A Site for Emerging Artists
About
Welcome to Artsy Shark!
I’m Carolyn Edlund, the owner and author of this blog for emerging artists and a consultant for artists and creative entrepreneurs.
During my career, I spent twenty years running my own production studio, designing and making handmade ceramic jewelry. My staff and I participated in over 200 retail fairs and trade shows, and sold our line into more than 1,000 store, catalog and online accounts. My experience includes hiring sales reps, selling to major retailers, and online sales to a global audience.
After closing my studio in 2001, I went on the road representing art publishing companies, and greeting card and paper lines featuring artist’s work, earning “Rep of the Year” status by opening a record number of retail accounts. This experience gave me a focused perspective on the business of art, an understanding of retailers’ needs, and the realities of the marketplace.
Artsy Shark includes hundreds of articles and interviews with experts in all fields of art and crafts. I went straight to the best sources to get information for my readers! Enjoy, subscribe and pass on links to anyone you know who is launching and growing their career in the arts.
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Featured Artist Leah Jay
about 2 years ago
I just found your blog and have subscribed. As an emerging artist, the information you’re providing is invaluable to me.
about 2 years ago
I just found out about your site – well done for the great work and the very useful information! My background is in graphic design but have lately switched to a full-time artist. I already have a line of cards and other paper products, but am looking to expand. Looking forward to more inspiration from your site!
about 2 years ago
Stephanie- thanks for your feedback. Stay tuned for lots more information on this subject. I’ve just found some terrific resources I will be linking to and interviewing.
about 1 year ago
I love the info you are presenting! Thanks for putting it all together. I am an emerging artist as well, and it looks like you’ll be saving me a ton of research! Can’t wait for more!
about 1 year ago
Thanks for your feedback, Rosie. Everyone I’ve interviewed has been really great and loves passing on their expertise and knowledge. Let me know if you are interested in any particular subject – and I’ll attempt to find someone who can fill us in on it!
about 1 year ago
Really glad I found your blog.
I am looking forward to reading more.
Many thanks for sharing your expertise.
about 1 year ago
The first article I read on your blog was invaluable. I have researched and subscribed to a number of on-line help forums and organizations for artists. Your blog offers really specific, practical and timely information. I will be a regular reader. http://www.roxannsouci.com
about 1 year ago
Great site.
about 1 year ago
This is a great site to learn the in and outs.
Thank you Artsy Ssark
about 1 year ago
I just found out about your site – well done for the great work and the very useful information! My background is in graphic design but have lately switched to a full-time artist. I already have a line of cards and other paper products, but am looking to expand. Looking forward to more inspiration from your site!
+1
about 1 year ago
I came across you blog thanks to a contact on linkedIn. I’m an emerging artist eager to get my art out to the public.
Thank you for the advice; keep up the good work.
about 1 year ago
What fascinating information! I love art, having graduated a long time ago with a BFA, now a designer… I love to hear about the latest art and how to’s. Thanks for your creative flair in writing.
about 1 year ago
Thanks everyone for your kind comments! One of the best ways to prosper as an artist is to be an active part of a community that offers support and help in your business. My readers and subscribers are the BEST! Thank you all for participating. Let me know what topics you are most interested in reading about.
about 1 year ago
Finally!!! This is what I was looking for when I signed up on Twitter. I am so excited and totally trilled about Artsy Shark. Thanky you Carolyn. I will definitely retweet your site.
about 1 year ago
Thank you, Linda. It’s been great working with so many fine artists on the blog. I really appreciate your comments and look forward to having you visit often!
about 1 year ago
I’m a full time artist and I couldn’t be more happier than having found your blog. I really look forward to all of the great information listed in regards to licensing.
http://fantasywhispersblog-ooak.blogspot.com
about 1 year ago
I was pointed in your direction by Jennifer Bruno – artist new friend. there is good information here, keep it up.
about 1 year ago
Hi Carolyn,
I am an abstract painter/oil and just recently started my art business full time.
