Florida Keys Backcountry and Offshore Guides Directory

Here's a list of the best flats guides and offshore charter captains from Key Largo to Key West. Flats species include: Bonefish, Tarpon, Redfish, Snook & Trout. Offshore species of fish include: Dolphin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper & Grouper.

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Location: Key Largo, FL, United States

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

LOWER KEYS OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS:



2006 30' Contender fully equipped for fly and light tackle fishing
Catch Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Cobia, Dolphin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Sharks, Cero Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Goliath Grouper and more
Incognito Chartersphone: 305/292-0067cell: 305/304-0093
Contact Incognito Charters : www.incognitocharters.com Email: www.incognitocharters@comcast.net

43 ft. Toraz Trips can be set up with multiple flats skiffs or center console boats
Last Cast Charters phone: (305) 744-9796 cell: (256) 762-6140
Contact Last Cast Charters at Scarpa1@bellsouth.net
Capt. Chris Lembo - writes the key west offshore report - Visit: incognitocharters.com Email: incognitocharters@comcast.net or call 305/292-0067
Capt Andrew Tipler - Writes the Lower Keys fishing report. If you want to go fishing, we got you covered - back country, flats, offshore and reef fishing in the lower keys - call 305/744-9796 or visit www.lastcastcharters.net
Capt. Ken Harris - Specializing in light tackle, offshore spin & Fly Fishing - Marquesas, Key West. Visit: www.fishfinesse.com or call 305/294-8843
Capt. Mike Armour - Big Pine - Gulf and Offshore and Reef Fishing - call 305/872-1647 or email michaelarmour@bellsouth.net
Capt. Jim Peabody - fishing for all your needs in the lower keys - flats fishing, wrecks, gulf, offshore - call 305/395-1820 or visit www.reeltherapyfishingcharters.com
Capt. Jim Tillman - offshore, gulf, back country and flats fishing in the lower keys - call 305/587-9362
Capt. Clay Harris - Specializing in light tackle, offshore spin & Fly Fishing - Marquesas, Key West. Visit: www.fishfinesse.com or call 305/294-8843
Capt. Kevin Wilson - offshore and reef fishing in the lower keys - call 305/745-5634 - or visit www.fishmekeywest.com

LOWER KEYS BACKCOUNTRY FISHING GUIDES:


