The Artist APPEALS: The 7 Step System to Make Money with Your Art

S2E5 - The Art of Sourcing and Products with guest Patricia Lounis

In this week’s episode of Artists Appeals, guest host, Patricia Lounis joins Erin Sparler to discover the many stages of sourcing, development and products. Patricia is the CEO and owner of MYX product group. MYX is a consumer product design and sales company. Their organization’s products can be found both online and in stores. They can be found in large retailers such as TJ Maxx and Homegoods, as well as found online on sites such as Amazon.  

 

In this week’s episode, Patricia helps to unveil the many important factors that align with maintaining a successful business. Her business ties into the art world, because she must create and invent her own product and design. Patricia shares her techniques on making her product and business stand out from others, and how she stays ahead with the market and current trends.  

 

Not only do we get to learn about her products, but we discover there are many obstacles in being a successful and standout business owner. Patricia shares how one can successfully become an art or product business owner in a cost-effective manner. Lounis also shares important facts on competition, inventory, various cultures, brand building and relationships. Lounis is a beneficial educator because she has seen firsthand 70 different countries and the way they operate within the sourcing world. We learn Patricia’s opinion on outright buying and how to properly handle this sales technique in regards of contracts and copyright. 

 

Patricia truly has endless extraordinary advice that she shares with Erin, to genuinely help educate listeners on building a brand, maintaining the organization along with achieving beneficial business relationships. Tune into this week’s episode to learn all of her valuable input related to sourcing, products and business development.   

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[1:48] About Patricia’s Unique Company and How it Started with Sweaters 

[6:42] What Sourcing Means 

[9:00] How to Start and Sell Sourcing Product & Quality Control 

[10:55] First Identify Your Niche  

[12:12] Shop Your Competition  

[13:54] Important Questions to Ask Yourself 

[15:36] Multiple Revenue Streams and Percentage of Sales in Licensing Vs. Buying Outright  

[18:00] Presentation Tips (Stores and Shelfs)  

[22:45] Managing and Marking Products 

[24:20] Generating Identity Codes  

[27:02] Cost Efficient Ways to Track Products for Starters  

[28:45] How to Overcome and Stay Ahead of Design Copiers & Standing Out 

[34:11] Maintaining Online Inventory  

[35:45] Maintaining During Growth Periods as an Artist and Businessperson 

[40:30] Growth Through Relationships with Buyers 

[44:44] Predicting the Market  

[46:45] Global Trends 

[51:38] Brand Building and Licensing 

[54:58] Trademark Vs Copyright and Protection & Outright Buying Contracts 

[59:30] About Cultures, Copyrighting, Cultivating Relationships 

[1:03:28] Importance of Driving Revenue Through Relationships 

[1:04:38] Patricia’s Greatest Success Story and Celebrating Success with the Teams  

[1:10:10] Women’s Success Related in Business  

 

Links to contact Patricia Lounis: 

MYX Product Group 

LinkedIn 

 

Literature Mentioned: 

The Paris Review 

Vogue 

Conde Nast Traveler 

 

Sites Mentioned: 

Etsy 

Shopify 

Amazon 

Alibaba 

WeChat 

Microsoft OneNote 

S2E4: The Artist Who Educates and Shares How to Achieve Successes Through Art with guest Jon Sideriadis

Jon Sideriadis joins Erin Sparler in this week’s podcast discussing his various avenues of artwork and how he became the artist he is today. Jon is not only an artist, he is also a fellow academic, an illustrator, college professor, illustration department coordinator at the University of New Haven and an art director at Spartan Museum of art. Jon specializes and enjoys creating artwork in the Mythology realm.  

 

During this episode with Jon and Erin, we discuss his background and how he became the Jon Sideriadis who holds pervasive knowledge of both art and illustrative content. Many artists may have overlapping paths or pivots in their career. Jon shares what caused him to go from virtual to two dimensional and how he made his transition smoothly. Sideriadis followed his passion, used networking and personal experience to help him properly go step by step leading him to where he ultimately wanted to be. 

