And it’s not going to happen without the technology. So I wanted to mention this because, I just know some artists are, they identify with being tech phobic, and that belief is really self-limiting. And if you maintain that belief, you’re kind of screwed to be frank because we need technology even more now than before. And so, Deb got past it and she’s learning a bunch. So, you know.

Deb Sherwin: (02:16)
Oh if I can do it, anybody can. I mean, this is a pensioner here and I’m doing it.  

Ann: (02:25)
I mean, you know what it’s really about. It’s first of all, realizing that you don’t need to know everything. Number one, because if you have that belief that you have to have it all figured out, you’ll be overwhelmed and you’ll be very tentative. The other thing I would say is it’s just about reading the directions. That’s really all it is. And last but not least, I would say it’s your attitude about technology much more than your aptitude that matters. So you obviously had a good attitude, but this isn’t a, this isn’t a lecture on technology and embracing it. What I really wanted to get to was Deb has been discovering her mission inside of the Making Art Making Money program. So I’d love for you to just share it with us, Deb.

Deb Sherwin: (03:10)
Well, bear with me here.

Ann: (03:13)
That’s fine. Take your time. Okay, Deb, I got you.

Deb Sherwin: (03:24)
Actually. That’s a good way to start because my mission is to help people live in the moment and find their happy place.

Ann: (03:43)
Nice. How did that come about? Can you tell us, like what moments shaped that mission?

Deb Sherwin: (03:50)
Uh, I’ll tell you two. First one is it’s probably one of the worst moments in my life. I’d been a registered nurse for going on three decades. And one day at work, I collapsed. I had no strength. I could barely lift my finger, let alone stand up. It was, I was a mess and I was terrified. 

Deb Sherwin: (04:16)

I knew a little bit of medicine to know this was not good. But I didn’t know enough to know what it was. And that was scary to me. I was very alone. My life turned around in that instant. I never worked another day as a nurse. I became very familiar with canes and wheelchairs. I spent two years on the coach because I couldn’t get up the stairs to go to bed. 

Ann: (04:47)
What did you learn from that moment ultimately, Deb?

Deb Sherwin: (04:50)
Do you know what I learned was? To appreciate. To appreciate life because you don’t know what’s coming tomorrow. Live in the moment and really, really appreciate everything you’ve got.

Ann: (05:17)
This is so, so true. Okay. We’re not just going to leave you here.

Deb Sherwin: (05:23)

I have to tell you a happy moment. Let me tell you a happy moment. And that was, Oh, I’m going to cry again. These are happy tears. This is the day I got married, 45 years ago. I’m at the altar and suddenly whoosh, I couldn’t stop smiling, crying and laughing all at the same time. And the minister said, “I can’t marry you if you can’t say the words.” I was a basket case. I was so happy that I was marrying such a wonderful person. And my husband-to-be at that time, took my hand and said, “It’s okay, honey. I got you.”

Ann: (06:09)
Oh, wow. That’s what I said to you before we started. And what did you learn?

Deb Sherwin: (06:18)
And I learned, I learned that it’s okay to be human. You don’t have to be the perfect one that’s always smiling sweetly. Yes. If you’re overwhelmed, you’re overwhelmed.

Ann: (06:32) 

You feel what you feel. 

Deb Sherwin: (06:34)

Obviously, I still do it. 

Ann: (06:36)
I love it. I mean, I tell students like, “You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have this all figured out to make something that matters and make something of value and to make a difference. In a matter of fact, if you’re waiting to have it all figured out and waiting to be perfect, you’re never going to do a damn thing and you’re going to be boring because you can’t take any risks. So now I think a lot of people who’ve maybe never heard why I ask artists to determine their mission. I’m just going to give it a little brief little explanation. So what you have to understand as an artist, your product is incredibly personal. You’re literally the factory. You’re literally the factory that produces the product. And the product is not goods or services. The product is emotion. 

Ann: (07:27)
So you have to know how that factory runs, which means you have to know who you are, what you stand for, and what you stand against. And when you know who you are, what you stand for, and what you stand against, you know what your mission is in this lifetime. And you have the capacity to inspire people. And as artists, that is our job. Our job is to inspire our job is to connect people with their humanity. And didn’t Deb do that just now? I mean, I was like, I was, I was blown away.

Deb Sherwin: (08:05)
A happy ending. I no longer even know where my canes are and I do not own a wheelchair. And I go for a two mile walk every day.

