Michelle Andres Writes ~ Hopelessly deep thinker, frighteningly keen observer, discerning feeler and Jesus-loving, imperfect human storyteller … at your service.

Marketing should be a 4-letter word.

At least that’s what many artists think. Generally, artists dread marketing their art. It feels so manipulative, challenging, word-driven, competitive…the list goes on. It cuts into studio time.

As an artist, part of the deal is you have to market your work. Few of us have agents beating down the doors, clamoring to represent us and industriously creating distribution inroads. Necessity requires we use our creativity to identify venues for showing our work and reaching those who will appreciate, and purchase, our art.[Tweet ” If you don’t market your work, you will become your own biggest collector. “]

So, how can you promote yourself in a genuine way, a way that feels authentically you, a way that doesn’t infringe on your sensibilities or monopolize your time? Here are 5 Ways to Market Your Art While Being True to Yourself:

 1. Know Who You Are- Be clear on who you are. Begin with your artist statement, identifying what you do, why you do it and how you do it. Write a statement that serves as a foundational element and use it to define your entire, authentic, marketing plan.

2. Be Yourself – No Matter What – No one wants to look like a novice. We certainly don’t want to sound like a newbie, so we get pulled into the worldly pretense and use jargon in our written materials. Don’t. Do. It. Pretentious marketing materials are a turn off to the average collector. They want to relate to you, not feel like you’re talking down to them. Create an authentic portfolio. Be yourself…it’s all you can be.

 3. Command the Brand – Using the artist statement as a branding platform, bolt things on to it. Don’t reinvent the wheel…build it. Here you’ll find handy suggestions for maximizing your branding efforts.

4. When You Get Stuck, Do Just One Thing – We all get stuck from time to time. There’s an easy way out, Do Just One Thing. Don’t let overwhelm bowl you over, you’re better than that. Here are some ways to get out of the mud.

5. Structure Your Days to Work For You – It’s easy to get derailed. Time is an asset and it’s so important to honor that fact. Routine and ritual are your best friends. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but one you can not only master, but learn to leverage. Step by step operating instructions are here.

See? You don’t have to give up who you are, or quit doing what you love to market your work… and it doesn’t have to hurt! The good news is, when you market, you eventually sell your work, earn some cash, and you can continue to live the luxurious lifestyle to which you’re accustomed. Be patient and keep the course. It’s the best way to honor yourself, your gifts and your art!

Keep Calm and Market On!

Michelle Andres is a writer, artist and coach who nudges, nay, shoves, her clients in the direction of their dreams,  helping them to overcome non-productive behaviours and enjoy more success in their lives. Available to you for a little hand holding or a good ass-kicking.         

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