Before we go any further… I want to point out that what I am describing here is a process, a way of looking at how we create whether it involves groups of people or individuals and what we need in the way of tools and environments to support us along the way. The concepts and processes are not linear or pretty and admittedly leave lots of room for further exploration and development. Let’s get going.. Now that we have the creative spectrum somewhat sketched out let’s see how … [Read more...]
A different look at creativity
December 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment
In previous articles I discussed some of the broader issues and benefits related to Social Media/Networking and how this new tool could benefit artists. The first article “What’s up with Social media” I introduced the concept of “ambient intimacy” and how the growth of social networking via the Internet has increased our ability to build relationships with our buyers. In “How to use Social Media”I talked about how social media gives us the ability to engage our buyers, build … [Read more...]
How to use your winter to help your sales
December 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Marketing Monday begins today, born from conversations with a couple of artists over the weekend. They asked me if I had an thoughts about how they could use the winter down time to help build their businesses and their sales. The consesus was a winter long series focused on different aspects of marketing would be helpful. Here is a tentative list of subjects we came up with: Beginning the branding process- a brief outline to help give direction to the process along with some … [Read more...]
Spreading the word…with a new connection.
December 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment
No too long ago I received an e-mail from digital apple juice, an art focused blog network, asking me if I was interested in writing for them. Of course I said yes so that means that the content created here will be spread quicker and over a wider network than we currently have. They will be creating a dedicated column for our feed which will either be titled ” The Working Artist” or ” Art Works”…we are still brain storming. What is amazing and yet not so much … [Read more...]
Mastering Twitter with TweetDeck
December 5, 2008 By 1 Comment
I'll be the first to admit that I didn't "get" Twitter. When I first heard about it and saw that "tweets" were 140 character micro-blog posts that contained such mindless drivel as "Heading out to work" or "Getting a haircut" I dismissed it as pointless. A couple of months ago my good friend Jeff told me that I should give Twitter a go. Jeff's a bright guy so I ask him "Why on earth would I want to do that?". His response was "You don't … [Read more...]
Yes WE can…Co-Create a Vision!
December 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment
“Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.” -Ansel Adams I got the quote above in an e-mail today and added it to the feelings that have been circulating in my thoughts since last night. For many years I have firmly believed that we all are creative, that we all posses the spark that can turn dull … [Read more...]
When Quiting Is The Best Way To Move Forward
December 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Seth Godin is one of my favorite business and marketing authors because he is a thinker, and a leader…and I am drawn to those types of people. One of his most recent books addresses the problem of well…quiting. More precisely when to quit and why quiting might be good and when sticking it out might not be the best strategy. In everything we do we often come up against a challenge, one that makes us question what and why we are doing what we are doing. Our ability to look … [Read more...]
Anti-virus software and Macs
December 2, 2008 By 2 Comments
Yesterday's Washington Post Security Fix disclosed that on November 21st of this year Apple put out a technical note where they recommend the widespread use of anti-virus software for Macs, including specific recommendations for Mac AV utilities. I've never believed the "Macs cannot get a virus" mantra that some people spread. The reality is that any computer where the user has the ability to write to the hard drive or install applications is subject to a program doing evil deeds … [Read more...]
Check Your Brand Wellness
December 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Just as you regularly go to your Doc for wellness checks you should also be doing the same thing with your brand. The pulse of your brand’s heart and subsequent ability to circulate your message through out you tribe is extremely important to your success. You should make it a habit to check its’ health several times a year. The best way to do this is to ask your tribe through a survey. … [Read more...]
It’s not about the lipstick- it’s the hog that matters!
December 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Everywhere I look lately I see another Guru offering up another version of “how to succeed in tough time”, usually in form of simple check lists. Today I received a couple of them in my e-mail and I was struck by their similarity and realized that what is going on is everyone is saying that their lipstick works best for changing the look of the pig of our current cultural shift. … [Read more...]
Recipes, Rules and Heretics
November 24, 2008 By 2 Comments
Today while walking my pal Loki I started thinking about recipes and how they differed from deeper and broader approaches to a problem. For many years I did a lot of baking from cookies to cakes to french Brioche and I remembered that I always new what I was going to make, if it was bread I knew whether I wanted whole wheat or oat bread. I would pull the recipe from my file review the ingredients and then begin. this is where most people would continue…following the recipe, addint the right … [Read more...]
The Commmunity Loom and Open Source Art
November 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Children Making Art My last post ended talking about Open Source Art and how it can be used to Raise awarness about art and the creative process Involve your followers inspiring them to discover their own creative vision Include them in your creative process Build Community and in so doing lead your tribe … [Read more...]