I have no idea -don’t remember- how I found you but most probably through Twitter. With all the new technical online possibilities, it’s hard to keep track..
I love your blog and follow by RSS, well done! Looking forward to reading more,
Franziska San Pedro
@FlavorDesigns
about 1 year ago
Hi Carolyn, finally found you & your site after months of your newsletters.
about 1 year ago
Meltemi,
I’m glad that you did. Just click on any headline in an email and it will take you to that article.
Please stop back often and feel free to leave comments!
about 1 year ago
Hello Carolyn, i have just recently started reading your work and i must say, i really do like the information that has been out on this site.
I continue to be inspired by all the different artists i have seen, and as an artist myself, i do have some questions of which i shall post soon.
Once again, thanks for such a site as this
about 11 months ago
MY OIL PAINTINGS HAVE BEEN REPRESENTED BY FINE ART GALLERIES FOR 35 YEARS.
CHILDREN ‘FROM THE BACK’ CAN BELONG TO ANYONE.COMMISSIONS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED
OF CHILDREN SIDE BY SIDE ACROSS THE CANVAS.
about 11 months ago
THANK YOU JUDITH HEARTHSONG. . .FOR ALL THE INFORMATION I THOUGHT I KNEW AND MUST HAVE SET ASIDE SOMEWHERE. MY COVER LETTERS TO ART PUBLISHERS GET CARRIED AWAY TO THE ANCIENT BIRDCAGES OUTSIDE MY STUDIO…. MY WOOD STOVE WITH SOUP. . .
I WILL BE BRIEF WITH MORE PERTINENT INFO.
V PORTER
about 11 months ago
Hi Carolyn, I don’t know the story behind your name Artsy Shark:; however I tought you would appreciate my ceramic vases. The sharks were designed for the San Jose Sharks Hocky Team. They are now available to the public. I subscribed to your blog . I hope we can all learn from the info. Thanks Amy Brown . Sorry I couldn’t attached the pictures. You can check out my websites ceramic catagory.
about 11 months ago
Amy,
These are really cute; I believe they are in fact Artsy Sharks! The blog name isn’t derived from a particular background, but I liked the visual connected with it, and — very importantly — the domain name was available!
Carolyn
about 9 months ago
Carolyn,
I really don’t know if I qualify for emerging, so I’ll leave it up to you. I would love to get listed under “artists we love” too.
I too was a ceramic artist. I sold through the Rosen shows and worked my way up to about 75 active accounts, then I my son was sent to the invasion of Iraq and I decided to return to painting to fill up my mind. after he and his wife returned safely, I decided that painting was my true love and here I am. Love your efforts.
about 9 months ago
Hello Carolyn,
I recently found your site and I do enjoy reading your articles. My background comes from 20+ years as an administrative assistant and two years ago I switched to a full time artist, though I started the artist career year 2006 teaching myself. (I do not know if now I still do qualify as an emerging artist).
I am always looking for good advice to how to better market myself and also in search to how to price my artwork.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Best regards,
Teresa
about 9 months ago
Thanks for visiting, Teresa ~ “emerging artist” is defined different ways by different people. I’ve found that many of my readers are actually mid-career artists. Perhaps an artist is still emerging until a museum installs their work! Nonetheless, please stop back often, read and comment.
about 6 months ago
Hi Carolyn,
The Artsy Shark site is terrific. Your writing is clear and concise and I’m so pleased to have found you. Thank you for providing this great resource.
Best regards,
Paula Ogier
about 6 months ago
Thanks for the compliment, Paula – and thanks for reading! Since you enjoy the resource, please retweet, and pass on links to the site, and subscribe as well.
It’s readers like you that make the blog worthwhile!
about 6 months ago
Carolyn, I’ve already subscribed and shared one of your pieces on Facebook. I’ll definitely retweet your articles, too! I look forward to spending more time here.
Paula
about 3 months ago
Love this blog. Wonderful information. Thank you for taking the time to provide all of this important info. Kind Regards, Catherine