Ann: (08:15)
That’s awesome. That’s awesome!

Deb Sherwin: (08:17)
Holding hands with my husband because that became a thing.

Ann: (08:21)
So this is beautiful. So I know you’re, I guess what I want to ask is like, do you think this is going to have an impact on your level of focus and confidence when it comes to selling your art, Deb?

Deb Sherwin: (08:37)
Oh, absolutely. It’s already showing up in my sharing with friends and family and most of my former collectors are friends so it’s there. And it’s nice to have people that have got your back. And all I had to do was just not be so private and just be myself and let people know it’s okay.

Ann: (09:08)
Yeah. I can’t emphasize what you’ve just said enough. You, your power as an artist lies in being your authentic self. There’s a great book by Russell Simmons called “Do you” and it’s really all about that. It’s about being your authentic self because that’s– the only way you’re going to ignite emotion or inspire people is by telling the truth. And that helps them connect with their own truth, and their own humanity, and their own inspiration. And you’re not going to inspire everyone and it doesn’t matter. If you want to truly connect, you have to be yourself. Like we see this when a singer is singing their heart out. They’re not trying to be someone they’re not. They’re putting their heart out there. They’re expressing their full selves, their soul’s truth. And I think Deb just did that really beautifully. I’d love to ask you Deb, before you enrolled in the program, what would you say were your like top two challenges as an artist? What was, what were you puzzled with?

Deb Sherwin: (10:16)
I had no idea how to sell during a lockdown. And right now I’m in lockdown. I’m not even allowed to, other than go for a walk, I’m not — the stores are closed. Everything’s closed right now, here and —

Ann: (10:32)

Where do you live?

Deb Sherwin: (10:33)

I live in Calgary, Alberta.

Ann: (10:35)

Okay. Yep. Yep. Okay. Got you. 

Deb Sherwin: (10:37)
I didn’t even think that maybe I should quit painting cause I have nobody to sell them to and nobody to show them.

Ann: (10:51)
People are buying art now than before. More affluent people are buying more art now

Deb Sherwin: (10:57)
That’s what I discovered! I’m painting. And this course, it couldn’t have been better timed. It was, the timing was so perfect. It was there. And I knew it when I saw it, that this is what I needed to do and I am so glad that I have done it. And I am just halfway through the program and I know there’s a lot more to of excitement and learning to happen and I’m ready for it.

Ann: (11:31)
This is awesome. So it sounds like one of the challenges were you were just ready to give up and I can’t tell you I’ve heard this a lot.

Deb Sherwin: (11:38)
Yes. And I didn’t know computers, so I didn’t even see that as an option.

Ann: (11:31)

But apparently you do.

Deb Sherwin: (11:46)

I guess. Yes, big surprise. 

Ann: (11:50)
Yeah. Okay. So that was one, you were just scared, and overwhelmed by the pandemic and thought maybe you should quit being an artist. Was there another challenge? Would you say there was or did you have any other challenges?

Deb Sherwin: (12:01)
That and fear of– fear of putting myself out there in the computer world and not really understanding even the lingo. It was, it was, to me it was very scary, big step.

Ann: (12:30)
But look at you know. She probably doesn’t even know what it means, but she’s doing it.

Deb Sherwin: (12:34)
I don’t know what the birds mean, but I’m just going ahead and doing it.

Ann: (12:36)
All right. Cool. So let me ask you this. Um, what has the — I know you’re only halfway through the program, but what, what has it meant to you so far? Like what’s been the most, what is the program meant to you for so far?

Deb Sherwin: (12:58)
It’s given me a purpose as an artist to be able to share my mission. And that is so cool. I just, I really liked doing that. I really like sharing and of course I love people. And forcing me to do the internet and, and meet people from all over the world, and literally all over the world. I got friends in England for goodness sakes and, in the States and, Oh my goodness. It’s just wonderful. I’m really liking what it’s doing for me. But also I’m learning so much about the differences in typical business plans and business as an artist and your program, “Business as an artist” is truly inspiring and it is so spot on and I have such confidence that I’m going to do extremely well with it.

Ann: (14:10)

I am too, just based on your little, little tiny, you know, share of your mission. You are clearly someone who’s got a lot to give and a big capacity to inspire. So yes, definitely. I mean, I, listen, listen Deb, I hear my students share their mission a lot. I don’t normally tear up. And I’d say often quip, “Make them cry, watch them buy.” So good job, Deb! Good job! One question I have for you is I would like you to fill in the blank for this next question. I didn’t enroll in the making art making money program because?

