A bit of inspiration – be happy with what you are doing because you can never control the outcome
What are you doing today? I almost asked what you were doing right now but that would be reading this blog post so it wouldn’t be a good example. 
So take a look at your “To Do” list for today and highlight all the activities on there that make you smile… the ones you look forward to. The ones you save as “rewards” – to be done and savored in between the not-so-much-fun tasks like cleaning the bathroom or paying the bills.
Do you have more things that make you happy or more things that make you cringe? Do you think you’ll “have time to be happy when you get that big royalty check or the deal of your dreams comes true” but for now you must just do the mundane?
Well, let me tell you a little secret: The key to being happy is to love the process.
So what’s your process – what makes your heart sing? My process is painting, writing, coaching, connecting… it makes me HAPPY!!!! My friend who has 5 kids can’t get enough of kid stuff. And don’t get me started about how my gardener can go on about roses or fishing – he’s so happy and enthused about both that there is no stopping him!
Here is a great video Adam Parsons sent my way and I just had to share it with you! You can just listen while you work and you will be inspired – I promise!
Here’s to your creative happiness!
– Tara Reed
Why you should consider adding video to your marketing mix
Daniel Tardent, author of the SEO for Artists eBook* who did the Ask Call with us in February asked if I’d write a blog post about video marketing for artists for his blog at www.ArtMarketingSecrets.com In case you missed it on his blog, here is what I came up with…
Did you know that YouTube represents 25% of all Google searches?
Did you know that in Decmeber of 2007, 2.52 billion people searched for videos, up 114% from the previous month? Wonder what that’s up to now! (Here’s where I got these Statistics)
Video is the future, is your film rolling?
I’ve been hearing this for several years now – you need to add video, video, video, video. But what kinds of video can artists create to help increase their exposure, build their brand and get more business? How can we get in on the surge in video searches?
Here are four types of videos artists can create to help promote themselves on YouTube:
- Show your work. If you are shy in front of the camera, you can create a slide show of sorts that shows your art, your studio, work in progress, photos, etc.
- Show yourself working. People are often interested to see “an artist at work” – can you set up a camera and draw, paint or sculpt while the film is rolling? You could speed up the video to make it look like you are working top speed and add audio or music to go along with it.
- Promote events. Are you a gallery artist looking to do more shows? Have someone take some video of you at an opening, talking with others, showing your art on the wall. Use that to promote yourself for future events. Do the same for craft fairs, commission work, public speaking, etc. Show you and your work in action to help others visualize you in action for them.
- Have some fun! Have you ever noticed that the videos people share the most are videos that make you laugh? Or videos that catch your attention by comparing unusual things? What can you do to make a viral video (meaning people keep passing it on!) related to your art? Spoof a famous commercial or skit? Stand on your head while painting? Have fun but make sure your fun is true to you, your art and your brand.
Once you have some videos, where will you put them? The first step to cash in on all this YouTube searching is to upload them to YouTube. But also consider creating a YouTube Channel – where you control the look and feel and can organize your videos as you see fit. That way people can follow you and know when you post new content. It’s a great way to build a following of people who enjoy video content.
To learn more about how to create your own channel, go to http://www.youtube.com/advertise
Pay attention to the description and keywords you use when you put your video on YouTube as well. According to YouTube, 24 hours of video are uploaded every minute so you need to make sure the right people know about your video or your efforts will be for naught. Treat your videos as you would treat your SEO for your website.
Videos can capture attention and add interest to your blog and website as well. You can link your videos to Facebook. Video is a more personal way for people to get to know, like and trust you and that is who people like to do business with.
Newer computers have video and microphone capabilities. Most digital cameras and some phones can take video as well. So don’t believe you have to have a production company create your video or huge budgets to get it done, just believe that it can help you promote your work and commit to give it a shot.
Here’s to adding video to the mix of your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. You can get a free audio replay of the Ask Call with Daniel by registering at www.AskAboutSEOforArtists.com
P.P.S. To learn more about his eBook, SEO for Artists, CLICK HERE (this is my affiliate link)
P.P.S.S. Here’s a great example of an artistic spoof video – they had some good videographers but you’ll get the idea.