 

Jon discusses key points on teaching, how he became a teacher, what he loves about it and key junctures he shares with students to help them achieve success. In this episode, we learn the importance of capturing the essence of art, creating a story from it and being expressing excitement and confidence with our art.  

 

This episode also reveals some necessary tips on contracts and non-disclosure agreements. Jon shares how he believes art is fifty percent art, and fifty percent business. We learn how he handled finances, organization, outreach and what ultimately proves one’s success. Jon is passionate about what he does and educating others on the factors that go into being an artist. I highly recommend everyone to tune in and learn about all the awesome key points Jon covers this episode.   

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[3:11] The Background of Jon Sideriadis 

[6:15] The Pivot from Virtual to Two Dimensional  

[14:00] How to Start a Teaching Course 

[15:44] Where to Begin When Planning to Publish  

[18:00] Techniques Used to Capture Images and Essence 

[21:00] Turning Art to a Product 

[28:00] Non-Disclosure Agreements 

[34:00] How to Communicate Your Story and Use Excitement  

[39:50] The Importance of Giving All Work a Story  

[45:00] The Truth of Utilizing References 

[49:00] Tips for Organizing All Visuals 

[55:00] How to Avoid Overwhelm When Amplifying 

[1:05] How to Budget for Conferences and Weigh the Pros and Cons 

[1:12] The Benefits of Guilds  

[1:13:44] When You Know You’ve Reached Success 

[1:19:30] How to Keep Growing Yourself as an Artist and Keeping Art Unique 

 

Books Mentioned: 

How to Draw by Scott Robertson 

How to Render by Scott Robertson  

Imaginative realism by James Gurney 

Color and Light by James Gurney 

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell 

Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim 

Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card 

How to write fantasy and science fiction by Orson Scott Card 

The Spirit by Robert Henri 

The Artists and Graphic Designers Market by Noel Rivera 

The Handbook and Pricing of Ethical Guidelines by Artists Guild Graphic 

The Education of an Illustrator by Marshall Arisman 

The Artists Handbook by Ralph Mayer 

All About Audio Art with guest Joe Trojcak

Audio is a unique and fast-growing platform in the art world today. This week, in Artist’s Appeals, Joe Trojcak joins Erin Sparler to discuss the audio and recording stance in art. Joe is a composer, a keyboardist, an organist, motivational presenter and entrepreneur. He has an extensive background in music, audio and recording. Joe Trojcak is also the CEO and owner of Progressive Enterprises, which is a sound studio used to produce various audio services.  

 

Joe is what we call an art audio expert. We get to learn about the different approaches in how he attains and expresses his art through sound. In this podcast while discovering all of these aspects, we also find it is truly amazing to discover the widespread of opportunities behind audio art. Joe’s love for audio all started when he was only four years of age, realizing his passion for the sound of airplanes taking off nearby. From this unique childhood influence… Joe not only uncovered his passion for audio, but he also utilized it to reach a high level of success. Joe and Erin dig into his success and all the contributing factors that got him to be where he is today. Erin and Joe’s podcast unveils many truths and teachings about the audio biosphere. Not only are Joe’s experiences and teachings of the audio world unveiled, but also numerous other tips and motivational viewpoints that can help artists better understand audio art and reach success utilizing the audio platform.  

 

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[4:28] How Joe Built His Business 

[8:36] Joe’s Studio Setup 

[11:28] Main Audio Products Produced 

[14:38] How Joe Presents this Industry to Others 

[18:00] Technical Obstacles 

[20:00] Live Verse Recording Audio Options 

[24:08] Merchandise and Streaming Makes Money 

[28:40] The Importance of a Strong Start and Finish 

[31:00] Having and Combining a Story with Audio Art  

[33:10] Should You Introduce Audio Work During Performance 

[34:24] Joe’s Tips for Growing and Amplifying 

[35:30] Posting Schedules and Routines 

[39:18] Managing and Layering Multiple Avenues to Social Media 

[42:00] Today’s Computer Based Composition Software 

[44:06] Important Factors to Add to Contracts 

[45:17] Royalties and Licensing for All Artists 

[47:58] Audio Exclusivity  

[53:39] The Time Contributed to Audio Production  

[55:16] How Being King Expresses Success and Helps Artists Overall 

[58:07] Transforming Sales into Sharing a Story for Success 

[1:03:23] Pros of Podcasting  

[1:04:10] Important Parts of Joe’s Book 

[1:06:16] The Mediums of Creative Art Fields  

 

