| "What do you do?" you've been asked many times. "I am an artist" is most likely the response that instantly comes to your lips. You have probably been giving this answer from a very early age. No matter what else you've done in your life, being an artist is the core of your identity. For a few minutes today, I want to encourage you to make a silent addition to your response. You will still answer "I am an artist," but in your mind you will add "and, I am a salesperson." I know the suggestion might be slightly unpleasant. Many artists (maybe you?) feel that artistic integrity and salesmanship are incompatible. I have found, however, that the most successful artists are those who have developed strong sales skills. Whether you are trying to sell directly, at an art festival or open studio tour, or indirectly by approaching a gallery with your work, sales skills are going to help you reach your goal. That goal is to help people who love your art buy it. When I first started selling art almost 20 years ago, I had very little idea of what it took to sell. I think my general attitude was, "the art will sell itself." In the years since I have learned that the art will generate interest, but it is much more likely to sell if I do and say the right things. | 
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