You win some and you loose some...

"Wild Oats"
9" x 12" Oil on Hardwood

The show this is past weekend was the second to biggest loosing show I have done yet. 55,000 people attended and I probably had 20,000 come into my booth and not buy a thing. Well I was not the only one loosing other people around me were not making any sales either. Oh well that is life sometimes you win and sometimes you loose. I told Shelly this business is like gambling, what keeps gamblers coming back to the table? Loosing, the only reason gamblers come back to the table is to win back what they lost.

I am not a gambler and I never have been or ever will. This business is what I love and fuels my passion. I am not doing shows to gain back what I lost I am attending shows to sell my art and gain collectors. I love attending shows and discussing my art. Shows are the starting point for my new career as a fine artist. I have tried galleries and I will seek galleries in the future. Shows offer me the chance to sell myself as an artist and I love to discuss my art and meet the collectors in person.

I lost money in this past show but I gained experience and a million compliments on my work. Compliments keep me positive and tell me that I must be doing something right. Sales pay the bills and allow me to keep doing what I love. Sometimes you just can't have your cake and eat it too.

When I graduated from art school someone told me do what you love and money will follow. Well it worked when I was a Graphic Designer. My first job was as an Illustrator for the Fish and Wildlife Service and I made $6.00 per hour. When I left after a year I landed a job in a very competitive field at Seewald (see earlier post) I negotiated for more money so I received a salary of $6.25 an hour. Well after 20 years my career progressed to higher salaries as well as I grew as a designer.

The same will hold true for this career, I will grow as a fine artist and my work will gain in value. Those who buy now will see their art investments increase in value and I will see my sales increase. So no matter what you do in life to make a living follow your heart and fuel your passion. No matter what you choose to do be the very best you can be and make sure you are happy doing it. Money will follow I promise that is one thing I know for sure.

-Mike