Light Tackle Flats FishingCapt. Justin Rea
Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Shark & BarracudaLower Florida Keys, Key West & The Marquesas305/744-0903
Capt. Bob Beighley - Key West & Lower Keys . Call 305/748-4398 or visit doublehaulcharters.com.
Capt. Tim Carlile - Specializing in flats fishing - Lower Keys. Call: 305/745-1503.
Dream Catcher Charters - visit chartersofkeywest.com call 305/304-5808
Capt. Darren Doop - flats fishing in the lower keys - call 305/304-0689 or visit http://www.little-knock-em-down.com
Capt. Lindsay Harper - Specializing in shallow-water and flats fishing in Key West. Call 305/296-3573. Email: captlindsay@bigfoot.com
Capt. Sandy Horn - call 305/393-6913 or email: shorn2979@yahoo.com
Capt. Tom Kokenge - Flats & shallow water fishing in Big Pine & lower keys. Call 305/872-2125.
Capt. Steven Lamp - visit fishingkeywest.com or call: 305/292-7212
Capt. Joey Miller - Key West and lower keys - Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Fly or spin, Beginners to Experts - call 305/747-6067 or visit ifishthekeys.com
Capt. Rob Mims - flats fishing in the lower keys - call 305/304-4410 or visit www.frontrunnercharters.com for more fishing information
Capt. Bob Paulson - Flats fishing in Key West & Lower Keys. Email: RPau315219@cs.com. Call 305/744-0263
Capt. Jim Peabody - fishing for all your needs in the lower keys - flats fishing, wrecks, gulf, offshore - call 305/395-1820 or visit www.reeltherapyfishingcharters.com
Capt. Pete Peterson - back country and flats fishing in the lower keys - call 305/745-2562 or email petersonventures@aol.com
Capt. Travis Rolan - Specializing in Flats & Offshore fly fishing - Key West & Lower Keys. Visit flatsandphathoms.com. Call 305/587-3343
Capt. To Rowland - flats and shallow water fishing in the lower keys - tournament winner and member of redfish tour along with weekly fishing program on OLN - call 305/797-2238 or visit www.saltwaterexperience.com
Capt. Jim Tillman - offshore, gulf, back country and flats fishing in the lower keys - call 305/587-9362
Capt Andrew Tipler - you want to go fishing, we got you covered - back country, flats, offshore and reef fishing in the lower keys call: 305/744-9796 or visit www.lastcastcharters.net
Capt. Phil Thompson - Key West & Lower Keys Flats Fishing. Visit flatsfishingwithphil.net or email: philkeywest@yahoo.com. Call:305/304-0830
Capt. Scott Yetter - Fly & spin fishing for large fish in shallow water. Fish for tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda and shark in the crystal clear waters of the backcountry. Top quality gear, bait and flies provided. Beginners to experts welcome. Call: 305/304-6132 or email catchtarpon@hotmail.com or visit www.sightfishfloridakeys.com
Sight Fish Charters - Backcountry and Flats Fishing. Contact Sight Fish at 305-304-1632 or visit www.sightfishfloridakeys.com
Shallow Minded Charters - Backcountry and flats Fishing at its best. Phone 305-745-6502 or shallowmindedcharter@yahoo.com
Capt. Luke Kelly - FL/FLY/LT/BC/TP Call: 305/304-3152 Email: keyflat@mac.com Visit: www.lowerkeysflatsfishing.com
Capt. Tony Taverna OFF/REEF/INSHORE Call: 631/355-9344 Morning Star Sportfishing www.morningstarsportfishingcharters.net
Eva Marie Sportfishing OFF/REEF/WR Call:305/407-4381 / 305/304-6283 Email: bgandrews18@aol.com Capt. Barry / Capt. James

MIDDLE KEYS OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS:


World Class Deep Sea Tournament Charter Fishing!"Go Offshore With The Florida Keys Fishing Charter Professionals"
Catch Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Cobia, Dolphin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Sharks, Cero Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Goliath Grouper and more
Main Attraction ChartersPhone: 305/289-0071
Contact Main Attraction Charters: www.mainattraction.org

Main Attraction - tournament winning boats - 3 boats to choose from - Offshore fishing, reef fishing for all species. Also Tarpon Fishing during season. Call 305/289-0071 or visit www.mainattraction.org
Capt. Byron Farnes - offshore, reef and wreck fishing - Tarpon Fishing too during season - 25 years experience working for you and offering 2 boats - call 305/743-7548 or visit www.baitrunnercharters.com
Capt. Ernie Forrest - offshore, reef and gulf fishing. Call 305/289-1005 or email hiookcharters@aol.com
Capt. Butch Hewlett - Marathon - Live Bait Tarpon Fishing Only - Tournament Winning Guide - call 305/743-4594 or email bnbfishing@bellsouth.net
Capt. Lee Lucas - First Love Charters - Marathon - Offshore, Reef and Gulf fishing - call 305/289-0039 - visit marathonsportsfishing.com
Capt. Diego Cordova - Marathon - Gulf and Reef Fishing - call 305/743-7317 or visit floridakeysflats.com
Capt. Sam Nelson - flats and shallow water fishing - call 305/743-4011 or visit www.stingercharters.com
Capt. Dave Perry - Duck Key & Marathon area fishing - offshore and reef fishing. Call 305/684-8650 or visit www.eagleeyefishingcharters.com
Captain Pips Charters - offshore and reef fishing in marathon for dolphin, sailfish, grouper and more. Call 305/743-4403 or visit www.captainpips.com
Reel EnCounter Charters - offshore fishing - call 305/395-0628 or email: randyn1531@yahoo.com
SeaSquared Charters - Capt. Chris Johnson - Specialize in bottom, reef wreck and bay wreck fishing for Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, Permit, Shark, Dolphin, Wahoo. Spacious 28’ Parker and top end gear make for a fun and successful day! Families and junior anglers welcome. Offshore & Gulf Wreck fishing in Marathon. Call 305/7435305 or email: seasquaredcharters@bellsouth.net or visit www.SeaSquaredCharters.com
Capt. David Still - offshore and gulf fishing in Marathon - call 305/289-0540 or email captaindave@tacklebox.com
Capt. Donna VanKirk - Marathon - Gulf and Reef Fishing - call 305/743-2821 or email: captdonna1@aol.com
Capt. Scott Walker - offshore fishing aboard our comfortable Viking sportfish. Tournament winning captain fishing for dolphin, sailfish, grouper, and more. Call 305/743-9406 or visit www.marina@hawkscay.com for more information
Capt. Chris Walter - offshore and reef fishing - call 305/942-7039
Wild Willy Charters - Capt. Bill and Capt Mary Sampsel - offshore and reef fishing in Marathon - call 305/731-9059 or email marysampsel@comcast.net

