REVENUE READY CREATIVE | Grow Your Art Business Online, Art Business Coaching, Increase Productivity, Passive Income for Self-Employed Artists

16. How to Get More Commission Sales — Managing Client Expectations (Part 2)

Today’s episode is the second in the series, and it’s all about the customer’s point of view.
If you're ready for more commission sales in 2025, then put on your customer hat (maybe it’s a fuzzy red and white hat for the holidays) and think about the custom commission process from the buyer’s point of view.
Here's the common challenges with this. As sellers, it doesn’t always come naturally to see your own business from your customer’s point of view. 
In this episode, I walk through the customer's search and decision-making process when it comes to commissioning custom art and design.
From there, I give you guidance for what you need to share with prospects through your website, social, blog, email, etc. to get them primed for their purchase.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 

15. How Much Does a Custom Art Commission Cost? Managing Client Expectations (Part 1)

Okay, here’s a common scenario:
Someone out of the blue contacts you or stops by your booth at an art fair. They’re curious about how much it might cost if they hired you to make something for them. They want to know what the cost of a commission is.
So what do you say?
While it might be tempting to give them a solid number up front, doing so might actually limit you in the long run.
Or worse, it might cause them to ghost you if they’re making a quick decision off of limited information.
In this two-episode series, we’re talking about what it takes to get quality information out of a prospect without overwhelming them.
In the next episode (Episode 16), the second part of the series, we’ll discuss the appropriate level of detail and information you should share with prospective buyers upfront to make their decision-making process easier.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 

14. Thinking of Starting a Paid-Membership Community? Interview with Jewelry Artist Christine Mighion

If you're curious about what it takes to start and maintain a paid membership community as part of your business offerings, today I’m chatting with just the gal for you. 
Since 2004, Christine Mighion has been hand crafting each piece of jewelry in her Northern Indiana studio. Using gold, silver, semi-precious and precious stones, her line is a balanced vision of organic and modern. Imperfections and irregularities that mimic the course of nature greatly inspire Christine. Her jewelry has been featured in numerous national and international fashion and lifestyle magazines including Lucky, Shape, Vogue, and The Knot.
To serve her community of fellow jewelry artists, Christine launched the Slowmade Podcast in November 2023 and the Slowmade Collective later the following year. Through engaging conversations and shared experiences, the Slowmade Podcast and Collective provides a space for learning and growth, helping jewelry artists navigate the challenges and triumphs of building meaningful, sustainable businesses.Find Christine Mighion online here:https://christinemighion.comhttps://slowmadepodcast.comhttps://instagram.com/christinemighion
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

13. All the Planning in the World Means Nothing Without THIS One Thing

Welcome back to class. Today, we’re talking about ONE KEY THING that’s absolutely essential to successful planning.
All of the best planning in the world can go straight out the window if this one thing isn’t there.
I’ve experienced it. You’ve experienced it. So let’s talk about the difference between having this one critical piece in place and not.
With your best work, creative projects, sales, commissions, and opportunities ahead of you, this is one topic you won’t want to miss.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.

12. What's in Your 2025 Creative Online Business Budget? (Here's my 2025 Budgeting Wishlist!)

Raise your hand if you have a clearly defined budget and a strategy for investing in yourself as a small business owner in the year ahead. 
I don’t see a lot of hands up. Let me rephrase...
Raise your hand if you’re not quite sure what to budget for, business-wise, or where to make minor shifts and adjustments to invest in yourself and your creative business.
Okay, more hands are up now.
When it comes to business budgeting, most people keep on keeping on with what they’re doing without making time for this type of assessment.
However, budget planning is for anyone and everyone. It doesn’t matter how much income or revenue is flowing through your business, large or small.
Think of a budget as a wishlist. And what a perfect time of year for creating a wishlist.
Start by thinking really BIG and expansive. Then get down to the nitty gritty numbers to figure out what’s essential and where to start.
For example, your 2025 wishlist might include heavy duty equipment. Okay, great. What’s that going to cost? Is that something you can plan for?
Or if your 2025 wishlist sounds anything like mine, there are mostly small budget items that are more about deciding to use different digital tools.
This is a great time of year to put a business budget together.
Here’s why:
Budgeting now gives you a chance to invest in yourself and your business in a smart way because there’s typically money to be saved through Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts
Typically before people start their annual planning and strategic plans for the year ahead
Your budget gives you a baseline to make more realistic goals for the year ahead
Basically tells you what essentials / must haves need to be in place to operate and function as ideally as possible
I’ll walk you through what’s on my list and why. This is sure to inspire you, so take notes and get your 2025 business budget going!
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 
 