Deb Sherwin: (14:56)

I didn’t know where I was going to find the money. But as soon as I found it, you know what? I wanted it so bad that I decided to sleep on it. And I woke up the next morning and knew exactly how I was going to do this. And it happened. Because I needed to do this for me. 

Ann: (15:23)
And I’m so glad that you did. Now, if someone was listening to this and they were not sure about applying to enroll. By the way, this program is available by application only, but you’re welcome to apply for a free Private Masterclass. There’s a link above. And if we think we can help you, we’ll let you know. And we’ll give you access to a private Master Class, which is great. It’s in depth. If we don’t think we can help you, we’ll still try to help you in other ways. And it’s it’s to apply for the private master class. You’ll learn about the strategies and the principles that I teach. You’ll also learn about the details of the Making Art Making Money program and it’s free and there’s no obligation. So just FYI. But let me ask you this Deb, if someone was like sitting there and think, like just sitting on the fence. They had no plan. They really wanted to sell their art. They really wanted to maybe tear up their artist statement and actually understand their purpose and really be able to connect with people in a real, authentic, heartfelt way. They wanted, you know, the things that you are learning, but they’re still sitting on the fence. What would you honestly say to them?

Deb Sherwin: (16:35)
I would ask them, “Are you happy with the way things are going right now? And if you’re not– not selling like crazy, not happy with the way your business as an artist is going, or even you want to be an artist as a career, then what is stopping you? What is stopping you really? Only your fears.

Ann: (17:07)
I think you hit the nail on the head. It’s fear. And I think a lot of it is like fear of the unknown. They’re either — this is my experience, my experience is they’re afraid the program’s just not going to work for them somehow, which we’ve proven. Hey, I’ve been doing this for over 15 years with artists from 20 countries and counting, and it’s been featured by Inc magazine HGTV. Like whatever. I got a lot of credentials. I got a lot of street credit. I don’t think that’s the issue. I think the issue is that students are afraid that they can’t do it. But that’s why we have the application process because we don’t let people in if we don’t think we can help them. So that’s an important distinction. Um, let me just see if there’s any questions. Um, Lana says “Making Art Making Money, thank you. I definitely will.” Oh, great! And, uh, Kiersten says, “Good for stepping out of your comfort zone, Deb.” 

Deb Sherwin: (18:12)

Thank you. 

Ann: (18:13)

And Lana says, “Lovely chat, very inspiring.” And Angela says, “Well done, Deb” And John says, “Words of wisdom.” Wendy just sent you two hearts. So you’re obviously, you know, this is just getting started. This live stream, you’re obviously making an impact on people already, Deb.

Deb Sherwin: (18:35)
Good. Find your happy spot. Enjoy the moment.

Ann: (18:39)
She’s so right. Enjoy the moment because we never know. We just never know. And so if you really think about it, like when you’re actually in this moment, there’s typically nothing that bad happening, right? When you’re in the, when you’re actually in the moment. My experience is is that when you are preoccupied with the future moment, you experience anxiety. When you’re preoccupied with the past, you experience depression. But when you’re in this moment, you’re really gaining full benefit of this moment, you’re connected, and you’re — it’s hard to be upset when you’re really in the moment.

Deb Sherwin: (19:29)
That’s right. Absolutely right. It took me a long time to figure that out. I’m telling you if you’re younger than me, most of you probably are. Listen. It really is a good course and live in the moment. Enjoy. What do you have lose, really?

Ann: (19:49)
Yes. What do you have to lose? Exactly. That’s just it. I mean, what I think they have do have to lose, quite literally, is if you want to sell your art and you really don’t know what you’re doing, you’re not sure how you can sell more of your art. What you’re losing is the opportunity to sell your art, which means, the satisfaction that comes from that and the money that comes from that. And just because you can’t see an opportunity that is being lost to you doesn’t mean that you’re not losing that opportunity. So what you want to ask yourself is what Deb said, which is “If you’re happy with where you’re at, great, if you really do want to make art and make money, then you better have a plan to do that.” And it needs to be a written plan and you need to have a proven process and you can’t do this by yourself. I don’t think you can. Selling art by yourself is too hard. It’s too lonely. And it’s no fun. I mean, what do you think, Deb? Were you, before you joined our global community, were you kind of isolated before that? Or how were you doing?

