I'm passionate about painting. Even though I struggle to grow as a painter, any time I spend behind the easel is a pleasure to me. Most painters I know would rather paint than do anything else. But is there something else you should be doing? If you're an artist who seeks to sell your paintings, you must find a way to balance your life to accomplish goals other than producing artwork. (Unless you have an agent or a business manager, of course.) This requires balance.
Slamming Into A Tree
In The Road Less Traveled, author Scott Peck talks about riding his bike down a hill. He was invigorated by the thrill of the ride as his speed increased. But he failed to anticipate the consequences of not riding the brake until he got to the bottom of the hill, and crashed into a tree. Peck says that, because he was seduced by the pleasure of the speed, he forgot to be practical and prevent an accident. He goes on to write about the danger of putting all of our focus on the fun parts of our lives while neglecting the practicalities. If we put all the pleasure up front, we may suffer the consequences of being out of balance.
Creative people tend to focus on the pleasure and avoid the pain of reality. As an artist, focusing on pleasure is acceptable -- as long as there is no need to sell your artwork. However, few people are in that position. Most of us need the balance of discipline.
Why Plans Matter
In my marketing sessions at our Plein Air Convention last year, I talked about the importance of developing a life plan, with personal and financial goals, and creating a marketing plan to achieve those goals.
As a creative type, you may not be a planner or naturally disciplined, and, if you're like me, you'll procrastinate on matters that require planning. Yet if you have and follow a plan, you'll be further ahead. If you create a plan and plug it into your calendar, all you have to do is check your calendar each day and make sure the part of your plan for that day is implemented. It's not rocket science.
Now is the time you should be building your plan for 2013. If you do it before the new year starts, you will increase the likelihood that you'll achieve your goals. I like to use holiday time off to develop my personal plan, evaluate my goals, and decide on specific actions.
Start With Your Needs
What should be in your plan? Start with a financial goal for the coming year, based on your needs, and then your wants. Then determine the number of paintings you'll have to sell to meet your goals. You'll then need a plan on how to sell those paintings -- and that is your marketing plan.
Field of Dreams
Unlike the movie Field of Dreams, it's rare that "If you build it, they will come." A warehouse full of unsold paintings may give you pleasure, but it won't pay the bills or help you get to the next level of your career. A plan will get you there. Artists with a plan are usually the artists selling the most paintings. A plan is your road map to success.
The Weight Is Lifted
If you can find the discipline to create and follow a life plan, you'll have a huge weight lifted from your shoulders. Though the idea of doing something so businesslike may seem a little overwhelming, you'll find that having a plan is freeing and empowers you to succeed, more than almost anything you could do.
Big Things Will Happen
I've personally watched my own success blossom from having a plan. I've coached many friends and have helped them sell more artwork than they ever imagined they could. It all boils down to a plan. I encourage you to start working on your 2013 plans now.
PS: My goal is to leave this earth having made the art world a better place. Part of my plan for that is to help you understand the key essentials of building a legacy and a successful career, based on your own definition of success. If you're not exactly where you want to be, it's important to ask yourself whether you're repeating unproductive behavior. If your work isn't selling, you should ask yourself if there's more you could be doing. Don't blame the economy. Plenty of artists are selling in spite of the economy.
I hope you'll consider my new Art Marketing Boot Camp DVD an investment in your career. It has an in-depth session on building a life plan and a marketing plan, plus hundreds of ideas to help you sell more artwork. It's already changed the lives of many artists who are following their plans and starting to reap the rewards. This would be a great Christmas present for any artist who wants to grow to the next level, or a gift to yourself to enhance your own career. http://streamlineartvideo.com/titles/rhoads/
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