Mark E Shellshear.

When I get asked for advice I often say, don’t do what failed Artists do. I know that this seems very simplistic, but some the great keys to life are simple. We all know Artists who have failed and if you listen to them you will learn what not to do. They can all tell you what is wrong with Galleries, the Art market, the collectors and everything else within the Art business, but the one thing they don’t blame is themselves. It is easy to blame things we can’t fix, but hard to fix the one thing we can change, ourselves. When we realize that we are the road block not the circumstances of life, because life happens to us all, we can then begin to make the changes in ourselves and change our world. Change comes from within, and when we change, everything changes.

  First never lose sight of your principal goal, that is what we are working towards. So we must focus on productivity, if we are not producing the work we will not go forward. We must focus on achievement, wins are important and you must celebrate them, even small wins, rejoice in every sale. Focus on opportunities, always be looking for an opportunity in everything you do, you never know where the next sale or commission may come from, so never write anything off until you are certain it is a dead end. It is always about getting up the next day and working until you are finished, no excuses, do not finish tomorrow what you can finish today. Be a closer, close your day properly, all today’s jobs finished.

Most Artists spend to much time worrying about the wrong things that most often the stranger is unaware of, people buy because they desire something and then they want it, most just say I like that, I want it and buy it. We still have to meet the stranger and connect with them and build a relationship, but even all that does not guarantee a sale unless they want the painting, they are moved emotionally. Of course if you have done all I have said and they like you and trust you, then you have a far greater chance of them liking your original painting and then wanting it. People seldom buy because they need something, most buy because they want something, they desire it. That is the emotion we want to arouse when they see our original paintings. If they desire it, then they will want it and will buy it. We need to major on the relationship between you and the stranger, build desire for your original painting by story telling it enthusiastically and describe how much you l...

Unfortunately no one is going to educate people about Art, other than people do it themselves and yes your time, effort and creative ability isn't recognised, it will be if you become famous, but for the average Artist it will not be recognized, unless you educate people. Instead of saying someone should do this, if we see a need, meet it. We as Artists can educate every person we come across as we explain our Art to them. Now we are to do this in a way that will win these people to us, most people are interested in the Artistic process, the Artist and the why of the painting, so story tell your Art. If we want people to love and appreciate our Art, tell them about it, why you love the painting, what the painting is about and how you created it, teach people about your Art, that’s why we make videos and write blogs about our Art. Don't say what should happen, be the one to make it happen. It is easy to point out problems, but it takes courage to be part of fixing ...

Watch out for group think and the pressure to conform to the Artists narrative, be true to you and your vision, be different and do different. There are no rules in Art, so innovate, take risks and get attention of strangers, you will be amazed at what doors will open to you and the people you will meet and connect with. Strangers need to know your name and recognize your face attention is a very valuable commodity. Be passionate and enthusiastic about your Art work, they are contagious like the common cold, spread them around and infect as many strangers as you can. Be the Artist you dream of being, work hard, tell your story, make those videos and connect with strangers.

People attach themselves to stories and people love the romance of the Artistic life, so tell your Artistic story to them, because your life is different to their life, you are an Artist. Allow them to be romanced by your story, but you cannot be, you must be down to earth and understand clearly that Art is work and they are your customers. You have no time to be romanced by your own Artistic life, but you always have time to tell your Artistic story to interested strangers. .

What will you do? Just wait and hope? No do not hesitate, don’t let the “thief” talk you out of it, you will have to be the one to make your success happen, you have to do it. No one will give you permission, So you give yourself permission. No one will give you initiative, You have to take the initiative. Please don't wait for someone to tell you what to do, they won’t, take responsibility of your Art career and do it. Get on social media and promote yourself and your Art, it's free. Tell your story in a blog, make a video, no one can stop you, it's the internet, you are a creative Artist, be creative on the internet and get attention. You just have to make the decision to do it. Be the Artist who makes a difference, c reate change.