Creating Positive Work Habits

Habit (Wikipedia): “an acquired pattern of behavior that often occurs automatically.”

Typically, many artists think of habits as being negative. We like to be free thinkers and often fight against structure and rules. But, just like any winning entrepreneur, we must have good working habits in order to be effective and successful artists.

John Di Lemme, a motivational speaker and business coach, explains a habit:

“I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly. I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great men. And, alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine. Plus, the intelligence of a man. You may run me for profit, or run me for ruin; it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me, and I will destroy you. Who am I? I am a HABIT!”

John Di Lemme dreamed of becoming a world famous motivational speaker, even though he stuttered from a very early age through his twenties. For seven years, John remained focused on his dream. He now runs a marketing team of over 25,000 representatives in over ten countries!!! He knew that by creating the right habits one could see progression to a higher state.

We all have different ways of doing things—there is no right or wrong way, but there can be better ways. Artists are self-starters, yet without good habits we can float off and lose our focus.

Here are some broad ideas for good habits:

1) Focus on top priorities FIRST (get bills, etc. out of the way)

2) Eliminate the unimportant (anything that doesn’t help you achieve your goals)

3) Plan weekly goals each weekend (write a “to do” list and get the big picture)

4) Plan daily goals each morning (outline the day)

5) Always begin with the end in mind

And here are a few more, specifically for artists:

1) Get into the studio early, with your morning cup of coffee

2) Train yourself to be regular and workmanlike in your creative pursuits

3) Slow down & focus (Don’t take on too much at once)

4) Balance work, rest and exercise into your day  

Adam Brown

Osio-Brown Editions Website

Edition Sizes for Giclee Prints

 

Producing a limited edition giclee print is a great way for artists to make their art more widely available by offering affordable alternatives to more expensively priced originals. At Osio-Brown Editions, we are often asked by our clients what number they should limit their edition sizes to. Edition sizes are completely subjective. One number is no more “right” than another. The most important thing in determining your edition size, is that you—the artist—need to feel comfortable and confident with whatever number you choose.

There are, however, several guidelines you should follow with every limited edition you release.

1) Set the edition size in advance. Once you have determined the edition size, make it public and NEVER change it. There is no need to print the entire edition at once. One of the greatest advantages of giclee printing is the ability to print on demand. As clients purchase prints, you can have your prints produced, signed and delivered—often times in less than one week.

One thing to keep in mind with your edition size is that people who buy limited edition prints often buy based—at least in part—on the size of the edition. Always be true to your client base. Never say one thing and then do something else. As the great sage Ron Popiel once said, "Set it, and forget it."

2) With signed limited edition prints, document every print you sell. This is a great way to make your clients feel confident about what they are buying. Include a detailed original invoice and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with each image. Then sign and date it. Not only do buyers appreciate the documentation, but good documentation tends to increase value as well.

 

 

Adam Brown

Osio-Brown Editions Website

Four Steps to Selling Your Art - Part 4

 (Brought to you by our friends at ArtBizCoach.com)

Step #4: Start Posting About Your Art…and Never Stop!!!

Most artists insist they can’t write or don’t have the time to keep up with social media. The truth is, however, that they don’t make the time to do it or that they don’t want to do it. You can’t suddenly sit down at your computer or stare at your phone and expect to come up with a brilliant artist statement or engaging social media post.  You have to work at it.

I can’t think of a better way to begin the process than to start a journal. It’s completely safe because what you’re writing is for your eyes only. No one has to see it except you. It’s a tool you use along the way to help you connect with bigger and better audiences. The equation goes something like this:

More Writing = More Words = More Opportunities to Connect with Fans = More Social Media Posts

Another cool thing about journaling is that there are no rules. You make them up as you go along. Do you need to create discipline? Set aside 15-20 minutes in the morning or evening to write. Do you have ideas leaking from your pores? Keep a journal with you at all times to capture the ideas before they disappear.

When you journal, you’re not trying to craft the perfect sentence. You’re writing just to get the words out of your head and onto the paper. You’re writing to capture the thoughts and to create a pool of words you can fish from when you need them. And you WILL always need them!!!

Writing about your art is nonnegotiable

There’s no getting around it. You can’t promote your art without words, so you might as well start now. Writing might also make you a better artist because you’re exploring art at a deeper level.

Copyright © Alyson B. Stanfield

 

Reposted By:

Adam Brown

Osio-Brown Editions Website

 

Four Steps to Selling Your Art - Part 3

 

(Brought to you by our friends at ArtBizCoach.com)

Step #3: Connect with other artists

Many artists do not have sideline cheerleaders in the form of friends or family. Some people just don’t get us! If you’re in this predicament, you must seek or establish your own cheering squad. Without some kind of support system, you will find yourself beaten down and constantly on the defensive. Sometimes you can obtain such support by getting involved in existing artist organizations.

Being around other artists builds your confidence and sustains you emotionally. In addition, you will hear about opportunities you never knew existed if you hadn’t been part of a group. You’ll hear about them before they are ever published! You will also be eligible to apply for grants, awards, and exhibitions sponsored by the organization; be introduced to new art products and materials; and receive business advice in many areas (social media, accounting, taxes, copyright, and more). Most importantly, with the right organization, you’ll make contacts that lead to the next step on your career path. As you are learning, contacts play a significant role in your success.

MAKE SURE IT’S THE RIGHT ORGANIZATION

Before you join an organization, make sure it’s a good fit for you. Don’t join just for the sake of joining. This can end up being a waste of time and money. Attend meetings as a guest and consider where you might fit in. Before you join an organization, you should do research.

You aren’t joining just to be a member. You are joining to become involved. If you’re uncomfortable in an organization, you won’t reap the benefits of your membership. If you can’t find the right fit in an existing organization, bring together a group of artists who meet regularly for the purpose of supporting one another.

Perhaps becoming a member of an artist organization that meets regularly in your city is not for you or isn’t enough for you. You might consider “joining” a community online or in a different city. Attend to be inspired and to learn from your peers.

The more you’re connected with other artists, the more opportunities you’ll discover.

Copyright © Alyson B. Stanfield

 

Reposted By:

Adam Brown

Osio-Brown Editions Website