art world expo

What If You Only Thought Positive?

by Monika Blichar

It’s January 2018 and although I’ve heard that this is the month that most people describe as the one of the most dreary, dismal and depressing, I have had a complete opposite experience this year. January 2018 for me has been one of the best months that I have had in a long time-not only for my business goals but also for my personal victories. I would have to attribute this happy experience to being positive and being extremely conscious of my thoughts so far this year. Paying attention to my thoughts and striving to think only positive (and big!) has truly brought me motivation, passion, and confidence this month that I haven’t experienced in a long time professionally or personally. If you are an artist or creative entrepreneur, you know how difficult it can be to think positive when you are responsible for so much! Yet, this month in particular, I have found a tremendous amount of joy in being joyful!

Here are my top 5 tips to stay positive as we go into February! If they help you, please send me your thoughts or experiences. If you think they can help someone else, please share! If you have something to add, please email me at artists@theartworldexpo.com. I always love to hear from all of you who follow what I do with my art life!

1-Declutter and Organize

We are moving our studio and gallery to our new location this week, I have been decluttering and organizing A LOT since about October when I found out our building was going to be sold. It has meant throwing stuff out, giving things away, and doing a really good overhaul of what is serving me and what isn’t. Why do we hang onto things even when we don’t use them? I had ammassed a huge stock pile of supplies that I hadn’t even touched and accepted gifts of donations for ‘that one day maybe project’. As a result of this deep clean, I have been able to organize my new space with more ease, free up space for my own mental process and also feel like I have less to worry about. When you declutter your space and life, you feel less weight (literally from carrying so much stuff around with you!) and that makes you feel more positive and clear about where you are going. What can you get rid of this week?

2-Share Positivity on Your Platform!

I’ve always been very conscious of what I say or with whom I share my challenges or complaints with. I intentionally fill my personal and professional social media pages with positivity and cheerfulness becuase I know that what I send out there affects other people when they see it. I am so aware of all the connectivity between people, in the cyber world or in reality, that I always make sure people remember me as the one who is super positive and full of sunshine. Why? Well, I do this for two reasons. The first is because I genuinely want people around me to FEEL good. When people feel good around me, they are happy, positive and fueled by this energy of happiness which they carry on into their daily lives. I feel good when people feel good too! Second, being positive is contagious. Afterall, when people are super negative around you, do you want to hang around or work with them in the future? Be cautious of what you toss around on your social media. Use your platform online and your daily interactions with people in your life to inspire, motivate and encourage others! Try it out for a week and notice how much your world will change.

3-The World Ain’t All Sunshine and Rainbows-Rocky VI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfjRcGDBvMQ

It’s not always sunshine and rainbows-life is not fair, things will happen that won’t be ideal, you will loose, you will fail, you will struggle. That is the nature of life-we are not meant to be here to live in Eutopia. We have to work for what we want out of life-no one comes in to save the day and hand it to you. (Well not without strings attached if you know what I mean!) You have to chase that dream with so much vigor and desire knowing that if you don’t, it could fade away into the abyss of forgotten dreams and never be realized. Acknowledge and let go of what you have told yourself about your past, your experiences, your current situation and all those things that are stopping you from letting go of the excuses that it takes to make your dreams happen. Sure, you had a cummy childhood but that was 30 years ago. So what you have a horrible boss right now who takes up all your time and you can’t work on your art like you’ve always wanted. Do something about it. Maybe you don’t have the confidence to ask a gallery to put your work up; however, if you never put yourself out there, you will never get that solo show you’ve been dreaming of. Stand up for yourself and your dream. No one else is going to do it for you. Make yourself and your dreams your number one priority and keep going no matter what! When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

4-Squash Negativity Immediately

When I am alone with my thoughts and something negative pops up, I’ve been very receptive and quick to acknowledge it and then let it go. When people start talking to me about something that is negative, my strategy is to try to deflect it as much as possible and focus on the solution to what they are complaining about rather than continue to delve into their problem with them. I’ve always tried to be a listener and someone that people can count on which is very flattering (and also why lots of people tell me their problems!) but this year, I am choosing to focus on people, experiences, and development that not only fills me with joy and passion, but does the same for the people I surround myself with. Sure, that taxi driver you get might not be super nice but give him a compliment when you leave. Maybe your partner had a rough day, do something nice for them to cheer them up. Have a friend telling you all about their problems? Politely tell them that they should seek advice elsewhere or suggest a destressing activity like yoga or meditation. Steering people into positive interactions with you will only help stop negativity from seeping into your life!

5-Positive People

Last, I want to focus on bringing positive people into your sphere. Sure, this sounds easier said than done becuase, what do you do with all those negative people you’ve been friends with or perhaps tolerated in your business for so long? What I know for sure is that successful people; and I mean truly genuine go-getters, don’t surround themselves with negative people or put themselves in negative situations by choice. Taking an inventory of the negative influences in your life both personally and professionally will help you find out who the positive people are you do know and will help you better assess who you should be spending your time with. One of my goals this year is to meet as many positive people as I can and make new friends who also share this belief in the power of positivity in life and business as I do. Don’t just dump your old friends, but rather encourage them to join you at a new professional event, a mindfulness or creative retreat or other uplifting activity. Try to surround yourself with people who are like minded, goal orientated and most of all people who lift you up and want to help you become your best self!

Try some of these things out in February! See how they shape your life and how they affect your outcome!

Monika Blichar has a B.C.College of Teachers accreditation and a B.A. in English and French from the University of Victoria. She is the owner of Art World Expo, Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & Gallery, and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She has a passion for art and all things good in life. Headshot by Shannon Ruth Dionne Photography.

5 Things You Can Do To Boost Your Art Sales

by Monika Blichar

Let’s face it-the world of painting and sitting back while an agent or gallery sells your art is over! With a large majority of galleries making the move to online sales and closing art houses, it is more important now than ever to become your own art agent and invest in your own sales and marketing strategies. Here are 5 things you can do to boost your art sales! If you enjoy or find these useful, please share and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

My exhibit at Art World Expo 2017 at Science World. I participate in about 15-20 exhibitions, markets, fairs, and trade shows annually.

1-Professional Branding

This means that you avoid slapping handwritten price tags on art that you want more than a few dollars for and you invest in proper branding! Logo, website, business cards, pamphlets, a portfolio and investing time into social media marketing with your branding. There is nothing worse than seeing gorgeous work without a price (or a handwritten scribble as a tag) out there! Serious collectors and buyers want to see you have taken the time to invest in proper branding and are representing yourself as a professional artist and business owner.

My new logo for 2018! I have decided to do an entire overhaul for my own brand.

2-Instagram

Instagram is one of the most powerful tools for artists today. When posting, remember to post photos related to your brand-works of art in progress, completed works for sale with prices, art exhibitions, art sales and any contests or awards that you may have won. Instgram is a wonderful place to create your visual portfolio where collectors and buyers can see your work without distractions. Be sure to remember to comment and connect with people on Instagram, the more you chat with people, the better your chances of building relationships and finding buyers.

Instagram also does great things like “Best Nine” where you can see which of your photos were the most popular in any given year.

3-Exhibit Your Work

If you haven’t done a show in a while-it’s time! (I recommend at least one show per quarter but of course, if you can manage more-then do it!) The more you are out with your work, the more your brand will be recognized, the more people you will meet and in turn, the more people will think of buying from your or asking for your assistance when they are looking for something. I also recommend opening your studio at peak times in the calendar year including Christmas as well as for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day Shopping events.

My paintings and mixed media work as part of a display for a Fashion Show by Blushing Boutique in 2011.

4-Collaborate with Others

For some artists, this seems counter-intuitive. Why would I want to partner with my competition? Well-you don’t partner with someone who makes exactly what you do-you partner with someone who is different! Collaborate with another artisan and promote a special offer online. Find a business to work with and create a special. The possibilities are endless!

A night to raise awareness for BC Salmon with artists and designers at Sheila Wong Fashion Studio in Vancouver, BC. This opportunity allowed me to work with Jay Peachy and acclaimed artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. Collaborations like this have given me great networking opportunities but also life long friends in the arts industry.

5-Start Writing!

This is one of the biggest tools I have learned that helps business in a lot of ways! My recommendation is to first start a blog, offer resources, share ideas, vlogs, and interview artists or business people you admire. Second, create a newsletter and build your mailing list. Third, create a worksheet, EBook, or course about your industry or specific type of art you are making. Last, write for other publications. All of this will help boost your authority in your industry and connect directly to fans, buyers and clients.

“You’re Going to Make It-A Creativity Workbook to Help You Make Your Best Art!” was a creativity workbook that I created in 2016 to help my students. It has since sold almost 300 copies and has enabled me to generate passive and ongoing income from a piece of work that I created one time. Buy yours here: HERE

As with anything in business and life, your success depends on yourself. No one is going to do the work for you even if you pay someone! Today’s world is so limitless in possibilities for expansion, marketing, and overall success with the tools that we are given that it is so easy to get yourself out there! Never before have we had this option-what will you do with this possibility? I challenge you to take up your goals this year and kick it up a notch.

“Fortune comes to those who are prepared to work for it.”

Monika Blichar, B.A. & B.C.C.T. University of Victoria

CEO & Founder-MAB Ventures Inc. An Arts & Entertainment Agency

MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery

Art World Expo-Vancouver, Edmonton & Toronto

www.monikablichar.com www.mabartstudio.com www.theartworldexpo.com

Make and Break Arts Foundation – Art Space Fundraiser

Eager guests intrigued by the annual body painting competition!

We are excited that after 5 years in our current studio and boutique gallery space, we are moving! The building we have been leasing has been sold and the new owners will be taking over our building and the one next to us for their own business. We will remain in North Vancouver and looking forward to celebrating a new space with added features in 2018.

We hope to find something close to our current price range but we know that the new space will cost more that what we are currently paying on Pemberton Avenue. For this reason, during the next three months, we are going to be partnering with many wonderful local businesses to increase our fundraising efforts and dollars to help support our move, new studio and gallery expenses as well as new licenses and fees so that we can continue our programs, events and exhibitions for years to come.

From January 2-15, we have partnered with Kristi Weaver Independent Scentsy Consultatnt and Director for our first online fundraiser! We hope that through this fundraiser, we can raise at least $500! There are a variety of oils, diffusers, wax melts, essential oils and even bath bombs! Tons of great finds! These make excellent gift ideas or nice additions to your own home or office spaces. 15% of all the proceeds go directly to Make and Break Arts Foundation to support our new space. Please consider purchasing and sharing this link with someone you know! Every little bit helps us continue to offer all these great events, art classes, kids camps and art exhibitions right here in Vancouver.

Please see more information about Make and Break Arts Foundation below:

We are a non profit foundation supporting artists and creative projects in BC.

The purpose of the society is:
a) to raise awareness of the arts in the community
b) to support artists and offer assistance for community project
c) to offer community workshops, events, and opportunities for arts education and programming.
d) to provide similar and related services as determined by the membership.

To support this fundraiser please direct message Kristi Weaver or purchase through this link: https://kristielliott.scentsy.ca/party/8828713/make-and-break-arts-foundation

Catalogue can be viewed at: https://kristielliott.scentsy.ca/form/view-my-catalog

Boxing Week Specials!

Boxing Week is here!

Enjoy 10% off everything in our online store as well as extended offers on our 12 Days of Christmas Special offers! Use promo code “12DAYS” at check out! Visit our online store: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php

MAB Ventures Inc.-An Arts & Entertainment Agency, 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver BC

The Art of Art Investments

It’s the hype that can be troublesome while dealing with pieces of art. Treat each art piece as an asset and nothing more. It’s an investment, and a subjective opinion shouldn’t be coming into play just like it wouldn’t with any other form of investment.

Art appreciation is something that can lead one down the wrong path and make it hard to produce the returns hoped for financially. Investors can start to assume they’re dealing with a great piece but it will not lead to quality gains. This is why it is essential to focus on what works rather than what may work. A lot of this occurs when an investor begins to bet on a future artist that may become popular or well-received down the road. This is never the right way to go and is inherently risky.

If you invest in art you need to remember it is similar to investing in venture capitalism. The idea is to look at the core details and how the art is produced. You don’t want to think about going with too many start-ups as the market may leave them in tatters.

Subjectivity is going to matter when it comes to collections because there is a personalized interpretation involved with artwork. This can make it seem like art cannot be deemed as an asset nor can it be viewed as something to add to one’s portfolio of investments.

However, there is a way to determine the market value of an art piece. The best way to get started is by speaking to a proven art advisor with years of expertise in dictating sales figures based on previous entries. It could be something sold at an auction or at an art gallery. These related sales can offer insight.

Another avenue is to start dissecting what the artist may have sold in the past. This information is ideal for setting a price point and knowing what one is working with. For example, an artist renowned for his/her work will receive awards or fellowships, and this can be a sign of good things to come. It can even be the academic position they may have held in the field of art because that indicates the potential value of the asset itself.

Resale value is the wrong way to look at an art piece. This only applies to the biggest of names in the world of art. You have to focus on this as a long-term asset and one that is going to act as a collectible (according to the IRS), and you will be taxed nearly 28% on all gains. This is a part of the expense you are going to pay on a sale, which means you are not going to net as much as you think you will.

This is why you have to think about the returns coming in and how they will play out in the long-term. You want to think about the non-financial advantages before anything else. The financial gain is nice, but that is a real bonus. If you keep it as an investment, you need to go to a proper art advisor to get a gist of what you’re working with.

If you are getting a collection, you need to think of it as a set of pieces rather than a complete sum of artwork. It is all about looking at the quality of the collection based on each piece and then assessing its value in general.

The artwork is often seen being listed in estates after valuation begins post-death. This is why a proper estate plan is an excellent strategic move. This is something you have to factor in as you are dealing with it as an asset. Will it be sold? Will it be transferred to your children/grandchildren?

This is a significant investment, but you have to think about it with a good understanding of your cash flows, additional assets, and other collections in hand. This is how you will be able to get more out of this asset.

You should always look to benefit from the art market but do it the right way, so you get more out of it.

Art World Expo Christmas Fair!

Tomorrow we invite you all to our Christmas Fair at 4015 Fraser Street in Vancouver, BC.

Over 50 participating Artisans, vendors, and designers who are selling a variety of goods and services! Art, fashion, jewellery, home decor, knitting, make up, skin care, health and wellness, desserts, and so much more! Finish all your shopping, support local and even enjoy lunch with us! Best part is that we invite all ages and it’s free to attend! We have 100 swag bags for the first 100 people too-great items inside include essential oil from SPOIL YOURSELF, Art by Elizabeth Hill, a copy of Fresh Magazine, one free art class at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery and an It Works drink sample to keep you healthy!

Learn more on our Facebook event page Here.

Our event auction, Christmas earrings and coffee sales are supporting two causes. The first is to help fund our new creative arts and wellness centre opening in North Vancouver in the Spring. The second is to support a member of our Art World community with cancer. Please be sure to buy a coffee, bid on items in the auction and purchase a pair of these earrings by Monika Colmorgen for $7! if you can’t make it and you’d like a pair of these earrings, please email us at artists@theartworldexpo.com or call 6049996177.

LetzRock-An Emoji Music Player

Mobile apps have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They help us get our jobs done, stay in touch with people we care about, and even do our shopping. But, as useful as apps are, there is also fierce competition in the app marketplace. The Apps are just another form of Artistic design and talent in digital form, as the look and feel matters the most!

In our Art showcase, we feature one of the best mobile app –

LetzRock – An Emoji music player.The App’s theme has a modern design with mood based Emojis, that helps us to categorize the songs using ‘one-touch’. It can be used for a variety of activities such as Driving, partying, workout, and much more. With LetzRock in our phones, we don’t need to skip the songs anymore while engaged in activities such as Driving, workout, etc.

The fully updated 2017 theme integrates beautifully with colorful themes, so you can choose which one you’d prefer to listen. It comes with all the needed features, which have been updated for 2017, such as:

Multiple custom remix
Add your own remix
10 different color themes
Equalizer
Most importantly, the App serves a great purpose of not having skip the songs. The Emoji icons helps to play the songs by mood.

LetzRock is a product of LetzwApp Communications, Inc.

http://www.letzwapp.com

Final Call for our Art World Expo Christmas Fair Vendors!

Are you an artisan or independent rep looking for a holiday event to participate in this year? Look no further and join our exciting Christmas Fair this year!

We have a limited number of tables left for vendors at our Christmas Fair on December 16! Submit your registration today here: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ Questions? Call Monika Blichar 6049996177

We love to small businesses and Artisans and our Christmas Fair will be no exception to sharing the love for all things unique and local this December!

Thank you to Two of Hearts boutique in Kits for donating $5-$25 gift cards to spend in store! Lots of raffle prizes every 30 minutes!

Preview products, join the convo and connect with participants on our Official Facebook Event Page!

When you attend this COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY EVENT, you’ll find:
-Over 50 vendor tables including art, jewellery, fashion, hand knit goods, make up, skin care, chocolate, baked goods, kids accessories, essential oils, dog accessories, home decor, and health and wellness products and services and much more! Everything you need in one venue to complete your holiday shopping and networking! Ask our vendors about collaborations, participating in your events or if you’re a gallery or boutique owner, come browse to see if you could work with one of our Artisans in 2018!

-Fashion Shows by John Pfaff, Carolyn Bruce Steampunk Jewellery, and West Coast Hatters on models provided by award winning female body builder fitness models from Team Fitness! Yes! Exciting!

-Cheeses Crust Food Truck-Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Drinks! Really good sandwiches!

-Raffles every 30 minutes-Prizes from local vendors and of course, many of our sponsors from Art World Expo! Tickets sold on site!

-First 100 people through the doors receive a complimentary goody bag! No purchase necessary! Just be one of the first 100 people at 11:00am sharp!

-Face Painting for kids and adults by award winning body painter and visual artist Francoise Boise ($10/person) She’s amazing! Don’t worry, she will do Holiday themed paints too!

-Silent Auction Benefiting Make and Break Arts Foundation-all proceeds support independent Artisans and Arts Programs and Exhibitions in BC. It’s a win win! (Huge line up of awesome stuff to bid on-great for holiday gift ideas and of course-gifts for ourselves!)

-Arts & Crafts Station for Kids-leave them at the craft station and go shop and mingle! We have you covered!

-Finally, when you’re all done, take a photo at our photo booth with visitors from the North Pole! Capture a memory and celebrate Christmas 2017 with us!

Current vendors:

Monika Blichar

Art by Edy

Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry**FASHION SHOW**

West Coast Hatters**FASHION SHOW**

John Pfaff Art & Fashion**FASHION SHOW**

Fashion Show models sponsored by Team Fitness-Award Winning Female Body Builders from BC!

LumberJax Custom Wooden Jewelry

Karolyn’s Tupperware

Inner Harmonious Peace

Kathline Essential Oils Accessories

Jennifer Haase, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

SPOIL YOURSELF, Cristina De Vellis

Jessica’s Homemade Alfajores-Baked Goods

Fifth Avenue Collection by Pardeep

Younique, Amanda Cherewick

The Sweet Doodle

Whisk Premium Matcha

Copper Paw Designs

Coastal Storm Gallery

Dagmar Doubkova Herbal Life

Bodacious Butterflies

Scentsy Kristi Weaver

SweetLegs Vancouver with Julia

Love Eco Jewels

Spain Gourmet Canada

Radiant Life Hoops & Styles

Petite Hippo

Earth Meets Spirit

Boise Art Works-Face Painting for Kids On Site $10/each

Deanna ArtFORMS

Diamond Movement

Andrea Renée Blackett MONAT

Diva’s Niche

All Day Shine by Julie SeneGence Independent Distributor # 384814

Crafts By Julia

Bryce Musil Azrael’s Forge Gems and Fine Jewelry

Taylore Mcmanne Jewellery

2017 Holiday Artisan Catalog has arrived!

Christmas is an important time for all of us at Art World Expo and MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery. We love to share the magic of the holiday season with our guests and visitors in many different ways including special events like our Art World Expo Christmas Fair and our MAB Holiday Shopping & VIP Event. Every year, we are also fortunate to put together a wonderful holiday catalog that features artisan and designers in British Columbia. Our goal when creating it is to source unique works to feature as well as help artisans in BC sell their work and thrive as independent artisans.

We have created a video that showcases all of the artisan products this year and also a full catalog which is now available online.

Our deadlines for ordering are November 15 for November 20 pick up and December 15 for December 15 pick up. Shipping worldwide is available. Please contact us at 604 999 6177 if you would like to place your order by phone or you have questions about shipping!

4th Annual Christmas Market by Valley Markets

”Tis the season to get jolly! We are excited to start the holiday market season! Join us this weekend in Chilliwack where we will be featuring the works of several AWE artists that are represented in our boutique gallery. We will have art, jewellery, greeting cards, accessories and home decor available to start your holiday shopping! Be sure to shop local and support independent artisans and business owners this year and join us at this two day fair where Monik Blichar will be offering free face painting for the kids too!

Over 100 vendors, food truck, door prizes and more! View the event page HERE