Another terrific artist took the time to chat with me! Fine Art Ceramist Patricia Griffin and I explored several topics in this podcast. We explored her transition to becoming a full-time artist. Her transition to opening a public space and becoming a retail shop owner. And we took a journey into her most recent and equally profound career changes. Along the way, you will hear some smart business and marketing concepts and you can easily apply them directly to your art business. And it is all told, in this quick 45-minute podcast, with the depth and clarity I expected from this very smart and successful artist. Head's Up! You MUST listen to the very end because there is a super-duper marketing tip that shows up that I hope will be the key to your future success. I may have over-used the word brilliant towards the end of the podcast, but that won't stop me from saying one more time: This woman is BRILLIANT!   Patricia's undeniable talent will be available for all of us to own very soon! Join her list!   But first, listen and learn. Whatever your art form, this interview will bring you value and help you "Find Loving Homes for Your Art!" Then, please share your thoughts below!     Don't miss an episode! Join the "Very Important Artists" list! PS: here's a link to the book we discussed! And click here to visit Patricia's terrific site!

Find Loving Homes for Your Art

Artist Interview: Patricia Griffin

And... What is it for?   Well, well, well. A series of clicks found me re-visiting an amazing talk by Seth Godin. It's from December of 2017, but it's still so relevant today. And, it will be just as relevant two or twenty years from now. Its impact cannot be overstated.   Watching the YouTube video again, I was overwhelmed with a new sense of MY purpose. I found myself thinking of all the artists I have helped, mentored, coached, and hugged (real and virtually) over the years.   And I was reminded that I am a cheerleader and an optimist. I really believe that art changes people's lives.   So this podcast is my "response" to Seth. I can sum it up: Art Matters. Artists Matter.   But the big takeaway for me is: I matter to artists.   Bold?   Yep! I am boldly filling this week's podcast with extra Aloha and even more ways to Find Loving Homes for Your Art. I do this by believing in "My Golden Words" and remembering all the artists I have made a difference for.   Please listen and then bring your thoughts to the comments. Is there more that I can do? What more would you like from me? Have I helped you? In what ways?   Please share your stories!     As promised here is the link to Seth Godin's amazing talk (I left out the fact that he is very funny and you will LOL more than a few times watching him!)   And join the Artist Family of Subscribers! 

Who Is It For? EP 44

Make Love Not War 'Tis the season for people to start lining up and deciding to take a stance in our whacky world of politics. It's getting louder and harder to remain ignorant of all the goings-on. And, we all have the freedom to speak our minds. But this week's podcast is sending you a warning siren. When you are in business, you are in "polite company" everywhere you post. Spend eleven minutes now and Find Loving Homes for Your Art without risking alienating anyone but still remaining authentic.   Like the podcast? Want to know when it's released? Want to sell more art? 

Don't Start an Argument EP 43

Got Brand? The concept of a "brand" can be nebulous. On the face of it having an identifiable brand might seem all about corporate/big business. Yes, the major "brands" have that look and feel and strong ties to giant marketing machines, but artists need to have a branded look, too. And they can really become more human by giving branding some space in their business. In today's 11-minute podcast, I will let you in on a few secrets to help you tweak your branding and fine-tune your public-facing information. From your website to your social media and even in your in-person events and art shows, you will connect more quickly and be more memorable if you pay attention to your branding. It's another piece of the puzzle that will help you Find Loving Homes for Your Art. I suspect that there will be some questions and I look forward to your comments as always! Enjoy!         Get on my list! It's where special things happen! 

Get on the Brand Wagon EP 42

SQUIRREL! I can't really explain how my squirrely mind came up with this podcast, but I think you will come away with a new point of view. And hopefully, some strong connections that will lead to you finding loving homes for your art. Bottom line: I want you to find your inner squirrel and become one with that energy. Without further ado:   And, while you listen, please join my list. Become a VIA - a Very Important Artist! 

Focus on the ...Squirrel! EP 41

Are you too sexy for your car?* This is bound to be a controversial podcast, but that's never stopped me in the past. I know that some people will thank me, but some will shun me. I am talking very frankly in this week's episode. I try to always bring the honest and most intentionally created words I can, but this time I may have created a monster. Very interested in your comments. My hope is for some strong dialog on this very important and overlooked issue.   *Lyric from the song released in 1992 (coincidentally the same year my jewelry business started. Go figure!) called "I'm too sexy" by Right Said Fred My jewelry means I stay neutral in appearance.

