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I'd Rather Be in the Studio!: The Artist's No-excuse Guide to Self-promotion
I'd Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion offers practical approaches that help you sell more art and build an art career that lasts. Alyson B. Stanfield, the art-marketing guru behind ArtBizCoach.com, shares self-promotion tools that have enhanced the careers of thousands of artists. You'll learn how to: (1) Introduce yourself as an artist so people want to know more; (2) Nail your artist statement to discover the right words for all of your marketing messages; (3) Expand your mailing list and use it to cultivate collectors; (4) Create marketing materials that outshine the competition; (5) Become a media magnet so buyers come to you; (6) Take advantage of your Web site and blog to build a bigger audience; and much more. It would be great if there were a precise formula for getting your art into galleries, museums and private collections. But every artist's path is different. That's why I'd Rather Be in the Studio! provides easy-to-follow self-promotion practices that help you find your way at any point in your career. Match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of your career.
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2008
38 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Alyson B. Stanfield
2 books20 followersAlyson B. Stanfield has been consulting with artists since her days as a museum curator and educator. She started Art Biz Success (2002) to help artists improve how they present themselves and their art to the world. Since then, she has helped thousands of artists all over the world through her courses, blog, podcast, online communities, live workshops, and publications. When not in the office, you can catch her popping in to a museum exhibition, hiking, cheering on her beloved Colorado Rockies, or lounging with her two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2016
If you're an artist trying to develop your business, this book is a must have. Alyson breaks down segments of being an artist into easy to digest "Actions" (not chapters) and has a ton of great ideas in the pages of this book. I had already read many different art business books by the time I came across this one, but Alyson Stanfield's book quickly moved to the top of the list.
I highly recommend this book to any aspiring or established artist out there.
I highly recommend this book to any aspiring or established artist out there.
July 25, 2019
Perhaps I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m currently on a very serious mission. I am stuffing my brain sleeves, filling them with schooled bullets, getting prepped to kick down the door of life and demand fame for ransom. And my ammunition supplier? Books with high star ratings. And I’m exactly the candidate they want: a desperate soul with nothing to lose, willing to try absolutely anything they tell me to do. Moving on with that thought, your own experience with these books depends entirely on how much you want the information. For me, I am thirsty, and this will no doubt affect my review.
Alyson’s contribution comes highly recommended by the community even if her writing leaves a lot to be desired. Her delivery is achingly dry, void of any enjoyment and not even a sneeze of humour which is inexcusable no matter the text, in my opinion. But what she lacks in entertainment value, she more than makes up for with a stern no-bullshit attitude and an obvious passion for the art world as a whole. As the title indicates, this book is structured around the excuses which artists make in which to neglect their promotional duties, and then how to counter each one, easy. This makes for a well-formatted journey which works as a very digestible and useful tool to catch your own brain tricks in action, helping you to overthrow the government in your head.
However, as with any content intended to educate, it’s difficult to find the balance between the "learning aspect" and the "interesting aspect" at the same time, and I'd Rather Be in the Studio often falls flat. In weaker moments, I found my eyelids blocking my vision, and that’s not what you want. What’s more, the suggestions didn’t always feel all-inclusive, often catering towards traditional “fine artists” looking to make more money rather than someone like me, an “unsophisticated artist” simply begging to be noticed, hello hello, hi. It’s also worth noting that this publication was first released in 2008, meaning that many of the online suggestions are outdated at best and cringely patronising at worst. However, on that same note, I was surprised at how much I learned even on the digital side, proving that true promotion is timeless. It’s also worth recognising that not everyone has a professional history in web development, and some people really need this entry-level internets stuff. I’m happy for its inclusion for the greater good.
And, truly, if those are my biggest complaints, then it's safe to say that Alyson won me over in the end. One thing this book is not lacking is information, and based on my 29 A4 pages of personal notes, I’d estimate that the ideas on offer here could keep me busy with new avenues to explore for well over a year. It is thoroughly detailed and it leaves no canvas unturned, from highlighting the pursuits I’m currently executing correctly, to pointing out the oh-so-obvious techniques I am a fool to have overlooked my whole life, all the while making suggestions which legitimately terrify me. And that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
But climbing taller than all of this, is how the book blessed me with some potent principles to live by, and I want to share the top three which I will be keeping at eye-level from now until forever. As follows:
1. Self-promotion is not an understanding. It’s a practice which requires daily attention and will never end.
2. You’re not bothering people if you give them something that they want.
3. If someone criticises you, ask yourself two questions. Is it true what they say? And, if so, what can you learn from them?