Deb Sherwin: (20:54)
Before the pandemic and before we moved here to Calgary, I lived in a small town and I did sell my art to tourists and made every mistake in the book. Great.

Ann: (21:11)
Before we sign off, could I just ask you to share just so that the people learn from this. What are the three of the biggest mistakes that you made before you joined the program that you look back now and go, “Oh, damn. I’m not going to do that again.” What’s the number three?

Deb Sherwin: (21:29)
Oh, I’m embarrassed.

Ann: (21:30)
No, no, it’s good because you learned from it and you’re gonna help other artists not make this mistake, Deb.

Deb Sherwin: (21:38)
If I didn’t think the art was very good, I gave it away for free. I gotta tell you, I ran into someone who got one of those and she says, it’s over her fireplace and she’s in love with it.

Ann: (21:59)
And she would have paid you for it. So here’s the problem. When you give your art away, do not expect to be paid for it. Do not expect to be paid for something you give away for free. Is there any business that could operate with giving away its inventory? No. Okay. So yeah, that’s a big fat mistake. What’s the second big fat mistake you made.

Deb Sherwin: (22:19)
Oh gosh. Oh, that was the worst one. That’s the most embarrassing. I allowed other people’s opinions to affect the way I did things.

Ann: (22:40)
Give me one specific example. Just so people can relate to that.

Deb Sherwin: (22:44)
Not so much in the technique or in the paintings, but more in, “Oh, you should never ever approach that kind of a person, because that would be wrong for,” and then they come up with all these wonderful excuses. And so I didn’t, and that was really because they wanted to approach that person. They did. And they made the sale.

Ann: (23:11)
Oh, it was another artist. Okay. I want to address this. So a lot of artists are intimidated by other artists. And you are the boss of you, and you don’t need to take anybody’s advice that you don’t want to take especially, hey, if it doesn’t feel good, if it doesn’t sit right, something doesn’t sitting right with you, you shouldn’t take that advice. I think what happens is a lot of artists are looking for direction. They don’t have a roadmap. And so they start accepting advice from people who are unqualified to give it, or who might be doing what happened to Deb, which is basically throwing her under the bus. Yeah. So, okay. So that’s — It doesn’t happen anymore. I’ll tell you. Deb’s not taking it anymore. All right. So that’s, that’s a good lesson. Um, what’s a third, big, fat mistake you made?

Deb Sherwin: (24:15)
I didn’t know that it was okay to get the customers’ statistics and contact them after. So I didn’t do follow ups and I lost a lot of possible great clients because of that. Maybe some of them are watching this now, I’m still painting.  

Ann: (24:44)
So contact her. This comes from the permission and scarcity based art establishment, who has told artists, often illegally. And if any of you gallerists or representatives are listening to me right now, and you do this, shame on you. It’s often illegal in many States because they don’t own the inventory. They’re only consigning it. They have no right to withhold your customers, not their customers, but your customer’s contact information. There is no business that could function without actually knowing their customers. So a lot of artists get intimidated into thinking that they can’t have it, you know, and it’s not true. And this is why you should fire, I mean, honestly, I can give you a bunch of reasons why you should fire your art representative. I won’t go into that now. But what Deb is explaining is she’s looking back and thinking, Oh my gosh, all of the people who purchased from me before had I had their contact information and I could develop relationships with them that you could have sold over 80% more art on average.

Ann: (25:55)
And that’s just an average where you could have kept a hundred percent of that money and paid no commissions. And not had to do any shows either so, or pay any show fees either. So that’s why it’s huge. But thank you for sharing that cause it just– yes, a lot of artists are unware. All right. Well, I just want to see if there’s any other questions. All right. I think that’s it for today, Deb. Thank you so much for sharing your mission and for teaching other artists what mistakes you made, but that you’ve learned since. And I’m so fancy with your livestream. Look at you.

Deb Sherwin: (26:42)

 Yes. Look at me on the computer, 

Ann: (26:44)

Look at Deb on the computer, everybody. Okay. She had never been on a zoom before. She had never been on any of this before. She has none and it didn’t stop her. So if you’re saying, “I can’t do this” because you have tech phobia, think again. Watch. Look at Deb. All right, Deb. I will see you in class. 

Deb Sherwin: (27:05)

All right, then. Thank you. Bye.