Every emerging artist dreams of turning their passion into a sustainable career. But between creating, promoting, and selling, the road to success is often filled with uncertainties, challenges, and fears. If you’ve ever felt lost in the business side of being an artist, you are not alone. Many talented artists struggle with marketing, pricing, and visibility—things that aren’t taught in art school.

The Dreams That Drive You as an Artist

Most artists start their journey with a deep sense of purpose. Creating isn’t just a career choice; it’s an essential part of who they are. Here are some of the biggest dreams that drive emerging artists forward:

1 Making a Living from Art – The ultimate goal: to be financially independent through artistic work. No side jobs, no financial struggle—just pure creative freedom.

2 Gaining Visibility & Recognition – Growing an audience, gaining more followers on Instagram, and getting noticed by collectors, gallerists, and curators.

3 Selling Art Successfully – Not just occasionally, but consistently, and at prices that reflect the true value of the work.

4 Finding the Right Gallery – Working with a reputable gallery that supports artistic growth while maintaining independence.

5  Maintaining Artistic Freedom – Staying true to a personal style without compromising artistic integrity to fit market trends.

These dreams are valid and achievable. But the reality of the art world often presents obstacles that can make them feel out of reach.

The Challenges That Hold Artists Back

Even the most talented artists struggle with the business side of their careers. The following hurdles often slow them down:

1 Marketing & Self-Promotion – Most artists find it difficult to market themselves effectively. They either don’t know where to start or feel uncomfortable promoting their own work.

2 Sales & Pricing – Setting the right price for artworks is tricky. Many artists either undervalue their work or struggle to communicate its worth to buyers.

3 Consistency on Social Media – Building an audience requires frequent, high-quality content, but many artists find it exhausting or time-consuming.

4 Website & Online Presence – Having a professional website is crucial for selling art, but setting up and maintaining one can be overwhelming.

5 Networking & Visibility – Finding collectors, curators, and gallery contacts isn’t easy, and many artists don’t know where to start.

If you recognize yourself in these challenges, you’re not alone. The business side of art requires a different skill set—one that isn’t part of traditional art education. And without guidance, many artists feel stuck, unsure of their next steps.

The Fears That Block Your Progress

Beyond the practical challenges, many emerging artists struggle with emotional and psychological roadblocks that keep them from pushing forward. Here are some of the most common fears:

1 Not Finding Enough Buyers – The fear of putting work out there and getting no response can be paralyzing.

2 Comparison & Self-Doubt – Seeing other artists succeed can make some feel like their work isn’t good or unique enough.

3 Uncertainty About Investments – Many artists hesitate to invest in a website, coaching, or marketing because there’s no guaranteed return.

4 Dependence on Galleries – While galleries can be a great asset, relying too much on them can leave artists feeling powerless over their own careers.

5 Losing Artistic Identity – There’s often a fear that focusing on the business side means selling out or losing creative freedom.

The good news? These challenges and fears can be overcome.

How My Artist Coaching Can Help You Thrive

If you want to turn your passion into a sustainable career, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Working with me as an artist coach gives you access to strategies, tools, and support that help you take your career to the next level. Here’s what my coaching can do for you:

1 Clarify Your Unique Brand – Understanding what makes your art unique and how to communicate it effectively.

2 Develop a Sales & Pricing Strategy – Learning how to price and sell your work with confidence.

3 Strengthen Your Online Presence – Building a professional website and optimizing your Instagram strategy.

4 Create a Marketing Plan That Works – Finding an approach to promotion that feels authentic and sustainable.

5 Gain a Clear Roadmap – Setting realistic, achievable goals for your artistic career.

A strong artist career isn’t built overnight. But with the right guidance, you can take clear, strategic steps toward your goals without losing your artistic integrity.

Let’s Talk About Your Artist Career – Free Intro Call

Every artist’s journey is different, which is why I offer a free 30-minute intro call to help you gain clarity about your next steps. In this call, you can:

• Share your current challenges and struggles.
• Get an expert’s perspective on what’s holding you back.
• Receive an honest assessment of how you can move forward.

After this conversation, I will make you a tailored offer based on your needs and goals.

If you decide to move forward, we will schedule a second 30-minute feedback call where I provide you with concrete insights and first steps to take action.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Artist Career?