Put It In Neutral EP 40

Where's the PROOF?! Recently, I decided to explore a platform that has a huge user-base that I want to connect with: Instagram. There is such a huge community of artists and makers using that platform and I finally felt compelled to join in the fray. I even popped for a very intensive course from "The Instagram Expert" aka Sue B. Zimmerman. So for the past few months, I have been focused on getting my "grid" figured out along with trying to see what it takes to get traction on this very dynamic tool. I have barely scratched the surface. As usual, the marketing puzzle is three dimensional. However, as I actively explore the ins and outs of Instagram, I have discovered a very discouraging truth: the vast majority of artists I see there are not selling their art. And since my podcast is called, "Find Loving Homes for Your Art", I felt it is my duty to yell at you all in this week's episode. There are remedies! I don't know why it's so foreign an idea to say (in the bio even!) that your creations are available to buy. And why your hashtags don't reach out to #designers #artgalleries #artcollectors #homefurnishings #artforwalls and so on (and on and on). And what size is that doggie in the window? I know you all think you have "good" excuses for being so shy, so feel free to put those in the comments. For those of you who are just plain unsure: get over it. For examples of some smart art marketers, these stand out as artists who are front and center and ready for you to buy from them in a few clicks. @rebeccavincentart @fionapurdypetportraits (her work is 100% commission so she has no "shopping cart") @hannah_seasnailstudio @patriciagriffinceramics (this clever lady has a very different approach to "shopping" cart sales) Anyway... this podcast is actually a little late in being published because I spent WAY too much time trying to find examples among my own followers who were actually actively selling via Instagram. After over an hour... I gave up! Listen to this podcast and ask yourself: Is your art for sale?   Don't miss even one episode. Join my list! 

Is Your Art For Sale? EP 39

The Cat's Out of the Bag! In this week's podcast, just 17 minutes long, you are going to get the secret sauce: the ingredients AND the recipe that I rarely share. These Five Words are the key teachings of my guidebook. But don't think you are off the hook. Just because this podcast episode is revealing the Five Words that are the "Five E's of Selling" from the "E's of Selling Art System", you still need to have the real deal in your life. And while I urge you to purchase the guidebook if you haven't yet, this podcast (and the link below to a related blog post) will give you some serious homework to do. Hey! If you own the "system", you need to read it (or re-read it), study the principles it embraces, dig deep into the workbooks, and carry the flashcards everywhere so you can Find Loving Homes for Your Art. Meanwhile...got your paper and pencils ready? Good. When you are done listening, please let me know: which of the Five E's is most challenging for you? And, why is it challenging? Get ready to think!   LINK mentioned: This article is from a couple of years ago, but I had forgotten how informative it is! It's even got a super cool download. Check it out! AND...meanwhile, if you think you need the art system, you can buy it here or learn more here. And if you haven't done it yet, please join my VIA (Very Important Artists) list. 

The Five Words EP 38

Are your prices too high or too low? Goldilock's principles rarely work in the art industry. There is no such thing as just right when it comes to pricing art. It's an art form all on its own. At the same time, if you stray too far in either direction, you will struggle to make sales. But what you might not realize is that you will struggle more if you underprice your work then if you overprice it. And that concept is what is covered in this week's episode. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Pick a question or answer them all. Do you think you have the right prices? And if so, why? How did you arrive at your prices? When was the last time you raised your prices? What is your biggest challenge with getting a proper livelihood from your artistic endeavors?   As promised, here's a quick look at my work. Can you guess what is priced at $26 and what is priced at $275? 

Money, Money, Money...MONEY! EP 37

Don't let the title scare you! And don't let your fears get in the way of Finding Loving Homes for Your Art. In this week's episode, we are going to face those little nagging doubts and even some of the big scary fears that get in the way of you believing in yourself. In many ways, this is what several of the other episodes have nibbled at around the edges. The nibbling is over. I am taking a big bite out of these omnipresent sales-dampening fears and giving you an attitude adjustment. Stick around to the end where there is a special bit of counseling. It's a virtual hug that centers around the word "important" and puts it into a whole new category of importance. Enjoy... and let me know you "got this". This one is a little extra personal for me.   Link mentions: First podcast ever: Lessons from a Seven-Year-Old Artist Episode #17: Why Why Why...Do You Create? Episode #22 (again): 33 Ways to Ask for the Sale  If you're not on my email list, you will miss some great opportunities and special offers! 

