Balance and Pressure

Balance and pressure are what many business owners and many artists [insert "small business owner"] juggle. 

My day today was certainly unbalanced, but worth the extra effort.

I spent about six hours on the phone with my website host and FedEx...

Trying to fix a problem that was supposed to be easy to fix!

But, in the process I learned more about websites and how technology is quirky.

I also now finally have an E-commerce website.  Anyone-from anywhere in the world-with an address, computer and love of art can buy my paintings!  Check it out...

http://www.carmellajarvi.com/

Finally, I just got into the March issue of the new Professional Artist Magazine (formerly Art Calendar Magazine).  I was inspired by the article "Entrepreneurial Thinking for Artists" by Robert Moskowitz.  I highly recommend this magazine if you are an artist wanting to grow your business.

http://www.professionalartistmag.com/news/2011/feb/03/march-2011/

E-commerce and art.

Who has bought something online? Have you?

I have quite often and don't know many folks who have never made an online purchase. (My grandmother, who is in her 80's, is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.)

Too many traditional galleries are closing, taking on more artists or diversifying by selling "other than original art" products. Most everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy.

The trick to success in tough times is to learn, grow and adapt your business practices. There ARE people making plenty of money in spite of this crazy economy. What are they doing that is different? How can we as artists-who make AND market our products-make more money?

First, follow the trends. How do people purchase and take care of details of their lives? Why online of course!

As an artist, I just got on board with technology in the past five years and I came kicking and screaming. But, once I figured out some basic similarities and strategies for folding technology into my regular business practices, I see the value.... and, honestly, I do enjoy facebook, working on my website and online research.

Still, I don't update enough and may spend too much time on the silly side of fb, but any business person has to balance their day to day operations and adding technology tools is no different.

So, Happy New Year to everyone. As for me, I'm venturing out into uncharted waters with a brand new website (coming soon!) in which all my paintings will be for sale online.

And, I am happy to announce my business is now a division of Brushmark Studios, LLC. My husband and fellow artist, Chris Craft and I are now "officially" business partners.

My prayer is for all of us hard working individuals to have a prosperous 2011!

So many paths...

Great thing about being an artist is there are so many paths to success... fulfillment...

For me, it has been an interesting year of some very cool experiences. But, I have had rejection too, which is an opportunity to learn, listen, grow. Yes, I know, every artist faces rejection. (It's actually one of the pre-requisites for being an artist!)

Even the most successful business people have experienced serious failure. The difference between them and so many others is they learn from their mistakes, change accordingly and go on to do big things!

I am very excited about 2011. It is a tough economy, but people are making money and even spending a little! I look forward to some brand new experiences next year.

Also I am enjoying teaching again. (I do love people.) Happy Holidays and may all of us have a prosperous New Year!