Success in the art world isn’t just about talent. It’s about strategy, persistence, and knowing how to present and sell your work. If you feel stuck or uncertain about your next steps, artist coaching can help you gain clarity and confidence.

If you’re ready to stop feeling lost and start building a thriving artist career, book your free intro call today. Let’s develop a plan that helps you achieve your artistic and business goals—without compromising your creativity.

“I just want to make art.”

This phrase is one I hear often from artists, and while I understand the sentiment behind it, I find the mindset troubling. This, in my opinion, is one of the biggest hurdles for artists who aspire to make a living from their art.

What do I hope for in 2025?

That more artists will develop a mindset that allows them to merge their artistic passion with entrepreneurial thinking. This shift is not just desirable; it’s essential for those who wish to thrive in today’s art market.

Lessons from My Own Journey

When I studied Cultural Economics in Passau and later founded my own startup, I quickly became disillusioned. Despite my degree, I lacked the practical skills necessary to launch a business:

• Accounting? Not a clue.
• Marketing? I had to teach myself from scratch.

It was frustrating, but it taught me a crucial lesson: everything can be learned if you stay committed.

Recently, I listened to a podcast with Bas Kast and Caroline von St. Ange discussing the concept of the “growth mindset,” and I felt completely validated. Unfortunately, this mindset is rarely emphasized in Germany’s public education system, yet it’s absolutely vital for success.

The Three Biggest Challenges for Artists

Through my work as a business coach for artists, I repeatedly encounter three common challenges:

1. “I’m not cut out for business.” — Art needs structure to gain visibility and achieve success. Without a solid foundation, even the most brilliant creations risk going unnoticed.
2. “Marketing feels like self-promotion.” — It’s not about you; it’s about connecting with your audience. When approached authentically, marketing can amplify your artistic voice without feeling performative.
3. “I don’t have time for accounting or strategy.” — Without a clear plan, many ideas remain just that—ideas. Time management and goal-setting are indispensable for sustainable growth.

Shifting the Narrative: The Artist’s Career as an Entrepreneurial Journey

It’s entirely natural for artists to want to focus solely on their creative work. I feel the same way—my ideal day involves running workshops with artists. This work is deeply fulfilling. But behind the scenes, there’s also concept development, marketing, accounting, and countless other daily tasks that ensure long-term sustainability.

This is the crux of what I aim to teach through my marketing consulting for artists: how to build systems that showcase their art while laying a stable foundation for their business. By embracing this mindset, 2025 can be the year artists bridge the gap between their creative practice and entrepreneurial goals.

Why a Growth Mindset Matters

The concept of a “growth mindset” involves the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset fosters resilience and a love of learning, both of which are essential for an artist’s career. Here’s why:

• Failure becomes a stepping stone. Every setback offers a lesson, allowing artists to refine their approach.
• Continuous learning ensures adaptability. The art market evolves, and those who stay curious will always find new ways to connect with their audience.
• Confidence grows with experience. Mastering skills like marketing or business planning can empower artists to take bold steps toward their goals.

Practical Steps for Artists to Succeed

1. Set Clear Goals

Define where you want to be in 1, 2, and 5 years. Break these long-term visions into actionable steps. This clarity will guide your daily efforts and keep you focused on your broader objectives.

2. Build a Personal Brand

Your unique story and artistic perspective are your greatest assets. Craft a compelling artist statement and ensure that your online presence—your website, social media, and portfolio—reflects your vision authentically.

3. Embrace Marketing as Storytelling

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Think of it as an opportunity to share the story behind your work. Use platforms like Instagram to build meaningful connections with potential buyers, collectors, and collaborators.

4. Create Sustainable Systems

Invest time in learning basic accounting, project management, and strategic planning. These skills will save you time and stress in the long run, allowing you to focus more on your art.

5. Seek Guidance

Working with a business coach for artists can help you navigate challenges, refine your goals, and implement effective strategies tailored to your artistic practice.

Conclusion: Art and Entrepreneurship Go Hand in Hand

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s no longer enough to create exceptional art. Artists must also think like entrepreneurs, embracing tools and strategies that ensure their work reaches the right audience. By adopting a growth mindset and building strong business foundations, artists can elevate their careers and achieve lasting success.