Channel your Inner Yoda when your confidence is down…
Some may question the amount of TV and movies I have watched in my lifetime… but I assure you, I do many other things as well! But there are certain characters – from books, TV and the silver screen – that I think of when faced with different challenges in my life or business. I thought it could be fun to do some blog posts and see if they are helpful to you as well!
We already discussed Miss Piggy… if you missed it, CLICK HERE TO READ THE MISS PIGGY BLOG POST.
Today, more than 30 years after his introduction to pop-culture, let’s see what Yoda can teach us.
Do or do not, there is no try.
That my friends, says it all. Have you just been thinking about creating art for licensing? Thinking about contacting manufacturers to see what they think of your work? Or have you been doing it? Until you take action, you will have nothing but a dream and often, a lot of fear. Because if you really stop and think about it, isn’t it usually fear of something that stops us from taking action in the first place?
Watch this short clip and pretend Luke Skywalker is an artist and Yoda is the coach… then remember his wise words the next time you find yourself resisting action!
Here’s to active and creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you feel the need for a real-life Yoda (art licensing coach), get all the details and see your options at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/coaching.html
P.P.S. If Yoda was coaching an artist I think he’d say, “Create or create not. There is no try”.
Blogger and Blogspot and common misconceptions – guest post by David Darrow
David Darrow has been in my online life from the very beginning of this blog… he was one of the first subscribers to my Art Licensing Info eNewsletter and I remember him sending one back to me with a note: “Do you realize this is what this looks like?” That was when I was “following directions” and keeping it all text, never more than 70 characters per line, like I was told to do.
David wasn’t the only artist to think this was a BAD IDEA so I realized artists want something a little more visually pleasing. David helped me figure out how to do it. A talented artist and techie – he’s passed on more good information that I can “Share with the group”. When he was listening to the replay of last week’s Ask About WordPress for Artists call (do you have your copy yet?) he sent me the following information that I thought would be helpful.
He knows of what he speaks since he has a blog – on blogspot – called “Where art meets technology”…
One thing that caught my ear right off was what I believe is a misconception about Blogger vs. Blogspot.
Even that phrase is misleading, because they are the same thing.
The best way I understand it is that
1. Blogger is the on-line tool which allows one to create new
2. posts, which are individual, chronologically ordered in reverse “entries” or “posts” in your
3. “blog,” which is your journal, diary, log or web-log, from which we get the word [we]blog.
Blogspot is actually blogspot.com, a domain where all the Blogger-created blogs are stored or hosted.
You cannot use Blogger to create a blog and store that data ANYWHERE else but on blogspot.com — Both are owned by Google. Additionally (corollary) you cannot create/edit a blog with any other tool but Blogger and have it stored or hosted by Blogspot.com.
***Every Blogger-created blog is stored as a unique “subdomain” of blogspot.com, which is why every Blogger blog address has in common “blogspot.com.” A subdomain is the unique “areacode” that comes before the phone number, and the phone number is always 2 items: domain name and venue, “terareeddesigns” and “com” — you could have a separate site at store.terareeddesigns.com; it would be a “subdomain”
Like Kim said, one issue to consider is that all Blogger.com blogs cease to exist the moment Google decides to stop supporting them. WordPress blogs will only disappear if you delete them or stop paying your domain-hosting bill. You control that. If WordPress.org disappears, you will still have all your data and your most recent installation of the version of the code that runs it.
Wordress.org is a group of programmers worldwide that work together on standards for an Open Source blogging service. WordPress.com is a Blogger-style tool that allows a simpler blogging method and can raise money (through more premium blogs) for WordPress.org costs.
One other thing; people with Blogger.com blogs VERY often misaddress their blogs, adding a “www” ahead of their blog address. Both will work, but one is wrong.
http://www.EverydayPaintings.blogspot.com is wrong
http://EverydayPaintings.com is right
Thanks David!
