Art Print Issues by Barney Davey

GicleeBusiness.com - Digital Fine Art Printing & Art Business Directory

The Giclee Business  Digital Fine Art Printing & Art Business Directory Debuts

If having a convenient, easy-to-use giclee printer directory, plus a digital fine art printing services and robust art business resources guide would help your art career, then you will love the Giclee Business directory!

Giclee printing and art business resources at your fingertips

Until now, artists seeking to learn more about how to get their original works reproduced as giclees have had difficulties finding giclee printers, fine art image capturing services and other fine art business resources.

Your problem is solved with the Giclee Business online directory of digital fine art printing resources and fine art business and art marketing resources. It contains a growing list of nearly 500 giclee printers, fine art digital printing service providers, and contacts for the art market's top art marketing and art business resources.

The Giclee Business directory connects visual artists and companies with services for them.

Here are some short videos to help you get started:

 

 

 

In addition to the videos, you will find answers to your questions on the Giclee Business Frequently Asked Questions pages. They are designed to help you find the information you need to get the most from the directory whether you are a visual artist user, or a company seeking to list and advertise to reach visual artists.

For giclee printers, and those companies providing art marketing and art business services, GicleeBusiness.com is a great place to affordably advertise to reach artists

If you want to reach artists in the most powerful way possible, this directory is for you. When artists and fine art photographers come to the Giclee Business directory, they will be seeking solutions to help them in their careers. There is no better time for your message to reach and influence visual artists than when they are actively looking for the products, services and advice you routinely provide them.

The Giclee Business Directory is produced by long-time industry pro, Barney Davey

This directory is curated and published by Barney Davey, author of How to Profit from the Art Print Market, a perennial bestseller on the Amazon.com "Business of Art" category since 2005. By being intimately involved in the fine art print reproduction market since 1988, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this exciting new giclee printer directory developed exclusively for visual artists and fine art photographers.

Since 2005 he has published more than 400 hundred posts and articles aimed at helping artists learn how to work smarter and keep more of the money they make. Most of that information can be found here in the Art Print Issues archive, one of the most highly trafficked and well respected art business blogs on the Internet.

Digital Arts Studio Rocks How to Profit from the Art Print Market and GicleeBusiness.com

Our good friends and supporters at Digital Arts Studio in Atlanta and Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale are already enjoying the benefits of their advertising in the directory and also in the 2nd Edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market.

The ad for Digital Arts Studio seen on the right can also be found in the book. Look for a profile about this the premier giclee printing studio in an upcoming issue. You'll want to learn more about them.

Part of its benefit package includes an exclusive webinar provided for its artists coming up on Arpil 4.

Because the book is produced just like giclees with print-on-demand technology, it is never too late to start advertising. You can get full details here.

Please help spread the word to publicize the Giclee Business Directory

I will greatly appreciate your help if you would kindly share this post with your artist friends, blog about it and link to it. It will be a way to make it more useful and to make the many hours in its production all the more worthwhile.

Art Business Brightened by Uptick in Luxury Home Magazine Ad Sales

The print magazine business is just another sector that has been unmercifully hammered by the convergent effects of tech-driven changes in consumer information consumption and purchasing habits and a perilous economy.

I am an example. Not that long ago, I read every issue of numerous magazines cover-to-cover, including news magazines, trade magazines, art magazines, woodworking magazines and design magazines.

With 24-hour news and a wealth of information on the Internet, I have considerably cut back using print media. And, overall I spend more cautiously. It's obvious my changes are reflective of national trends in consumer habits.

If you’re riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there. ~ Will Rogers

No matter how successful you are, you are not immune to changes. This means if visual artists have game and can bring it, they can grow their art business at the expense of leaders whose market share once seemed bullet proof.

As an example of how things change, look at the magazines that cover the home and interior design field. They have seen the worst of times with ad page sales and circulation lows not seen in decades. Not that long ago smart money would have given long odds that Architectural Digest would be ever be surpassed by Elle Decor. And, it would have been wrong.

Vision, planning and execution are the tickets to success

I note the venerable Magazine Publishers Association (MPA) has changed its name to the Association of Magazine Media, which lacks a ring to my ear. No doubt, this is part of its effort to keep abreast of an evolving situation for print media. It will take more than a name change. Success comes from visionary thinking, smart planning and great execution. These are what makes the difference and cosmetic name changes without it won't save the day. It won't for visual artists either.

It's not just a good time to make changes, it is a necessary time to make changes

A recent story from the Associated Press titled Luxury Home Magazines Get Facelifts offers a positive spin on improvement in the luxury home decor market. The piece reports how changes at top interior design publications are being implemented. The idea is for these properties to try new things so they can stay relevant and keep ahead of the herd without losing it. Readers here should take note of this lesson and consider changing things up to try new things as well.

