077 Selling Your Art on eBay or Etsy

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: November 7, 2016

Topic: Selling Your Art on eBay or Etsy

Points of Interest:

This episode compares and contrasts the eBay and Etsy platforms for online artwork sales (with a brief cameo appearance of Amazon Handmade). Learn about the pros and cons of each site, including information about listing fees and best practices for driving traffic back to your own website.

Links:

eBay

www.ebay.com

Etsy

www.etsy.com

Amazon Handmade

www.amazon.com/handmade

Lisa’s Blog Post on Amazon Handmade:

http://lachri.com/selling-artwork-on-amazon/

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

076 How to Set Up Your Email List

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 30, 2016

Topic: How to Set Up Your Email List 

Points of Interest:

This episode is dedicated to all things email: why an email list can be a great tool for your brand, how to get it set up, and how to get people to sign up once it’s in place on your website. John takes the high-tech approach while Lisa prefers simplicity, so you’ll hear tips and suggestions from both ends of the spectrum.

Here’s a semi-comprehensive list of email providers you can use (there are hundreds out there):

-Mailchimp - Very easy to use and free to get started
www.mailchimp.com

-Aweber - Very easy to use

www.aweber.com

-Convert kit (affiliate link) - Very easy to use and more flexible than Mailchimp and Aweber.  Super easy pricing structure because it's only based on list size and you still get all the features of a huge list.  This is the provider that John uses and recommends.

www.convertkit.com

-Campaign Monitor

www.campaignmonitor.com

-Zoho Campaigns

www.zoho.com

-SendinBlue

www.sendinblue.com

-Constant Contact

www.constantcontact.com

-Infusionsoft

www.infusionsoft.com

-Ontraport

www.ontraport.com

-Campaigner

www.campaigner.com
-Emma

www.myemma.com

-RedCappi

www.redcappi.com

-GetResponse

www.getresponse.com

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

075 Printing Your Artwork

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 23, 2016

Topic: Printing Your Artwork 

Points of Interest:

High quality archival prints are a must if you plan to sell them, and there are several ways to obtain them. John and Lisa compare the various options and suggest a host of print sites for you to consider.

Links Referenced:

Vistaprint

www.vistaprint.com

Robin Imaging (Cincinnati, OH)

www.robinimaging.com 

Fine Art America

www.fineartamerica.com

Shutterfly

www.shutterfly.com

Great Big Canvas

www.greatbigcanvas.com

Imagekind

www.imagekind.com

Art.com

www.art.com

Epson Printers

www.epson.com/printers

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com. 

Stay sharp!

074 Art Shows and Fairs

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 17, 2016

 Topic: Art Shows and Fairs

 Points of Interest:

Have you ever considered entering an art show or fair? You’ll want to hear John and Lisa’s tips for having the best experience. This episode covers all the bases: setup guidelines, tips on customer interaction, the importance of marketing materials, travel/storage tips for your art, the pros and cons of a live demonstration, and more!

 Links Referenced:

Print your own business cards:

www.moo.com

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

073 What Is Your Art Style?

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast
Release Date: October 10, 2016

Topic: What Is Your Art Style?

Points of Interest:
How do you describe your art?  Do you work in realism, photo-realism, impressionism or a mix of several different styles?  John and Lisa talk about some of the inherent problems today with using some of these terms when you discuss or label your art.  Sometimes words can mean different things to different people and by not using certain descriptions you might be able to save yourself from having to  explain yourself.

Links Referenced:  No specific links today.

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist
Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

072 Using Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: October 3, 2016

Topic: Using Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Points of Interest:

If you’ve ever been interested in using black paper for your colored pencil work, be sure to tune into this episode where John and Lisa describe their own experiences. You’ll pick up tips on specific recommended papers, why you should pay closer attention to the pencils you’re using, and how to approach the project from a different perspective than you may be used to.