 

Links and Resources: 

free@howtomakemoneywithyourart.com 

Logic 10 

podcasts@theartistappeals.com 

Progressive Enterprises Sound Studio 

 

Books Mentioned: 

Focus on Your Light  by Joseph Trojcak 

S2E2: Proof That Artists Can Express Artwork and Create Revenue Through Multiple Streams with guest Sergio Gomez

Sergio Gomez who is not only an Artist, but also the owner of 33 Gallery, founder of Art NXT Level, host of the Vlog Breakfast with Sergio, as well as an Art curator, joins Erin Sparler this week. Sergio and Erin illustrate to the public, that artists have many avenues to take to achieve success.   

 

Sergio is an abstract figurative artist who was eager to achieve entrepreneurship. Sergio realized early on that art was his passion and path to happiness. However, Sergio wanted to expand his art career in more than one way. The first avenue he took was opening 33 Art Gallery in Chicago. At this time, he never ran a business before, did not have sufficient funds to rely on, but he had the most important contributor of them all… the urge and the passion for sharing his art. Sergio shares his story on how he beat the odds against him and became an entrepreneur by using his art skills. 

 

The urge to become an artist might be frightening, and sometimes potential artists quickly quit their artistic passion due to fear. Sergio motivates us with sharing his story, background and current successes. In many cases, it is important for artists to create multiple revenue streams to rely on. However, many artists may find themselves stuck on where to begin or what avenue to take to achieve these streams. Sergio has some excellent tips and opportunities to share that any artist with the urge to reach success, should take advantage of. Let Sergio’s shared input on this episode motivate you and guide you to a path to become a successful artist.  

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[2:50] How Sergio Turned Artists and an Entrepreneur 

[4:07] How Sergio Funded His Art Gallery 

[7:06] How Struggles Motivated Sergio’s Urge to Share with The World 

[8:32] Sergio’s Vlog Set Up 

[10:14] The Many Ways Sergio Turned his Art to Product 

[11:41] How the Brand Become Sergio by Creating a Triumvirate   

[13:01] The Importance of Multiple Revenue Streams 

[16:01] The Many Platforms of Sergio’s Presentation 

[19:32] How Sergio Educates Audience 

[21:45] Sergio’s Struggles Creates his Story 

[24:40] How Sergio Creates Momentum and Community Engagement 

[26:50] Applications That Create Productivity and Social Media Tips 

[34:58] Artists Must Call to Action 

[38:07] Being Careful with Contracts While Creating Long term Relationships 

[48:20] Is Sharing Success, bragging?  

[51:50] Erin’s Passion to Help Student’s Succeed, not quit 

[53:54] Sergio’s Gallery Staffing and Intern Involvement 

[55:20] The Power of Partnerships 

 

Links and Resources: 

Sergio Gomez LinkedIn 

Sergio Gomez Instagram 

Breakfast With Sergio Vlog 

Contemporary Gallery Studio Gallery 33 Contemporary 

Art NXT Level 

All About Sergio 

Zhou B Art Center 

 

Books Mentioned: 

Organization and Productivity for the Working Artist 

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: Gary Vaynerchuk 

 

Apps Mentioned: 

Artsy 

iCanvas 

SmartHash 

Planoly 

Evernote 

S2E1 - How to Identify Your Niche, Pursue it, and Amplify it Properly to the Public

Don Maitz is an artist and illustrator who has earned the Hugo Award for Best Professional artist, two times, as well as the World Fantasy Award. A fun fact about Maitz, is that he created the original Captain Morgan Bottle label for Joseph Seagram. Don Maitz Joins Erin Sparler this week, sharing his background and educating the public with helpful tips and tricks to both motivate and encourage artists much like himself. 

