Career & Business
10 Simple Ways to Build Yourself Up During A Down Economy
By Renée Phillips
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Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International, an author of several books, and a public speaker. She is known as "The Artrepreneur Coach" and provides empowering life and career strategies for creative individuals. |
It's up to you. You have the power and free will to make the most of these economic challenges. While some creative individuals are playing the blame game or have joined the walking wounded, others are communing and cajoling in creative bliss. If you need some help to turn pessimism into power I offer these 10 quick and easy ways to build yourself up.
1. Exercise Your Brain! Self-Educate -- Don't Self-Medicate! The temptation now might be to withdraw, lick your wounds, isolate, overeat or overdrink. Resist these temptations that will
only make you weaker. Instead, read a motivational how-to book, (May I unabashedly recommend my book Success Now! For Artists: A Motivational Guide For The Artrepreneur), repeat positive affirmations, or attend a healing workshop where you can feed your desire to heal as well as network and build
camaraderie.Or simply buy an instructional video or log on to a teleclass.
2. Learn Something New! Now is the time to expand your artistic repertoire and technical skills, such as learning how to work in glass or use watercolor. This approach will get your creative juices flowing.
3. Build Your Inventory! Be creative and be prepared for customers. You can sell more if you have more to sell. If you tend to be more creative during times of crisis make this work for you. If you are suffering from creative blockages, find ways to get centered. Try a career coach! Give me a call.
Click here for information about Renée's consulting services.
4. Diversify your Market! Introduce a new line of greeting cards and prints or smaller limited edition sculptures or photographs to your market. Offer a range of creative products and prices for low, medium and high price categories - something for everyone or almost everyone. Increase your customer base.
5. Take the Highway! The world wide web is flourishing, so stop cruising in the slow lane. Create a blog or website or weblog. It's time to amplify your promotion!
6. Build Your Network! Join Facebook or Linked in. This is a fast and easy way to gain a following! I finally joined Facebook and am so glad I did.
7. Commune With Fellow Artists! Join an arts organization that encourages camaraderie. There is strength in numbers. Be careful to choose individuals who are positive; you don't want to join a pity party. You can physically attend meetings or join online groups. No excuses!
8. Exchange Energy! Initiate a flow of ideas and services with others. Try bartering with your printer, dentist, chiropractor or local bakery. We are now in the community conscious era. It's no longer me against the world it's together we can heal the world!
9. Choose an Alternative. Hang your art work in a different kind of venue. If the gallery has closed or is unavailable to you now, place your art in the windows of a boutique, hang your work in a spa or yoga school, or give a talk and exhibition in your local library. Now is the time to think outside the proverbial white box.
10. Act Confident! Muster up all of your assets. Take mental stock of your strengths. Seize your love of adventure. Be fearless and bold. Have the courage to stand tall and move forward because when the economy builds up again you will be ahead of the pack.
Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International. She recently co-curated “Celebrate The Healing Power of Art”, an online exhibition at www.ManhattanArts.com. Known as The Artrepreneur Coach, counsels artists worldwide. Learn more about her private consulting services available in person or by phone.
She is the author of The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries and Presentation Power Tools For Fine Artists, as well as Success Now! For Artists: A Motivational Guide For the Artrepreneur. Learn more about her books.
She is als a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) and writes a regular column in Art Calendar magazine.
Read more of her articles.
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Thriving in Challenging Times
Although the market and economy are volatile artists’ survival insticts always prevail. In addition to adjusting our perspective and organization here are a few more ideas:
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You have control over your actions and reactions. Instead of fear and pessimism choose confidence and optimism.
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Create business plans, and follow through with unwavering persistence.
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If you cannot sell, then barter. Examples may include trading art for printing services.
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To put available cash in your account, take an objective look at your inventory and sell some earlier, less-significant pieces at a lower price.
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Use your artistic mission as a springboard for positive global impact. Take your message to the community, healing centers, schools and government facilities.
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Members of the art community unite! Now is the time for camaraderie and cooperation. Organize artist-run exhibitions, artistic movements and support groups. In the words of Booker T. Washington, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else.”
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Are you on the right path?
Renee Phillips, The Chosen Path II, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 12" x 12"
Reneé Phillips, "The Artrepreneur Coach", guides her clients on the path to reach their highest potential. Are you interested in taking your career further but need some guidance?
Learn about Renée's services.
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