Learn more about David Darrow at www.DaveThePaintingGuy.com
Be sure to check out his painting classes too – I’m told they are amazing!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you don’t have your copy of the Ask About WordPress for Artists free replay, go to www.AskAboutWordPressForArtists.com and register today!
Designer Handbag Company Significant Journey Is Looking For Artists To Submit Their Work
The owner of Significant Journey, Inc. reached out to me in search of artists … I told her I knew a few! Below is the information she’d like to share and you can decide if you want to follow up on the opportunity or not… I haven’t worked with them yet but wanted to pass the information along! – Tara Reed
Significant Journey, Inc. is an online company that creates artisan inspired limited edition designer handbags. Our products are handcrafted using embroidery, appliqué or digital textile printing to convey stories relevant to life’s journey. Whether you are an artist, designer or professional handbag maker, Significant Journey wants to unite a community of professionals together to create designer handbags. We are looking for artists whose art communicates the journey of humanity.
How it works for Artists
Artists whose artwork is selected for production will receive a 10% royalty from the retail price. If they are interested in submitting their art they must first join the SJ Community and become a member. Then they can access the “Artist Submission Guidelines”. There they will find the art specifications for each bag style, bag templates, artist agreement form and what needs to be submitted.
Artists have two options when submitting a surface design for a bag.
Sisterhood Designer
The artist’s artwork gets posted on our website for future bag. Everyone who joins the SJ Community will vote on a bag they like and would consider buying. When a bag receives 200 or more “yes” votes the bag goes into production.
Élan Designer
For those who don’t want to wait for the community to vote they can purchase a bag with their design at a custom-made price. The Élan designer pays for all the upfront cost in creating a new bag. This includes digitizing fees for embroidery or setup fee for prints, materials and the making of a single bag. The Élan Designer has a choice of whether this is a one-of-a-kind bag or is available for others to buy when they submit design. If they would like to make it available for others, Significant Journey reviews the art to determine if it meets their standards. If an agreement is made between the artist and Significant Journey the custom-made bag will be photographed and placed on Significant Journey website and the artist receives the custom-made bag. The Élan Designer bag takes 4-6 weeks to be custom made and delivered.
The goal of Significant Journey is to create a unique line of handbags that are not mass-produced but handcrafted using the high luxury quality materials. We want to allow many artists to participate and have an opportunity to have their art on designer handbags. All Significant Journey bags are handcrafted, signed and numbered by the artist whose art is on the bag and the craftsman who made the bag. We believe this will create a special connection to the buyer knowing they were a part of the design process and only 100 were made.
Everyone in the SJ Community decides which designs will go on a Significant Journey bag by voting for their favorite. People interested in becoming involved in the design process need to visit http://www.significantjourney.com and join the Significant Journey community. Then members can share art, ideas and stories, to the community for future bag ideas. Members who voted for a design that they would be interested in buying receive first opportunity by email when the series starts production. Availability is on a first come first served basis. All Significant Journey bags are made to order and take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Threading Opportunity Throughout The World
Significant Journey started as a handbag company in 2006 with designs by Kathy Lengyel. Throughout her 30 yr. career as an illustrator, designer, art director and creative director, Kathy has worked independently and as an employee. She has seen the challenges that face many artists who want to do more with their art but are restricted by their resources and the complex web of getting their art on products. Kathy is just now making Significant Journey open to all artists who have dreams by giving them an opportunity to get exposure for their art. Kathy believes the community should be a part of the design process by allowing Artists an opportunity to share their art and giving customers the ability to express their desires for a handbag. This innovative production process will open up a small niche of top quality designer art bags that many people will benefit from. Besides providing opportunity for artists, Kathy wants to help women all over the world become self-sufficient by being able to start their own business. When women are empowered to succeed it affects the whole family. Significant Journey wants to help overcome poverty by donating a portion of the sale of each bag to organizations that provide microloans to women starting a business. Significant Journey’s mission will begin modestly and hopes to grow to make a significant difference in the lives of women all over the world and hopefully change the way products are bought and sold.