 

Matiz encountered his battles with finding his niche and pursuing it. As many artists encounter, Maitz faced the fear and doubt from both reality and others when seeking to pursue his artistic passion. Don shares his background and what lead him to be where he is today. By following his intuition, he found his niche and success in the imaginative realism field.  

 

Don shares with Erin the various avenues of his work. Not only did Don identify his art niche and pursue it, along the way he has gathered an extensive background on different art avenues to take and ways to express work to the public. He is a man who has done it all and shares his ways on how to amplify artwork. 

 

Along with amplifying art, there are secrets and red flags to look out for when it comes to the logistic and business side. Don helps unveil the truths, tricks and tips needed to successfully overcome the contract and licensing platforms, as well as how to protect yourself and your artwork along the way.  

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[1:55] The Story Behind the Creation of the Captain Morgan Label 

[7:53] The Three Factors of Talent 

[10:28] Don Finding His Niche  

[15:45] The Start of Don’s Artistic Realm  

[19:17] The Decision to Pursue Becoming an Artist in The Real World  

[22:34] Don Following his Intuition and Finding his Art School 

[25:51] Don Expresses His Art Through Holiday Cards 

[29:38] Avenues Don Takes to Get His Work Out There 

[32:48] The First Thousand are The Hardest 

[37:48] How to Tell a Story Around Art 

[38:56] Loving and being Emmeshed in What You Do  

[46:30] Erin’s Take away From Don’s Steps to Success 

[46:26] Contracts, Laws and Protecting Creativity and Intellectual Property 

[53:46] The Importance of Measuring, Celebrating and Rewarding Success 

 

Links and Resources: 

Paier School of Art Hamden, Connecticut  

Mythic Journeys Documentary 

www.howtomakemoneywithyourart.com  

Don Maitz LinkedIn 

 

Books Mentioned: 

Tim Ferriss, The 4-Hour Workweek 

Andrew Loomis, Creative Illustrations 

James Gurney, Imaginative Realism 

James Gurney, Color and Light 

Ep 025: What is Success?

What is Success? 

In The Artist Appeals, Erin Sparler talks about the final letter of the seven step system, S, for success.  To learn more about defining success, sharing successes, and working through examples of goal setting, listen to this podcast episode. 

You will also hear.

 [03:12] Erin talks about defining and sharing success.

 [05:17] Making good practice by writing goals down.

 [07:00] Example of goal setting

 [07:57] Prioritizing goals.

 [8:58] Quadrant system example

 [11:31] Money Making Grid Example

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Connect with your host, Erin Sparler

LinkedIn

Twitter

Website

EyeConnects Crafts

The Artist Appeals Podcast

Stephen Covey - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Ep 023: Pencilneck On The Podcast, Marketing Talk With Owen Garratt

Our host Erin Sparler has a great chat with artist Owen Garratt, also known as Pencilneck. He is an art marketing genius and all-around funny guy. We learn everything from his background before art, to his unique marketing tactics, to how he spends his free time. It’s a great episode with an in-depth look into the life of Pencilneck.  

 

 

You Will Hear: 

 

(1:28) Host Erin Sparler introduces Owen Garratt 

(7:07) Owen gives his backstory before becoming pencilneck 

(14:37) Owen describes how he found himself as an artist 

(24:08) Owen discusses finding your niche  

(32:19) Owen tells about different revenue streams other than art 

(52:37) Owen recalls his introduction into reality television 

(54:56) We get a glimpse into Owen’s hangover cure 

(1:00:39) Erin and Owen talk about their children 

(1:04:23) Owen shares some helpful tips and tricks  

(1:21:43) We hear about Owen’s process for contracts on commissions 

(1:24:03) Owen defines his version of success 

(1:29:03) Owen talks scheduling and boundaries with work 

 

 

Resources: 

The Artist Appeals Website+Course 

Erin Sparler Linkedin 

Owen Garratt Website 

Marketing Tools Website 

Facebook Facebook 

FocusBooster  App 

PPFA Website 

Dan Kennedy Website 

War of Art Website 

Getting Things Done Website 

Ep 022: Understanding Licensing - Lawyers, Exclusive Rights and Royalty Guarantees

In this episode Erin Sparler doesn’t have a guest, but talks us through the basic of artistic licensing. It’s short, sweet, and packed with valuable information.  

