What I'm reading now

There are some things that you just need to jump on quickly before they run out so I pre-ordered a copy of the 10^th Anniversary edition of Alyson Stanfield's marketing bible:  I'd Rather Be in the Studio. It recently came in the mail and I immediately started reading it.  I also own the original version and loved it, but this edition has been updated to include latest best practices for social media as well as other additions. Already, I finished most of the book and started taking action on many of the steps.

Organized by typical excuses Alyson has heard artists make over the course of her coaching career, each chapter clearly outlines specific actions an artist can take to up their marketing game. The book is packed with so many great promotion ideas. Some are quick and simple while others are processes that take several steps to accomplish, but if you are serious about making money from your art, you can do it. There are ideas for blog posts, creating an artist statement, attracting media attention and much more.

She breaks down a complex often overwhelming arena of, self-promotion into small practical steps. It's up to you to take the action. This is a work book not a sit-on-the-shelf reference. The author recommends breaking the spine and writing all over it.  (I went to catholic school and that isn't happening for me. The best I can do is underline neatly in erasable pen.)

After reading and talking action on some of the steps myself, I can say that it's some of the best advice I've ever read for my business and art life. As a creative, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the countless tasks that need to be accomplished to promote your work. The book gives you ways to reduce overwhelm and clear your mind. Not only have my business practices improved, but so has my artwork.

Taking to heart the advice that “you are not an artist unless you are making art” I am spending much more time in the studio and more focused time on the business aspects of an art career,  leading to greater efficiency overall. I finally have  guilt free time to smell the roses and fill my creative well because I have systems in place that keep me from  the anxiety of  always feeling like there is something  I forgot to do.

I highly recommend this book, but only if you want to make money from selling your art. It is a clear, no excuses action plan to take to up your marketing game.  I'd Rather Be in the Studio  is an excellent resource for artists who sell their work.

So here's what the spring chicks are saying: The “Early Birds” gets the worm.

Grab your own copy of I'd Rather Be in the Studio