MIDDLE KEYS BACKCOUNTRY FISHING GUIDES:

Capt. Paul Suarez- call: 305/731-7464 Licensed Captain for Hire to run your boat and teach you how to fish.
Capt. Diego Cordova - call 305/743-7317 or visit floridakeysflats.com
Capt. Richard Grathwohl - call 305/743-5122 or email: rfishnfever@att.net
Capt. Butch Hewlett - Marathon - Live Bait Tarpon Fishing Only - Tournament Winning Guide - call 305/743-4594 or email bnbfishing@bellsouth.net
Capt. Jeff Kosiba - Offshore/Backcountry/Flats/and Gulf Fishing. Call 305-360-0951 or visit www.reelfast.net
Capt. Lee Lucas - Marathon - Bay, Gulf, Tarpon and Permit - call 305/289-0039 - visit marathonsportsfishing.com
Capt. Sam Nelson - Florida keys flats and shallow water fishing. Call 305/743-4011 or visit www.stingercharters.com
Triple D Fishing Team - Backcountry, Offshore, Gulf and Flats Fishing. Call 305-289-0540 or email at captaindave@tacklebox.com
Capt. Donna VanKirk - call 305/743-2821 or email: captdonna1@aol.com
Capt. Todd Ziels - back country and flats fishing in the middle keys - call 305/289-8620 or email captziels@bellsouth.net

UPPER KEYS OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS:


Capt. Gregg Eklund is noted for many fishing tournament wins in the Islamorada area as well as features on ESPN and Fox Sports Net " Cloud Nine"305/360-7476Bud N' Mary's MarinaMM 79.5 Islamoradacheck out Capt. Greg's weekly fishing reportsIslamorada Offshore Fishing

