Glass art has come a long way since, with flamboyant artists like Dale Chihuly creating extravagant pieces for hotels and galleries. If you ask any skilled glass artist, they will tell you that the best pieces of work can only be created by hand blown glass.

These skilled craftsmen create astounding works like glass flowers, glass decor and other unique creations. Perhaps the most artistic venture was that of Dale Chihuly, when he created the glass flower lobby for the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the popularity of glass flowers soared. Unlike any other form of glass art, glass flowers have the ability to be used as centerpieces and home decor because of their shape and color, without making a room appear too formal.

How you want to use glass art for your home or work place depends on your own style. Some people like using single stemmed flowers while others like custom installations such as the one in the Bellagio.

Glass art is not restricted to flowers only. An online search will tell you that glassblowers have developed innumerable pieces of art with glass because of its durability and other physical qualities. Pieces as remarkable as glass flowers or glass figurines can only be created by hand blown glass, they are expensive because of the amount of hard work that goes in making each piece but glassblowers are striving to create budget friendly pieces as well.

Before purchasing glass art, you must ensure that you are not getting furnace blown glass art instead of hand made. Furnace blown pieces are less expensive and less durable. They also lack the beauty of a hand created masterpiece. It is always advisable to buy directly from the artist’s workshop. Whether you are looking for single delicate pieces or an installation that will make your home more beautiful, glass art is a wonderful solution.

Scott Johnson is a master glass artist who has been making glass flowers since 2003. His creations have been showcased in several galleries. Visit his website Jade Glass to know more about glass flowers and custom flower installations.

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Time management, for an artist in business, is essential. They need to balance creating art, promoting art and recharging their personal energy and creativity. One way to do that is to outsource. Just because things need to be done, it doesn’t mean they all need to be done by the artist personally.

I am trying to get a better handle on outsourcing. I’m a person who loves to know how everything works and I enjoy tinkering with every piece of my business. So for years, I did everything – from the art to the marketing to the web design… I mean EVERYTHING! (Even dusting the studio… everything.) And that works for a while as you start a business but at some point you have to decide if you want to continue to grow your business (and still have a life) or stay smaller where you can do it all yourself.

Time management is an evolutionary process that needs to be looked at and revised as your interests, business and time needs change. When you feel guilty leaving the office to go to the movies with your family because “you have so much to do” – it’s time to figure out a better way to get the work done!

No large, successful business operates with one person doing everything. There will come a time in every business to get serious about getting help. Outsource some of the things you don’t have to do personally. Of course hiring others and releasing control, as well as spending money to do so, is scary at first. But it will become a key ingredient to building your business and maintaining personal balance.

Here are four areas an artist might consider outsourcing as their income and time demands increase:

1. Website Design and Maintenance.

Many artists don’t want to learn how to design websites, update images, links and more. They know what they want it to look like and they just want it to work. There are people who love to tinker with websites and would be happy to make an artist’s vision a reality. Pay them to do it and put your time and energy into your art.

2. Payroll and Accounting.

Businesses need to keep accurate records and there will come a time, if it isn’t here already, when you will need to pay yourself a salary and pay the state and federal government payroll taxes. If you don’t, my accountant says they will come knocking on your door to see what is going on. Payroll is the first thing I recommend outsourcing to a payroll service – the laws change so frequently and there are so many forms to fill out and files at different intervals that it is best left to accountant types. Then if the day to day or weekly chore of bookkeeping doesn’t seem to be getting done, outsource that as well.

3. Graphic Design.

As your business grows, the ways you communicates with clients, collectors, suppliers and more will change as well. It becomes harder to personally call or email everyone. You may choose to have print or digital newsletters, mail postcards, brochures or promotional materials and more. While you should be involved in the overall message to make sure it aligns with you, your art and your brand, it doesn’t mean you have to do all the graphic design work. Hire graphic designers for pieces of the business that don’t have to have you personally involved.

4. Cleaning or Yard Work.

Artists don’t need to clean toilets – we have better things to do with brushes. If your business is getting big enough to hire someone, you don’t even have to clean your paint brushes! Look at the time and money costs of doing everything. Could you make more money if you spent your time creating art than you would pay someone to clean the bathroom or mow the lawn? If so, do it!

Time management issues often come up when you are trying to do too many things yourself. So a great way to manage and regain your time, is to outsource some work. Not only will you get more done that brings money into your business, but you will be helping those you pay to help you earn an income as well.