Links Referenced:

Canson Art Boards

http://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-art-boards/

Titanium White Powder

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Products-Colored_Pencil_Titanium_White.html

Colored Pencil Touch-Up Texture

https://www.brushandpencil.com/Products-Colored_Pencil_Titanium_White.html

John’s Twitter: @sharpenedartist

Lisa’s Twitter: @lachri

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

071 Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 26, 2016

Topic: Core Principles of Colored Pencil

Points of Interest:

Since colored pencil has become one of the most popular mediums, John and Lisa identify a handful of core principles to keep in mind when using them. They debunk several misconceptions, describe key factors for colored pencil success, and comment on important qualities of your chosen materials.

Be sure to listen to the end, where Lisa explains why she has yet to try the increasingly popular Holbein Colored Pencils—and why she recommends you avoid them as well.

Links Referenced:

None this week!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

070 16 Myths Artists Tell Themselves

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 19, 2016

Topic: 16 Myths Artists Tell Themselves

Points of Interest:

If you’ve ever told yourself that you’re too right-brained to worry about finances as an artist, or that you just need to be discovered, or that you need a viral video to “make it” online, then you’ve fallen prey to one of the myths artists tell themselves. John and Lisa address these and 13 others in this episode. Do any of these sound familiar? Take a listen!

Links Referenced:

Wordpress, an ideal platform for artists’ websites:

www.wordpress.org

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

 Stay sharp!

069 Skills vs Fairy Dust

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 12, 2016

Topic: Skills vs. Fairy Dust

Points of Interest:

This week’s episode is full of humorous anecdotes about artists who seem to rely on magic “fairy dust” to create their art. Is this a valid approach for a professional artist? Tune in to hear John and Lisa’s experience with this fairly common perspective.

Links Referenced:

No outside links this week!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

068 Color Theory Part 2

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: September 5, 2016

Topic: Color Theory: Part 2

Points of Interest:

John and Lisa are back with the second installment of their two-part series on Color Theory. This time, you’ll hear a conversation on some of the more practical applications, including color matching tips (see the link for John’s webinar below), tips for achieving neutral colors (including white), and how to practice determining whether colors are warm or cool. You’ll also hear some fascinating information on color perception among different cultures.

Links Referenced:

Lisa's YouTube video on using eyedropper tool

Sharpened Artist Academy—Beginner’s Colored Pencil Course

                             **** FREE WEBINAR****

Click here to snag your spot in John’s FREE webinar on Color Matching in colored pencil.

Click here to register

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

067 Color Theory Part 1

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 29, 2016

Topic: Color Theory Part 1

Points of Interest:

Color is obviously extremely important for the colored pencil artist, but why learn about color theory? Listen in for a brief history and science lesson on color and how these concepts can be applied in artwork. John and Lisa discuss the role of color compared to the role of line drawing, contrast, etc.

Tune in next week for even more practical application!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

066 Interview with Ester Roi

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 22, 2016

Topic: Interview with Ester Roi

Points of Interest:

The long-awaited interview with artist and inventor Ester Roi is finally here! Ester describes her background in art, including her sudden immersion in colored pencil art as a profession and what led her to create the Icarus Board. You’ll love her stories about her early experimentation with heat in her art, and feel inspired by her advice to artists of every level.

Links Referenced:

Ester’s personal website and blog

http://www.esterroi.com/

The Icarus Board website

http://icarusart.net/

Colored Pencil Magazine—June 2016 edition, where Ester’s work is featured.

http://coloredpencilmag.com/issues/

***COUPON CODES:

Small Icarus Drawing Board (model 1420)-- $30 discount with code SA1

Large Icarus Drawing Board (model 2026)-- $35 discount with code SA2

Icarus Painting Board (model 2228)-- $40 discount with code SA3

Valid only until September 30, 2016, so hurry and take advantage!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

065 Incorporating a Sketching Habit

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 15, 2016

Topic: Incorporating a Sketching Habit

Points of Interest:

In response to a listener’s question, this episode addresses the rationale for developing a sketching habit and recommended materials, techniques, and subjects. John and Lisa have differing approaches to sketching, so you’ll hear multiple perspectives as you listen!

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

 Stay sharp!

064 Interview with Matt Fussell

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 8, 2016

 Topic: Interview with Matt Fussell

 Points of Interest:

You’ll love this conversation with Matt Fussell, artist and founder of The Virtual Instructor. Matt shares his journey to running an online art instruction site full time, and throws in a wealth of inspiration and motivation for us in the process. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for some fantastic quotes!