Along with these lines, it’s also such a joy to connect the common patterns each book appears to be advising, and thus far I’ve noticed a push for the following four factors which seem to be the word of God.
1. A mailing list is everything. EVERYTHING. You can’t rely on social media algorithms. You need permission to speak to people directly.
2. Don’t ever spend money on advertising. You don’t need to and you won’t get the tailored results your art requires.
3. Always give more than you take. The energy you put in equals the energy you shall receive. Give attention to other artists, and they will give you attention back. Share everything you know. Teach. And they will come.
4. Eliminate all of the people who don’t believe in you. Cut them out of your life, gone. What good is a negative opinion when art is subjective anyway? NO GOOD.
In the end, this book got me asking myself questions that I’d never considered, finally articulating what I actually wanted to achieve here while defining specific goals which can be recognised once I reach them. And for that, I owe Alyson a lot and consider her to be an invaluable asset to my quest. Certainly, these writings have revealed a very uncomfortable path ahead of me, but you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you want to follow me on my magical pursuit for fame and learn at the same pace that I do, then please sign up for my monthly newsletter! Loads of tips! Personal touches! Potential cash prizes! Arguably the greatest emails you will ever receive! http://jaredwoodssavedmylife.com/news...
Alyson’s contribution comes highly recommended by the community even if her writing leaves a lot to be desired. Her delivery is achingly dry, void of any enjoyment and not even a sneeze of humour which is inexcusable no matter the text, in my opinion. But what she lacks in entertainment value, she more than makes up for with a stern no-bullshit attitude and an obvious passion for the art world as a whole. As the title indicates, this book is structured around the excuses which artists make in which to neglect their promotional duties, and then how to counter each one, easy. This makes for a well-formatted journey which works as a very digestible and useful tool to catch your own brain tricks in action, helping you to overthrow the government in your head.
However, as with any content intended to educate, it’s difficult to find the balance between the "learning aspect" and the "interesting aspect" at the same time, and I'd Rather Be in the Studio often falls flat. In weaker moments, I found my eyelids blocking my vision, and that’s not what you want. What’s more, the suggestions didn’t always feel all-inclusive, often catering towards traditional “fine artists” looking to make more money rather than someone like me, an “unsophisticated artist” simply begging to be noticed, hello hello, hi. It’s also worth noting that this publication was first released in 2008, meaning that many of the online suggestions are outdated at best and cringely patronising at worst. However, on that same note, I was surprised at how much I learned even on the digital side, proving that true promotion is timeless. It’s also worth recognising that not everyone has a professional history in web development, and some people really need this entry-level internets stuff. I’m happy for its inclusion for the greater good.
And, truly, if those are my biggest complaints, then it's safe to say that Alyson won me over in the end. One thing this book is not lacking is information, and based on my 29 A4 pages of personal notes, I’d estimate that the ideas on offer here could keep me busy with new avenues to explore for well over a year. It is thoroughly detailed and it leaves no canvas unturned, from highlighting the pursuits I’m currently executing correctly, to pointing out the oh-so-obvious techniques I am a fool to have overlooked my whole life, all the while making suggestions which legitimately terrify me. And that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
But climbing taller than all of this, is how the book blessed me with some potent principles to live by, and I want to share the top three which I will be keeping at eye-level from now until forever. As follows:
1. Self-promotion is not an understanding. It’s a practice which requires daily attention and will never end.
2. You’re not bothering people if you give them something that they want.
3. If someone criticises you, ask yourself two questions. Is it true what they say? And, if so, what can you learn from them?
Along with these lines, it’s also such a joy to connect the common patterns each book appears to be advising, and thus far I’ve noticed a push for the following four factors which seem to be the word of God.
1. A mailing list is everything. EVERYTHING. You can’t rely on social media algorithms. You need permission to speak to people directly.
2. Don’t ever spend money on advertising. You don’t need to and you won’t get the tailored results your art requires.
3. Always give more than you take. The energy you put in equals the energy you shall receive. Give attention to other artists, and they will give you attention back. Share everything you know. Teach. And they will come.
