair too but don't know where to start?

                                        Until tomorrow - Dream Away 
                                                 Samantha Menzo 
                                               Cloud Nine Studios