Customer Reviews

I'd Rather Be in the Studio!

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Artists starve because they don't market themselves. And even if a budding artist wanted to promote herself, Where to begin? What to do? Well, says Alyson Stanfield early on, break the spine of this book and start using it - start with a chapter that looks appealing, or deals with your biggest excuse for not advancing your art career. The book's organized around eight common excuses she's heard as an art business coach who's helped several thousand people get out of their studios and get down to the business of self-promotion. This is not about running a business. It's not about how to advertise. It's about defining success for yourself and making a plan that will get you there. It's about organizing your artists' life with routines, writing your artist's statement (this is a biggie), doing newsletters, getting a Web presence, writing a blog, polishing your image, getting out there and letting the world know you're here. Among other things, Ms. Stanfield's intent is to get you back into the studio so you can do what you want to do, which is art. This little book is an enormous tool box, full of detailed how-to's and rich with resources, including - other artist's websites and on-going support at her own website. Taken as a whole, this book is overwhelming - where do I start, what do I do first? Ms. Stanfield deals with "the overwhelm" by saying start with whatever fits best and do a few things at a time. Each chapter ends with a summary (a "no-excuse principle") and a gentle nudge (a "no-excuse action"). Beyond all that, the book's really accessible - the writing's clear and direct and personal and the book's design is gorgeous. It's a very friendly book. Ms. Stanfield wears many hats here - teacher, muse, occasional nag, coach, friend, facilitator - and she wears them well. Do yourself a big favor and buy this book. Better still, use it

Alyson B. Stanfield's book on self-promotion for artists is a true gem. I've never been so excited by an art marketing book - and I own several different titles. What sets Alyson's book apart from the rest is not only the wealth of ideas, tips and advice - better have that highlighter and Post-It flags handy - but the intelligent and accessible way in which the material is presented. The book's focus is on the eight most frequently expressed excuses from artists about why they don't self-promote. Of those eight, I personally identified with five of them. Alyson tackles each one as the chapters unfold, providing insightful and practical solutions to get on with getting the word out about your art. And her optimistic style is inspiring. I feel like she's right there next to me offering encouragement and suggestions.

This book contains basic material for artists to market and self-promote. Something I am very much for...
When I purchased the book nearly one year ago, right away upon reading the chapter on blogging I found a dead link listing. I'd systematically looked up all the links and the [...] link was D.O.A. ( I found an article on their demise). Fortunately a lot of the good sites are long lasting, but some new sites are not mentioned...
*I'd Rather Be in The Studio* was published February 2008, and IMO there should be a second revised and updated version by now for full value for your money...
I gave the book 3 stars primary based on this lack of a second edition and the rather chaotic table of contents in the first edition.

I frequent Alysons Art Biz Blog so I knew I would love her book! I was not disappointed! Even though I consider myself a savvy artist marketer, there were plenty of tips and ideas and suggestions in this book that reminded me I needed to address to make the most out of my art business. Alyson gives no excuse actions at the end of each chapter that are so motivating --- I couldn't wait to get started right away!

I LOVE this book and I am not an artist. The tips and techniques that are shared in this detailed and well researched book are amazing and will help anyone that needs to market themselves. I launched my blog and have done really well with it using the information Stanfield provides in the book. One of my marketing mentors advises to check out what other people in other industries are doing. If you only do what everyone else in your field is doing you will have a hard time standing out. Not being an artist I found this book to have fresh new ideas and concepts with new twist on things I already had been doing. I haven't taken it off my desk since I got it. I keep referring to it and using it over and over.

This is a very practical, hand on book for artists of every media. There's a lot of good information related to selling one's art, to gaining media coverage, to building a report with past clients, and to gaining an online presence. But if you only buy this book for one thing, but it for Action 4: Developing an artist's statement. That is one powerful and very useful section of the book that should not go unmissed.

Instead of a table of contents, this book starts with a "Table of Excuses" that artists commonly give for remaining on the sidelines in their marketing life: "My art speaks for itself," "I'm an introvert," "I don't live in an art town." Alyson dismantles these (gently) and more importantly, offers alternative, proactive ways of thinking about such topics as making your work newsworthy, polishing your media kit, and generating buzz on a shoestring budget. There's detailed help on portfolios, how to hone your teaching and lecturing skills, and step-by-step outlines on creating a killer newsletter.
While she focuses much on increasing one's online presence (an artist should have a website, blog, newsletter, Google alerts, and more), she also says it's important for artists to find support right in their own communities. Her website provides an outline for artists to create their own Art Marketing Salons, and offers free downloadable materials including press release and pitch letter templates. At the end of the nine-session program each participant will have completed an art marketing plan. This proactive philosophy pervades Alyson's work as a consultant.

This is the help I have been looking for. I find myself reading every chapter but not in sequence which is kind of fun. It is just a wonderful and exciting comprehensive of all I need to know about marketing my work, a big, overwhelming job and it's true, I'd rather be in the studio. With these guidelines I feel that it is attainable.

Every chapter is full of information but I especially like chapter 10, Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up. She answers all the questions I've had and couldn't find the answers. It's so clear in this chapter.

The author has a lot of energy coming through the written words. I feel her passion in wanting to help us lowly artists who want to get our work out of the studio and into someone's home, office or wherever. It's a great feeling to know someone is on our side and wants us to succeed.

Are you an artist who needs a morale boost and the know-how to get your career moving? Overwhelmed by it all? Just pick a chapter of Alyson Stanfield's highly motivating manual and get going. She has coached and (gently) prodded thousands of artists, helping them get unstuck from their excuses and through the magic door to a more satisfying career. We can take charge of our own time, define our goals and our art, network for our art and get rid of the sloppy habits that create business bugaboos. Ms. Stanfield shows us how to counteract 8 common excuses with action steps and their guiding principles. Action Step #3 resonates with this reviewer: 'Develop routines to free my creative mind'. Its principle 'Taking control of my time is taking control of my life' also prevents me from making more excuses! The N0-Excuse principle concentrates the mind on essentials such as setting our own boundaries. Routines, using technology effectively, dealing with negatives, it's all part of growing our circle of influence outside the privacy of the studio. Even if you are already promoting your art Alyson Stanfield's message, derived from years of experience as teacher, museum curator and artists' coach, will improve your results. I certainly is working with me!

I'd Rather Be in the Studio! This book should be the bible for anyone who wants to promote their business.
True,it was written for artists. However, the wisdom,experience and insights of the author Alyson B. Stanfield,is apropos for anyone who wants to rely on themselves and succeed in their chosen field.
Why rely on middlemen when you can save money and become more intune with your market. What better way to do that then to set it up and be in complete control.
With "I'd rather be in the studio", you are given step by step advise for marketing, networking, and use of the modern technologies available for businesses today.
Be you an artist or an animal breeder or writer or anything else, this book will help your business.
Go for it and grow your business.