Let’s make 2025 the year more artists step into their full potential, merging creativity with entrepreneurial savvy to transform their passion into a thriving, sustainable business.

 Want to elevate your Art Career in 2025?

Contact me now to schedule a free intro call!

As a former eCommerce shop owner and marketing consultant for artists, one of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of owning your data and controlling your marketing. In the world of eCommerce, having access to your customer information — knowing exactly who your buyers are, what they’re interested in, and how to contact them — is invaluable. This same principle applies to the art world. As an artist, relying solely on your gallery’s website means you’re missing out on these insights and opportunities. You might not have access to the email addresses or contact information of those who are interested in your work, and this makes it much harder to build direct, long-term relationships with collectors and enthusiasts.

Why You Need Your Own Website:

Gallery representation is undoubtedly valuable for artists, but it often comes with limitations. Having your own website is an essential part of creating your own artistic identity and having control over your career. When you rely only on a gallery’s website, you’re subject to their rules, their design choices, and their marketing strategy — none of which may fully reflect who you are as an artist or where you want to go. Your own website gives you control, flexibility, and the ability to directly engage with your audience. Let me break down why having your own site is a game-changer:

1. Full Control Over Your Narrative

Your website is your personal digital gallery. It’s where you can control every aspect of your brand: how your work is presented, how your story is told, and how your artistic vision is shared with the world. Unlike a gallery site, which may only feature a select few pieces, your website allows you to showcase your full portfolio. This gives you the power to decide which works to highlight and how to present your journey as an artist.

• Want to showcase the evolution of your style? You can create a timeline or a blog to walk your audience through your artistic development.
• Have a series you’re particularly proud of? You can feature it prominently on your homepage with detailed descriptions of your inspirations, techniques, and ideas.

This ability to control your story is especially important for emerging artists, as it helps you establish a distinct identity that galleries or curators might overlook.

2. Direct Engagement with Collectors and Fans

When you rely solely on galleries, they serve as the middleman between you and your collectors. This can make it difficult to form a personal connection with the people who are interested in your work. On your own website, however, you can directly interact with collectors, art lovers, and potential buyers. You can offer them the chance to sign up for a newsletter, follow your blog, or get updates about upcoming exhibitions.

• Email list: By gathering email addresses from visitors, you can build a loyal fanbase and send regular updates about your new works, upcoming shows, or behind-the-scenes insights into your creative process.
• Social media integration: Link your website to your social media platforms to encourage followers to explore your entire body of work in one place.
• Direct sales: You can even sell your work directly from your site, bypassing the gallery commission fees. This not only increases your profit margin but also allows you to gather valuable information about your buyers and what they’re interested in.

3. Expanding Your Reach Beyond Galleries

Galleries are fantastic, but they are also limited. They often represent multiple artists and only have room to showcase a handful of pieces at any given time. Plus, they cater to a specific audience — the people who visit the gallery, which may be limited geographically or demographically.

• Your website, on the other hand, is global. It’s accessible 24/7 to anyone in the world with an internet connection. This dramatically expands your potential audience. You’re no longer limited to the physical foot traffic of a gallery. You can reach art collectors in different cities, countries, or even continents.
• Opportunities beyond sales: With a strong website presence, you may also attract commissions, collaborations, or opportunities for solo exhibitions that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. The world becomes your gallery, and the opportunities are endless.

4. Adaptability in a Changing Digital Landscape

The art world is evolving. Technology and digital platforms have reshaped how people discover and interact with art. While galleries can be slow to adopt new trends, having your own website allows you to stay agile and adapt to changes as they come.

• SEO and searchability: With the right SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices, your website can rank in search engines, making it easier for people to find you when they’re looking for new art or artists.
• Emerging technologies: You can easily integrate new tools, like virtual exhibitions, augmented reality (AR), or NFTs, as they become more mainstream. Having your own website means you’re not at the mercy of a gallery’s timeline for adopting these trends. You can be at the forefront of innovation.
• Marketing flexibility: Whether you want to run a seasonal sale, offer limited-edition prints, or start a blog to share your artistic insights, your website offers the flexibility to adapt your marketing strategy as needed.

5. Long-Term Investment in Your Career

Your website is more than just a tool for the present — it’s a long-term investment in your career as an artist. Think of it as a living portfolio that evolves with you over time.

