Currently they are mostly artists who win the BoldBrush contest. The magazine is curated, not advertising so there really isn't a guaranteed way to get featured as with any magazine.
It appears that your audience is Artists and Art Collectors/Purchasers. Suggest you focus on issues important to these two groups to maintain reader interests.
My art is my 2nd career (after 60) and as a new comer I have a lot to do to establish myself as a portrait painter, how to attract more clients etc etc etc These late 2nd career people are a growing group and deserving of more attention.
An artist friend and I have been confiding with each other over various demoralizing issues artists face that we have routinely experienced that no one is acknowledging much less addressing, so it would be helpful to find out what concerns about "the biz" artists actually have. Issues like standing up for our rights as artists, expecting to be treated with respect and like the professionals that we are by the non-artists in the broad arts community and market, and the entrenched practices among galleries, museums, and other art venues that don't serve ARTISTS very well, but seem to be under the control of everyone BUT artists, and serve others' interests. I'd like to see an art publication that is less about fluff and promoting high profile gallery artists who really don't need any more promotion, and is more about real arts issues. That could cover such a wide range of topics.
This is more the type of thing, I think, that our other publications are about, like The Sovereign Artist here on Substack. This publication specifically is designed to be collector facing.
I see! Well, my artist associate and I are thinking very seriously about at least one video for Youtube that deals with artists' concerns, and *possibly* even a channel, because we feel it is a largely neglected perspective, but probably not until later this year or the beginning of next year.
What concerns do you feel are neglected. We have two publications that we have written for years that address ONLY things of concern to visual artists:
There are lots of art marketing publications, coaches, gurus, groups, communites, etc that are just for artists. What topics do you think are being neglected?
It's not a reaction to your efforts specifically, or to suggest any deficits specific to Boldbrush. Our concerns are not really about art marketing, actually, although downstream they probably do have some more remote impact on art marketing at some point.
As an artist who has finally gotten to ‘just paint’, when I retired after a multi-faceted design career, I still generally live on the financial edge of survival. (Then Ian hit, demolishing everything except my tiny studio space, so I really appreciate just getting to paint right now!) I’m sure I am not alone with financial constraints, so getting my face, name and work in front of potential buyers is the goal for me that is the most difficult. I love FASO and all that it offers, but I can’t add to my monthly overhead (at least for a year). I see that the majority of your participating followers are artists, and I know that many are quite successful. I also imagine that many are not able to increase their costs, but work hard ‘doing the creative as well as the marketing’. Your offerings are informative and thoughtful, and It’s always good to hear how others think, present themselves and find success. An interview once a month would be worthwhile, but the daily content needs to be short and rich for me to stop and read. I love reading how an artist figured out how to do something that works for them — some epiphany nugget that helped get them over an artistic or financial hump, since we all know that the journey is the key.
On the other hand, what do collectors want more of to get them to decide to buy? More of that helps more of us. Thanks for asking, Clint!
Well, since the percentages of Art Collectors/Art Purchasers is - well - underwhelming - - compared to actual number of "ARTISTS", I would suggest you cultivate, (ie. seek out, and, suck up to) the Purchasers.
I am an artist, but not on your web site. I get your emails. And I even look at them. You have a great group of talented artists. It's just a shame that they aren't getting the exposure they need to make sales.
That percentage (if it holds across the entire subscriber base) would represent over 12,000 people who buy art, not to mention artists also purchase art.
When I opened the BoldBrush message online, I found the magnifying glass. When I clicked it, I didn't get artist information or lists, but some rather questionable stuff. Humm.
Where should I be looking for that magnifying glass? I just opened the latest BoldBrush Magazine email online and the one I saw was on the top right corner with the little bell. (C:
I'm learning how to market my art. I don't know if this is the right medium. I understand that a written statement is necessary to have art buyers interested in individual works.
Instead of just one artist at a time, maybe you can feature more artists in each issue, shorter bios and more images that link to their websites. After all, you have thousands of artists and lots of BoldBrush Contest winners and 15%ers, as well as all of us "also rans."
Your FASO artists may be a little reluctant to share their collector lists with all these other wonderful artists (who might have better stuff?). But maybe you could work to get more outside collectors and gallerists signed up - instead of just mostly artists, who might occasionally buy art. Would whatever you did when you owned the gallery still work to gather new collectors? (e.g., new homeowners, new electric or gas connections, real estate agents, designers, etc.)
That said, I think it's a bad idea to monetize this magazine. Most of us artists don't have additional $$ to spend on newsletters. And with the goal of gathering more art collectors and gallerists, who can view art for free whenever they want, I think it would be better to have fewer hurdles to "membership."
Clint, we appreciate all you do to make our websites beautiful and easy and to help us with marketing.
Thanks for the reply. We aren't asking anyone to share collector lists here. I would say though, based on the poll so far, if that percentage holds across the entire subscriber base then there are something like 12,000 people on this list who have purchased at least one work of art and are not artists with more than half of those considering themselves "collectors".