Fish Tales Charters305/664-0050 or 305/522-4186 or visit www.fishtales.cc or email allen@fishtales.cc
· Blue Chip Charters – Offshore, Wreck and reef fishing in Islamorada Call: 305/664-8150
· Chief Charters – Offshore fishing Call 305/451-9246 or visit www.chiefcharters.com
· Challenger Charters, Inc – Over 25 years of professional offshore fishing in Islamorada. Captain Rob Dixon Call: 305/664-7149
· Captain J.R. – OffShore Call: 800/473-4106 or 305/481-0649 Visit: www.captainj-charters.com Email: captainjr@bellsouth.net
· Capt. Ron Allen - Islamorada - Fish Tales Charters - 305/664-0050 or 305/522-4186 or visit www.fishtales.cc or email allen@fishtales.cc
· Capt. George Clark - Backcountry, Offshore and Reef Fishing. Look for his fishing report on this website: Key Largo Offshore Report. You can contact Capt. George at 305-522-2638 or via email at capclark@terranova.net
· Genisis Charters - Offshore Fishing. Call 305-393-3981 or visit www.genisischarters.com
· Killer White Charters - Offshore and Reef Fishing. Call: 305-522-0374 ask for Capt. Shawn.
· Barbara Ann Charters - Offshore and Reef Fishing In Key Largo – Call:305/852-4779
· Hooked Up Charters - Islamorada - Capt,. Z – Call: 305/393-6931 or email: hookedupgladius@aol.com "Hooked up is what you'll be when you fish with us!"
· Capt. Greg Eklund (Cloud Nine Charters)- Offshore and Reef Fishing. Call: 305-360-7476 or email at cloudninegreg@bellsouth.net
· Defiant Sportfishing - Captain Adam Alfano - Offshore Fishing out of the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. Fish for dolphin, tuna, sailfish, grouper, snapper and more. Top quality captain and Crew. Call 305/393-8005 or email captainadam@msn.com. visit www.defiantsportfishing.com
· Capt. Bob Foltz - offshore fishing for dolphin, sailfish, kingfish and other offshore fishing - call 305/664-3994 or visit www.captainbobfishing.com
· Honey Do Charters - Offshore and Reef Fishing. Call 305-393-1580 or visit http://www.honeydocharters.com/
· Capt. Izzy Donatiello - Offshore, Reef, and Backcountry Fishing. Call: 305-451-2521 or visit www.reelstyle.com
· Capt. Juan Garcia - flats and back country fishing - call 305/297-0438 or email: captjuanagarcia@msn.com
· Capt. Butch Green - Offshore fishing in Islamorada out of Holiday Isle Marina aboard my Hatteras Sassy Lady Families welcome. Call 305/394-4717 or visit www.sasslyladycharters.com for more information.
· Jeannie Q Charters - Offshore and Reef Fishing out of Holiday Isle Marina aboard our well-outfitted 50 Ocean. Call 305/451-1380 or email: hend911@bellsouth.net
· Capt. Pier Milito - Offshore, Backcountry and Flats Fishing. Call 786-295-4466 or visit his website at www.fishingadventurecharters.com
· Capt. Scott Keller - Islamorada - call 305/852-7888 - or email: jankeller1@msn.com
· Capt. Joe Petrucco - offshore fishing - call 305/304-4580 or visit www.killerinstinctcharters.com
· Capt. Greg Poland - Offshore, Backcountry, Flats, and Gulf Fishing. Call 305-852-9940 or visit www.gregpoland.com
· Relentless Charters - tournament winning captain fishing out of infamous Bud 'n Mary's marina in Islamorada - call 305/853-5436 or visit www.relentlessfishing.com
· Snow Leopard Charters - Call 305/453-5393 or visit fishfloridakeys.com/snowleopard or email: captaindain@fishsnowleopard.com
· Capt. Aaron White - offshore and back country fishing the Florida keys – Call: 305/394-1251 or visit www.finominalfishing.com
· Over Under Adventures - Fishing & Air Charters Serving the Keys & Bahamas Custom 54' Bertram. Call 305/852-8015 or visit overundercharters.com
· Capt. Richard Burson R-U Fishing Yet Charters BC/FLY/LT/GF/Reef Call: 305/360-3262

UPPER KEYS FLATS & BACKCOUNTRY FISHING GUIDES:

Captain Kerry Wingo: Backcountry/Light tackle/Flats/Fly Fishing: Klcaptkw@aol.com or www.tailsupfishing.com


Captain Lain Goodwin is on the Pro Staff for Pure Fishing including Berkley, Fenwick and Abu Garcia as well as Hank Brown HookUp Lures. Capt. Lain is a licensed USCG Captain and fully insured.
Dirty Waters Charters offers backcountry fishing and lobster trips from Key Largo and Islamorada to Florida Bay, Everglades National Park and Biscayne Bay. Choose a species that you would like to pursue; Redfish, Snook, Bonefish, Trout, Tarpon, Permit and Snapper or the famous Florida Spiny Lobster.
Dirty Water Charters:Phone: 305/304-2212
Contact Main Attraction Charters: mailto:captainlain@dirtywaterscharters.comEmail:captainlain@dirtywaterscharters.com

