Artists, Don't Reply To That Commission Enquiry — Filter First

This episode is part of a nine-part series on commissions. How to prepare for them, respond to them, deliver them, and, crucially, how to stop them burning you out. If you haven't followed the podcast yet, hit follow so you don't miss an episode. Today, episode four of nine. And this is where the series shifts gears. For the last three episodes, we have been doing the preparation work. The mindset. The five signatures of under-pricing. The commission ecosystem. Today, an enquiry has arrived. This is the moment most artists get wrong because this is the moment their nervous system takes over. When an enquiry lands in your inbox. And before you've finished reading it, your stomach has tightened, your brain is already drafting a reply, and somewhere in the next three sentences you're going to offer availability, ideas, enthusiasm, and a half-committed yes – all before you know you are a good fit. And the principle is this. Before you reply with anything, you filter. How, is what today´s episode is about. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ceri´s short enquiry form is a low-friction sieve: it quietly filters out tire-kickers, and a serious client will fill it in within 10 minutes. The right questions reveal what they actually want, how committed they are, whether they really get your work, and whether their budget and timeline are realistic. After the enquiry form, you move into a chemistry call – 30 minutes - to ask important questions and spot red flags. Then, produce an alignment document to further test understanding. If the client confirms the alignment document, you move forward; if they come back with big changes, it’s a sign you weren’t fully aligned on the call – it’s far better to catch that now than 3 months into making. BEST MOMENTS “Stage one of responding to any inquiry is the initial filter, low friction, high signal, a sieve, not a conversation.” “If those signals are weak, you slow things down, you don't ghost them, but you don't rescue them, you reply politely with more questions,” “The alignment document - a short-written document that confirms in writing what you heard, not a proposal, not a quote, an alignment document.” For a text version of today's teaching, plus new practical guidance every week, you can subscribe to Beat the Block at http://cerihand.com/subscribe EPISODE RESOURCES First episode of this 9-part series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... HOST BIO With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She has sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. ** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! ⁠https://cerihand.com/membership/⁠ ** Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. ⁠https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_y... ** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/