Learn more about artist Tara Reed’s system, The Goal Wheel for Artists™. By an artist for artists and other creative professionals, you will learn strategies for balancing the three main areas you need to focus on to build a successful, creative business. Visit TheGoalWheelForArtists.com to get all the details today!

“Art” means different things to various people. It’s been an enigma! Since the age of twelve I wanted to be an “artist”. Over the years I had become involved with numerous “art” endeavors: drawings, sculptures, paintings in various media, architectural design, photography, writing, and ceramics. I’ve even been fortunate to have “art” jobs: art and photography teacher, freelance artist, supervisor of a graphic art department, museum exhibits designer and builder, and art director. In all those experiences and even through educational training beyond the master’s degree I could not find a comprehensive definition of…”art”. After all, I was an “artist”; but, how could I make claim to this intriguing group with out really knowing what “art” was?

In the early 1990’s, I participated in the Improving Visual Art Education Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, which was sponsored by the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Getty Center for the Arts. The conference basically centered around the concept of “Discipline Based Art Education”. In this realm arts education is believed to have four basic tenants that should be covered in pedagogy and help give credence to spending constrained budgets on having “arts” in the public school curriculum. These four areas are: history, theory/criticism, aesthetics, and production. It was from this conference that I came up with the design for the MIA PATCH Lesson Plan for the Arts since there was no lesson plan format that I new of that really fit the “arts” education arena. One of the speakers, and I forget her name, was an aesthetics professor from the University of Minnesota. She came the closest to a definition of art that I could agree with, except, for her, art had to have a concrete artifact, an art “object”, something tangible to be reviewed through time. But, as many “artists” know, sometimes an artistic creation is designed to be fugitive, non-tangible through time, it must disappear to fulfill its aesthetic intent.

While out jogging one afternoon at the conference it came to me, an epiphany; ” There is a simple, comprehensive definition of “art”, it’s an acronym for itself”:

Aesthetic Rendering of Thought

In order for Art to exist, the following three (3) criteria must be met. First of all, there must be some sensory manifestation (Rendering), fugitive or permanent, that is based upon a creative, intellectual process (Thought) with the intention of a beautiful or pleasurable (Aesthetic or Anti-aesthetic) action, or reaction, in one or more of the senses and/or psyche.

Encircled within this definition are more than the traditional concepts of “art”: painting, sculpture, ceramics, writing, architecture, drama, music, dance, and photography. It’s now easier to understand why cooking can be included as an “art” and more than just a craft. Please do not confuse “craft” with “art”. Art objects are original creations, one of a kind. Craft, on the other hand, is the fastidious copying, reproduction, of an art object.

Robert E. Bear is a professional educator and national award winning wildlife artist. He has been recognized in Who’s Who In America, Who’s Who In American Education, and National Honor Soceity Outstanding American Teachers. He has created the Star Poster Program, the game of Gig’l(TM), and the team sport of Bearball(TM). His additional writings on art and eduation, as well as, paintings may be seen at http://www.ursidaeenterprises.com

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Pricing art is actually not that difficult. It is basically no different than pricing any other product. The problem with artists pricing their own work is that they generally don’t view their work with the same eyes that other businesses do. This is because they are emotionally tied to their product.

Let me make it simple and easy. First, you have cost of materials. Second you have cost of labor.

Such items as paint, brushes, canvas, and other supplies becomes your cost of materials. The cost of labor is the actual time spent in creating your image (product). Determine a value for your time $25.00 – $100.00 per hour. Add the cost of materials to the value of your time and you have a starting price.

What you can do next is to take that price and check comparables. Comparables are works similar to yours in size, style or subject. You obtain comparables by going to actual or online galleries, trade shows, fairs or festivals.

An interesting exercise would be to apply this to previously established pricing for your work, and compare it to the formula provided above.

What should an artist do about “Wholesale vs. Retail?” First of all it is important that you fully understand the difference. As the manufacturer of your product, you are the one who needs to establish both retail and a wholesale price for your art.

The retail price is the asking price to consumers or collectors – the person purchasing your work to hang in his/her home or office. The wholesale price is the lowest price for which you are willing to sell your product to a gallery or other retail entity. Usually the difference between the retail and the wholesale is 50%. So, if your retail price is $3,500.00 your wholesale price will be $1,750.00.

It is always better to price your work higher than lower. It is easier to start high and go down than vice versa.

When selling your work directly to a collector or consumer, it is essential to protect the integrity of the retail price. Otherwise, you will be in direct competition with your gallery affiliations. If you are still having difficulty with the pricing of your art, you can refer to the contact information in www.artmarketingbook.com. Art agents or consultants can be of great assistance to an artist struggling with the pricing and marketing aspect of the art world.