• Archiving your work: As you continue to create, your website can serve as a complete archive of your artistic journey. This not only helps collectors see your growth but also creates a valuable resource for future generations to appreciate your work.
• Showcasing your evolution: As your style changes and matures, your website allows you to document this evolution. It’s a testament to your growth as an artist and a professional, something that is difficult to capture when relying solely on galleries to represent you.

My Approach as a Consultant

When an artist reaches out to me for help with creating their own website, I always start by diving deep into their “why.” Why do you create the art that you do? What motivates you? From there, we clarify your long-term goals and what you hope to achieve through your online presence.

Together, we’ll walk through your portfolio, selecting the pieces that best represent your artistic identity. Then, we’ll work on refining your visual identity — from the colors, typography, and imagery that will make your website stand out to the overall look and feel that will resonate with your audience.

Once your visual identity is clear, we’ll move on to crafting your positioning statement. This is the core of your brand — a succinct statement that explains who you are, what you do, and why your work matters. It’s the message that will drive the design and content of your website, ensuring that everything aligns with your vision.

Finally, based on this foundation, we’ll build a framework for your website that not only reflects your unique artistic voice but also provides a seamless experience for visitors, from browsing your portfolio to contacting you or purchasing your work.

• Goal-setting: We’ll clarify your specific goals for your website. Are you aiming to drive sales, attract commissions, or build a community?
• Portfolio curation: We’ll decide which artworks to showcase and how to organize them for maximum impact.
• Visual identity: Together, we’ll define your website’s look and feel — from color schemes to typography to layout.
• Positioning statement: We’ll craft a concise statement that summarizes your artistic vision and goals, giving your audience a clear sense of who you are.
• Framework creation: We’ll design a website structure that supports your goals, with an easy-to-navigate portfolio, a compelling “About” page, and an integrated contact or sales system.

Building a website is not just about putting your work online; it’s about creating a digital space that serves your goals as an artist, a space that grows with you as your career evolves. By partnering with me, you’ll have the support you need to create a website that truly represents who you are and helps you achieve your long-term artistic ambitions.

The way you share your story can transform how people engage with your work! I have worked with artists and galleries, and, in contrast, in eCommerce and the startup world. Everywhere, it’s the same story: it’s not about perfection, it’s about connection!

Pro tip: start small, be authentic, and let your story speak!

Here’s my 4 Storytelling Tips for Emerging Artists:

• 1. Your Artistic Work – Share the ‘Why’ Behind Your Art

Go beyond techniques and materials. What inspired this piece? How does it reflect your personal story, beliefs, or the world around you? This emotional connection helps collectors and fans understand the deeper value of your work.

Pro tip: Frame your work as part of a larger artistic vision or narrative that unfolds over time.

• 2. Your Website –  Create a Journey

Your website should guide visitors through your story, from your “About” section to your portfolio. Focus on how your unique experiences, challenges, and inspirations have shaped your artistic path.

Pro tip: Use high-quality visuals and engaging text to make sure visitors feel connected from the moment they land on your site.

• 3. Your Social Media – Build Relatable Moments

Use your posts to tell stories, not just share finished pieces. Show behind-the-scenes moments, work-in-progress shots, and the ups and downs of your creative process. Invite your audience into your world and let them see the human behind the art.

Pro tip: Use captions that tell a personal story about your work to engage your audience on an emotional level.

• 4. Your Buyers / Collectors / Partners – Tell Stories that Build Trust

When reaching out to potential buyers or collaborators, use storytelling to build rapport. Highlight the journey of a specific artwork, or share a testimonial of how your work has impacted a past collector.

Pro tip: Tailor your story to their interests, showing how your work aligns with their values or vision.

Need Support?

Need help writing finding your artistic uniqueness and being confident with your story?

Contact me for a free get-to-know call!

Are you aware of the essence of your artistic work? Do you know what makes you stick out from other artists?

Throughout my work with artists from various disciplines, I have noticed that self-awareness is a practice that is unfortunately mostly neglected. And that is also too well understandable, in the creative industry, one is occupied with so many things. But the creative industry is also fiercely competitive. Making a name for oneself and also earning well is like searching for the Holy Grail.

