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Art for Your Personal Sanctuary
September 26th, 2016
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...
Upcoming Wholesale Intensive Workshop
September 17th, 2015
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...
An Honest Look at Social Media for Artists
August 25th, 2015
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...
Overcoming Wild Card Event Fails
August 25th, 2015
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...
The Artist Doesnt Always Know Best
August 14th, 2015
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, ...
Fall 2015 Art Business Workshops
August 14th, 2015
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 ...
From Concept to Market One Artists Story
August 4th, 2015
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...
Create Income Through Renting Your Artwork
July 28th, 2015
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 ...
July 27th, 2015
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...
Feeling the Infringement Take Action Now
July 27th, 2015
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...
July 27th, 2015
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...
Read This Before You Negotiate
July 27th, 2015
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...
How Artists Can Get Marketing Assistance
July 9th, 2015
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...
Im Sorry WHAT Did You Sign Part Two
July 2nd, 2015
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...
Register Now for a FREE Smart Marketing Webinar
June 30th, 2015
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 ...
Tips for Speaking About Your Art
June 26th, 2015
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,...
Smart Marketing Strategy Serve Up Your Art
June 23rd, 2015
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 ...
3 Art Marketing Goals That Help You Sell Your Work
June 18th, 2015
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 ...
June 16th, 2015
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...
Artists Exit Your Comfort Zone
June 11th, 2015
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...
You are Probably Doing It Wrong
June 9th, 2015
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...
June 9th, 2015
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...
Art and Meditation Interview with Joyce Huntington
June 3rd, 2015
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...
Avoid These Mistakes to Build an Effective Art Portfolio
May 28th, 2015
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...
May 26th, 2015
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...
Is Fear Running Your Art Business
May 19th, 2015
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...
How I Created a Sustainable Business as an Artist
May 14th, 2015
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...
Avoid These Mistakes That Ruin Your Online Art Sales
May 8th, 2015
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...
May 8th, 2015
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...
How a Hard Look at Business Changed an Artists Life
April 30th, 2015
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 ...
Top 50 Arts Fairs in the US 2015
April 29th, 2015
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...
Art and the Struggle with Depression
April 22nd, 2015
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 ...
Is Your Artist Statement Working for You
April 16th, 2015
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 ...
Protect Yourself from Art Scams
April 9th, 2015
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...
4 Ways Booth Signage Can Draw a Crowd
April 9th, 2015
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...
Call for Featured Artists, Spring 2015
April 2nd, 2015
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...
Your Biggest Art Marketing Mistake
March 31st, 2015
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, ...
Out of the Box Art Marketing Ideas
March 26th, 2015
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...
March 24th, 2015
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...
March 19th, 2015
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...
How to Partner with Your Galleries to Sell More Art
March 12th, 2015
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...
Want to Start an Online Art Gallery Business?
March 10th, 2015
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...
How to Get Accepted by the Press
March 5th, 2015
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. ...
How to Get Rejected by the Press
March 3rd, 2015
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...
How to Create an Amazing Customer Experience for Your Collectors
February 28th, 2015
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...
Artists at Work Why Do You Create
February 24th, 2015
Artsy Shark presents artists at work in the studio or on location, doing what they love. We asked them, “Why do you create?”
Artist Strategies Lead to Regular Online Sales
February 19th, 2015
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...
Upcoming Online Art Exhibitions
February 17th, 2015
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 ...
Art Licensing Website Connects Artists and Clients
February 12th, 2015
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...
Critique and the Heart of the Artist
February 10th, 2015
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...
New Television Opportunity for American Artists
February 5th, 2015
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...
Understanding the Business of Art Workshop
February 3rd, 2015
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...
An Easy Way to Sell Art on Instagram
January 29th, 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...
January 27th, 2015
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...
Keys to Increasing Online Art Sales
January 22nd, 2015
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...
Art Studio Visit Whats your Creative Inspiration
January 20th, 2015
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?”
Who Controls Your Art Business?
January 15th, 2015
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...
What Artists Must Know About Selling Art Online
January 13th, 2015
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...
January 8th, 2015
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 ...
Should Your Art Website List Prices?
January 6th, 2015
by Carolyn Edlund Many artist websites show artwork without prices. Is this a good idea or a losing proposition?
Artist Opportunities in the Funerary Market
January 1st, 2015
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 ...
Top 10 Business Articles of 2014
December 30th, 2014
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...
December 25th, 2014
Why is abstract art so fascinating? Eleven artists share their work and their inspiration. Enjoy!
6 Display Tips to Increase Your Art Sales
December 18th, 2014
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...
December 16th, 2014
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 ...
December 11th, 2014
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...
How an Artist Created a Full-Time Businesss
December 9th, 2014
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 ...