Remember that every year the cost of living increases and so should the price of your art. A good rule of thumb is to have a yearly increase of between 5 and 10%.

Finally, the second rule of thumb is to try and maintain objectivity and to apply the formula. It’s only natural that artists have emotional ties to their work, but emotions can cloud their vision and dilute their business judgment.

Arnold White has been a publisher and distributor of fine art prints for over 20 years. He is the President of Winner’s Circle Gallery, a firm that represents artists seeking to enter the print market. Mr. White serves as a consultant and reviews work from artists wanting to enter this market. You may contact Mr. White at Winner’s Circle Dept. AB, P.O. Box 4814, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or call (800) 748-6400. More on selling your artwork at: http://www.framehousegallery.com/WinnersCircleGallery/index.html Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links included. Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

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Producing art for sale is a business enterprise. Producing art for the pure pleasure of creating with no intent or plan for the sale of what you are creating is not considered a business enterprise. If you intend to market and sell the product you make you are entitled to all the benefits of being in business. But, if you are not really serious about generating income from your creative efforts, you are considered by the I.R.S. and the art world to be a hobbyist. A hobbyist is not entitled to business tax benefits.

Here are the basics “Benefit and Tax Deductions” of which you need to be aware:

Education
Anything related to furthering your skills and your craft are fully tax deductible – workshops, college or university courses, seminars, etc.

Promotional Materials
Includes all printed items such as brochures, stationary, mailing costs, slides, photographs and your website.

Travel
When you travel be sure to keep a record of all your travel expenses. They are fully tax deductible if they are business related. Most travel expenses such as auto and airline are deductible when you are presenting your work to galleries, collectors, and consultants, etc. When you travel take business cards with you. Contact galleries on your trips. Give them your card and get theirs.

Art Supplies
Paint, paintbrushes, canvas, paper and all materials used to create your product.

Your Studio
Your studio may be fully or partially deductible. If your studio is in your home you can deduct a portion. If it is a stand alone, take a full deduction including utilities, telephone, etc.

Entertainment
Related to your art business can be fully or partially deducted.

Record Keeping
Record all of your expenses by keeping receipts, a diary and notations in your checkbook.

Copyrights
All that is required to protect your original work is the placement of a “C” in a prominent place in the lower portion of your image with the year of completion and your signature.

Legal-Contracts
Contracts are usually designed and written by attorneys in legal language. Most people find contracts difficult to understand, especially, the fine print and terminology.

If you receive a contract from a gallery, print publisher or art agent, be sure you fully understand everything the contract means. Have an attorney review the contract so that you will be sure to understand and agree to all terms and conditions.

Your Social Security Account
As a self-employed business person the first portion of any federal taxes you pay will go directly into your social security account.

Joint Filing
If you are married and your spouse is employed by a company that automatically deducts taxes from his/her salary, you are entitled to deduct all of your business expenses from your joint tax liability.

Your Accountant
I have given you the basic tax and business benefits and deductions you can be entitled to, but you should consult with your accountant to verify your own legitimate deductions. It is important to understand that most businesses do not show a profit for the first three years. Business losses are part of doing business, but losses are deductible.

Budget
It is also extremely important that you establish a yearly advertising and promotional budget for your art business. At least 10% of all your sales should be set aside for this purpose.

You have heard the saying, “…that it takes money to make money.” This is so true. All businesses require capital (money) to get started and remain operational. As an artist your investment will be smaller than that required by most other kinds of business enterprises. Nevertheless, you must be fully committed financially to your business if it is to succeed.

Successful artists must have a passion for what they create. However, it is necessary to take care of or, at least, oversee the successfully marketing of your work. Again, remember that you can hire help for some of those business tasks. That’s what consultants and agents are for. Organize your budget to free yourself up to do what you do best…create art.

Arnold White has been a publisher and distributor of fine art prints for over 20 years. He is the President of Winner’s Circle Gallery, a firm that represents artists seeking to enter the print market. Mr. White serves as a consultant and reviews work from artists wanting to enter this market. You may contact Mr. White at Winner’s Circle Dept. AB, P.O. Box 4814, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or call (800) 748-6400. More on selling your artwork at: http://www.framehousegallery.com/WinnersCircleGallery/index.html Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links included. Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

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It is important for the artists to understand that they are the most important part of the “Art Market”. Without the artist there is no art market…no art galleries, no art shows, no art books, no art magazines, no art workshops, no art supply houses, no art agents. In fact, no businesses of any kind relating to the art world exist if not for the artist.