Ad page sales figures portend well for the art print market

What is truly heartening is the reports of advertising page growth in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor and Traditional Home in 2010. That is a sign that bodes well for the art market. If money is flowing into advertising in the "shelter books", as the home magazine category is nicknamed, then there has to be confidence the consumer is loosening the wallet and may be ready to spend more liberally in 2011.

I have reports from friends in the decorative art market that the poster business improved in 2010. This is encouraging sign for all visual artists. Still, it's not all hearts and roses in the art print market. You can look at the trade magazines that serve the art print market and know things remain anemic. For instance, Decor magazine hasn't had a digital issue or any changes on its website since December.

Trade magazines serving the art print market still hurting

The most recent electronic Art Business News January issue had only 30 pages with many devoted to the Toronto Art Expo, which it is promoting. The digital version of Art World News is a bit more robust with more print advertisers, but still only has 40 total pages. In years past, those books would have carried more than 40 pages of advertising in a January issue.

Ad sales figures like that cannot support a full-time magazine staff. So, we are still not out of the woods with the fate of art print publications, which a terrible shame because when they function as they are capable, they offer the industry leadership, experience and opportunity. The good news from the luxury home publications means if their page growth trend holds up it will help the art print and decorative market as well. Let's hope so.

Art Expo New York remains an industry bellwether

The 32nd Art Expo New York convenes at the end of March. It is aiming for 400 exhibitors. The Toronto Art Expo has about the same target. These are well off the peak years, especially for the New York show. Let's hope for good weather in New York and a decent turnout from buyers. Should these factors occur and the trending good news from the shelter books continues, the result could significantly boost morale and outlook for the remainder of 2011in the art business.

How to Profit from the Art Print Market - 2nd Edition sales are robust

From the very positive sales figures of my newly published and completely rewritten second edition, it appears artists are hungry for useful timely information to help them navigate the art print market today. I can't complain about the book zooming to a top spot on a couple of Amazon.com categories, "Business of Art" and "Prints." 

Sales through this blog and my www.BarneyDavey.com website have exceeded my expectations. Naturally, that is good news for me. Moreover, I believe the optimism shown by the sales of the book is a good harbinger of improving opportunities in the art print market.

Visual Artists Using Fine Art Giclee Prints to Create New Markets

Long time readers know I am a strong advocate of using publicity and press releases as a key component of any art marketing strategy.

As I also believe in walking my talk, I have a press release out today with the above title. Its goal is to promote the recent release of 2nd edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market.

Coordinating marketing efforts to create synergy is also part of what I preach. Besides scheduling a press release my book, I took part in the smARTist Telesummit MasterMind Panel this week. Click the link for a free excerpt of the Day 1 Panel. 

You also will find me on a Web Broadcast this Tuesday, January 18 with Jason Horejs of Xanadu Gallery. The subject is: Creating New Marketing Opportunities with Giclees | a Conversation with Barney Davey.

Jason is the author of the top selling book, "Starving" to Successful: The Fine Artist's Guide for Getting into Galleries. His insightful straightforward advice offers great advice for artists seeking to work with galleries.

The press release submitted via PRWeb.com is below. As an FYI, the release for the first edition has been accessed 63,000 times.

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Visual Artists Using Fine Art Giclee Prints to Create New Markets

For visual artists and fine art photographers who want to break into the fine art giclee print market, the 2nd Edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market will be an invaluable resource. On January 14, 2011, the book became available through online bookstores and the publisher at www.barneydavey.com.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) January 17, 2011 -- The expanded and completely revised second edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market details how artists can use giclees to make more money, diversify portfolios, increase price points and find new buyers. Its authoritative advice arms readers with practical directions they can use to capitalize on opportunities in the changing fine art giclee print market.

Print-on-demand and other disruptive technologies have caused sweeping changes

Artists will discover how the evolution of digital fine art print-on-demand technology (aka giclees ), e-commerce, social media, and changing consumer habits are disruptive forces they can harness to create exciting new ways to sell their work. The book's clear guidance on the decision to self-publish or to work with a publisher will be welcomed by visual artists. They will learn that top selling artists have enjoyed successful print market careers with either choice.

How to Profit from the Art Print Market offers art marketing solutions for visual artists

The book sheds light on how disruptive forces have marginalized to near extinction traditionally reliable sources of new business, such as trade advertising and tradeshows. It also provides insights on how artists are finding they can sell direct to collectors without abandoning traditional marketing partners such as galleries.

