You better shop around.....

Need some printing done? Well start with your local printers and get a quote so you can compare apples to apples or rather business cards. Then check out two online companies who will give you a better deal. www.printdo.com and www.vistaprint.ca You can even download one of your own images/paintings to use on the item be it a postcard, business card, magnet, pen etc.

Save money on supplies

I have just returned from a trip to a local art supply store, Curry's in Markham, On. It never fails that they give me my 10% discount. All I have to do is show them my membership card to any local art association. So naturally I think it is a good idea for all aspiring or established artists to join your local art clubs. Joining has helped me enormously in learning the art business and networking with other artists. Your community most likely has an arts council which will inform you about upcoming shows or other opportunities you shouldn't miss. My own abilities have improved a great deal just from talking to or watching other artists in my club as they work during workshops. They have given me many tips on techniques or even organizational ideas for my supplies and studio.

Great Sites for Artists' Business

Alyson B. Stanfield founded ArtBizCoach.com in 2002 and published "I'd Rather Be in the Studio!" in 2008. This site teaches artists how to promote their art, gain fans, and make more money. You can subscribe to the RSS feed or follow her on Facebook. Another fantastic site for artists is makingamark.blogspot.com

Show and new e-resources

Well the art show at the Heintzman House in Thornhill was wonderful. I met several members from the Markham Group of Artists there and was given a few tips by each. I also met another artist Susan Chater, who is doing watercolour paintings without framing or glass which appeals to me. She took our email addresses as she will be teaching in the fall at her home studio. in Richmond Hill. You can see her watercolours at www.susanchater.ca .The show was well organized with a tea room and door prizes. It is held yearly in the old period home once owned by the Heintzman family.

I have come across two new sites that are very helpful. One is www.fineartamerica.com where you can actually upload digital pics of your art to be sold as prints or giclees. The other is www.emptyeasel.com which has art tutorials, business advice, research and featured artists.