Making money will never be your primary motivation, but it must run a close second if you want to make a living from your talents.

How should you represent your work in order to make a professional presentation of your artwork? As a professional artist it is extremely important to put your best foot forward when submitting your art for review. The following six components are the foundation for making money with your artwork.

1. Visual Communication
So, let’s start with how you communicate visually; and let’s also remember that as an artist you are in business, and every business should have a professional image. Here is what you will need in the category of “Professional Stationary”: your letterhead; your business card; and your mailing envelope.

Your letterhead should be simple and creative. It should have your telephone number, address, e-mail address and web address. Your business card should have all of the information that is on your letterhead. Finally, your mailing envelope should have your logo and return address.

2. Professional Slides and Photographs
You will also need some “Professional Quality Slides and Photographs”. What does professional quality really mean? As an artist you are creating a visual product, a product that needs to be seen before it can sell. Slides and photographs are your product inventory. If you are capable of taking a high quality photograph of your work, that is fine; but unless your photography truly captures your work, get a professional to do this for you. It is important when photographing your art that you never photograph your art framed. Framing is fine when your work is sold and hanging, but those reviewing your work are distracted by the framing process.

When submitting your art for review or consideration, your slides should have at the minimum your name and telephone number. However if you really want to be professional, your slides should also have the title, the medium and the size. The lab that does the developing can do this for you. If submitting photographs instead of slides, be sure that all of the above appears on the back of every photograph.

Every dollar you spend to make your art appear professional is more than worth the cost. Photography is a business expense and tax deductible.

3. Internet Presence Via Your Own Website
What about a “Professional Website” you ask? Absolutely! Four or five years ago, most artists were not aware of any of the following terms: URL, dot.com, Internet, Hosting, On-line, Search Engines, etc. Only now are they beginning to see the value of an online presence as an incredible new opportunity for exposure.

If you don’t already have a web site, you should remedy that as soon as possible. The fact is the Internet offers contemporary artists a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their art.

4. Professional Brochure
A first class brochure can be the most effective way to visually present what you do and how well you do it. A professional brochure can create a better impression than an entire book with cheap reproductions. Your brochure should contain a representative sampling of the scope of your work and should also include your biography.

A photograph should also appear on your biography page. Although this is not essential, an interesting picture of the artist can influence the reader’s interest in the artist’s work. Be sure your brochure is produced using the four-color process and is printed on 80-100lb gloss stock.

5. Professional Biography
Your biography is basically an artist statement. It is comprised of why you do what you do, who has influenced your work and anything that has been written about you. Your biography should incorporate a photograph of yourself.

6. Where to Submit Your Art
Finally, who should you submit your art to for review? The most readily available sources are: galleries; juried events; competitions; print publishers; agents and representatives; art fairs; and art festivals.

Take these simple steps one at a time to help get going on the road toward making money from your artistic talents. Remember to put your best foot forward and to represent yourself and work as if you were in a business because, indeed, you are.

Arnold White has been a publisher and distributor of fine art prints for over 20 years. He is the President of Winner’s Circle Gallery, a firm that represents artists seeking to enter the print market. Mr. White serves as a consultant and reviews work from artists wanting to enter this market. You may contact Mr. White at Winner’s Circle Dept. AB, P.O. Box 4814, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or call (800) 748-6400. More on selling your artwork at: http://www.framehousegallery.com/WinnersCircleGallery/index.html Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links included. Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

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No matter what talents a person has, you must have some type of plan or goals for the use of that talent. The more talented and skilled you are, the evident it is that your talent has a purpose. Many artists never take the time out to set a plan for themselves as artists. Could be taking a class to improve your skills, or getting X amount of paid projects per month. The point is, set a plan and then work that plan.

2. Not having a web presence to show your work.

It’s a shame that many artists strike up conversations with people interested in their work, yet they can’t send this person anywhere on the web to view their portfolio. What’s worst is that many of those same artists use the net everyday. In this day and age, the person who can connect with prospective clients the fastest is the artist that has either a paid or free internet portfolio that promotes you as an artist.

3. Not clearly identifying your audience.

Many other business people make this mistake quite often. When you invest anything in order to advertise or market yourself as an artist, you must be sure that you know “who is MOST LIKELY to do business with you. What is the average age? What is their average income? What do they like about your work, etc? The answers to these and a few other questions allow you to target your marketing strategy to those most likely to respond.

