Profile in Bronze
©Anita Jesse
A matted and unframed 5x5 print on Kodak ENDURA paper of "Profile in Bronze" is currently available at Gallery 'N Gifts.
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The last few months have kept me busy doing my best to get just one tiny step ahead. But, rather than catching up on old goals, I can't resist adding new ones to the stack. I think that is healthy—up to a point. You know what I am talking about. Not resting on laurels, aiming high, not settling for second best—all those bits of advice each of us has floating around in our heads.
Eventually, however, there is potential for overload. Ideally, we learn to prioritize. That is where the real struggle is for me. I haven't given up on myself yet. The last few months have been an example of this struggle. The goal setting part is going pretty well. The prioritizing business—not so much.
The October goal was the addition of matted, unframed prints to my exhibit at the gallery. Goal achieved. So far, they aren't running out the door, but I have sold two. The image below shows one of the prints that has sold. For some time we didn't have any quail on our property and I felt quite left out, since the birds seem ubiquitous in the valley. Finally, this last year, we apparently won the seal of approval and enjoyed our own little flock. I look forward to seeing them again in the spring.
Family Confab
©Anita Jesse
Next goal: new top of the line presentation for two of my favorite pieces. Check. For the November First Friday, I was able to exhibit two previously shown pieces in a new presentation format.
Those pieces are work you have seen before—Blue Horse Dreaming and A Cloud of Dust. Both of those pieces were printed on metal, then mounted on leather backings and both sold within a month of display. Third Goal: new work for December's First Friday. In the next few weeks I will show you more of what was added at the gallery.
Finally, I more or less got talked into adding greeting cards to my list of offerings. (There are some very persuasive people managing affairs at the gallery.) The cards have been on display less than a week; so, not much feedback yet. The jury is out, but the project has been set in motion.
I wrote the rough draft of this post a few weeks ago. That was before I was struck by the fact that I really should have a newsletter. The first edition is out there in the cyberworld and I have added the subscribe button on the front page of my blog.
There you have it. Several goals set, met, and some degree of success. Now, if I can just get a better handle on this business of identifying the most significant goals and develop a real resistance to the temptation of "What would happen if I?" or "Maybe I should try". If I could cultivate that resistance, I would likely update my blog more often, for one thing. Ah, well, I will keep working on this one.
I feel somewhat qualified to give you some encouragement regarding photography Because I know good when I see it)but you certainly wouldn't take any business advice I had to offer. That said, I think you're doing all the right things in trying to promote yourself and the gallery also has some very good ideas. Try not to get so immersed in the business end that it interferes with the creative end and you will do fine.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice and all advice is welcome here. I have a great deal to learn. I couln't agree more about the balance issue and it certainly is tricky juggling it all.
DeleteI am studying art marketing like a fiend and you are so right that the things I am doing all seem to be on everybody's "must-do" list. We shall see, how it all shakes out. Meantime, my sales are solid and keep me encouraged. But I can't rest. After all, there is always room for improvement, whether it be the work itself or the marketing.
Hi Anita, First let me say what a beautiful horse in the "Profile in Bronze" photo above...and what a wonderful artistic job you've done in processing it. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWow, you sure do stack stuff on don't you. :-) What motivation suddenly led you to turn the tap full on...gallery, prints, cards, newsletter, new blog and portfolio. I admire your ambition and hard work. You certainly have the skills and you've found a wonderful "nook" you're passionate about -- which they say is most important.
I wish you ever success in your goals but selfishly I'm pulling for updating the blog more often -- always love hearing from and about you! Happy Holidays!
I think his profile is quite regal. He is one of those golden chestnuts and what a beautiful color. I am so glad you like the processing. I am having a blast with these new brushes. I may never get housework done again. I have some scant hope of becoming more adept at using the brushes—in another year! The capabilities are amazing. Can't wait to more fully exploit their capabilities.
DeleteI don't ever seem to know when to say, "Enough". One idea leads to another. And, I desperately need a tech person. I am slow as molasses at learning new programs. Mail Chimp (for the newsletter) slowed me down quite a lot, but I am a bit more comfortable with it now.
What led me to to "turn the tap full on"? Encouragement. The more people who bought my work and the more I enjoyed seeing the way they looked at the work and hearing them talk about what they saw in the image, the hungrier I got.
I am beginning to get a handle on my schedule and have some kinks worked out with a couple of items. Now, I have hopes of posting once a week. I couldn't walk away from my treasured blogging buddies. Thanks for the encouragement and Happy Holidays to you, as well.
I love the post-processing you do on your work - very pleasing. I've included greeting cards in my shows and so far they've sold pretty well. At the last, rather disappointing, show, they at least paid for my booth fee!
ReplyDeleteI usually wait until my first post of the New Year before setting my goals, though last year I called them "plans". In the end, they turned out ot be goals (both goal and plan are four-lettered words). Not sure how I'll approach 2013, but I'll definitely set some goals, make plans, set objectives....do stuff!
Thank you for the kind words about the processing. It is a passion with me, and I delighted that you like it.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement re. greeting cards. Everyone at the gallery compliments them and says they will sell. Time will tell. If they don't, The Husband and I have a lifetime supply of greeting cards.:-)
Goals/plans—whose counting. I find myself tacking on new ones throughout the year. But, like you, I rather like doing a sort of inventory and evaluation at the beginning of the New Year.
Anita: I'm glad that the quails have given you the seal of approval. You deserve it! :) All that I could do was laugh when I read this post, of course you're adding things ... it's just want you do, my friend. :D :D :D
ReplyDeleteAs one who has personally seen your gallery, I know that whatever you come up with will be absolutely of high quality and wonderful! You're already doing impressive work with the new brushes - I'm sure that we'll all be amazed at what you come up with next year!
The couple of scraggly bushes out front that the deer haven't eaten must have helped with the Quail and Garden Seal of Approval. They supply loads of entertainment–both deer and quail. Unfortunately, the deer show up mostly at night and munch on the bushes under cover of darkness. Not many photo ops in that department.
DeleteI can't say that I blame you for laughing at me. No excuses. I have some new images in my mind, but haven't started anything new in the last two or three weeks. Instead, I have kept myself busy with marketing work. l suppose the truth is that I'm anxious about starting them. That old ugly fear rearing its head. What if they don't turn out as well as I have pictured them in my mind? Experimenting with new tools and techniques means trying a lot of things that don't work. There's some pain involved.
Thank you for the kind compliments
Superwoman! What's astonishing, and brings a smile to my face, is that you are accomplishing these goals. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, if only I were Superwoman! Then, I wouldn't have these bags under my eyes. You are kind to encourage me. I appreciate the support.
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