Other topics include selling art online, social media marketing, art licensing, the economics and marketing of self-publishing, common traits of exemplary self-published artists, finding and working with publishers and with giclee printers, identifying trends and more. Readers will find the expanded Resources section a prized useful tool. A review of the Table of Contents reveals timely updates and four new chapters.

When it comes to the art print market, the book has no competition

Ironically, despite demonstrable upside potential, solid advice for artists on how to benefit from the print market is nonexistent among the abundance of art marketing books. The second edition of the book continues to fill the void in providing insightful, informative art print marketing education for visual artists. It demystifies an art print market that many find baffling.

The first edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market has been a bestseller on Amazon.com's "Business of Art" category since its publication in 2005. It was excerpted in The Artist's Magazine and was a selection in the North Light Book Club.

High praise from a very successful artist

Michael Geraghty, named the nation's best equine artist by The Daily Racing Form, had this to say: "I've said it before: it's the single best 'business' book ever written for artists. What's humbling is that by the time I discovered Barney's book I had sold over a million dollars in art and thought I knew all I needed to know about the marketplace. I quickly realized "How to Profit" was a treasure chest of knowledge I did not possess. I truly regret the book wasn't available 20 years ago."

Book offers artists groups, guilds and organizations an educational fundraising opportunity

Arts organizations, artists guilds, groups, associations, societies and clubs are encouraged to use the book for educational and fund raising activities. They should visit the publisher's information page for details. Art educators are welcome to contact the publisher to learn about special educational prices.

Barney Davey, the author, is an art industry veteran who began his career in 1988. He publishes and produces books, blogs, media, workshops and seminars for visual artists. He also publishes the highly respected Art Print Issues blog. Its top page view ranking proves it to be one of the industry's most popular business blogs. Davey's newest project, www.GicleeBusiness.com, is a comprehensive giclee printer directory and art business products and services resource.

Details: Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: Bold Star Communications (January 14, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0976960737

Contact: Barney Davey
Phone: (602) 499-7500
www.barneydavey.com

Related posts:

Publicity is a Big Deal for Visual Artists and All Small Businesses

As a Visual Artist, Are You Press Release Worthy?

What Topics Would Be Press Worthy for a Visual Artists? (Part Two)

Using Press Releases to Gain Publicity for Visual Artists (Part Three)

How to Write a Press Release for Artists

Discover New Ways to Make a Living as an Artist!

Boost Your Art Career!
E-X-P-A-N-D Your Art Business Knowledge!

Knowledge is Power. As a participant in the 2011 smARTist Telesummit, you will gain the wisdom of 13 presenters, each of whose specialized art business expertise is certain to help you gain new mastery over your art career!

Come together with me, Barney Davey, and 12 other art business and art marketing experts at the 2011 smARTist Telesummit.

Use these seven days to change your life and your business!

You can take in as much as possible in real time or listen to the recorded presentations on your own time -- as often as you want. Either way you will come away with a new attitude and renewed confidence in your ability to operate your art business in more effective and profitable ways.

Ten Things You Will Learn From Me

1. A few details about me

2. Why reproductions

3. A brief overview of the art print market now & then

4. Options for your participation in the print market

5. Controlling your distribution channels

6. Selling your art online

7. Creating your brand by coordinating website, email, publicity and social media

8. Alternative selling opportunities

9. Locating and working with the best giclée printers

10. Pros & cons of limited editions vs. open editions

  The first MasterMind Panel Day is Thursday, January 13. The Keynote Presentations begin on Monday, January 17.

 
Join Now to Jump Start Your Art Career!

What you learn from these "knowledgeable" art business insiders will change your business and your life!

Barbara Markoff

...a corporate art consultant for over 30 years, Barbara will let you in on what she knows best: Selling Your Art To Corporations—Demystified!

Daniel Grant

...contributing editor of American Artist magazine and lecturer on artists' career development at Yale School of Art, Amherst College, and Smith College -- Dan knows a lot about how to: Take Charge, Skip the Galleries, and Sell Your Art Directly.

Constance Mettler

...publisher of the #1 Google-rated web site for art fairs, and the only online calendar listing the nation's top events, Connie will guide you towards: More Patrons Than You Ever Dreamed Of—Learn The Secrets Of Being Successful At The Nation's Juried Fine Art Fairs.

Jeffrey Lipsky

... an artist featured in numerous publications (the New York Times Magazine and Art Calendar Magazine for starters), has successfully ventured into an online virtual world that is a complete culture unto itself, and he's ready to tell you how to Get A Second Life! ...and Another Stream Of Income.

