Marketing Your Art the Right Way

Selling Art, Not Selling Out

Month: May 2015

Cracking Creativity Episode 4: Mary Dooley on Her Espresso Yourself Books, Self-Publishing, and Building Relationships

Mary Dooley is the author of two self-published books, Espresso Yourself and Espresso Yourself Too. In this episode, Mary talks about how a Christmas gift idea for her co-workers turned into her two Espresso Yourself books, how she met and started a relationship with the president of Starbucks America, some tips on self-publishing, and some her favorite quotes from the books.

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Cracking Creativity Episode 3: Jacques Ho on Salsa Dancing, Being Present, and Expressing Gratitude

Jacques Ho is a Salsa dancer and instructor in Denver Colorado. In this episode, Jacques talks about what makes a successful dance, what dancing can teach us about ourselves and others, why you should always be in the present moment, and how he became a Salsa fanatic by accident. He also dives into his upcoming research and gratitude projects which can teach us about being of service and leaving a lasting impact.

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“Warriors keep moving forward. Worriers do little and play it safe. Be a warrior, not a worrier.” – Bob Baker Quote Art

“Warriors keep moving forward. Worriers do little and play it safe. Be a warrior, not a worrier.” – Bob Baker

Print available on Society6.

There are two ways you can live your life. You can live the ambitious life of a warrior or the fearful life of a worrier.

The warrior chooses to march on despite all odds. They figure their way out of jams. They take what they are given and run with it, even if that means they might fail.

The worrier is content exactly where they are. They are afraid of what might happen if they fail. They take no chances and hope luck will take care of them.

What separates one from the other? Persistence. When adversity strikes, warriors do not give up. They are determined to succeed, no matter the obstacle. Worriers shrink and shrivel. They give up before they’ve even begun.

Warriors conquer the world, worriers sit at home and let them. Click To Tweet

If you are happy where you are, stay a worrier. It makes it easier for the rest of us. If you are tired of waiting around for something good to happen to you, become a warrior. Warriors conquer the world, worriers sit at home and let them.

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Cracking Creativity Episode 2: Chris Krimitsos on his Podcast Story Jam Theatre and Storytelling

Chris Krimitsos is the mind behind the wonderful podcast Story Jam Theatre, which features stories about epic fails, aha moments, and life changing experiences told at live storytelling events. In this episode Chris talk about storytelling, the emotions of stories, and how every person has a story to tell. He also talks about how his Uncle Gus shaped his future by touting the importance of education and developing skills.

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“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillary

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillary

Print available on Society6.

Every goal you have is like a mountain waiting to be scaled. Before you begin your ascent, you are filled with hope and excitement. You believe you can accomplish anything. Then you hit some unforeseen obstacles. Do you quit in the face of adversity or continue on?

If you are like many people, you give up. You are defeated and humiliated. “I can’t do it.” “It’s too difficult.” When you let these thoughts creep into your head, you have already lost.

What separates those who scale the mountain of adversity versus those who give up?

Our attitude affects everything we do. Click To Tweet

The answer lies within ourselves. Our attitude affects everything we do. If you approach obstacles with a stoic mindset, you will have a much greater chance of success. Instead of viewing adversity as a hindrance, think of it as an opportunity to stretch your capabilities. How can you approach this problem in a new way? What can you do to turn that obstacle into a solution?

Conquering the unconquerable is much more satisfying than giving up. Click To Tweet

Conquering the unconquerable is much more satisfying than giving up. Don’t let a defeatist attitude get in the way of accomplishing your goals. Face your fear head on and don’t give in.

When we are finally reach the peak of the mountain top, we know it was worth it. Our accomplishments do not lie in the goal we’ve achieved, but in our ability to achieve that goal.

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Photo by Zach Dischner

Cracking Creativity Episode 1: Joshua Carrasco aka Madd Illz on Freestyle Rapping, Battle Rapping, and Creativity

Madd Illz is one of the most respected freestyle rappers and the founder of Grind Time Now a battle rap league. In this episode he shares the differences between freestyle and researched rap battles, the creative process, his work with the United Nations, how pop culture, chess, and poker make you more creative, among many other things.

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“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Quote Art

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

This quote is often misattributed to Abraham Lincoln.

Print available on Society6.

When you consider starting on a new venture, your excitement and enthusiasm is unparalleled. You have so many ideas. It has to work this time. Sure you’ve failed those other times, but this time is different.

Fast forward a year or two later and your enthusiasm has turned into distress. Things aren’t going as you originally planned. Your idea has worked for others, why isn’t it working for you?

You didn’t prepare. Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing, if given the proper direction. Otherwise, it will lead you down the wrong path. I have encountered this problem more than a few times in my life. Each time, my failure could be attributed to a lack of preparation.

One thing we often ignore when embarking on a new idea or project is doing our homework. We get so caught up in our idea that we ignore the necessary work that must be done before we begin. Without doing this work, we wander aimlessly trying to figure out what works. There is no rhyme or reason to our actions.

If you want your idea to succeed you must front-load the work. Click To Tweet

If you want your idea to succeed you must front-load the work. Do your research and determine whether your idea is viable at the beginning, not at the middle or end, of your project. To get started, you can ask yourself the 5 W questions:

  • Who benefits from this project?
  • What will make this project a success?
  • When do I plan on releasing this project to the world?
  • Where can I promote this project?
  • Why am I doing this project?
Don't get bogged down by minor details or you will never get started. Click To Tweet

The more you know about the project before you begin, the more likely it is to succeed. You just need to make sure your research is relevant to the task at hand. Don’t get bogged down by minor details or you will never get started.

The most important thing to remember is you should be as prepared as possible before beginning on any new venture. It will save you a lot of time and frustration later on. Sharpen your axe before chopping down that tree.

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Background photo courtesy of Bartosz Makara.

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”
– Derek Jeter

Print available on Society6.

Greatness can be found in every walk of life, from the artist to the athlete. In each case, there are those that stand out and those that don’t. What is it that separates the two?

Derek Jeter is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He is what sports fans like to call a first ballot Hall of Famer. In sports, the Hall of Fame recognizes the best players to ever play the game. First ballot Hall of Famers are voted in on the first eligible ballot.

Jeter ended his career in the top ten of three statistical categories. He was sixth in hits with 3,465. He was seventh in at-bats with 11,195. And he was ninth in runs with 1,923.

What do these stats prove? They prove that Jeter had staying power. Some athletes can make it in sports based off of their natural talents alone, but those who do quickly fade away. Others, like Derek Jeter, become masters of their craft. They hone their skills to perfection.

A New York Times article estimated that Jeter swung a bat 342,000 times in his professional career. His deliberate and methodical practice can seen in his signature stance and swing. Each at bat is preceded by a very distinct routine.

Derek Jeter did not achieve greatness through luck or pure athleticism. Like every great athlete to play a sport, he spent countless hours practicing and becoming better.

Don't be discouraged by those who have more talent than you. Click To Tweet

Even if you don’t know anything about baseball, you can still appreciate what Derek Jeter has done. He was meticulous at his craft and worked hard to be the best. Don’t be discouraged by those who have more talent than you. Use it as motivation to become better. If you work harder than everyone else you are sure to find success.

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Photo of Yankee Stadium by m01229