Words to ACT on: The DNA of a Productive Artist
by Aletta de Wal
Sarah Kahn knows that artists do not like to feel blocked. It happens, even in doing something they love - producing art. It's why they come to see her when the muse seems to have gone away for too long. Sarah describes "being stuck" as loss of being productive.

"Artists are passionately drawn to the pursuit of meaning and beauty as a way to describe, express and document our experiences. This drive is our most trusted and loyal life-partner. If we are not in pursuit, searching, we are not alive." Artist and A.C.T. Creativity Mentor Sarah Kahn, L.I.C.S.W., has made over 100 collages since 2004, and as of this year, over 41 pieces purchased.

Blocks come from not knowing what to do first or what to do next. This does not just apply to producing art. The same thing happens when it comes to promoting your art. That used to be true only for emerging artists, and artists in transition. These days even seasoned artists are going back to the drawing board on art marketing.

That is good news. There is no one right way to be a "successful artist". If the word success bothers you, substitute productive. No matter what you call it, you need a clear picture of what you want to achieve in exchange for a lot of hard work. You also need ways to turn this picture into your daily life.

In the © A.C.T. Workshop "The Productive Artist", we define the DNA of a Productive Artist as a combination of Determination, Networking and Action.

~ D-etermination
If your momma didn't tell you there was going to be trouble doing what you love (and that the money would not always follow right away), you know by now. Being who you are, you would probably not be happy if you chose the roads she suggested. It starts with focus and knowing what you want from your art. Determination overcomes obstacles.

~ N-etworking
Social networks existed long before the Internet. Artists who know how to build relationships in person and electronically have the advantage. "Marketing is a series of conversations designed to build a bridge between you, your art and your audience." Networking expands your art audience and our business connections.

~ A-ction
Action is the only way to get results. It does not have to be a lot, but it must be consistent. You can break down the biggest projects into 15 minute chunks. Most artists love the action of making art most of the time. Being a "Productive Artist" means embracing both the making and the marketing with the same creative mind, so that you can keep doing what you love and have some money follow.
Here's an alphabet of action ideas to get your own list going:

Act: Act on what matters most each day, in all areas of your life.

Build: Build art business habits and routines that you will actually use.

Communicate: Communicate daily with someone about your art.

Deliver: Do what you say and deliver whatever you promise on time and budget.

Expand: Expand your exposure by adding at least one new venue each year.

Finish: Finish what you start and go one step further by following up.

Grow: Grow yourself, your art budget and your art business by 10% each year.

Help: Help other artists by sharing what you know from experience about the art world.

Inventory: Inventory your work and your skills to build your confidence.

JumpStart: JumpStart even monumental projects with any step, no matter how small.

Know: Know yourself, your audience, your art, your art business and your limits.

Link: Link with compatible partners on the ground and on the Internet.

Multiply: Multiply your results through people who are centers of influence.

Negotiate: Negotiate for what you want by first knowing what others can give.

Organize: Organize by having a place for everything and everything in its place.

Price: Price your work to sell and raise your prices methodically.

Qualify: Qualify projects and people to see if they meet your goals before you start or can no longer exit with grace and dignity.

Repeat: Repeat your promotional message at least 7 - 10 times in different media.

Simplify: Simplify your art, administration and art marketing; eliminate "busyness".

Track: Track everything to see what is working and not working. You get what you measure.

Under-promise: Under-promise and over-deliver for less stress and more client delight.

Verify: Verify that what you see is what you get, especially when you are doing business on the Internet.

Work: Work so that you honor your creative rhythms and your business deadlines.

X-Ray: Xamine closely the career armature of artists you admire.

Yearn: Yearn for the dream and take action on that attraction.

Zoom: Zoom in on the end result and ask yourself: "Are the activities I am about to do going to lead me there or distract me?

Aletta de Wal, M. Ed, Director & Artist Advisor
Direct line: (650) 917-1225 Pacific time
www.ArtistCareerTraining.com
aletta@artistcareertraining.com

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