Five Parenting Techniques That Can Help You Build Your Art Business
As a dear friend so aptly put it one day, “Parenting ain’t no joke!” And anyone with offspring or anyone who has seen a parent, been around a parent or even near a parent has to admit it is true. Why are some children so well behaved and polite and others running wild and having breakdowns at the slightest thing? Well this isn’t an article on parenting theory but let’s suffice it to say that a few techniques that parents can use to have pleasant and enjoyable children can cross over to building a pleasant and enjoyable business as well.
So without further ado, here are five parenting techniques that can help you with your art business:
- Have a routine. If you have an idea of what needs to be done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, you are more likely to make progress. It is inevitable that there will be something you need to do that won’t have you jumping for joy to get started. For some it is making phone calls. For others, getting sales materials ready for a trade show. Each person is different but I bet you can think of something. Without routine and recognition that it needs to get done, you may never get started. Not a good idea!
- Be consistent. Consistent effort towards a goal does a few things. First, it moves you forward instead of staying still and busy in circles. Second, if manufacturers see consistent effort and new artwork, they learn what to expect from you. Who would you rather work with – someone who you can count on to act in the future as they have in the past or someone who comes through with flying colors on one project and gets distracted by video games and misses deadlines on the next?
- Set boundaries.
- How do you work. (Do you license? Do you sell? Will you do flat-fee licenses? Will you do spec work in the hopes of getting a deal or just offer what is already in your portfolio… etc.)
- What do you create. (Don’t try to be all things to all people. Although many artists are quite prolific there are certain things you will be better at and enjoy more – focus on them. They will be the designs that sell anyway. If you don’t do pets, just say no if asked. Don’t give in to the temptation to try and be a “Jack or Jill of all arts”.)
- When and where do you work. (Setting a routine and boundaries with yourself, your friends and family will help you get the time you need to build your business. Many artists, myself included, work at home. It is easier for people to think they can call, drop in or expect you to do their bidding at any time. Think about what will work for you for your art, your business and of course your sanity.)
- Have fun. Don’t get so laser-focused on your goals that you can’t enjoy getting there. Celebrate the little accomplishments along the way. Share your passion with others. Enjoy the ride!
- Keep your cool. If you get too emotionally charged (in a negative way) – no good will come of it. So if you have those days where you feel out of control, despondent and have the “I’ll-never-make-it-anyway-so-why-am-I-even-trying?” mindset – STEP BACK. Take a breather and do something else for the day. You will do your best work when you are focused, calm and inspired. Give yourself permission to take a ‘time out’. (But there is no need to put yourself in a corner, you aren’t a 3 year old who just hit his sister.)
Oh yes, and if you have children at home, by all means, practice these techniques with them as well!
Author: Tara Reed
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work
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