Artists can contact Kathy directly at Kathy@significantjourney.com if they have any questions or they can visit http://www.significantjourney.com.
The June Ask Call covered great information about using WordPress for your online needs – get the free audio replay!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Beasley, aka The WordPress Lady, about how artists can use this powerful platform (on which all Ask Call websites are housed as well as this blog!) for their online needs.
I made the shift from self-created Ask Call websites and moved them all to WordPress platforms back in April.
The change has helped me standardize the system of creating the sites (we have quite a few these days!) and better update and manage everything. Kim has shown me that WordPress is as flexible as a self-designed site (I’ve used Dreamweaver since 2000) with so many plugin options that it simply makes life easier.
My next plan is to move my art website, www.TaraReedDesigns.com, to a WordPress platform. With that in mind, and since that would also change how my password protected area works, I was very excited to get more nitty-gritty information!
Here is what we covered on the call:
- What is the difference between WordPress (WP), Blogger and Typepad?
- Why should an artist consider WP instead of setting up their own website?
- What is the diff. between WP .com and .org?
- If I am new to blogging & websites, where should I begin?
- Can I transfer an existing bloodspot or blogger blog to WP without losing information?
- There are so many WP plugins, are there any you feel are essential?
- What is the diff. between WP & the many online portfolio sites?
- Are online portfolio sites meaning to drive people to your website?
- What is the best way to have a password protected gallery with WP?
- Can WP look more like a website than a blog?
- Will I be able to see who logs into a password protected area?
- If people forget their password, can it be sent automatically so I don’t have to look them up and email them?
- If I want to sell products on my blog, how do I set that up in WP?
Just to warn you – if websites and options are new to you, your head might spin a bit. But you don’t have to understand it all, just get that this is a powerful and flexible way to build a website that will allow you to grow and add things without recreating the wheel!
Since this was the first call from Kim, we are making the audio replay available for free!
If you already receive the emails before and after each monthly call, you will get a link to the audio in your inbox. If you don’t, simply give us your name and email address and you will be added to the Ask Call series email list and receive an email with the link.
To learn more about Kim and the services she can offer to get you up and running (once you are up and running WordPress is a dream) visit her website.*
We talked a bit about a the WishList Membership Plugin as a great way to have a password protected area on your WordPress website. Don’t be confused by the “Membership Website” references everywhere on their site (I was at first!) you can use it for an online portfolio without ever charging a dime. Again, it’s flexible and gives you lots of options. There is a one-time fee for this plug-in but no monthly cost after that. I’ll be investing in it soon – see what WishList is all about.*
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Next month I’ll be answering your questions so head to www.AskTaraReed.com whenever you decide what you want to hear next!
P.P.S. Since we’re talking websites and online strategies, don’t forget about the SEO for Artists call I did with Daniel Tardent in February. His replay, discussing how to optimize your website for search engines so people will find you, it full of great tips! If you missed it, head to www.AskAboutSEOforArtists.com to sign up for your free copy today.
* FTC disclosure: Links with an * are affiliate links. I never promote products or services I don’t believe in but I do let you know when I will potentially earn a commission – which I do on affiliate links. They help me offset the time and costs involved in all the free information we love to provide and I appreciate you clicking them!
Are you ready for the June Art Licensing Monthly Ask Call?
Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 16, 2010, we will be focusing on technology – specifically, how the WordPress platform can offer artists ease and flexibility with their online needs.
Join me at 5:30 pm Pacific / 8:30 pm Eastern as I ask Kim Beasley your questions about how WordPress differs from other blog platforms, how to create password protected areas and more.
The call is free if you listen live and because this is Kim’s first call – it will be free even if you don’t! (The replay will be free when we are done the quick-edit.)
Head to www.AskAboutWordPressForArtists.com to register for the dial-in details if you haven’t registered for a call before.
Hope to talk to you tomorrow!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Don’t forget! Let’s get social on Twitter (use #ask when tweeting so we can find you!) and Facebook during the call. CLICK HERE to download all the details.
P.P.S. Find Kim on Twitter at twitter.com/kimbeasley
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