 

(2:11) Erin breaks down what the 7-step system is 

(4:56) Erin defines licensing 

(6:24) Maria & Drew Brophy are described 

(10:23) Erin describes how licensing can greatly improve your reach 

(11:18) Erin stresses the importance of contracts and attorneys in licensing 

(13:18) Erin warns of exclusive rights 

(15:40) Erin gets into minimum royalty guarantees 

  

Resources:  

Erin Sparler Linkedin 

The Artist Appeals Website+Course 

Licensing Royalty Rates Book 

Ep 021: The Need for Great Audio and the Freedom of Working in the Media

In this episode of The Artist Appeals the host Erin Sparler chats with audio artist Jeremy Stone of Enots Media Services about the world of audio engineering and media work. Jeremy discusses his background, tells some great work stories, and even gives us a glimpse into how he met Erin. It’s a really fun episode of The Artist Appeals.  

 

(4:34) Jeremy discusses his backstory before becoming an audio artist 

(9:14) Jeremy discusses what great audio means to him  

(14:10) Jeremy recounts working and partying with Charles Barkley  

(18:59) Jeremy discusses how TV scheduling works and how much time these productions actually take to complete 

(22:23) Jeremy discusses how working on pilots or smaller projects for less money can lead to more fruitful ongoing work in the future 

(31:06) Jeremy discusses the freedoms of his work  

(42:21) Jeremy lists off many examples the shows he has provided his services to 

 

LINKS & RESOURCES: 

The Artist Appeals Podcast+Course 

Erin Sparler Linkedin 

Jeremy Stone Linkedin 

Enots Media Services Website 

Pretty Much Everything (Book) Book 

Ep 020: Why Effective Presentation and Connecting with Your Audience is important (Part 2)

Why Effective Presentation And Connecting With Your Audience Is Important-Jen O’Connor 

 

Jen O’Connor, the owner at EarthAngels Studios, joins Erin Sparler to break down the ‘Appeals' system, to create a business in the art world.  

 

Jen O'Connor has a background in Urban Planning and small business economic development. She has over 20 years of creating and selling artwork experience under her belt. This makes her come out highly recommended as an art world business consultant. She runs EarthAngels Studios, the ArtGirls’ Roadshow as well as an exclusive art gallery in Florida, New York that opens only 3 times a year.  

 

Jen creates hand-made curated artwork and also buys outright artwork from other artists, which helps her to further promote her business 

 

 

 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

[2:38] Recap of last episode  

[3:26] Part 2 begins 

[4:34] Jen explains the art world elevator pitch  

[8:23] Jen and Erin discuss Marie Kondo and minimalism 

[14:46] Jen explains how and why makers are pressed for time 

[16:29] Jen explains how your presentation style can work for you economically  

[19:24] Erin discusses being an entrepreneur and overcoming fear 

[28:22] Jen and Erin discuss always striving for more as an artist and entrepreneur  

[30:25] Jen discusses how being an optimist can have big rewards 

[33:37] Teaching as a way to expand your reach  

[38:11] Recap of topics discussed 

[38:40] Jen gives tips + tricks on amplifying outreach 

[44:31] Jen discusses how she measures success 

 

Links and Resources: 

Earth Angels Studio: EarthAngelsStudio 

The Art Girls’ Roadshow ArtGirlsRoadshow 

The Artist Appeals Podcast+Course 

Jen O’Connor Linkedin 

Erin Sparler Linkedin 

Earth Angels Toys Blog Blog 

 

Books Mentioned: 

Steal Like An Artist Book 

1 Million Followers Book