4. Eliminate all of the people who don’t believe in you. Cut them out of your life, gone. What good is a negative opinion when art is subjective anyway? NO GOOD.
In the end, this book got me asking myself questions that I’d never considered, finally articulating what I actually wanted to achieve here while defining specific goals which can be recognised once I reach them. And for that, I owe Alyson a lot and consider her to be an invaluable asset to my quest. Certainly, these writings have revealed a very uncomfortable path ahead of me, but you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you want to follow me on my magical pursuit for fame and learn at the same pace that I do, then please sign up for my monthly newsletter! Loads of tips! Personal touches! Potential cash prizes! Arguably the greatest emails you will ever receive! http://jaredwoodssavedmylife.com/news...
April 15, 2013
This book has been recommended by many in the art world whom I admire. The author, Alyson B. Stanfield is an art-marketing consultant. In this book she writes about the “excuses” artists can make that keeps them from becoming a more outgoing, assertive, and social media giant, referring to their art “business”.
The chapters in the book fully explore areas where artists might be weak in self-promotion, and gives many suggestions on things to do. Topics from, how to write a better artist’s statement; to all the ins and outs of social media and beyond touch just a small fraction of what can be found in the pages of this book. The author includes links to download worksheets that are mentioned in the book. These can be found on the website: http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com/...
For me personally, I found some of this knowledge not new to me, but other chapters were helpful. I found a couple of things to be outdated. I think that’s just because of the ever changing I.T. world we live in. And I must say that some of the suggestions would work better for someone who is a visual artist, such as a painter or photographer. It just seemed to have language geared more towards that type of artist. Overall, I do recommend it.
The chapters in the book fully explore areas where artists might be weak in self-promotion, and gives many suggestions on things to do. Topics from, how to write a better artist’s statement; to all the ins and outs of social media and beyond touch just a small fraction of what can be found in the pages of this book. The author includes links to download worksheets that are mentioned in the book. These can be found on the website: http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com/...
For me personally, I found some of this knowledge not new to me, but other chapters were helpful. I found a couple of things to be outdated. I think that’s just because of the ever changing I.T. world we live in. And I must say that some of the suggestions would work better for someone who is a visual artist, such as a painter or photographer. It just seemed to have language geared more towards that type of artist. Overall, I do recommend it.
June 24, 2011
This book is an invaluable reference resource for artists. I ended up highlighting half of it, and I found advice that I hadn't read in The Artist's Way or any other marketing book.
December 10, 2010
A really great book shows us how everything is great and worth to die for
February 8, 2021
This books started very good. But then it got repetitive.
I feel like I have the idea of having a mailing list ingrained in my brain
I feel like I have the idea of having a mailing list ingrained in my brain
May 22, 2021
It's a useful book. Due to its age it could use an update, especially since using the internet was more of a trailblazing idea rather than a necessity of daily life. The book is especially for those who are already in a community, selling. It's not as good for those who want to start selling work but don't know where to go.
Most of the advice is "well, I already knew that" (e.g. have an artist's statement already ready for print) but that's the trouble. Did you? Did you know to do that? Or did you gloss over it and decide not to think about it? This is the kind of information people need. The practical, sit-down-and-do-the-work items that seem obvious and yet never get done.
There are some extended, useful materials that most might not consider. Such as having a media kit, and how it's structured. I can say from advertising agency experience that this is a must. And there is a useful structure to press releases as well. How to figure out where to send them, where to send them (without being specific, that is, it is not as if the art reviewer of the Denver Post is listed). And most importantly, how to *turn down* inquiries/commissions if you can't or don't want to take them on.
It also lists places that often have collections that should be asked, such as hospitals and certain companies. And who to go to in those organizations.
But as I said, this is more for an artist that has some semblance of a patchwork following. Some of the contact suggestions are built on people who have already collected the artist's work.
Hopefully there will be an update - the edition I read is from 2008. An update that adds a bit more help and advice for the starting artist would be welcome when editing out the no-longer-necessary parts, such as MIME-type emails and the specifics of using MySpace.
Most of the advice is "well, I already knew that" (e.g. have an artist's statement already ready for print) but that's the trouble. Did you? Did you know to do that? Or did you gloss over it and decide not to think about it? This is the kind of information people need. The practical, sit-down-and-do-the-work items that seem obvious and yet never get done.