As an artist, you have to be able to present yourself day after day – as if you were a startup business looking for investors, you are looking for buyers / collaborators to work with. And you have to pitch them your artist statement over and over again. The better it is, the more successful you’ll be.

This is why being able to communicate why your artistic work is different / special / to be seen is as crucial as the creation process itself.

Your artistic statement serves as a bridge between your audience and your work.

It provides insight into the creative process, your motivation, and unique qualities that defines your work.

How you will benefit?

The moment you are sure about your artist statement, you are confident with what you do, because you will have found the uniqueness in it. And this gives you confidence which is so indispensably needed in the fiercly contested art market.

Let’s explore a marketing approach to formulating an effective artist statement. I will guide you through the process of finding your purpose, discover your “why,” and identify your Unique Selling Propositions (USPs).

1. Find Your Purpose:

Understanding the purpose behind your art is the foundational step in crafting a compelling artist statement. Your purpose is the driving force that fuels your creative endeavors and gives meaning to your work.

2. Discover Your “Why”:

Simon Sinek, a renowned leadership expert, emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating the “Why” – the reason behind your actions.  Art that is deeply rooted in a genuine and passionate “Why” resonates more profoundly with audiences. Your artist statement should articulate this motivation, connecting the dots between your purpose and the emotional impact you aim to achieve.

3. Identify Your USPs:

In a crowded art world, standing out is essential. Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) are the distinctive qualities that set your art apart from others. These could be the techniques you use, the themes you explore, or the materials you prefer.

4. Craft Your Artist Statement:

With a clear purpose, a well-defined “Why,” and identified USPs, you are ready to craft your artist statement. Keep in mind that an effective artist statement is concise, engaging, and aligns with your overall brand. Consider the following tips:

• Start your artist statement with a compelling sentence or question that grabs the reader’s attention and invites them to explore further.
• Clearly articulate your purpose and “Why”.
• Highlight your USPs
• Connect with your audience

Conclusion:

Effective communication is the key to fostering a deeper connection between you as and artist and your audience. A well-crafted artist statement serves as a powerful tool for conveying your purpose, articulating your “Why,” and showcasing your unique qualities. By taking a marketing approach and following these easy steps, you can create compelling narratives that not only enhance your brand but also engage and resonate with your audience.

As much as we face fast pace change in many industries, also the landscape of the artworld is constantly evolving. The need for social and cultural change within galleries and museums has become increasingly apparent. Traditional structures often inhibit creativity and collaboration, prompting a call for a cultural shift.

To my opinion, there are many solutions to foster this change and I would like to highlight a few that will already make a remarkable change: flat hierarchies, agile mindsets, and appreciative communication will transform art spaces into more inclusive and dynamic environments.

1. Breaking Down Hierarchical Barriers

Historically, art institutions have been characterized by rigid hierarchies, with decisions flowing from the top down. However, the modern art world calls for a departure from this conventional model.

Implementing flat hierarchies encourages a more egalitarian approach, where ideas and contributions are valued regardless of one’s position. This shift fosters a sense of empowerment among team members, providing them with the freedom to express their creativity and contribute to the overall vision of the institution.

Breaking away from traditional hierarchical structures, artist collectives and cooperative galleries exemplify the principles of flat hierarchy. In such organizations, decision-making is decentralized, and all members have an equal say. For instance, a cooperative gallery might be managed collectively by a group of artists who share responsibilities in organizing exhibitions, marketing, and administrative tasks. This flat hierarchy encourages a sense of shared ownership and creative autonomy.

Check out the “Spaces Corners” project, a collaboration between Spaces Corners, a non-profit photobook collective, and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Also check out flat hierarchiy organisational models from the business world such as the Holacracy Model and Collaborative Leadership.

2. Embracing an Agile Mindset

The fast-paced nature of the contemporary art scene asks for adaptability and flexibility. Adopting an agile mindset allows art galleries to respond swiftly to changing trends, audience preferences, and societal developments. This approach encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and iterative processes. By breaking away from rigid planning and embracing a more dynamic strategy, institutions can stay relevant and engage with their audience in meaningful ways.

How this might work?

Having the leader(s) of your organisation on board for a cultural shift (which it is) is crucial. Leadership should understand the benefits of agility in responding to market changes and fostering creativity

Break down silos and encourage collaboration across different departments and teams.