If you don't plan to monetize the magazine then what is your goal for the magazine?
Here is a couple of jumbled up thoughts. For the new and up and coming artist, their interest might be the mechanics of creating art in whatever their chosen medium happens to be. Their interest would probably be materials, tools, techniques of their chosen medium. A learning experience so to speak. spotlight a workshop video.
For the more experienced artist. Our peers work and what motivated them to create it. "The Story" that you have written so much about lately. Advanced techniques, Exhibition and show opportunities. Winners of those major competitions, etc. Who are the market stars and their stories. Maybe show the slide show of major exhibitions or link to them. (American Watercolor Society or National Watercolor Society Annual shows to name a few in my chosen medium.
For the collector. Advice on collecting. What type work is hot. (medium, style, etc.) Collectors want to know who is up and coming. Who might be a value to collect. Insight for the artist and the collector on the market trends. Insight from collectors on what they are looking for and how they find it. In other words marketing strategy and opportunities.
Hope my late night rambling helps you and one more thought. There is more than one way to monetize the magazine or at least defer costs of producing it from material supplier advertising, rather than artists footing the bill. You obviously have a subscriber list that is of interest to every art material distributor. I would make use of it.
We don't plan to monetize the magazine via Substack subscriptions - I thought that was was Chuck was referring to. We might, at some point, accept relevant advertising. Thank you for your feedback, I sincerely appreciate it.
I do like your idea Chuck of featuring several artists per issue, shorter bios. If someone wants to know more about an artist they can go to the artist’s website fmi.
I always enjoy other artists creativity and seeing art. How do I get recommended by BoldBrush? That is my goal.
Currently they are mostly artists who win the BoldBrush contest. The magazine is curated, not advertising so there really isn't a guaranteed way to get featured as with any magazine.
It appears that your audience is Artists and Art Collectors/Purchasers. Suggest you focus on issues important to these two groups to maintain reader interests.
I like seeing the artist spotlights. An occasional interview and/or story would be nice too.
Perhaps add some better writers? Or an editor to streamline the writing and avoid hyperbole. Just a suggestion for you and all art writers.
My wife is an author/writer/editor and loves tightening writing.
My art is my 2nd career (after 60) and as a new comer I have a lot to do to establish myself as a portrait painter, how to attract more clients etc etc etc These late 2nd career people are a growing group and deserving of more attention.
An artist friend and I have been confiding with each other over various demoralizing issues artists face that we have routinely experienced that no one is acknowledging much less addressing, so it would be helpful to find out what concerns about "the biz" artists actually have. Issues like standing up for our rights as artists, expecting to be treated with respect and like the professionals that we are by the non-artists in the broad arts community and market, and the entrenched practices among galleries, museums, and other art venues that don't serve ARTISTS very well, but seem to be under the control of everyone BUT artists, and serve others' interests. I'd like to see an art publication that is less about fluff and promoting high profile gallery artists who really don't need any more promotion, and is more about real arts issues. That could cover such a wide range of topics.
This is more the type of thing, I think, that our other publications are about, like The Sovereign Artist here on Substack. This publication specifically is designed to be collector facing.
"Collector facing"--do you mean that it is focused on art from the perspective and concerns of collectors?
Yes.
I see! Well, my artist associate and I are thinking very seriously about at least one video for Youtube that deals with artists' concerns, and *possibly* even a channel, because we feel it is a largely neglected perspective, but probably not until later this year or the beginning of next year.
What concerns do you feel are neglected. We have two publications that we have written for years that address ONLY things of concern to visual artists:
https://www.boldbrush.com/fav
https://sovereignartist.substack.com
In addition, we have a paid community that is about only marketing and other concerns for artists at: https://boldbrushcircle.substack.com/p/boldbrush-circle
There are lots of art marketing publications, coaches, gurus, groups, communites, etc that are just for artists. What topics do you think are being neglected?
It's not a reaction to your efforts specifically, or to suggest any deficits specific to Boldbrush. Our concerns are not really about art marketing, actually, although downstream they probably do have some more remote impact on art marketing at some point.
I like to read articles about breaking down the barriers we create for ourselves in our creativity and our marketing endeavors.
We cover these kinds of topics at https://sovereignartist.substack.com
As an artist who has finally gotten to ‘just paint’, when I retired after a multi-faceted design career, I still generally live on the financial edge of survival. (Then Ian hit, demolishing everything except my tiny studio space, so I really appreciate just getting to paint right now!) I’m sure I am not alone with financial constraints, so getting my face, name and work in front of potential buyers is the goal for me that is the most difficult. I love FASO and all that it offers, but I can’t add to my monthly overhead (at least for a year). I see that the majority of your participating followers are artists, and I know that many are quite successful. I also imagine that many are not able to increase their costs, but work hard ‘doing the creative as well as the marketing’. Your offerings are informative and thoughtful, and It’s always good to hear how others think, present themselves and find success. An interview once a month would be worthwhile, but the daily content needs to be short and rich for me to stop and read. I love reading how an artist figured out how to do something that works for them — some epiphany nugget that helped get them over an artistic or financial hump, since we all know that the journey is the key.
