Barney Davey's Blog

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci One Question for a Clearer December The last day of a long weekend has its own quiet rhythm.Not quite a holiday.Not quite everyday life.A pause between the two. It’s a natural doorway into December — a moment when many of us begin thinking about plans, changes, […]

The post Plans, Process, and Practical Minimalism: The Gift You Give Yourself appeared first on Art Marketing News.

Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find. — Wayne Dyer 🍁 As we begin, I send best wishes for a Thanksgiving filled with joy, safety, fun, and heartfelt gratitude! 🦃 In the U.S., Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, but the feeling behind it—pausing to […]

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Practical minimalism for artists is about doing less, yet achieving more of what truly matters. — Barney Davey I recently came across social media advice from someone I admire. This person was encouraging artists to display their work in restaurants, coffee shops, lobbies, or office corridors — anywhere that would accommodate them. The reasoning was: […]

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“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” — Lao Tzu If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve spent decades helping artists navigate the business side of creativity—from print markets and partnerships to pricing, promotion, and peace of mind. Over time, I’ve built a library of […]

The post Dear Visual Artists: Access My Art Marketing Brain Trust for Free! appeared first on Art Marketing News.

A contingency plan is not just for the unexpected; it’s a responsible practice for artists to ensure their creative vision is not derailed by unforeseen circumstances. — Barney Davey As a solo entrepreneur artist, staying absorbed in creativity often overshadows the need for backup plans. Yet, a contingency plan is crucial for anyone serious about […]

The post Why Even Solo Entrepreneur Artists Need a Contingency Plan and How to Create One with Checklists (2025 Edition) appeared first on Art Mar...

"I don't know what your experience with AI is, but it scares the hell out of me." — Walter TroutAt his recent show at the MIM in Phoenix, blues legend Walter Trout said those words. If you've heard AI-generated blues, you understand his concern—it's surprisingly good. There are AI personas with their own YouTube and […]

The post When Chatbots Become Stores: What AI Shopping Means for Artists appeared first on Art Marketing News.

True imagination is not fanciful daydreaming; it is fire from heaven. — Ernest Holmes Embarking on the journey to live your dream as an artist begins with a profound understanding of yourself. This self-awareness is your compass, guiding you towards the life that truly resonates with your artistic spirit. As an artist, living your dream is […]

The post How to Create Your Best Artist’s Life and Enjoy It appeared first on Art Marketing News.

Inspired by Chapter 2 of The Artist’s Guide to Creative Side Hustles and Hybrid Careers Let’s learn how to spot the overlooked skills, tools, and connections that can power your next steps. Most artists don’t struggle for talent or ideas—they struggle with how to bring all the pieces of their creative life together. How do […]

The post How to Be Happy and Successful with Your Creative Side Hustles appeared first on Art Marketing News.

When I first heard Van Morrison’s “Down to Joy,” I didn’t just listen—I felt it. The opening dreamlike refrain, the horns, the vocals—it stirred something deep. It stirred something deep, not in a “this will go viral” kind of way, but in the timeless, mysterious way outstanding art sometimes does. Like the best songs, it’s […]

The post Coming Down to Joy: On Van Morrison, Side Hustles, and Living Fully as an Artist appeared first on Art Marketing News.

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks and starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain There is a saying loaded with wisdom about the most popular poker game: it takes only a few minutes to learn Texas Hold’em, […]

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