Business Advice for Artists in Today's Economy

A few months ago, I introduced readers of this blog to Richard Harrison. We met and became fast friends after reading each other's posts on Wet Canvas threads. Dick has generously created a series of lively podcasts on his Sales Tips for Artists Web site wherein he offers invaluable insights from a lifetime of business endeavors in graphic arts, advertising, and as a visual artist and professional artist's rep. I've said before he could have easily set these up as CDs or downloads and charged for them. And, if he had chosen that route, the advice would be well worth whatever any artist eager to learn how to advance his or her career would have paid. Fortunately, the price is free and despite the cliche, the information is priceless.

Dick has gone on to create a blog where he continues to provide more valuable information for artists. I'm humbled to know my recent blog post, Ten Points to Ponder for Your Art Marketing Plans inspired his most recent blog post. It's actually a series of posts that come under the title, When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, I heartily recommend reading them:

• A Primer For Hard Times
• Think Like a Salesman
• Offer an Additional Service
• Sharpen Your Focus
• Be Open to New Opportunities
• Explore Niche Markets
• Barter Your Art for Fun and Profit
• Use Technology to Reach Buyers
• Use POD Print-on-demand