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...
11 days 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...
18 days 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...
24 days 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 1 month 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 1 month 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...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: One of the toughest questions artists face is, "Why isn't my art selling?" If you've been receiving compliments but not making sales, you're not alone. It usually comes down to two things: your art isn't connecting with the right audience, or not enough people are seeing it often enough. In my latest post, I break down the most common reasons art doesn't sell—and share simple, practical steps you can take to turn things around. 👉Click the red button below...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: I took inspiration for this week's post from Chapter 2 of my new book, The Artist's Guide to Creative Side Hustles & Hybrid Careers. It's about bringing together all the pieces of your creative life—your skills, your work, your income, and your joy—into one connected picture. Over the past few weeks, I've been exploring what it takes to build a creative career on your terms—without burning out or second-guessing yourself. First, I shared how practical...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Greetings and hello again: Every now and then, a song stops you in your tracks—not because it's flashy or chart-topping, but because it feels like truth. That happened to me with Van Morrison's "Down to Joy." It led me to reflect on something I've felt for a long time: You don't have to be a full-time artist to live fully as one. In this new post, I share what the song stirred in me—and why hybrid careers and side hustles aren't just valid… they're often wiser, richer paths for...
2 months ago • 1 min read