You are on the right track by talking to people and persistently doing so and as you build relationships with people, I believe you will become more successful. The Facebook thing can be a real gold mine too.

If you really want to market your art and get people to buy, I believe that you will get success by finding a real specific market that may be already interested in the specific kind of work that you do.

I will give you an example. You say you love to paint people and capture emotions and character. This is a niche market to focus on.

On your facebook page, you might want to name it a name that speaks specifically to that niche, or give it a slogan that speaks specifically to people that are wanting this done. Ex: Terra’s Painted Portraits That Captures their Emotions and Character. This might be a niche market for someone that wants to get a gift of a portrait for a family member or friend. The phrase tells your service and how it benefits your customer: Painted Portraits + Captures the Emotion and Character of the person they are getting the painting done for.

So for the name of your business, you could also do this by naming it a name that speaks to your specific market. For example: Jiffy Lube *this tells people they will get their oil changed fast, because the niche market is people that want it done fast. (If not in the name, it can be your slogan) But think of who you are wanting to reach when you think of your name.

I personally like your name “Art’s Desire” because it just sounds cool! Mine is Live My Art!

Most importantly to market your business, I believe you can do really killer at it is by continuing the Facebook page and build a bunch of relationships with people starting there. You see, when you’ve built relationships, and people already like you and what you’re all about, then it will be easy to sell your art because they will just be naturally interested. Just like if I were already wanting a cup of coffee, then I’m already interested in doing business with Starbucks.

This is what I am learning too because I’ve studied up a bit with modern marketing courses and programs, and I want to live my passion too. I’m learning this and teaching it too, as I learn it, while I work full time. I’ve even created a project for it.

But I would love to connect with you and share and exchange some ideas.

You can connect with me on Facebook if you want, and also send me your fan page so I can become a fan. I’ll put a link to my page below and I’m going to share more of this stuff, like I said, as I learn.

Depending on what size city you live in, pamphlet space renting could be good, or could cost you a fortune in stuff that just gets thrown away when the patient gets ‘called in’.

How about ‘donating’ artwork for waiting rooms with a little brass plate saying who the artist is & cards in a holder below. A sign next to the work could say that “Terra does commissioned works, please take a card”.

I’m soooo sick of hearts! Two or three times today I came across articles that said something like “I (heart) dobermans” or I (heart) Atlanta… That’s sooo old!!

My town has at least 6 “craft”, “festival” or “art” venues a year. Many of those folks travel around the country hawking their wares. Usually there’s a $ 25 vendor fee to pitch your tent or table and sell. I remember one artist, can’t think of her name now – 0430 in the morning, that used to show at these things, and now I can recognize her art in a heartbeat and kick myself for not springing the $ 50 she was asking at the time!

Can’t really help you with a snazzy name for your biz. Terra – fied, Terra – dactyl, Terra – zo, seem to be the only things that come to mind at this hour with your name in them, but you’ll think of something!

Good Luck to you,

GC

First, the best way to overcome a situation like this is to practice your speech in your mind, AND more importantly play both parts of the speaker and the listener. (in other words have the conversation in your mind and respond to yourself as you speak)

This method works well in any situation, whether it is speaking to an audience, to your teacher or to you parents. Rehearse your entire ‘sales pitch’ or speech before you actually follow through with it.

Second, build your confidence in speaking to others. before you are able to convince someone else of anything you must first be able to convince yourself. That builds confidence in what you are saying.

For example, when you tell your friends about your favorite game or TV show, you speak with excitement, confidence and knowledge. WHY? because you BELIEVE in what you are saying.

The same goes for any subject.

Rehearse it and Believe it, that is the way to confidence and self assured success!

Goodluck

First, practice what you’re going to say with a parent, a friend, or even a teacher. Make sure your confidence is boosted from the start by knowing what you’ll say is well rehearsed.

It may be their first time dealing with this type of situation and may not know what to expect. Also know that this is HELPING their business. Any type of positive promotion is good for them.

Walk in there thinking that, and hold your head high.

Make sure you’re dressed smartly, you act polite and remember also, they won’t be mean to you as it would harm them in the long run to be mean to a newspaper person, let alone a 15 year old newspaper person.

Hope this helps!