More on Implementing the plan, a checklist

Study of Horseshoe Key
5x7 inches
acrylic on Masonite Panels

I got my photos back today from my boat trip. I think I will be able to use a few of them for paintings, so I'll be doing studies first in acrylics on 5x7 panels. This will be a good way to start on the Florida key and out islands series.


Today I spent a fair amount of time resending out the newsletter that no one seemed to get yesterday. I am so bad at this sort of techno stuff it's pitiful. I really need a secretary. In the newsletter I outlined the items I talked about in my plan here on the blog from a few days ago. I wanted my patrons and friends to know about the changes for the new year. I hope they will create interest in the coming months.

I used to use one of those html newsletter companies to send out stuff but it was an added expense. it was also a pain, so I dropped the service. I am relying more on direct mail these days and I would rather spend the money that way than on a fancy email service. I'm not convinced that people really care about that. I send out the news with text, and links to various web pages with my work. Lots of people don't like to open attachments anymore. I also depend on my blogs a lot to get the message out, which seems to work well. I will do a post card mail out for my studio party in about mid January. The party is February 7th, 10 AM-6PM. Be sure to come if you live near me.

I have to get ready for my art camp on color mixing. Got to make the notebooks, decide on the menu for lunch and get the studio cleaned up. I think a baked spaghetti casserole with a salad, fruit cup, garlic bread and a store bought Carrot Cake sounds about right. My art camps provide a roll and coffee in the morning and a nice hot lunch for students. We use the time during lunch to talk about marketing and painting. I always enjoy the camps tremendously. It's not until January, but I like to get my ducks in a row, That camp and the John Campbell Folk School workshop are the only ones I have scheduled for 2009. That may change but frankly, I'm not doing much recruiting for students any more. My focus has turned to painting.


Here is a pretty good business check list you might find useful: I have modified it to suit myself and you can too. It probably originally came from a marketing web site a few years ago. I can't remember now.


I have applied for a Business Tax Registration certificate and Sales Tax permit that allows me to purchase supplies wholesale and charge sales tax.

I have either hired a photographer, or have taken on the responsibility myself to photograph my work.

I have documented my work with properly labeled CD's and organized them.

I have done some research to come up with a target list of galleries and venues that may be interested in my work.

I made a commitment to spend some time each week on the business and marketing side of my career.

I keep track of incoming and out going emails, phone calls, and contacts.

I have made artist packets and have post cards printed to send out to potential galleries and patrons regularly.

I spend time each week looking at potential web connections which can help me in my career.

I have started and continue to update and use my mailing list.

I have image business cards printed with my name, web URL, phone number and email address.

I have created an updated bio/artist statement/resume which is relevant to the venue I am sending it to. I like to tweak mine to fit whatever they need.


I have my prices firmed up for my work. They are consistent and listed on my web site with paypal or shopping cart for easy purchase for consumers.

I have made a list of resources like framers, photographers, packers and shippers, printers.

I am prepared to accept rejections and feel motivated to continue, as rejection is unfortunately part of the business.

Remember, this checklist is just a beginning. You will need to personalize it and adapt it to your specific needs.

I use a checklist each Sunday night for the following week. As I check off the items, I feel a sense of real satisfaction. I try to have all the items checked off before I make the next list, but if not, I put the older items at the top of my new list. I keep the list on my desk next to the computer, so I can't miss it each day.

Today's Recipe

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

2 cups Bisquick mix
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup butter melted
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp leaf thyme

Mix up everything except butter and garlic. Make biscuit like you usually do. After baking spread butter with garlic powder on top with a brush.