Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: The stretch between Thanksgiving and December tends to invite more opportunities than anyone can reasonably take on — projects, plans, courses, collaborations, and ideas that all look good in the glow of a long weekend. Today I wrote a short piece about a single clarifying question that’s helped me avoid some painful detours and make kinder choices for my future self. I also included a brief scenario you might recognize — the kind of opportunity that...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: For nearly 20 years, I’ve shared a special Thanksgiving reflection with this community, and this year’s message feels especially meaningful. In “On Being Thankful,” I write about clarity, gratitude, and finding peace in the present moment—things that matter just as much as any marketing strategy when you’re building a sustainable creative practice. I also include Tracy Chapman’s “Heaven’s Here on Earth,” a song that’s been part of my Thanksgiving...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: One of the most common questions I hear from artists is: "How should I price my work?" But here's what most artists miss—pricing isn't just mathematics. It's psychology. The same piece of art can feel like a bargain at one price and overpriced at another, not because the work changed, but because of how the price is presented, positioned, and experienced by the buyer. In today's post, I've updated one of my most popular guides on pricing psychology with a...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: There's a familiar piece of advice floating around the art world: "Hang your art anywhere you can—restaurants, lobbies, coffee shops, whatever. You never know who might see it." On the surface, it sounds harmless—even hopeful. But here's what I've learned after decades of working with artists, publishers, galleries, and buyers: Your art deserves better than being background noise where no one comes to buy art. What appears to be marketing is often just...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: Over nearly 40 years, I’ve written nine books, taught countless artists, and published a weekly blog for two decades. Along the way, I’ve created hundreds of guides, courses, and resources to help artists thrive in today’s ever-changing art market. Now I’ve gathered the best of it all in one place — the Brain Trust Goodies page. Think of it as an MBA in Art Marketing — except this one’s free, practical, and rooted in real-world experience you won’t find...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: Nobody wants to think about emergencies, but here's the uncomfortable truth: as a solo artist-entrepreneur, you are your business. If something happens to you—illness, injury, family crisis—who pays your bills? Who fulfills orders? Who communicates with your collectors? Most artists I work with pour everything into creating and marketing their art. But very few have a plan for when life throws a curveball. In this updated guide, I walk you through exactly...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: AI is changing how people discover and buy everything—including art. ChatGPT now connects directly with Etsy, Shopify, and even Walmart, turning everyday chats into shopping experiences. This post is a comprehensive guide yet that will help you understand what’s really happening, how it could affect artists over time, and what small steps you can take now to stay visible and human as the landscape shifts. 👉Click the red button below to read the post. To...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: You don't have to be famous or wealthy to live your dream as a visual artist. You just have to be true to yourself. That sounds simple, but I know it's not easy—especially when you're juggling a day job, family obligations, and trying to make time for your art. Today's post is about finding your path. Not the path someone else thinks you should take, but your path to a joyful, sustainable artist's life. I share questions to help you clarify what you truly...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: I recently updated and republished this post after hearing from a reader who was struggling with excess inventory—a challenge that most artists face sooner or later. As artists, we pour energy and heart into every piece, so it's tough when some linger unsold, filling our studios and tugging at our confidence. But what if that inventory could be an opportunity instead of a burden? In my refreshed post, "What Are the Best Ways for Artists Not Named Andy...
2 months ago • 1 min read