On the other hand, what do collectors want more of to get them to decide to buy? More of that helps more of us. Thanks for asking, Clint!
Well, since the percentages of Art Collectors/Art Purchasers is - well - underwhelming - - compared to actual number of "ARTISTS", I would suggest you cultivate, (ie. seek out, and, suck up to) the Purchasers.
I am an artist, but not on your web site. I get your emails. And I even look at them. You have a great group of talented artists. It's just a shame that they aren't getting the exposure they need to make sales.
That percentage (if it holds across the entire subscriber base) would represent over 12,000 people who buy art, not to mention artists also purchase art.
I’d like to know more about the business strategies and helpful hints and danger zones.
You should subscribe to our other newsletter then: https://sovereignartist.substack.com
I am a designer, my mother was a professional artist as is my son.
If an artist wants to share something about what inspired a piece I would love to hear that,
but I hate it when an artist feels compelled to quantify their art.
My suggestion is to provide a search function, at least occasionally, so we can see if a favored artist has new work available.
There is a search function on BoldBrush Magazine. Just click the magnifying glass
If the magnifying glass is there, I can't see it. Could it be a big, bold "search artists" button instead?
We can't change the design of a substack blog. Unless they add that feature it is what it is.
When I opened the BoldBrush message online, I found the magnifying glass. When I clicked it, I didn't get artist information or lists, but some rather questionable stuff. Humm.
I don’t think you’re using our search. The only thing we’ve ever posted is artist reviews.
Where should I be looking for that magnifying glass? I just opened the latest BoldBrush Magazine email online and the one I saw was on the top right corner with the little bell. (C:
Is the magnifying glass on the BoldBrush Magazine - or on our website?
Put the art above the bold brush logo , many people won’t scroll down.
Be present to accept comments from non artists on how best to present oneself as an artist, and to art lovers and potential buyers.
I'm learning how to market my art. I don't know if this is the right medium. I understand that a written statement is necessary to have art buyers interested in individual works.
Hi Clint,
Thanks for asking.
Instead of just one artist at a time, maybe you can feature more artists in each issue, shorter bios and more images that link to their websites. After all, you have thousands of artists and lots of BoldBrush Contest winners and 15%ers, as well as all of us "also rans."
Your FASO artists may be a little reluctant to share their collector lists with all these other wonderful artists (who might have better stuff?). But maybe you could work to get more outside collectors and gallerists signed up - instead of just mostly artists, who might occasionally buy art. Would whatever you did when you owned the gallery still work to gather new collectors? (e.g., new homeowners, new electric or gas connections, real estate agents, designers, etc.)
That said, I think it's a bad idea to monetize this magazine. Most of us artists don't have additional $$ to spend on newsletters. And with the goal of gathering more art collectors and gallerists, who can view art for free whenever they want, I think it would be better to have fewer hurdles to "membership."
Clint, we appreciate all you do to make our websites beautiful and easy and to help us with marketing.
Chuck
Thanks for the reply. We aren't asking anyone to share collector lists here. I would say though, based on the poll so far, if that percentage holds across the entire subscriber base then there are something like 12,000 people on this list who have purchased at least one work of art and are not artists with more than half of those considering themselves "collectors".
We don't plan to monetize the magazine.
Thanks for the reply. Great on all fronts!
I'm glad to know about all those collectors on your list! Featuring more artists in each issue might gather more attention from those folks.
If you don't plan to monetize the magazine then what is your goal for the magazine?
Here is a couple of jumbled up thoughts. For the new and up and coming artist, their interest might be the mechanics of creating art in whatever their chosen medium happens to be. Their interest would probably be materials, tools, techniques of their chosen medium. A learning experience so to speak. spotlight a workshop video.
For the more experienced artist. Our peers work and what motivated them to create it. "The Story" that you have written so much about lately. Advanced techniques, Exhibition and show opportunities. Winners of those major competitions, etc. Who are the market stars and their stories. Maybe show the slide show of major exhibitions or link to them. (American Watercolor Society or National Watercolor Society Annual shows to name a few in my chosen medium.
For the collector. Advice on collecting. What type work is hot. (medium, style, etc.) Collectors want to know who is up and coming. Who might be a value to collect. Insight for the artist and the collector on the market trends. Insight from collectors on what they are looking for and how they find it. In other words marketing strategy and opportunities.
Hope my late night rambling helps you and one more thought. There is more than one way to monetize the magazine or at least defer costs of producing it from material supplier advertising, rather than artists footing the bill. You obviously have a subscriber list that is of interest to every art material distributor. I would make use of it.
We don't plan to monetize the magazine via Substack subscriptions - I thought that was was Chuck was referring to. We might, at some point, accept relevant advertising. Thank you for your feedback, I sincerely appreciate it.
I do like your idea Chuck of featuring several artists per issue, shorter bios. If someone wants to know more about an artist they can go to the artist’s website fmi.
-Shelley