1999 Hell’s Bay Boatworks “Guide 18” flats skiff
Guided trips include all equipment, fly or spin. Tell me your angling aspirations and I'll help take you there. And the view along the way is mighty fine, too.
A Fishing GuidePhone: 305-393-FISH (3474)
Contact Main Attraction Charters: http://www.incognitocharters.com/ Email: steve@afishingguide.com

Half Day - Full Day - All Tackle Approved Back Country/Flats/Gulf Fish Trips
Bonefish, Tarpon,Snook,Redfish Cobia,Trout,Shark
Captain Ron WagnerPhone: 305/664-2028
Contact Main Attraction Charters: http://www.incognitocharters.com/

Captain Matt Bellinger offers Charters to suit your needs. Whether your are looking for laid back day on the water or a hard charging fish 'till you drop kind of experience look no further.
Dolphin (mahi-mahi), tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and truly huge sharks! We can also look for amber jacks, permit, grouper and snappers on the many wrecks that lay just off the reef line
Bamboo Charters:Phone: 305/393-0909
Contact bamboo Charters: mailto:captainlain@dirtywaterscharters.com Email: mailto:captainlain@dirtywaterscharters.com

Capt. Lain Goodwin - Key Largo - call 305/304-2212 or email: captainlain@dirtywaterscharters.com
Capt. Steve Friedman - Islamorada- fly fishing specialty, families welcome from beginner to expert. Come experience the keys and our shallow water fishing on my 18' Hells Bay. Call 305/393-3474 or visit http://www.afishingguide.com/
Capt. George Clark Jr - Key Largo - call 305/522-2638 or email: capclark@terranova.net
Capt. Matt Bellinger - Islamorada - call 305/393-0909 or email mailto:gofish101@bellsouth.net
Capt. Dave Atkinson - flats fishing in Islamorada - call 305/664-2275 or visit http://www.nopolitics.com/]
Capt. Ted Benbow - flats fishing - call 305/393-0363 or visit http://www.skinsandfinscharters.com/
Capt. Chris Barron - flats fishing - call 305/852-4506 or visit http://www.straycatscharters.com/
Capt. Eric Bass - Islamorada - call 305/393-1113 or email bayside@terranova.net
Born and Raised Backcountry Charters - Capt. Mike Bassett - Islamorada- live bait, light tackle specialty 305/853-5541 or 305/394-0013 cell
Capt. Greg & Danny Brown - Experience Airboat Fishing - call 305/451-2980 or visit airboatingusa.com
Capt. Richard Burson - flats and back country fishing - call 305/360-3262 or visit http://www.rufishingyet.com/
Capt. David Applegate - flats and shallow water fishing - call 305/304-0342
Capt. Randy Crenshaw - Hyperactivity Guide Service - Enjoy a great day of sport fishing on spin, plug or fly Everglades National Park or inshore Keys flats. Fly casting lessons available for beginners or enhance your current skills. Call 305/852-9162 hm, or 305/979-9636 cell or visit skinnywaterfish.com
Capt. Billy Dahlberg - skinny water fishing at it's best - call 305/664-keys or visit http://www.finaddictfishingcharters.com/
Capt. Tom DeMoss - visit kemosabecharters.com or call 305/393-1108
Capt. Kip Dougherty - call 305/451-8908 or email: captkip@evergladesfishing.com
Capt. Billy Ellenwood - Islamorada - Specializing in fly fishing and light tackle from my Mercury powered Hell's Bay Marquesa in the waters of Biscayne Bay, Islamorada, Flamingo & White Water Bay. Call 305/393-6173
Capt. Jeff Pfister - shallow water fishing for all species - call 877.362-5743 or visit http://www.docksidecharters.com/
All Tackle Charters - flats fishing - call 305/664-9436 or visit http://www.captaintedwilson.com/
Capt. Juan Garcia - flats and back country fishing - call 305/297-0438 or email: captjuanagarcia@msn.com
Capt. Wells Gable - Shallow water fishing specialty. Fly and spin tackle, sight fishing on Islamorada Flats to Florida Bay. Call 305/522-2373 or email captwellsgable@msn.com