There are some extended, useful materials that most might not consider. Such as having a media kit, and how it's structured. I can say from advertising agency experience that this is a must. And there is a useful structure to press releases as well. How to figure out where to send them, where to send them (without being specific, that is, it is not as if the art reviewer of the Denver Post is listed). And most importantly, how to *turn down* inquiries/commissions if you can't or don't want to take them on.
It also lists places that often have collections that should be asked, such as hospitals and certain companies. And who to go to in those organizations.
But as I said, this is more for an artist that has some semblance of a patchwork following. Some of the contact suggestions are built on people who have already collected the artist's work.
Hopefully there will be an update - the edition I read is from 2008. An update that adds a bit more help and advice for the starting artist would be welcome when editing out the no-longer-necessary parts, such as MIME-type emails and the specifics of using MySpace.
August 9, 2017
I purchased this book ten years ago to educate myself on promoting and marketing art. Since then, I have given away many copies to artist who, well would rather be in the studio.
This book provides a condensed, comprehensive breakdown on how one can focus on their passion while seeking avenues of self-promotion in an organized and professional manner.
I strongly recommend it!
This book provides a condensed, comprehensive breakdown on how one can focus on their passion while seeking avenues of self-promotion in an organized and professional manner.
I strongly recommend it!
January 12, 2018
This book has a lot of great information. However, I would like to see an updated version.
September 20, 2020
Read to get in audience's head a bit—it's dated, but if you read it from the standpoint of grassroots, non-digital marketing concepts for fine artists it's pretty good
September 8, 2013
While there's no new information in Alyson Stanfield's book, that's her point: "No-Excuses." She outlines a step-by-step program that anyone can use to further their promotional goals as an artist, business person or volunteer in a not-for-profit. What she does do extremely well is motivate through her book. And if you E-mail her with a question through her website, she responds in person quickly with very helpful followup information.
This book is written for visual artists (painters, sculpture, erc.) but 95% of it can be used by anyone.
This book is written for visual artists (painters, sculpture, erc.) but 95% of it can be used by anyone.
July 11, 2011
This is a very helpful book for Artists who are wanting to move from hobby to business with their visual art. At some level the tips can be applied to other self-employed creative types as well. Some of the content can be skimmed through for the tech savvy reader. On the other end I skimmed some of it because my husband understands and will be helping me with aspects that are beyond my comprehension at this time.
March 20, 2012
This is a really practical book for any artist looking to run a business. There is no earth shattering advice here, but the book is instrumental because of how it is organized and sets forth goals and tasks. I would make it mandatory reading for all artists aspiring to make money from their efforts.
Currently reading
October 23, 2008I believe Alyson Stanfield is the best author I have encountered who writes about the particulars of marketing for artists. For those artists out there - check out www.artbizcoach.com to view more of her gifts and talents.
May 19, 2015
Fantastic book, and I only wish I finished it when I got it. I feel a re-read is in order, though, so I can come up with a good plan for getting my art out in the world. It's a good playbook for self-promoting your art.
March 21, 2015
Perfect for those of us who cringe at tooting our own horn. There are some good ideas and pointers in this, and some that might not apply at the moment but to be aware of. It gives a good starting place for promoting yourself and your work without being too starry eyed "make it and they will come."
March 2, 2009
I continue to learn more andmore about staying the course. very upbeat info and guidance for any artist working in the world.
May 8, 2010
I'm marking this to-read, but I already know Alyson Stanfield gives amazing advice. This book will be more confirmation of that. I'll get it on my next book order for sure!
December 31, 2008
Perfect for the individual looking to promote their art business or really any business. So helpful in several ways. Very easy read.
September 12, 2009
One of the best "Business of Art" books out there. She also has a good blog and wonderful podcasts. I would highly recommend this book to any serious artist.
December 14, 2010
If you are an artist and want to succeed in terms of finances, read this book and practice what she suggests. It works!
July 5, 2011
Tons of great information and advice and truly a fitting title! Have gone back to use this as a reference multiple times.
September 29, 2013
I highly recommend this book to any and every artist starting to sell or thinking of selling their creations.
February 21, 2010
practical, no excuses -- helps you get to the next step
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews