Four key elements to success in the arts...

I recently spoke with internationally renowned artist Jody Bergsma, from Bellingham, Washington. (www.bergsma.com). Jody’s income is in the top three percent of all Americans. She has mastered the means of securing a consistent and rewarding income from her art.

Creating a wide selection of items that include illustrated children’s books, gift bags, t-shirts, coffee mugs and greeting cards has enabled Jody to broaden her impact while freeing her to paint the original works that have been so avidly purchased by private collectors during her 35 year career. A recent and strategic decision to license her imagery, via exhibitions at the NEW YORK LICENSING EXPO, a trade show held annually in New York City, catapulted her career and her income, thus allowing her to close her retail gallery after 20 years. Through the means of licensing she secured many new accounts, and uses for her visual imagery that impacted her income significantly, AND introduced her imagery in new applications….such as presentation to high visibility stores like Wal Mart and Target, film animation projects, independent greeting card companies and the like.

What are the KEY elements of her financial success? Jody says, they are business education, Mastermind groups, developing management skills, and networking.

• Education. Jody participates in ongoing business education as it relates to principles of success defined by authors, teachers, and public presenters. She highly recommends the work of Jack Canfield. (www.JackCanfield.com). Her college education in product engineering enables her to have a “left-brain” approach to her business, maintaining a constant flow of new ideas and new products designed to meet the markets’ needs.
• Mastermind Groups. Jody created her own monthly Mastermind Group. Meeting with financially successful women, in particular, helps her solve the daily problems involved with her business. Current problems are presented at each meeting, and solutions to each are addressed immediately.,/li>
• Developing Management Skills. Leveraging her workload-and hiring the right people for the job-has been essential as Jody furthers her ambitions and has increased her impact in the market.
• Networking. Jody is especially dedicated to working with women in business, and specifically mentioned Whatcom Women In Business (www.wwib.org) and the Professional Business Women’s Network (www.bwni.com).

Jody talks about a concept she refers to as “Darwinism,” her evolutionary process whereby a concept or product is developed. From new product inception, the “system” by which manufacturing and warehousing is designed and implemented. And finally, the development of the “system” by which it is marketed and distributed nationally.

Her closing advice for those who want an art-related business is simple: “Recognize that you’re creative” It is an asset, and is applicable to your business, your business and your personal relationships, AND your ability to be flexible and adaptive to the present market needs.

Contact Sian at SianL@TheNationalNetworker.com or via TNNW Blog.