Jodi Walsh

... another successful artist who has marketed her own work for 30 years, and is the creator of The 12 STEP Program for Artists: The Art of Doing Business. Jodi will open up a whole new world for you with all she knows about: Vertical Markets: Become a REVENUE GENERATING Artist!

Jason Horejs

...a booming gallery owner and author of 'Starving' to Successful: How to Find & Keep the Right Gallery for Your Work-at any stage of your career! wants to teach you how to Sell Like a Pro—Inside Tips from a Gallery Owner on the Delicate Process of Turning "Tire Kickers" into Collectors.

Tara Reed

...who has licensed art worldwide since 2004, and began teaching other artists through her ArtLicensingInfo website since 2008, is giving you the most up-to-date scoop on Art Licensing: Learn to Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk and Get Paid Multiple Times for the Same Art!

Molly Gordon

...a business coach, with the soul of an artist, who runs the sassy site, authenticpromotion.com, has gone all out talking to gallery owners, successful artists, and researching (at the level of a graduate course) all there is to know about Art Pricing Secrets: How To Set, Negotiate, And Raise Your Prices For Maximum Impact Throughout Your Career.

Daniel Tardent

...co-founder and COO of Beautiful Artist Websites and Espresso Artist Websites, who also writes for Art Marketing Secrets, and is the author of The Artist SEO Success System is ready to Transform Your Website Into the Art-Marketing Machine You've Dreamed About!

Stanley John Bowman

...a full time professional artist, and fine art print publisher of giclees, who previously taught photography and digital imaging at Cornell University for 28 years, will give you everything you must know about Giclee Printing: The New Frontier For Artists.

Barney Davey

...your leading authority in the fine art print market and author of How to Profit from the Art Print Market: Creating Cash Flow from Original Art is here to tell you how to Discover Success in the 2011 Giclee Print Market.

Lori McNee

...yet another successful artist, has tapped into Social Media, been featured in the Huffington Post, named in the "Top 10 Up and Coming Women Bloggers," ranked as~one of the~"Most Influential Artists" on Twitter and one of "The Top 100 Most Powerful Women on Twitter." I suggest you pay close attention when she tells you how to Sell Yourself, Sell Your Art: With a Social Media Blueprint for Artists.

Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D.

...art career coach, author of Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work, and creator of this one-and-only, professional development, art career conference is going to let you in on The Three "C"ecrets of a Successful Art Career: Courage. Commitment. Completion.

With all these amazing people ready to connect with you for 7 days, all you need is a simple shift...

...a promise to put your career first, and a commitment to keep that promise.

Look at what happened when these artists made that commitment to put their careers first, then kept this promise to themselves and their art.

A real sense of belonging has come over me with this group.

Ariane, I'm so glad I registered for the Telesummit. What a wonderful experience... to have all this expertise and wisdom available to me "live" without having to leave home.

I have to admit, a bit of sadness has hit me this morning as I realize this afternoon is our last day of sessions. I've enjoyed the time I've spent with everyone on the Forum.

I'm going to miss running around like crazy to be sure I clear the time to not miss the opening remarks of each session. A real sense of belonging has come over me with this group.

And that's something I've been missing as I work day in and day out to create and market my work. I hope the magic of belonging continues. —Tom Hlas

My advice about smARTist: Take the investment seriously if you signup.

The smARTist Telesummit gave me the information boost I needed to put my art career on the right track.

The results:

• A very fine gallery in Florida contacted me through my social media gate to represent my work and offered me a one-person show.
• I have had several sales through that gallery and through another Gallery in San Antonio, TX
• I have had sales directly from my eNewsletter
• Within a short time of being on Facebook, I gathered 2500 fans and over 4500 friends.
• A huge benefit to all of this is that I have met and had conversations with some of the top artists in the country and can now count them as true friends.

I attribute most of these results to following the advice and catching the enthusiasm of the smARTist presentations, as well as paying close attention to the advice of my friend Alyson Stanfield.

My advice about smARTist: Take the investment seriously if you signup.

Not everything presented will apply directly to you, but the material that does should be studied and, more importantly, acted upon. —Micheal Lynn Adams

Join Now to Jump Start Your Art Career! 

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Pre-order & Save - How to Profit from the Art Print Market - 2nd Edition

 

Your How to Sell More Art Resource Is Bigger & Better! Pre-order Now & Save $15.00.

I am pleased to announce the new Second Edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market is available at a special pre-order price. Your copy will ship in early December. You will only pay $24.95, plus shipping, instead of the $39.95 retail price.

If you have been looking for new ideas or new ways on how to get into the print market or how to sell giclees, get this book. It has four chapters added, a third more content, more resources and has undergone a total rewrite to update all existing material.