4. Not following up with people who’ve expressed interest in their work.

An artist that sells their work or services is a business person. Following up with an email or phone call with prospects just makes good business sense.

5. Not keeping in contact with former clients.

Who else to buy your work now than someone that has already bought from you.

Tony Snipes is an Artist, ministry leader, Illustrator and founder of “The Kreative Kingdom”, whose goal is to help artists seek God’s purpose and plan for their creative talent.

Tony’s newsletter/discussion group “Art Lessons From God!” discusses topics related to:

-The artistic gift God has given artists.
-Why God has given us our artistic talent?
-What does HE want us to do with it?

“Art Lessons From God” can be found at: http://kreativekingdom.org

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First, determine if you are really serious about selling what you make. Selling is what separates the amateur artist from the professional artist. As an artist you are creating a product. If you believe your product is valuable and you believe people will buy your product, then it is essential that you identify the market for your product.

The following are the main areas you should consider: Select two or more (don’t put all your eggs in one basket).

Art Galleries

Begin with developing a list of local art galleries that are within 100-200 miles of you. Art galleries are listed in your regular or on-line yellow pages. Take the time to personally visit each gallery on your list to determine which ones showcase the style of art most compatible with your art. Contact the owner or director of the gallery by telephone for a firm appointment to show your work.

Print Publishers

The print market is very profitable. When your art is in print, it is available and affordable to the widest possible audience, and your originals become more valuable. In my free online booklet, “Marketing Your Art” is available for professional artists wanting to market their artwork.

Fine art publishers can be found in art trade publications such as Décor Magazine, World Art News or On-line. Develop a list of those publishers you want to contact. The next step would be to send them a professional presentation of your work letting them know you are available for licensing.

Art Shows and Festivals

Outdoor shows and festivals are an excellent way for you to generate immediate income and see first hand how the art buying public responds to your work.

Many successful artists get their start and pay their dues with this venue. There are several Art Show and Festival promoters such as Art Fair Source Book (AFSB), American Art Festivals, Sunshine Artist Festival Network online that conduct 100’s of these events all around the country. Dates and locations are available in their directories, and you can contact them online or ask others artists and friends about their experience.

Banks, Restaurants and Corporations

Thousands of works of art are showcased and sold each year in banks, restaurants, and other private and public facilities every year. These locations are ideal prospects for the showing and selling of your Art. Local artists, local companies and the local public all benefit by having art displays in a bank or restaurant or business.

Co-Op Galleries

Co-op Galleries are generally local art associations that establish a location where fellow artists can hang their art. Contact your local art association for details about membership.

Commission Projects

Interior designers, architects and art consultants are constantly looking for artists. You can generally develop a list by searching your local phone directory yellow pages or online yellow pages. Contact these firms by telephone and send them your brochure.

Your Website

Your website is your own personal on-line gallery, open 24-7. This is a very cost effective way to show and sell. A first class website is like a first class brochure; but, even better, it allows you to change and improve without reprinting. Your website is of little value if no one goes there to view what you do. We cover how to fully maximize your website in our website chapter.

Trade Shows and Art Expos

These are high traffic professional events where you can purchase space to showcase and promote your art. Décor, Art-a-Rama, and the New York Expo are a few of the major annual and semi annual productions.

Studio Showings

Your home studio is an excellent and inexpensive way to exhibit and sell your work to friends, family and collectors. You should develop and maintain a mailing or e-mail list and should be in contact with this list on a regular basis.

Competitions

Competitions can be good venues, but generally do not produce much income. They can, however, add credibility to your resume or biography. Good sources for dates and locations of competitions are available through Art Magazine and American Artist Magazine.

Remember it is important that you choose the venues that you feel will provide the best results for you. You may not be able to participate in all those areas, but you need to choose two or more to begin with. Since you have many choices. choose the marketing option that best fits you personally and puts your artwork in the best light.

___________________

Arnold White has been a publisher and distributor of fine art prints for over 20 years. He is the President of Winner’s Circle Gallery, a firm that represents artists seeking to enter the print market. Mr. White serves as a consultant and reviews work from artists wanting to enter this market. You may contact Mr. White at Winner’s Circle Dept. AB, P.O. Box 4814, Palm Springs, CA 92263 or call (800) 748-6400. More on selling your artwork at: http://www.framehousegallery.com/WinnersCircleGallery/index.html Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left intact and hot links included. Comments or questions can be sent directly to Arnold White swhite@DC.RR.com

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