Move away from rigid, long-term planning towards iterative and flexible planning. Adopt agile project management methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, to allow for adaptability and continuous improvement.

Promote open and frequent communication channels. Regular check-ins, stand-up meetings, and feedback sessions can help keep everyone informed and aligned with organizational goals.

Encourage a culture of empowerment and autonomy. Allow team members to take ownership of their work and decision-making processes.

Emphasize a customer-centric mindset. In the art world, the “customer” may be the audience, artists, or collaborators. Understand their needs, gather feedback, and adjust strategies accordingly.

Cultivate a mindset that embraces change. In the art market, adaptability is key as trends, and market dynamics can shift swiftly. Equip the team with the skills to navigate uncertainty and respond proactively to changes in the industry.

Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small.

3. Encourage an Appreciative Communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization, and in the art world, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and fostering connections. Shifting towards appreciative communication involves acknowledging and valuing diverse perspectives, opinions, and contributions. Creating an environment where constructive feedback is encouraged promotes a culture of continuous improvement. This not only enhances the quality of the art presented but also nurtures a collaborative spirit among the team.

I have written an article on how to establish a culture of constructive criticism, read more here. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transformation of art spaces requires a holistic approach that goes beyond the conventional norms. By adopting flat hierarchies, agile mindsets, and appreciative communication, art galleries can create environments that encourage creativity, foster collaboration, and connect with diverse audiences. This cultural shift is not only essential for the survival and relevance of art institutions but also paves the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future for the world of art.

A culture of constructive criticism does not depend on the size of the team or the company! And this is why:

I have worked in a wide variety if work environments and teams. From a startup that we had started from scratch, working without any hierarchies to large international corporations.

In startup context we struggled to find a forum where we could not only exchange ideas and give positive feedback — but also constructive criticism.

When working in corporations it took me months to find like-minded digital marketing experts to exchange experiences. Team meetings would mainly consist of orga talks about how to clean the coffee maker properly.

A culture of constructive criticism depends on the way you and your team communicate! And, above all, on creating a work environment where everyone feels safe!

Why is creating a safe work environment important?

Whenever you feel safe with the people you work with or for, you will feel seen and respected. You will have the certainty that your opinion is worth being heard and that your work is being valued. When feeling safe, you will not only deal better with criticism, but also be able to formulate criticism constructively. And moreover, you will be more motivated to reach your goals.

Creating a culture of constructive criticism is essential for any growing team. When done properly, constructive criticism can help individuals and teams grow and improve. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially when working with a team that is constantly evolving.

In this article, I will share my advice for creating a work culture of constructive criticism in a growing team:

1. Set clear expectations and guidelines

Before you start implementing a culture of constructive criticism, it’s important to set clear expectations and guidelines. This includes outlining what constructive criticism means, how it should be delivered and received, and what the goals of the feedback process are. Having clear guidelines and expectations in place will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that feedback is delivered in a way that is both helpful and productive.

2. Start with small steps

When implementing a new culture of constructive criticism, it’s important to start with small steps. This can mean starting with one-on-one feedback sessions before moving on to larger team meetings. Starting with small steps will help build confidence and trust in the feedback process and will make it easier for individuals to give and receive feedback.

3. Emphasize the positive

Constructive criticism is all about finding ways to improve, but it’s important to emphasize the positive as well. When giving feedback, start by highlighting what the individual or team is doing well. This will help build confidence and create a positive atmosphere for feedback.

4. Use “I” statements

When giving feedback, it’s important to use “I” statements. This means framing feedback in terms of your own experience rather than making generalizations about the individual or team. For example, instead of saying “you need to improve your communication skills,” try saying “I had a hard time understanding what you were trying to say in that meeting.” This will help make the feedback feel less personal and more objective.

5. Encourage feedback from all levels

Constructive criticism should not just come from managers or team leaders. Encourage feedback from all levels of the team, including individual contributors. This will help create a culture of openness and collaboration, and will help everyone feel invested in the feedback process.

6. Make it a regular practice

Creating a culture of constructive criticism requires regular practice. Make sure that feedback is an ongoing part of your team’s culture, rather than something that only happens once in a while. This could mean having regular one-on-one meetings, team meetings focused on feedback, or using tools like anonymous surveys to gather feedback from the team.