11. Clear the Clutter to Be Ready for Creative Abundance.mp3

When you’re in business for yourself, wearing so many hats, doing everything yourself or delegating to a few reliable individuals, everything depends on your energy, your focus, your drive, and your ability to create.
Creative small businesses ask a lot of their creator.
Which is why we’re diving into one of the biggest contributors to distraction, lack of focus, underlying stress, and overstimulation according to many, many studies.
We’re talking about the clutter and distractions that are begging for your attention – demanding attention constantly. We’re also talking about the different types of junk drawers you can clean out in order to be ready for abundance. 
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 

10. How to Manage Clients Through the Original Artwork Commission Process as a Professional Artist

It’s Monday morning and you open your inbox to find not one, not two, but three emails from customers who want to hire you for a commission of original artwork. What do you do? 
Do you know how to get those new customers from their commission inquiry email all the way through your process to the final product? 
Is there a customer service or communication layer built into your creation process that keeps clients informed along the way? Are you keeping communication in mind to instill THEIR trust and confidence in the process? Do your clients have a sense of when their piece will be ready and available for them to take home? 
Today, we’re talking about the client, customer, and commission communications that will set you apart from amateur to professional.
I’m sharing a model I use almost every day in the management of creative projects with my team. It’s a great model to use for your client communications, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 

09. Unsure of Which Passive Income and Creative Business Opportunities Are Worth Your Time?

You’re in a creative field so chances are, you have many skills and talents that you’ve turned into income at one point or another. Freelance work doesn’t scare you. You’re up for the challenge. You’re a creative professional in a gig economy, and you’re not alone.
A few questions for you to consider:
Do you ever find yourself so excited or overwhelmed with ideas for what you want to make or do NEXT that you’re just paralyzed? 
Are all of the options and possibilities for HOW you can put your creativity and talent to use making your head swirl?
Do you start something new only to find yourself quitting or jumping to the next shiny thing?
Are you planting seeds that you HOPE will grow but wonder how you’ll find time to water them all?
Are you feeling anxious about everything that you need or want to do?
Is your blood pressure higher than normal?
Are you unsure of WHAT to do today? Tomorrow?
Are you overwhelmed with balancing multiple projects and initiatives at the same time?
Do you feel yourself in busy mode, but not sure what it ALL adds up to?
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, then today’s episode is for you.
The truth is, bouncing from gig to project to new series to another gig and then a new project can be exhilarating.
But the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of some gig, freelance, and creative work can also feel like a feast or famine rollercoaster. One month you’re up, the next you’re down and worried what the future looks like.
If you were to look into a crystal ball, and let’s say you have one right in front of you, what would it tell you about your ROE? Your “return on effort.” 
That's what we're talking about in this episode so get your Sharpie and spiral-bound notebook ready for your crystal ball ROE exercise.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
 

08. How to Earn Consistent Sales and be "Revenue Ready" as an Artist, Maker, Crafter or Designer in Business

Whether you’re an artist, crafter, designer, or graphic designer, being "Revenue Ready" is essential for consistent sales and business growth. 
In this episode, we’re diving into the most critical areas for any creative business owner to have in place in order to ready for that next sale and to get sales consistently. 
I’m going over some key points and recommendations to help you achieve that outcome, including:
Attitude and openness to being in service of others
Clarity on your revenue streams and what you offer
Audience awareness to know the in's and out's of who your target buyer is
Connection to your audience to nurture and grow your fanbase
A means by which to receive and fulfill orders
Your homework: Choose which of these five recommendations for revenue readiness are lacking or require your attention. Spend time digging into this area using the guidance and tips in this episode.
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.
  

07. The Surprising Truth About Happiness and Purpose PLUS Hurricane Helene Relief for Artists

Today we’re talking about the surprising truth about happiness and purpose through lessons from the book, “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier,” written by Arther C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey. 
If you have a vision for your life but believe there are barriers keeping you from achieving a more satisfied and happy outlook, this is the episode for you.
Links to the book and workbook are below. I encourage you to order both and put in the work to respond to the prompts. You have the power to get yourself closer to your definition of happiness. 
Book: "Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier" by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
Workbook for Build the Life You Want
How to Support Artists and Arts Organizations that were impacted by Hurricane Helene
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund
 
Next Steps:
Find more information at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com.
Buy a copy of the book "Let Your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Artwork into Opportunity" by Heather Allen, MGIM-MBA at www.HeatherAllenOnline.com/book.