Changeable Country Watercolour
Reveal, Inspire and Connect
Over the last few articles, I have shared some of my thoughts on the subjects of revealing the artist within you. Also aspects of inspiring yourself and those around you as well as a discussion on what is relating to art and business.
Now I want to move to be more focussed on Building an Art Business. All of the advice is based on my journey so far. I am in the early stages of this journey and my intent is to inspire you to get out there. Already in the limited time that I have been challenging myself amazing changes in my outlook and general health and energy levels has taken place.
This is directly linked to a shift in mindset from passive to active. Momentum takes time to gather; a bit like the growth rings in a tree. You don’t really perceive that growth is happening. When I engage in some action every day I start to view everything in a more focussed way.
Money ? What is it??
So now let’s talk about my relationship with money. What is this strange thing called money?
Money to me has always been a bit mysterious. I guess in the culture that I have created it just is never discussed. For some reason how much somebody has is private information. Is this a good thing? I’m not really sure or as they say, the jury is out on that one.
Some people appear to have lots of cash but in reality, just have a way of borrowing loads of it. Maybe a high credit rating or skilled at borrowing. Others have a distinct dislike of and lack of respect for money and the whole system.
Others love it and want more of it. Then a few want to have it and enjoy sharing their good fortune. So where do I sit?
I genuinely feel ignorant. You see I always thought that some people have it and others don’t. Clearly, that is in part true. I also think that if I haven’t got it I am in a vulnerable position. I have got to the position of not wanting it and at the same time not wanting to be without it.
This is not really a great place to be doing business from. Like everything it has is the positive side. I tend to keep a reasonable approach to not owing anyone anything.
Oh Crumbs!! What next
So what next? I need to understand the people that want to buy my work or later on my other products.
I am on a journey with this. One thing I am beginning to grasp is that I create value and it is worth a transaction. Energy is a way that I am beginning to understand money. I can get the idea that I put energy into creating something and that energy has a value that in turn is exchange energy in the form of money.
For a business, it is wise to look at this energy. Be honest with yourself. A starting point is to really look at how you use the money you have got. It is possible to build the foundation of an Arts business with very little overheads. ESPECIALLY online. When I buy something for my artwork I keep a record of it. This is the start. It doesn’t matter if it is expensive or a brush. This is bought with energy. Consequently, I am more motivated to do something with it.
The other man’s grass is always greener approach blocks this flow of energy. You will end up with a load of art stuff in the loft that gathers dust and you end up giving away in a Yard sale or Jumble some day.
So over the next few blogs, I am going to share some of the steps I have taken to get my self out there as it were. I am really excited to be able to share some of the good stuff that I am finding out that is beginning to make some traction and show green shoots on the branches of my little business tree.
-Patrick