7. Foster a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that individuals and teams can learn and grow over time. This is essential for creating a culture of constructive criticism. Encourage your team to adopt a growth mindset by emphasizing the importance of learning and improvement, and by celebrating successes along the way.

8. Provide resources for improvement

Constructive criticism is only helpful if individuals and teams have the resources they need to make improvements. Make sure that your team has access to the tools, training, and resources they need to make positive changes. This could mean investing in training programs, providing access to coaching or mentorship, or investing in technology that can help streamline processes and improve communication.

9. Celebrate progress

Creating a culture of constructive criticism can be challenging, but it’s important to celebrate progress along the way. When individuals or teams make positive changes based on feedback, make sure to celebrate their progress and recognize their hard work. This will help build momentum and keep everyone invested in the feedback process.

10. Lead by example

Finally, it’s important to lead by example. If you want your team to adopt a culture of constructive criticism, you need to model that behavior yourself. Be open to feedback, encourage others to give you feedback, and make sure that you’re actively engaged in the daily business and the people.

My conclusion

The world is changing rapidly and this is also noticeable in our working lives. Corona, climate change, insecure pensions,… countless factors contribute to the fact that we feel insecure. That’s why managers are expected to have completely new skills today. They should ensure an environment of security, collegiality and tolerance. We call it the ‘Fearless Organisation’ that is essential for a team to achieve good performance.

My service

As a New Work Facilitator I will guide you and your team to create a safe work environment that fits your and your team member’s needs, AND achieve the organization’s goals! Depending on the size of the team I give employees from all areas and levels the opportunity to get involved. I work as a facilitator, not a coach. As a facilitator I enable you and your team to get to the solution as a team. A solution that fits your individual company’s needs.

Want to work on your company culture? I am looking forward to your message!

While inflation rates rise and markets falter, the art market continues to boom. After COVID, fairs are taking place again, art lovers can travel, and exhibitions are being visited. However, Corona and the rapid digitalization have contributed to a rapid change in the art market. The requirements of buyers have changed, as well as the opportunities to find and address buyers. The business is now more international and digital. The rapid change is overwhelming as well as promising!

What marketing channels are interesting and relevant for galleries and art dealers? What are the biggest challenges? The Marketing Report of the company Hubspot for the year 2023 shows:

The biggest challenges that companies worldwide will face in 2023 are generating traffic and leads.

What does that mean?

Reaching as many people as possible and generating their data or information so that they can be contacted and, ideally, “converted” into customers.

Lead generation can be done in two ways: digitally or analogously.

Digitally, by directing people to one’s own website through ads on Google, social media, or through digital clippings (interviews, reports). Ideally, to a page that matches the ad or clipping in content. And where the visitor is then visibly invited to leave their contact information (name and email).

Analogously, one should try to generate contact information at every opportunity where one encounters potential art enthusiasts.

By asking the conversation partner for their business card at events or fairs, which is the classic way. Or by laying out a list at the opening.

But this is not the most sophisticated way of generating leads: who voluntarily signs up for a list that is lying around somewhere in the room? Is someone keeping an eye on that happening?

Have you ever tried to station a colleague at the entrance of the gallery who welcomes every visitor and, as a condition for entry, enters their contact information directly into the gallery’s database? Via laptop or iPad? The visitor can even do it himself. He should click the checkbox to receive the newsletter, too. Win Win! This is already such a common practice at many events, so why shouldn’t you adopt this procedure for lead generation for your gallery?

I highly recommend brainstorming as a team for half an hour, identifying “lead generation opportunities”. And thinking about how to react in each situation or opportunity to achieve the goal of getting the data of the respective person.

What approach is convincing and charming?

So that it sounds like a real opportunity? “We have a pre-event in two weeks in a small setting and I would love to invite you.” “Do you already know our limited special editions? We only sell them to our customer base. I would be happy to add you to our database so that you automatically receive an email when there is a limited edition again.”

Keep brainstorming, there are so many convincing arguments.

This is just a brief overview of the possibilities that exist for lead generation. They are diverse and it is very worthwhile to always keep in mind that contacts in the art market form the basis of your business model.

Art is a product that you don’t buy en passant, some customers take years before they finally buy a piece from you. So make sure that customers are always reminded that you exist!