You will find this new edition completely rewritten with an abundance of new content and innovative ways on how to sell giclees and digital fine art print reproductions. The pertinent information, new chapters, and timely advice are geared to help you boost your art career and generate fine art print reproduction and giclee sales in today's changed marketplace. 

BONUS! The Resources section has been vastly expanded and is sure to a source you will return many times to locate new business and marketing companies, products and services. 

A minor investment to increase your art marketing knowledge today will make a major improvement in your art career tomorrow!

Order now! Early orders will ship in early December in time for the holidays!

The First Edition was initially published in June 2005. It is hard to fathom the amount of change the art print market has undergone in the ensuing years. Despite the changes, I've been humbled to see the book remain a bestseller on the Amazon.com "Business of Art" category since it first hit the charts in the 4th quarter of 2005. It is a testament to the basic core value of its information. I believe this second edition improves on the knowledge imparted in the original version.

A need to follow up on changes sparked the creation of Art Print Issues. Part of the original motivation for this Art Print Issues blog was to help my readers stay abreast of changes within the industry, and to alert them to new opportunities. As I waited and waited for changes to slow down and the right time to publish a second edition, the blog evolved into as much a business advice for visual artists medium as it did report on the ever changing nature of the art print market.

The value of lessons learned in the past five years are included in this edition. The waiting provided perspective and much of the insights I've gained over the past 5+ years since the first edition are packed into this second edition. I trust when you read it you will find the advice, information and inspiration more than just worth your time and money, but rather a rich repository of practical advice on how to sell art, especially giclees and digital fine art reproductions.

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Raise Funds for Your Arts Organization, Your Company, or Yourself!

Join my affiliate marketing group to use the 2nd Edition of How to Profit from the Art Print Market to make passive income. You can learn more about raising funds here. It will be an easy passive money raiser for your visual arts group!

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West Coast Art & Frame Show & SmARTist Telesummit week.

Last week was a bit hectic. It started Monday with a presentation to the 2010 SmARTist Telesummit attendees on my topic of creating a second income through the art print market.

While I have conducted many seminars via the telephone and Internet, this one was different. After a brief introduction from show producer, Ariane Goodwin, I was off to see how deep into a 41-page slide presentation I could get in 45 minutes.

What made this unique was I talked with no feedback as the attendees' phones were muted. Like most speakers, I prefer getting vocal or visual clues, so this was a challenging way to present. I trust my listeners took value from the presentation. The talk was intended to be enlightening regarding the print market with some basic art marketing concepts included.

Finish one presentation and hit the road for the WCAF Show

Once the SmARTist seminar was over, my wife, Mary, and I jumped in the car for the 300-mile trip to Las Vegas where the first day of the Ninth Annual West Coast Art & Frame Show was underway. There were lots of old friends to see from the art print market, including many I had not seen in years.The print side art business is still in flux and I was eager take the pulse of the market.

Hat's off to the Gherman family and their long-time employees for producing another consistent show in Las Vegas. Watching them and their staff from Picture Framing Magazine interact with exhibitors and buyers was educational in itself. They work very hard at maintaining high touch relationships with all their constituents. The results are proof their efforts pay dividends. I did not encounter sour grapes anywhere, which is remarkable for any tradeshow at anytime. At this juncture, I suppose exhibitors are pleased for a decent chance to get exposure to buyers.

Seeing old friends still producing great work with a hopeful attitude was invigorating

Since I sold John and Laurie Chester of Wild Apple Graphics their first ads and tradeshow spaces, I was thrilled to help them celebrate 20 years in business at their booth. I also realized I was the rep to first sell trade ads and show space to to Michael and Susan Singleton' for their Sagebrush Fine Art and likewise to Nasser Shortorbani and Laurie Downing of Poems Art Publishing. Those companies are just a few years junior to Wild Apple. To find myself decades later still in the art print business with such friends is a precious rewarding experience.

Trade media promoting new venues for Decor Expo Atlanta and ArtExpo New York

This show offered a chance to visit in person with the intrepid bunch from Next Step Media. These former workmates included Kim Feager, Kim Klatt, Renee Pinner and Kristin Stefek Brashares. With Kim Feager's leadership as publisher and new CEO, they salvaged Decor Magazine and the Decor Expo shows from being shut down and put out of business. Fred Rogers also was there. He recently joined the Decor team after years as an exec with former owners Pfingsten Publishing LLC and Summit Business Media LLC.

This group is rightfully excited about relaunching Decor Expo in Atlanta on September 11-13. They are equally thrilled to be back in the refurbished America's Gift Mart running concurrent with the Atlanta Gift Show. It would be a great tribute to them and a sign of industry resilience to see Decor Expo Atlanta roar back to life this fall. They have my fondest wishes for huge success there.