Your Art Image Problems Just Got Fixed
December 4th, 2014
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....
December 3rd, 2014
Artsy Shark presents a photo article featuring the work of artists who focus on the human figure, and portraiture. Enjoy and share!
November 27th, 2014
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...
Beware of Art Gallery Cash Flow Problems
November 25th, 2014
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...
How to Run a Phenomenally Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
November 20th, 2014
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...
Why Artists are the Luckiest People
November 18th, 2014
An infographic celebrating the joys of being an artist. Click to view.
Reaping Profits through Copyright Infringement
November 13th, 2014
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...
Is Social Media Really the Key to Selling Art Online?
November 11th, 2014
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...
Holiday Shopping Starts Now. Are You Ready?
November 6th, 2014
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...
November 4th, 2014
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.
November 2nd, 2014
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...
Consistency is Key to Making Art Sales
November 2nd, 2014
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...
October 21st, 2014
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.
Everything Artists Need to Know About Email Marketing
October 16th, 2014
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 ...
10 Website Mistakes that Kill Your Art Sales
October 14th, 2014
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...
Build Your Opportunities Through Commitment
October 14th, 2014
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...
October 7th, 2014
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.
Opportunities for Artists Who Wholesale
October 2nd, 2014
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...
5 Essential Steps to Cultivate Online Art Buyers
September 30th, 2014
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...
Representing Artists to the Corporate Market
September 26th, 2014
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...
September 18th, 2014
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...
September 16th, 2014
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...
Why Artists Must Start an Email Marketing Campaign
September 11th, 2014
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...
September 9th, 2014
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!
September 4th, 2014
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...
Are You Panicked About a Drop in Art Sales?
September 2nd, 2014
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...
August 28th, 2014
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 ...
How to Write an Amazing Artist Statement
August 26th, 2014
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...
August 22nd, 2014
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 ...
August 19th, 2014
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...
August 14th, 2014
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...
Art Business Workshop Fall Lineup
August 6th, 2014
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...
How I Built an Email Campaign and Sold More Art
July 31st, 2014
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...
Share your Artist Story through Steller
July 31st, 2014
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 ...
July 22nd, 2014
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...
July 17th, 2014
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...
July 10th, 2014
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...
July 10th, 2014
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...
How to Overcome Objections to the Sale of Your Art
July 7th, 2014
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...
Are You Making this Major Website Mistake?
July 1st, 2014
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...
Sell Your Art into a Niche Market
June 29th, 2014
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 ...
What I Learned by being a Gallery Owner
June 25th, 2014
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 ...
Special Offer from Mixed Media Art Magazine
June 17th, 2014
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 ...
Have You Considered Leasing Your Artwork
June 12th, 2014
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...
Will Your Great Idea Translate into a Great Business
June 12th, 2014
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 ...
I Hate Selling ... But I Love Relationships
June 5th, 2014
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...
5 Ways Artists Can Unlock the Power of Social Media
June 3rd, 2014
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...
Improve Your Odds When Entering Art Competitions
June 2nd, 2014
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...
May 27th, 2014
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...
My Method of Pricing and Selling Original Art Online
May 22nd, 2014
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. ...
Working Smarter to Sell Your Art
May 22nd, 2014
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...
2015 NICHE Awards Submissions Now Open
May 15th, 2014
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...
How to Scale Your Art Business
May 14th, 2014
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...
May 8th, 2014
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...
How to Close More Art Sales Online
May 6th, 2014
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...
May 2nd, 2014
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...
You are so Talented Uncle Roger Says So
April 29th, 2014
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...
Join Me at the Washington DC Art Business Workshop
April 24th, 2014
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...
Sell Your Art Into the Corporate Market
April 22nd, 2014
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...
Whats the Best Way to Learn Art?
April 17th, 2014
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...
April 15th, 2014
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.
Want a Solo Show When Youre 90
April 10th, 2014
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...
April 8th, 2014
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 ...
April 3rd, 2014
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 ...
Increase Your Credibility as an Artist
April 1st, 2014
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...
Groups Our Most Powerful Marketing Tool
March 27th, 2014
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...
Call for Featured Artists Spring 2014
March 18th, 2014
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...
March 13th, 2014
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...
March 11th, 2014
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...
March 6th, 2014
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...
March 4th, 2014
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...
Confessions of a Professional Art Gallery Closer
February 25th, 2014
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 ...
February 20th, 2014
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 ...
Change the World Through Your Art
February 18th, 2014
“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...
Why Artists Must be Ready for Online Commerce
February 13th, 2014
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...
February 12th, 2014
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!
Overcoming the Challenge of Pricing Art
February 6th, 2014
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...
February 4th, 2014
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...
Colour In Your Life Offers New Concept for Artist Promotion
January 30th, 2014
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...
