I'd Rather Be in the Studio! (Paperback)

~ Alyson B. Stanfield (Author)
Key Phrases: killer newsletter, online media kit, sharing your work, Amplify Your Online Presence, Don't Sell, Differentiate Yourself (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

I'd Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion offers practical approaches that help you sell more art and build an art career that lasts. Alyson B. Stanfield, the art-marketing guru behind ArtBizCoach.com, shares self-promotion tools that have enhanced the careers of thousands of artists. You'll learn how to: (1) Introduce yourself as an artist so people want to know more; (2) Nail your artist statement to discover the right words for all of your marketing messages; (3) Expand your mailing list and use it to cultivate collectors; (4) Create marketing materials that outshine the competition; (5) Become a media magnet so buyers come to you; (6) Take advantage of your Web site and blog to build a bigger audience; and much more. It would be great if there were a precise formula for getting your art into galleries, museums and private collections. But every artist's path is different. That's why I'd Rather Be in the Studio! provides easy-to-follow self-promotion practices that help you find your way at any point in your career. Match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of your career.

About the Author

Alyson B. Stanfield is an artist advocate, workshop leader, and art-marketing consultant who knows all about self-promotion. Labeled an introvert early in life, she has challenged herself many times to come out of her shell in order to lead a rich and rewarding life. And that's what she does with her clients. Alyson has helped thousands of artists develop their careers through her online classes, publications, workshops, and free weekly Art Marketing Action newsletter all available through ArtBizCoach.com. Alyson used the self-promotion tools in I'd Rather Be in the Studio! to launch ArtBizCoach.com. Prior to that, Alyson counseled artists informally throughout her ten years as a museum curator and educator in the Midwest. She wrote this book for the many talented artists who remain professionally unfulfilled because their work is not seen and not purchased. Alyson's mission is to empower artists to say goodbye to excuses and hello to success.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Pentas Press (February 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974272582
• ISBN-13: 978-0974272580
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,066 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be a Thriving Artist, Not a Starving One, February 24, 2008

By	Richard Chapman (Missoula, MT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important book for artists..., April 13, 2008

By	Burnell Yow - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great motivator!!, February 28, 2008

By	Claudine Hellmuth "Author of Collage Discover... (Washington DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!