Eric Smith was there representing his Redwood Media company which rescued ArtExpo New York from letting its former owners put it out of business. Like every show producer these days, Eric has his hands full trying to put together a strong enough lineup to draw buyers. In 2010, there are no sure things in the art print market. The recent history of art business tradeshows and art consumer shows proves it.

While I have had issues with ArtExpo's previous investment banker owners, I, then as now, believe losing ArtExpo New York would be a stinging blow to artists, art publishers and the industry at large.  As such, my hope for Eric and his exhibitors is the show does well this coming March. It was a pleasure to visit with both John Haffey and Sarah Seamark who were there to cover the show for Art World News. Their trade publication has been an important voice in the art print market for decades.

In these tough times hope springs eternal ... and it is more than just wishful

Just as my experience with art print exhibitors was fun and inspiring, I found it invigorating to connect with colleagues and friends who remain stalwarts in the art trade media and art tradeshow business. Changes in market conditions have been very hard on art print publishers and harsher yet on the trade media and tradeshows supporting them. So, it was delightful to observe a universal dogged determination to succeed among these long-time industry veterans.

Despite our very difficult economic times, and with other challenges around, these professionals maintain a palpable and realistic positive outlook as they demonstrate their belief the industry they serve is prepared to create new opportunities in bringing the art print market to a new era of prosperity.

Remembering Vivian Kistler

I doubt many reading this post knew Vivian Kistler, which is a shame. You can learn more about her life and contributions to the picture framing industry here. Nevertheless, I want to offer a few words of condolence to her family, friends and co-workers. She was a remarkable dynamo who for 30 years worked tirelessly at educating picture framers.

Vivian was a larger-than-life smart, funny, sassy, no-nonsense woman who produced books, workshops, seminars, videos and other materials for the benefit of those in the picture framing business. You did not have to know, or want to know anything about picture framing, to enjoy watching her put on a seminar. It was guaranteed to be lively, humorous and spot-on with great common sense business advice. Hers is a voice and legacy that will never be known again in our industry.

Decade in Review for the Art Print Market

There have been numerous reviews of the past decade in print, broadcast and online media such as this one from Newsweek: Decade in Review (It is seven minutes long).

 

Here is my take on The Decade in Review for the Art Print Market. The dates and information supplied are subjective, arbitrary, approximate and included to the best of my ability, but not guaranteed for accuracy.

 

1999 (These items in this year are not officially part of the 2000 Decade, but close and significant enough to include)

• Commerce Publishing Company sold to Pfingsten Partners LLC. Properties include Decor magazine, and its sister Art Buyers Caravan, Frame-o-rama and Galeria tradeshow division.

o Actually happened in mid-1999, but most changes due to new ownership started in the new decade

o Many longtime employees leave Decor and Decor Expo

• Getty Images buys Art.com for $115 million in May 1999

2000

• Art Buyers Caravan (ABC), Frame-o-rama and Galeria shows rebranded as Decor Expo

• Cafepress.com gets initial VC funding

• West Coast Art & Frame Show in second year continues to grow with nearly 250 booths

2001

• Terrorist attacks on 9-11-2001 cause Atlanta Decor Expo show to be cancelled

o This singular event was a turning point for the industry

o Although some shows continued to grow in size, the industry never fully recovered its momentum as other factors compounded to stymie its growth

• In the wake of the dotcom bomb stock implosion, the founders of Allwall.com purchase Art.com from Getty Images for a fraction of Getty’s purchase price

2002

• Pfingsten Publishing & Advanstar Communications agree to single registration fee, to share registration and shuttle buses expenses between venues at the Jacob Javits Centerwhere ArtExpo is held and the Westside Piers where Decor Expo Art & Framing shows are held

• Art Copyright Coalition is formed by Art Publisher's Association members

• Alyson Stanfield launches www.ArtBizCoach.com

2003

• Pfingsten Publishing & Advanstar Communications agree to co-exist in the Jacob Javits Center putting ArtExpo, Decor Expo in the same location for the first time ever

• West Coast Art & Frame Show fills void in exhibit space as it grows with more art publishers finding success at its show

• Digital art begins to get traction in fine art print market

2004

• ArtExpo New York and the Atlanta Decor Expo (formerly Atlanta ABC Show) continue to grow in size and importance

• Internet retailers command growing sales from consumers and in orders from poster publishers

• Thomas Kinkade featured on CBS News "60 Minutes" show

• Increasing volume of Chinese assembly line oil paintings create concerns

2005

• Barney Davey launches Art Print News; publishing it as an online newsletter

• Atlanta Decor Expo lands at # 145 on the Tradeshow Week 200 signifying it is one of the largest tradeshows in the US

