Thought for today, give value.

I received an email asking me, “ if I coach Artists, and if so how much do I charge?”
What an interesting question.
I help Artists and charge nothing.
I do not want to charge anything and I am not selling a course, a podcast or coaching. I give out my material for free that I hope is good value for Artists and anyone can share it with whom they choose. I just give it out and I answer all comments and emails and just give it all to Artists, asking nothing in return.
Why?
Because I really believe in giving value and the world would be much gentler place if more people gave rather than always trying to turn a dollar.
I believe Artists should give more value also with their product?

Do I not mean give away your paintings for free?
No, not at all.
I believe all Artists should get a fair price for their work, I do not believe they should give discounts or have to barter their work. Put the price on your painting that you believe its worth and don't move, discounting is always a negative move, more on that another time.
Artists should be treated as all professionals should be treated and paid accordingly, but I do believe they should give.

What do I mean?
I have written about this before but it is worth saying again.
How many times at an Artists opening or a group show or market place, do we find the Artist or Artists huddled together with their friends and family and not interacting with the strangers who gave up their precious time to come and see their show?

Here is where you can give and get big rewards back.
The Artist who will go up and give a smile and give a warm greeting and give their time to explain their work and the “why” of their paintings always wins.
You see if the collector likes you there is a good chance they will like your painting.
Likewise if you ignore the customer there is a good chance they will ignore, so give.
Give value to the stranger interested in your work.
Give warm smile and chat, explaining you and your work I even encourage Artists to write out their thoughts about their work to give it to potential customers.
This is the extra value that we can give and it will bring rewards to us.
Give and you shall receive.

Have a great day.