Capt Mitch Mitchell Flats/Backcountry - Call:305/587-1150 http://www.reelchaoscharters.com/
Capt. Mark Hlis - Islamorada - call 305/664-8547 or email: tarpon@bellsouth.net
Capt. Ann Holhan - flats and shallow water fishing for bonefish in Islamorada - call 305/664-5891 or visit http://www.boneranger.com/
Capt. John Houpt - light tackle fishing in the Florida Key's flats and shallow waters. Call 305/393-6844 or visit http://www.badfishcharters.com/ for more information.
Capt. Kiwi Hughes - Islamorada - Fly fishing and light tackle sight fishing specialty. Fishing the pristine flats of the Upper Keys to Everglades National Park. Beginners to advanced anglers...families always welcome. Call 305/394-0588
Capt. Scott Keller - Islamorada - call 305/852-7888 or email jankeller1@msn.com
Capt. Pete King - Fishing Key Largo to Islamorada and all of Everglades National Park, for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Redfish. Call 305/766-4106 or visit captainpeteking.com
Capt. Mike Makowski - flats and shallow water fishing - call 305/481-0111 or visit http://www.blackfootfishing.com/
Capt. Pier Milito - back country fishing in the upper keys and biscayne bay area. Call 786/295-4466 or visis http://www.fishingadventurecharters.com/.
Capt. Greg Poland - back country and gulf wreck fishing also offshore -- You choose and we'll get you there and on the fish. Call 305/852-9940 or visit http://www.gregpoland.com/
Capt. Bruce Pollock - shallow water fishing the the florida keys - Call 305/393-5269 or email captainbruceedge@yahoo.com
Reel Mell-O Charters - fishing the Islamorada flats and back country for bonefish, redfish and more. Call 305/393-0232 or visit http://www.reelmello.com/
Capt. Chuck Schafstall - call 305/852-4522 or email keys7315@aol.com
Capt. Larry Sydnor - Islamorada - call 305/393-2993 or visit captlarrysydnor.com or email capt@tailspinfishing.com for more fishing information.
Tailspin Charters - Capt. Mark Johnson - member Redfish Tour, tournament winner - Call 305/393-0900 or visit floridakeysfunfishing.com
Capt. Cliff Tatje - permit, tarpon, bonefish, and more -- come fish with us in the Florida Keys. Call 888/783-8489 or visit captcliff.com
Capt. Paul Tejera - Islamorada - call 305/852-7888 or email captbackbone@gmail.com
Capt. Rich Tudor - tournament winning guide for fishing the entire keys on a choice of skeeter or hells bay boat. Call 305/393-3461 or visit http://www.saltwaterexperience.com/ for more information
Capt. Bobby Vaughn - call 305/522-1873 or visit keysfishingguide.com
Capt. Jeff VanDerAve - Specializing in Fly fishing and Light Tackle sight fishing from the pristine flats of the upper keys to Everglades National Park. Beginners to advanced anglers....families always welcome. Call 305/393-6940 or email: flatitudescharters@netzero.net
Capt. Tadd Van Demark - shallow water fishing for bonefish and every species in the Florida keys shallow waters. Call 305/522-5576 or visit http://www.sneakattackcharters.com/
Capt. Aaron White - flats fishing - call 305/394-1251 or visit http://www.finominalfishing.com/
Laid Back Charters - Capt Brian Cutchins - Islamorada, Robbie's Marina bonefish, redfish, snook, tarpon, trout, etc305/853-0124 or 305/393-0196
List your charter business with The Weekly Fisherman

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with my last post and it's considerably less professional. But read this anyway.

I was going through some files on my computer the other day and ran accross a quote that I read online. I was in some artist's forum or group and saw this quote and I had to save it. I thought it was pretty funny.