• Advanstar Communications agrees to sell its art properties, including ArtExpo shows and Art Business News magazine to Pfingsten Publishing LLC

• Print-on-demand technology proves to be a game changer as giclée sales eclipse all other media in the limited edition market

• Sharp decline in the number of independent art retailers brought on by the rise of Internet shopping, growth of big box stores, flood of cheap Chinese oil paintings and changes in consumer tastes wreak havoc on the poster publishing business

• Allposters.com and Art.com merge. Allposters.com is #145 on Internet Retailer Top 400 and Art.com is #95. Both sites continue to operate independently to date

• Etsy.com is launched

• Marilyn Sholin launches www.DigitalPaintingForum.com

2006

• Art Print News changes format from online newsletter to blog

• Summit Business Media LLC acquires Pfingsten Publishing LLC for the latter’s financial publishing properties. Art group gets short shrift as management unsuccessfully seeks a new buyer for it

• Imagekind.com is founded

• Thomas Kinkade is reported to have earned $53 million in the period 1997 to May 2005

• West Coast Art & Frame Show continues strong appeal to art exhibitor grows to more than 500 booths

2007

• Changing economic and market conditions continue to cause dramatic declines in booth space at tradeshows and ad space in trade magazines

• Decor Expo New York is cancelled and move to Baltimore. For the first time in three decades there is not a spring international picture framing and poster publishing tradeshow in New York

• Inaugural ArtExpo Las Vegas show opens to mixed signals

• Blogging for independent artists takes on growing use and importance

2008

• Decor Expo Baltimore is canceled

• Imagekind.com is acquired by Cafepress.com

• Etsy Raises $27 Million to Expand Marketplace for handmade goods

• ArtExpo Las Vegas opens on day Dow drops 600 points. Show never recovers

• Limited edition Shepard Fairey art available exclusively at CafePress through partnership with Rock The Vote

• Wyland paints 99th Whaling Wall "Water for Life” in North Lauderdale, Florida

2009

• Kim Feager, publisher of Decor, Art Business News and Volume magazines, and Eric Smith, Art Group Vice-President purchase the art group properties from Summit Business Media LLC. Feager gets magazines and Decor Expo shows. Smith gets ArtExpo shows.

• Decor Expo Atlanta cancels 2009 show. New owners vow to return stronger in 2010

• ArtExpo Las Vegas show canceled, future is doubtful

• ArtExpo New York announces it will move to Pier 94 from the Jacob Javits Center

• Social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn rise to become important marketing vehicles for artists and publishers

 

Undoubtedly, there were other momentous events affecting the art print market in the past decade. These mentioned where what easily came to mind for me, thus making this list both arbitrary and potentially inaccurate. I welcome all comments with corrections and additional items worthy of mention in the past decade.

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Start your year off with the learning and inspiration you will get from the 2010 SmARTist Telesummit in January!

If you want more help on you career from me, I will be one of the eleven speakers the 4th Annual SmARTist Telesummit. Click here to sign up now or to get more information about the topnotch panel of presenters who are ready to help you catapult your career this January. With the impressive lineup Arianne Goodwin has put together, you are sure to get a very positive career boost from your investment in time and money.

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SmARTist Telesummit 2010 - Register Now for the January 21 - 27 Event

There is still time to register for the 2010 SmARTist Telesummit taking place in your home on your telephone January 21 - 27. It is a great way to invest in your career. This year is slated to be the best yet to help you advance your art career!

I am honored to be one of the eleven speakers for this 4th annual gathering. You will receive the most up-to-date information as I present "How to Use the Print Market to Create a Second Income." It's guaranteed to be practical and informative. You will discover how dramatic changes in the market place have affected the art print market and what you can do to prosper from them.

For the past three years, I have watched this program grow and this fresh lineup looks to be nothing short of great for visual artists seeking to broaden their knowledge and to become inspired to take their career to new heights. You may not have time to hear every presentation in person. That is why you will receive an audio file of all the talks given. And, you can use them to relisten to make sure you get all the value and great ideas you will find as an attendee.

SIGN UP NOW to reserve your spot on the 4th Annual SmARTist Telesummit now.  Click here to listen to the description of my presentation. Come join me there! 

Join Me at the 2010 SmARTist Telesummit

 SIGN UP NOW to get on the Early Notification List about the 4th Annual SmARTist Telesummit in January. That way you will be first in line when registration opens mid-November! This year is slated to be the best yet to help you advance your art career! I will present "How to Use the Print Market to Create a Second Income." It's guranteed to be practical and informative. You will discover how dramatic changes in the market place have affected the art print market and what you can do to prosper from them. Click here to listen to the description of my presentation. Come join me there! 

