Why create at all?

If someone came up to you on the street today and asked you why you do what you do for a living — what would your response be?
I've had a few clients ask me how I ever got into art in the first place, since it seems to be an unlikely career pursuit. Was it to get attention? A way to excel where others were not so gifted? Well that's a hard question to answer because it's been a while since I thought like a five year old *wink." I do however remember being in awe of my cousin who could draw Disney princesses and I vowed that if I worked hard enough on my drawing skills, one day I could be as good as she was. I suppose that was the start of honing in on my craft. Since then it's been a bit more of a complicated path to follow. Do I paint for myself? Or do I paint for my audience?

I think it becomes apparent when an artist starts to paint exclusively for the audience — and in turn, for the end profit; something in the artwork becomes lost. Call it soul or artistic passion, but I can always tell when my heart isn't in a piece. Which is why I was so delighted to get a commission job for a painting that involved water! (pictures to be posted on my facebook page after Christmas).

So the question has become — how can I successfully paint for myself and for my audience? I'm still learning how to marry the two. Perhaps the answer lies in getting a Rep? More on that later.

Owning Artwork doesn't have to break the bank

At this time of year, money can be tight! But buying artwork that you love doesn't have to break the bank.

Instead of selling purely original artwork for a steep amount, many artists are also taking into consideration the other 99%. Websites such as Society6 offer you artwork at a fraction of the price of the original. So if you're not concerned with an investment piece, and would gladly settle for a print—this is the direction for you! And just because it's a print doesn't mean it needs to look like it. A lot of fine art publishers are now offering art printed on canvas. So what is the incentive for an artist to sell prints? Although 100% of the proceeds don't go directly to the artist, it is a way to make art accessible to the masses... and I think worth the pay cut.

Adapting... shade by shade

Artists these days need to be chameleons! I swear I've been all shades of the rainbow this past week. Job hunting is frustrating enough to send any poor chameleon into a raging RED fit! Lol. I've been busy adapting my portfolio and resume depending on the job title: Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Art Director etc. And it's no wonder we are constantly changing our job pursuits. The world is constantly changing, and as a result so is the art it inspires. Despite the craziness of trying to expand my freelance client base, I've managed to put in some time in front of my easel. Now that's what I call therapy! but....now to look for art galleries....

Go Play - direct mail

(click on image to enlarge)

I'm in a great mood despite the weather outside. How often does a great artist like Kiff Holland say that he would have bought my painting? Not everyday! Now that's a compliment. Plus I got a great review on all of my portfolio illustrations (this one included). Life is good! I can't believe how many illustrations I've produced since January. Hard work really does pay off!