"everyone is always looking for an artist to help them out but, not just any artist, an artist with experience (usually years) It seems that people think "we'll advertise for you" is a practical method of payment? So here's what I think, to the man searching for an artists donation, go ****in' draw some stick figures until you understand how much goes into a piece of artwork, or art in general. Then look into your wallet (like you did for your lawyer) and pay someone some ****in' money to visually represent you! Anyone else agree?

(I couldn't help it)

http://www.chartworksart.com

Let me start by saying that I have been drawing all my life. I spent my early adult years in a very stressful Hotel/Event Management career and approx. 9 years ago I went out on a limb and quit my real job and have been a freelance Illustrator since then.

I began doing Sportfishing Tournament art and individual private commissions. I was lucky enough to have made a few well-placed business contacts in my Event job. I got some of my first art jobs through them. I designed artwork for the Private Club that I had resigned from.

I also used the computer/contract/professional skills and confidence that I had learned at my previous job to keep me going.

In event planning no request is too big or too small. You have to be able to handle anything anyone can ask you to figure out, no matter how big, or crazy.

My Parents have a Picture Framing business and that has also helped me out. I meet all kinds of interesting people and learn a lot about art. I was talking to a new artist in town the other day. She is a very talented painter and we started talking about business. She was asking where to go and what to do to get started selling her art in town. I don't think that she had done much homework yet but had a friend that was photographing her artwork for her and was going to give it to her on a disc. I told her that I do a considerable amount of my own printing and packaging and that she didn't have to pay someone else to do most of her computer and printing work. I said that I would show her a few things. Then I realized a lot of other Artists could use the same advice.

- You have to invest in your own business. I'm a firm believer in "You have to spend money to make money". I didn't have much at the beginning but if you're careful you don't need much.

Here are a few of the things I told her, maybe they can help you too:

- If you intend to make selling your artwork your business, buy these books AND read them. "Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, Pricing and Ethical Guidelines" it's full of good information on Legal rights and Issues, Business Practices, Graphic Design/Illustration Trade Practices, Contracts etc. Each year there's a new "Artists and Graphic Designers Market" - It is full of more useful information and is also a Directory of people who buy art and what they pay, what they require etc. Very helpful.

- Buy your own large format printer. You can buy one that prints up to 13" x 19" for around $650.00. That includes a "duplexer" that allows you to print double-sided pages. You'll need that to produce your own catalogs. You can make a professional catalog on your own. Really. I'll tell you how later. I have the HP cp1700. I've had it for years, it's printed 1000's & 1000's of copies and still going strong. It paid for itself in no time.

- Have Professional Business Cards. If you can't design your own. Go to www.overnightprints.com. There they walk you through doing the text and uploading your images. They actually print them overnight too.

- Buy (or Borrow) a copy of Adobe Photoshop 7.0 or higher. This is very important. You'll also need a program to lay out labels, note cards and catalogs. I use Microsoft Publisher. I know some people say it's outdated but it works for me. It's also on the second disc of the Microsoft Business Office set that most businesses have. You'll probably know someone with a copy. Both of these are available on E-bay. You can probably get them at a good price. Make sure that they haven't been registered and come with the product ID/Code.

- Order bags to package your art in from www.clearbags.com. They are really inexpensive and they look professional.

- Find a local Framer and see if you can get a deal on buying a box of mats and foamcore backing. They come by the 32" x 40" sheet and you can cut them yourself. You can also buy smaller mats in standard sizes from www.clearbags.com. There are also a whole bunch of other online sources.

- If you don't have access to a mat cutter, buy one.

- Now you can produce, mat, back and package your own prints. I t may seem like a lot of money at first. You should buy everything in quantity to get discounts. REMEMBER You are going to need all those supplies - You're going out there to be successful.

There are also good "Dummies" books for Photoshop and Publisher. I used them. I also spent jillions of hours learing how to make those programs do just what I wanted. I asked a lot of questions and read the "Help" sections a time or twelve. You shoud too.

More tips and resources later.

My e-mail address is chartworksart@bellsouth.net Please let me know if I can answer any questions or maybe you could suggest an article.

All the Best to You - Marjorie http://www.chartworksart.com