ArTips©-The newsletter dedicated to the business of art.

Sometimes practical, sometimes techy, always helpful.

I can't stress this enough--go out and meet people!

You're an artist, and your favorite thing to do is be in your studio creating work. But if you don't sell it you won't be a successful artist. One of the best ways of getting your name out there is through networking.

Get friendly with gallery owners. They can provide leads and referrals to other galleries. Join an art related group, your fellow artists can tell you about exhibition opportunities you may not know about. Meet with other people involved with the art community--you never know how they may help you.

I'm not an artist myself, but one of my favorite things to do it put people together. I was having a meeting in Starbucks a couple of weeks ago, when a woman overheard our conversation and interrupted us. She was looking for an art therapist (to offer a business proposal). I was able to take her information and pass it on to an art therapist that I know. I also recently met a new gallery owner who specialized in carrying large pieces of art. I was able to pass the information on to an artist who loves to create large pieces.

According to hockey great, Wayne Gretzky, "You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Don't lose the game because you didn't take your best shot.

If you're in the Philadelphia area, look for my ARTBiz column each month in Art Matters.