Comments on: Open Yourself to Possibility

By: Sandra

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:00:05 +0000

The last times I embraced an idea with a ‘yes’ mentality I was able to create a professional opportunity with a atartup and freelance gigs.

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By: Opportunities You Sould Turn Down — Art Biz Blog

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:44:31 +0000

[…] Here’s the question you have to answer: Will it make you happy? If it does, great. Go for it! […]

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By: Patricia

Wed, 12 May 2010 22:10:08 +0000

It’s often so hard to know when to say “no” and when to say “yes.” It seems to me from reading here that the key is not simply “Yes” but “Yes, and…” This gives one time to consider the benefits versus costs to one’s business and art. Sometimes the gut instinct gives us a good answer, but sometimes that fast response is based on fear and that’s when that “Yes, and” really comes in handy.
Great post, Alyson!

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Wed, 12 May 2010 04:35:57 +0000

Alisa: And hopefully the other artists were encouraging. That in itself is worth the effort.
Rebecca: Absolutely. I have to cover all the bases, but you must select what you need at this moment in time.
Lynne: That’s an interesting take on the subject. What are you NOT willing to do to make your dream happen? That helps you set the boundaries.
Debra: That’s awesome! Look at all of those connections you made! I’m so glad you’re here with us.
Sue: Absolutely you want to do an art talk! I think there are some posts on my blog (and a bunch in my book) about doing an artist talk. It’s fantastic experience–and relatively easy when you blog about your art regularly.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Wed, 12 May 2010 04:30:41 +0000

Angeline: Great, positive approach.
Philip: Isn’t that the truth. Some people get so frustrated that they give up. I get that. But I really want to encourage artists to build that courage muscle and get the required work done.
Sari: Bingo. The more uncomfortable it is, the bolder step you’re making. If nothing else, you’ve conquered a fear.

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By: Sue Grilli

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:36:41 +0000

Wow! This bit of advice couldn’t have come at a better time. I have always seemed to second guess myself when it came to my artistic abilities. Early this year I made a decision to ” just do it” and move forward step by step with my art career. I have recently been asked to do an Art Talk at a local gallery and have been undecided about whether I should do this or not.Questioning my abilities again! Well I guess the answer needs to be ” Just do it” and say ” Yes” !! Thanks!

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By: Debra Disman

Mon, 10 May 2010 23:07:54 +0000

I began taking yes steps a number of years ago by attending the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s classes. This led to joining a BNI Chapter, a MeetUp group, and becoming involved with Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter. Through Renaissance, I met my web designer, who created my graphic identity, including postcard (!), thorugh BNI I met a marketing consultant for small businesses, who encouraged me to get a Facebook business page, and start an email newsletter, Through Twitter, I met colleagues who interviewed me on blog talk radio, and an artist support blog site. Through a Facebook friend, I discovered Art Biz, and joined the Linked Group, signed up for the newsletter, and read the Blog!
I now love, rather then dread, looking at my email, because I love my contacts, and all we are creating together.
Thank you Alyson, for the inspirational work that you do!

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By: Lynne Hurd Bryant

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:17:25 +0000

Wayne Dyer said something in his book, Excuses Begone! that I ask myself all the time…what are you NOT willing to do to make your dreams come true?
I am not willing to starve, so I have a day job. I am not willing to go naked, so I say yes to inexpensive clothing. I am not willing to be homeless, so I pay my bills.
I recently switched to a 4/10 work week in a split shift so that I can paint on a daily basis. The hours are kicking my fanny, but I will get used to it. I AM willing to work an odd schedule to have time to pursue my dreams.
When it comes to buying art supplies, I AM willing to spend what is necessary to make my work as good as it can possibly be. I’ll eat more cheaply if I need to. I wear old shoes if I need to. I AM willing to do that.
I also work a part time job because that income pays my gallery rent. I AM willing work part time for a second company 7 days a week to do be able to pay for things art related.
You just have to ask what you are willing to do and what you are not. Most importantly, if you are not willing, perhaps this is a dream that is not that important to you. You have to make a decision to completely invest yourself or not.

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By: Rebecca Collins

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:58:30 +0000

Very good post. I especially love your statement that you seek out people that are already open to possibility to work for and with. Your job is not that of therapist. Just like a sports coach you want to work with talented people that are seeking to improve their game… and the name of the game is art and business. I find myself more and more seeking out new friends that are passionate about their art and about sharing their work. Enthusiasm is so contagious and negativity can be as well.
I love Sari’s comment and Philip is right on target about picking and choosing ala carte from your huge menu of things to try.

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By: Alisa Lahti

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:29:03 +0000

One of the first big moves for me was to participate in open studio tours in our local community. I had artists next to me who were actually making livings off of their art and I was really just starting and feeling totally unworthy, half finished projects laying around, etc. But I went for it and love the experiences. Not everyone likes what you do, but it only takes a few positive encounters to make it worthwhile. And those experiences make you stronger for the next challenge in the world of self-promotion.

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