Fine Art Views Daily Newsletter
ISSUE #200 - (Sponsored by FineArtStudioOnline)
Straight Talk about Art, Marketing, Inspiration and Fine Living
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Emerge from a Slump
by Alyson Stanfield
TODAY:
We all have them. All of us. Don’t ever think you’re the only one who has ever had a slump. Whether it’s lethargy just thinking about promoting your art or angst about getting back into the studio, a slump is a slump. Here are 10 things you can do to hasten your emergence from a slump . . .
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Friday, April 25, 2008
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We all have them. All of us. Don’t ever think you’re the only one who has ever had a slump. Whether it’s lethargy just thinking about promoting your art or angst about getting back into the studio, a slump is a slump. Here are 10 things you can do to hasten your emergence from a slump.
1. Wallow. But wallow just a little bit. Wallow to honor your emotions and feel them fully. If it becomes depression, I can suggest nothing better than a couple of acupuncture treatments to get you back into alignment.
2. Plan something with a deadline. Nothing gets the juices flowing like facing a deadline for a promotional piece, an exhibit, or an event.
3. Get out. Take a walk, go to the gym, head to yoga class. Just get out.
4. Talk. Make appointments for coffees, lunches, and gallery or museum visits. Talk to people! Being the studio is lonely. You need to exchange ideas, observe life, and feel to your bones that your time is now.
5. Create your escape path. Just keep making art. Yeah, some of it might really stink, but you’ll eventually hit on gold.
6. Write. Write a nasty letter to someone who did you wrong or rejected you in some way (then shred it!). Write about your emotions. Write about your dreams--hopefully awakening in you the desire to return to them.
7. Read. Read an inspirational book like “Art & Fear.” Or read the biography of another artist. I’m currently (slowly) making my way through “Close Reading” about contemporary painter Chuck Close.
8. Listen. Listen to CDs or audio downloads that motivate you. There are tons of self-help podcasts available at no cost. And you can get this newsletter on podcast each Wednesday on the Art Biz Blog, http://www.artbizblog.com . Listen to the birds, listen to your children, listen to messages of hope. But don’t listen to newscasts that make you angry or depressed.
9. Watch. Watch a movie or documentary. To remind you of your connection to a larger group of artists, rent the series “art:21” ( http://www.pbs.org/art21 ) or the fabulous “Camille Claudel.” Don’t watch junk on television, especially if it makes you sad, mad, or causes you to withdraw further.
10. Purge. Get rid of things you don’t love. Clutter and things related to unhappy memories emit bad energy. You don’t need them around. In fact, you need them outta there if you want to create space for your rich life. If you need help purging, consider joining us this Thursday for the Office Spa Day, http://artbizcoach.com/classes/officespaday.html
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Know This . . .
There are all kinds of ways to get out of a slump, but first, you have to wallow just a little bit.
Think About This . . .
You can wallow longer, but what else could you do with that time?
Do This . . .
Emerge from a slump. Find a new excitement for your art and your career. It’s hard to do this when you’re working by yourself all of the time. It’s easier to do when you deliberately seek out sources of inspiration and motivation. Look for stuff that nourishes your spirit and avoid the toxins.
I’ve left more resources and links for getting out of a slump on the Art Biz Blog. I’d also like to hear about your experiences with slumps or burnout.
http://www.artbizblog.com
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For more of Alyson's excellent ideas
about marketing your art,
get your own copy of Alyson's New Book,
I'd Rather Be in the Studio!:
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This article is reprinted with permission.
Copyright 2008 Alyson B. Stanfield.
Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist.
Visit
http://www.ArtBizCoach.com
to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.
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Editor's Note: Each day we republish selected comments and artwork by artists who comment about the previous day's article. If you would like to share your thoughts, artwork and views with thousands of artists and collectors, (not to mention getting a valuable inbound link to your website) be sure to post a comment on today's article at the following link. To be considered, be sure to provide your comment through the link NOT by simply replying to this email. Make sure to comment before the end of the day to be considered for inclusion in tomorrow's newsletter:
Art by Paula MacLeod
Today's Selected Commenter
http://paulamacleodmosaics.com
YOUR artwork could be pictured here tomorrow
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Sell More Art and Enjoy Life by Encouraging Engagement, Revisited
Rodney MacLeod Wrote:
There were a couple of things that Paula and I did to engage her prospects. The first was to have a cozy home show and send personal postcards. We offered a discount for anyone purchasing that day. Just about everyone bought something. Not all big things but they became customers. We heard that most thought the smaller setting was a great experience to talk to her and view her studio which is in our basement.
The next thing we did was have a raffle at the next street fair. This was to try and beef up the contact list which worked as well. But the person that won the raffle was truly excited and "told all of her friends about it".
Both of these methods have helped her prospects feel more welcome and engaged.
Rodney "The Mosaic Husband"
http://paulamacleodmosaics.com
hosted by FineArtStudioOnline
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