Be A Candle Flame!

Today's Internet never ceases to amaze me. The incredible amount of information that can be brought in front of my eyes with just a few keystrokes is astounding! In the past few years, I have been steadily plugging away at the job of marketing my art.

Although some resources have cost me money (books, seminars, memberships) most of my education came from reading web pages on the Net. I would search for a topic about which I want to learn. Then, from the search results, I'll choose one, click the link, start reading. Oftentimes, that link will introduce another subject that I want to study as well. So I go off on that tangent, then another, and another. Before I know it, an hour has gone by, but I have learned much!

Bit by bit, the Internet is teaching me how to become a successful artist. (Now, how to get off the computer and get back to making artwork, ... well, that is something I still struggle with. There is so much to learn, it is hard to stop.) I realize that many computer savvy people know this already, so please forgive me. My purpose is not to waste your time, rather to simply express my amazement at the empowerment made possible by the Internet.

There is one thing that I try to do and that I would encourage others to do as well. Consider this: When one uses a candle to light another candle, the flame is spread and the original candle is just as intact as before the flame was shared. There is no loss to the fire. It's a win-win situation. Same with Internet links! Spread the flame! When I find a new resource which I believe would be of interest to certain folks, I send them the link so that they can benefit also.

Of course I also try to only do it if/when I feel the person is receptive to the idea. It's not right to inundate the recipient with excessive emails. I try to limit the sharing of my good fortune at finding a gem to just once in awhile. I hope that I do that effectively. Judging from the many thank-you emails I get, I believe I am succeeding.

So, when you're sharing the love this Valentine's Day, share some useful knowledge with your friends too! Here are just a couple with which to start for the visual artist:

Tons of information on the business of art can be found at:
ArtBizBlog.com - Ever since attending one of Alyson B Stanfield's seminars in 2006, I have been reading her e-newsletter (sign up for free!) and visiting to her site almost daily, for info. Packed with marketing power! Her main site is http://www.artbizcoach.com

FineArtViews.com - Clint Watson writes a daily e-newsletter one can subscribe to for free. Wonderful stuff!