Afraid EP 36

We have all been there We had a great bonding. It was clear that they loved the work. It was clear that money was not an issue. It was obvious that they were going to own your art. They seemed on the brink of saying yes and suddenly, they just don't. AND...As they walk away... Your mind is racing. You are genuinely confused. You were SURE that this was a sale about to happen at any moment. In the E's of Selling Art System Guidebook, there is a page that I included for just this scenario. And for anyone who has not yet made the small investment, I am treating you to the information on that page. And in the links under the podcast player, you will see a special offer. It's long overdue that many of you reading this just go ahead and become an owner of the guidebook, don't ya think? All is not lost You can make this work, I promise. Start by grabbing paper and pen. This is likely one of the most valuable episodes you will hear.   The Links as Promised Purchase your very own E's of Selling Art System (learn more here) anytime before Wednesday, August 28th and save 15%! Use Code: PODCAST And here's the link to "33 Ways to Ask for the Sale - EP 22" Are you on my list? Join and enjoy every podcast episode!

As They Walk Away EP 35

I was overwhelmed and re-energized (again) by watching an interview by Marie Forleo with a totally rocking dance phenom by the name of Amanda LaCount. I tossed aside my prepared notes and just took all that emotion and put it into this episode. I hope you get emotional, too. I hope you will share, too. I have links below as promised. But as always: listen first! Leap away later! The Marie Foleo interview with Amanda LaCount. That (awesome) Seven-year-old! (My first podcast, too!) Takeaway: You are so important.

I'm Daring You To Believe EP 34

Special Attention Required! On the heels of the last podcast, there were some deep conversations and a great comment that added even more dimension to the whole discussion of creating better first contact engagement. And it was obvious that I was concentrating on a single visitor which leads me to today's podcast. When two people, who are in some way sharing their lives and/or their living spaces, approach you and your work, the rules of engagement are much more complicated. Even if one of them is just a good friend, there can be some complex dynamics that run through your time together. I tell two tales in this podcast. One about love found and one about love lost. I think you will enjoy them both. Sharing Required! Comments... oh, you know I want your comments this time. This is such a twisted and explosive subject. I think you have some experiences to share this week. Enjoy! And listen for a special invitation at the end of the podcast. (and I practically beg for you all to go to iTunes and give me a high-five, please!)  

Couples Therapy EP 33

Confusion Dilutes Passion It can feel awkward, even uncomfortable, to allow someone a little time and space to become visually acquainted with your oeuvre. Whatever your medium, it's full of stories, full of energy, and full of your spirit. Your art is the product of your unique techniques, special preparations, and your singular artful approach to design and your point-of-view. It's your passion and you want to share it. That's part of why you are showing it to the public, right? But what do they really need to know? How much should you share and when and how should you share it? I answer these and more questions in this episode of "Find Loving Homes for Your Art". The Yin and the Yang It's quite natural to want to tell everyone as much as possible as quickly as possible so they will "get it" and "get you". And hopefully, if they learn enough about you and what makes you tick, they will buy a piece of your creative work. But, as usual, it's a balancing act. And in the beginning, you can upset that delicate balance as they are becoming tuned-in to your work for the first time. And so, in this episode, I am encouraging you to bite your tongue. To be patient. And, as always, I give you some practical ideas on how to do that and what to say and when to say it. Listen to this episode to discover how you can maximize your effectiveness in those first few moments. The bottom line is: Too much sharing can lead to overwhelm and that can kill sales. It's all about timing and that ever-present E from the E's of Selling Art System: Empathy. Enjoy! And please share in the comments. I want to hear your thoughts, ideas, and questions! What's your medium and how does this apply to your presentation? Here is a corresponding blog post that you might want to read (in silence - LOL!).

Allow Silence EP 32

All is not lost Last week's podcast stirred up some off-site conversations. But one brave soul did put her thoughts into the comments and got me to thinking. Thanks for stirring up the hornet's nest, Jennifer! You inspired this podcast. And so I am tackling the issue from another angle in this week's chat. If the mojo isn't fully in gear, what can you do to make sure you can still "Find Loving Homes for Your Art"? And, those of you who own the "E's of Selling Art System" will recognize some of this rant's origins. This should serve as an additional reminder to all artists. Remember: if they could they would. To that, I add, "when they can they will (if they remember you)". Hope this helps! Let me know in the comments what you do or plan to do to recapture the mojo. Show notes Surely this episode will cause you to re-think those business cards? Listen to "Hide Your Business Cards EP 14" Is it finally time to purchase the "E's of Selling Art System"? Learn more here. Did you miss last week's episode? Go now! "Accidentally Losing Empathy EP 30"

Finding Empathy EP 31

Your creations need loving homes to complete their journey. Whatever your art medium or level of experience – from part-time to internationally renowned - embracing this podcast’s mindful sharing approach will nurture confidence and encourage authentic relationships between your art, your collectors, and your artistic soul. It's a love triangle. You're invited.

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Find Loving Homes for Your Art

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