Gratitude and Abundance - Playing for Change

Turn it up and enjoy!

When my brother sent me the link to the video above, I had to watch it several times as once was not enough. It put me in touch with so many thoughts and feelings as it reminded me how we all need someone to stand by us, how small and intertwined our world is, and how influential artists, even unsung heroes playing for change, can make an impact on our lives. It also is a powerful example of how the Internet and technology add dimension to our lives. Thanks to Jimmy for sending this video my way. 

There can be lots to like about a day job

Many of you reading this are likely like me. That is, you may toil away at another job that gives you sustenance, stability and benefits so you can also work away at creating art, or in my case, creating a blog about the art business. While I can't speak for you, I don't mind saying I enjoy my day gig and get more from it than just a paycheck and benefits.

I work in sales and support for the world's largest domain registrar. I rarely mention it here because it generally is not germane to thoughts on the business of art. Plus, no mention means no obligatory statement that my thoughts posted here are my own. With a growing list of more than 50 products to understand how to sell, setup and service, Go Daddy presents a challenging and fast-paced working environment.

Diversity offers perspective and brings balance to my art marketing pursuits.

Besides fueling the part of me that is intrigued by all things techie, particularly as they relate to art and commerce, it puts me in touch with a unique cross-section of the population as represented by my fellow employees and our customers. Employment there requires a higher than average ability to juggle different types of tasks equally well. So being smart helps in getting hired, but so does being able to move from math, to logic, to verbal challenges simultaneously. The resultant mix is an eclectic group of people working in a wide range of ages and backgrounds. It makes for interesting observations for an inveterate people watcher.

While the bulk of the business comes from North America, it is a global business. Today, I fielded calls from New Zealand, India, Scotland and from a soldier in Iraq. What never ceases to amaze me is the unending enthusiasm I encounter from folks seeking to better their lives by jumping into a business for themselves. Calls come from neophytes looking to find a way to make some money on the Internet, or just to get more business for a landscaping business. They come from really skilled operators who are already using the Internet to make a full-time living through e-commerce, or in some cases, by buying and selling domains. Others are seeking to use the Internet not to make money, but rather to share a dream, create a memorial, or help a cause, as with the Playing for Change video above

A spirit of abundance and hope is pervasive, prevalent and widespread

A common thread I encounter among our domain, hosting, ecommerce and email customers is the undeniable, though most often unspoken, spirit of abundance that is in the voice and plans of callers from around the globe. I can't tell you how uplifting and heartrending it is to speak to a 78-year-old grandmother making a Web site to honor a grandchild fighting a terminal disease. I wish you could hear the lilt of the happy Scotsman, a self-professed man of God who called. He also is an author and speaker seeking to get the word about his work out. Were it not for this job, I would never have spoken to these people and they have touched me in some small, but special, way.

A touch of humanity, a grand dose of gratitude

When I ended the brief call from the soldier in Iraq, I told him take care and godspeed and I felt a lump in my throat and my eyes got wet just for having a moment in his life. I am a Vietnam Era vet, but did not go there, so I don't know firsthand the experience of war on foreign soil. But, nevertheless, I was reminded today of the mostly unfelt price our soldiers overseas pay to fight our battles for us.

These things make me so appreciative of the chance to sit at a computer, with my favorite music playing the background, and pass along these thoughts to you. I am reminded nearly daily that my efforts to help artists makes a difference. For that acknowledgment, however it arrives, I am grateful and humbled to know I have made a useful contribution. Just as I'm certain readers of this blog are thankful for the talent that gives them the means to create beautiful compelling works of art, I'm am grateful for an ability to turn a phrase and communicate meaningful messages.

Though times are tough, there is still much we have to be thankful for

We are undeniably going through a very rough patch with our economy. Although we may be dinged financially, or be suffering from job losses and real estate setbacks, we largely all are all right.We still have it better than the majority of this planet's inhabitants. While it may seem there are artists every where one turns, the truth is only a small percentage of people have the aptitude to make art on a level that attracts collectors.

What a wonderful feeling it must be for those artists who regularly receive kudos and warm thoughts from collectors and admirers ... and get to get paid for their efforts, too! Had your art in some large or small way not touched your collectors, you wouldn't be getting that kind of feedback from them.

Like me, I'm sure you are abundantly grateful to have the talent to make something from your own imagination, the drive to find others to appreciate it and the freedom to pursue both in a democracy designed to protect your rights and encourage the best from you.