 Links Referenced:

The Virtual Instructor web site

www.thevirtualinstructor.com

 Udemy, another site where several of Matt’s courses are found

Follow this link for a free course, The Magic of Burnishing!

www.thevirtualinstructor.com/cp

 As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

 Stay sharp!

063 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: August 1, 2016 

Topic: Q and A

Points of Interest:

You asked, we answered! Take a listen to see if one of your questions was covered in this week’s episode:

 -Can you blend colored pencil without using paint thinner?

-What are the best ways to use colored pencil on canvas?

-How do you get a good point without sharpening the pencil away?

-How can you get realistic fur texture in your drawing?

-How much practice time is needed to “get good”?

-How do you create a true black color?

-…and more!

 Links Referenced:

-The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

http://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/

 As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

 Stay sharp!

062 Q and A

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 25,2016

 Topic: Q and A

 Points of Interest:

 It’s another round of YOUR questions answered:

 -Why don’t you do more interview shows?

-Should Inktense pencils be used for archival work if they aren’t lightfast?

-Can pastels and colored pencils be layered?

-How did you decide on colors for each piece when you first started as a colored pencil artist?

-How do you choose which colors to blend?

 Links Referenced:

-We made a brief reference to books of a certain age as being acid-free and therefore appropriate for archival work. Here is an interesting article discussing how different types and ages of paper deteriorate:

https://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/deterioratebrochure.html

 As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

061 Interview with Cecile Baird

Show Notes 

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast 

Release Date: July 18, 2016 

Topic: Interview with Cecile Baird 

Points of Interest: 

This show discusses the dramatic still life art of Cecile Baird.   She is a 5-Year Merit Award recipient of the colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA).   

Cecile is truly one of the pioneers in colored pencil art.  Her resume is replete with many awards spanning over several years.  Her book, Painting Light With Colored Pencil, is one of the best on fundamental colored pencil techniques for both the beginner and advanced artist.  

In addition to her unique perspective on lighting still life she also discusses the need for the artist's to improve in their photo taking skills.   

Her love and enthusiasm for colored pencil is both inspiring and contagious.   

Links Referenced: 

Cecile’s website: 

www.cecilebairdart.com 

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com . 

Submit an artist's name to us: sharpenedartist.com/interviewreq

Stay sharp! 

060 Is All Art Promotion Equal

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 10, 2016

Topic: Is All Art Promotion Equal?

Points of Interest:

If you're an artist who is interested in promoting your artwork, you're likely wondering if all promotion is created equal. John and Lisa discuss the pros and cons of several popular promotional methods, including social media, art shows, publications, and more.

Links Referenced:

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

059 Social Media Etiquette

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: July 4, 2016 

Topic: Social Media Etiquette

Points of Interest:

One of the biggest ways for artists of any medium to grow their business, create community, and find clients is through social media. If you are looking to engage in any social media platform for your business, this week’s episode will help you navigate some of the unspoken etiquette to keep you professional. Topics include:

-Infusing personality into your posts

-Appropriate post length and frequency

-What content is considered “inappropriate”

-What to say when captioning photos of your work

-Etiquette specific to groups

-….and much more!

 Links Referenced:

-Facebook

www.facebook.com

 -Twitter

www.twitter.com

 -Google Plus

www.googleplus.com

 -Instagram

www.instagram.com

 -You Tube

www.youtube.com

 -Periscope

www.periscope.tv

 As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!

058 Lyra Pencils

Show Notes

Sharpened Artist: Colored Pencil Podcast

Release Date: June 27, 2016

Topic: Lyra Pencils

Points of Interest:

In response to many requests, John and Lisa are discussing their experience using Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils. Listen in for a review of:

-Color options and accuracy

-Blending and Layering abilities

-Frequency of sharpening required

-Lightfastness

-Comparison to Luminance, Prismacolor, and Polychromos

Links Referenced:

-Lyra pencils on Dick Blick:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/lyra-rembrandt-polycolor-oil-based-colored-pencils/

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com .

Stay sharp!