Hi Friends,

While discussing some issues very early with artist friends via e-mail and telephone this morning, it was plain that we are all pushing ahead with the things that must be done with our art.

Whether it's marketing ideas or painting techniques, the learning is ongoing. As we shared ideas it was obvious just how busy and dedicated we are.

The list of projects that I'm currently working on are pretty impressive when viewed on paper, whether they are things that need to be done to further my marketing or choosing the next painting that will advance my understanding of techniques and still appeal to my collectors.

When the momentum starts to slow down and it starts to feel warm and fuzzy, my "comfortable rut" alarm goes off. It's very tempting to linger awhile in this place, but I know I'm not moving forward either.

Accept the journey that is yours alone to live.......and get out there and make it all it possibly can be.

The newest animal to make it's appearance on my easel is this beautiful bobcat.
More scratchboard wildlife can be viewed at Sandra Haynes Fine Art

"Spirit of the Woods"                 10x8"
Scratchboard                             $350

This is one of three subjects that will be used in my Scratchboard Workshops. The others are a horse head and an outdoor still life. This will be the subject of a blog soon, detailing what scratchboard is, and how my workshops are set up.

What do you do when you don't think you have a story to tell? Maybe you aren't rich and/or famous from your art yet. Or you don't think that you have a unique or interesting enough story.

Now stop and think about it:
 Is this really true? When visiting with other artists do you get enthusiastic about something you are working on, can you relate to clients a feeling about a painting that meant a lot to you when you were creating it? You will always have other artists that are ahead of you on this journey and many behind you to whom you can lend a word of encouragement.

An old advertising saying states it this way: "Tell your story, or someone will tell it for you."

The following is from a wonderfully talented artist and consultant that I get to count as my friend:

BRAND BY STORYTELLING
Know Your Self = Tell Your Story
    * Brand marketing is storytelling, not salesmanship. Give them your "story" not your "spiel."
    * "Word of Mouth" can be the most effective form of marketing and is simply people telling stories to other people. And stories are how we remember.
    * It is critical that YOU write your story lest someone else write it for you.

This wonderful advise was given to me by Lisa Lepine--Branding Consultant For Creatives. She can be reached at llpromo@gmail.com. She always jump starts new ideas for me every time I talk to her.

I can almost hear the chorus out there now....."but I can't write." What better time to learn than now, rather than later. It's a skill just like most other skills.......jump off the deep end, you'll learn to swim more quickly than you think.

You've all heard this before, but keep a journal. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Buy a 6-pack of legal pads, both small and large sizes and keep them in every room that you frequent. Keep one in your car, in your purse (ok, guys, I probably don't mean you on this one).

Just do it! The rewards are huge. You are going to be so surprised once you get over the initial "breaking in" process and maybe a little self-consciousness. Soon you will start to notice that you are getting more focused on your art, ideas for marketing, subjects for your next art piece. List ideas or concerns that would be good subjects for discussion with other artists. Write down some of the conclusions you come to as reminders. Take yourself and your art seriously!

Help people to remember you! There are a lot of artists out there. It's up to you to make yourself and your art memorable.

Color Outside the Lines,
Sandra
(P.S. A weekly newsletter is a lot more fun to write knowing it's going to a wide audience.....sign up on this web site to get yours delivered to your email. If you like it or this blog, tell your friends, the local art club, anyone you think might enjoy it. Thank you for your continued support...With gratitude, S.)