January 28th, 2014
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...
How Artists Can Build a Mailing List
January 23rd, 2014
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...
10 Ways to Improve Your Art Website
January 21st, 2014
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...
Artist Website Strategies - Using Testimonials
January 16th, 2014
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...
Artist Website Strategies - Improve Your About Page
January 14th, 2014
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...
Artist Website Strategies - Improve Your Home Page
January 11th, 2014
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...
January 7th, 2014
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...
What Artists Need to Know About the Jury
January 2nd, 2014
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...
Is Easy Access Ruining Your Art Business?
December 31st, 2013
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...
Year in Review - Top Art Business Articles
December 26th, 2013
A countdown of the most read business articles on Artsy Shark in 2013:
December 24th, 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...
December 19th, 2013
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...
6 E-Commerce Solutions to Supercharge Your Online Sales
December 17th, 2013
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...
Your Greatest Asset in Finding Gallery Representation
December 12th, 2013
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...
Top Tips for a Successful Open Studio
December 11th, 2013
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...
December 5th, 2013
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....
5 Steps to Gaining Referral Business
December 3rd, 2013
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...
Selling Wholesale as a Business Model for Artists
November 28th, 2013
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...
Favorite Quotes on Creativity and Life
November 26th, 2013
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...
November 21st, 2013
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...
November 21st, 2013
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...
CERF Study Provides a Craft Industry Snapshot
November 14th, 2013
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...
Crafting Potent Press Releases That Get You Ink
November 14th, 2013
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...
November 7th, 2013
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 ...
Everything You ve Always Wanted to Know About Show Managers But Were Afraid to Ask
November 1st, 2013
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...
October 29th, 2013
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 ...
How to Write an Artist Email Newsletter that Works
October 24th, 2013
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...
Six Ways to Sabotage Your Art Business
October 23rd, 2013
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...
Alleged Copyright Theft Goes Viral
October 17th, 2013
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...
October 15th, 2013
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...
Effective Art Marketing is Not About You
October 10th, 2013
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...
October 10th, 2013
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. ...
Learn the Greeting Card Business
October 4th, 2013
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!
October 4th, 2013
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 ...
What is the Back Story on Your Art?
September 24th, 2013
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...
September 19th, 2013
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...
September 17th, 2013
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...
Apply Now for the 2014 NICHE Awards
September 12th, 2013
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...
Profile of a Collector - Part 2
September 5th, 2013
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...
Profile of a Collector - Part 1
September 3rd, 2013
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...
August 27th, 2013
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...
What to do When your Show is Slow
August 22nd, 2013
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 ...
August 20th, 2013
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...
August 20th, 2013
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...
Would You Sell Your Art at Walmart?
August 13th, 2013
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...
Arts Business Institute Workshop Series
August 8th, 2013
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...
Tips for Launching a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
August 7th, 2013
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...
Smart Ideas for Greeting Card Entrepreneurs
August 1st, 2013
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...
July 30th, 2013
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 ...
July 25th, 2013
Artsy Shark celebrates artists in the field, hard at work, showing, selling, or gathering inspiration.
Do You fit the Artist Stereotype?
July 23rd, 2013
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...
Gallery Interview Cowley Fine Art
July 18th, 2013
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...
Artists, Do You Need an Agent?
July 16th, 2013
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...
Interview with Gallery Owner Jay Etkin
July 11th, 2013
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...
July 9th, 2013
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...
July 4th, 2013
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...
How Artists Should Deal with the Naysayers
July 2nd, 2013
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 ...
June 27th, 2013
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...
Selling Art How Does Your Art Get Sold?
June 26th, 2013
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...
June 20th, 2013
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...
Stop Copyright Theft at the Border
June 18th, 2013
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...
8 Ways to Improve Your Online Portfolio
June 13th, 2013
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 ...
How Artists Can Protect Their Intellectual Property
June 11th, 2013
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 ...
Art Licensing Strategies Interview with Maria Brophy
June 6th, 2013
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...
June 4th, 2013
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!
Top 10 Mistakes Artists Make When Building a Website
May 30th, 2013
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...
Close Art Sales Faster with this New Phone App
May 28th, 2013
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...
How to Make a Press Kit that Pops
May 23rd, 2013
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...
May 21st, 2013
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...
Sell More Artwork with In Situ Photos
May 14th, 2013
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.
How to Engage Your Art Website Visitors
May 9th, 2013
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 ...
Building Value in American Handmade Fine Craft
May 7th, 2013
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...
April 28th, 2013
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.
Copyright Wars How Big Box Store Theft Culture Hurts Artists
April 23rd, 2013
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.
How to Become a Successful Freelance Artist
April 19th, 2013
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...
April 15th, 2013
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...