Your Power as an Entrepreneur

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by Carolyn Edlund

Starting your own business is empowering. It puts you in the position to make decisions and control your own destiny.

 

 

Often, self-employed artists believe they have little power. They may think they are at the mercy of a gallery that could potentially represent them, or prospective customers who are difficult to deal with. However, becoming an entrepreneur is a positive step of self-empowerment that gives you the autonomy to decide what is best for your business and your life. You are the CEO of your art business, with benefits and responsibilities. Let’s take a look at a few examples of what you can control, and obligations you have.

What do you have control over?

  • What you want to make and offer for sale. You design and create the work that you want to sell. You can decide what items, if any, will not be sold. If your work is diverse, you may have different collections under different brand names, and even have more than one website to represent them if you like.
  • How you earn your income. Want to wholesale your collection? Sell retail? Interested in doing commission work? Prefer to license your art? Would you rather sell online, at fairs and festivals, or through studio events? Or does gallery representation sound best for you? Make those decisions given your own situation and your goals. Choose those forms of commerce that fit best and pursue them.
  • The customers you approach. As a business owner, you are free to choose the customer base that you want to attract. You can do this by entering a chosen marketplace, setting particular price points, and creating a brand and marketing messages that align with it. In this way, you position yourself deliberately rather than hoping others will find you.
  • The prices you charge. There is no reason not to charge whatever prices you feel you can get for your work. You don’t have to keep prices low, or follow a particular formula if you feel the perceived value of your work can carry a higher price. It’s up to you. The results you get may show that your prices are on point, should be raised, or reconfigured. Use that information to continue to hone your pricing.
  • Whether you are willing to donate. Have you received requests to donate work for auctions, charities, etc.? You can say yes, or no, or counter with different terms if you like. As the artist you cannot deduct the retail value of work that you contribute from your taxes, only the cost of your materials. Decide what is best for your business and also fulfills your charitable goals.
  • Your terms. Do you want to sell your work on a pre-paid basis only? Or accept a payment plan over time? Will you offer a discount to repeat collectors? Create terms that make sense for your business, and put them in writing. Place them on a page on your website and have a physical document with terms for in-person sales.  If you work on commission or are negotiating a custom job, make sure you have a contract that meets your needs. If you are consigning, get it in writing. Read any proffered contract; if changes need to be made, counter with your own version. You have the right to set terms that work for you.
  • Whether to say yes or no to a sale or an offer. You can walk away from opportunities or sales that your studio cannot accommodate or that don’t interest you. If you have an overly difficult customer, you may want to have an honest discussion and let them know that you won’t be able to accept orders in the future.
  • Whether to ramp up your business, or tone it down. As an entrepreneur, you determine the roadmap and pace of your business. Do you need to take a sabbatical? Interested in retiring or selling your business? Want to take your current collection into an entirely new direction? That’s your call. No one else makes these choices for you.
  • Your hours and place of business. Whether you operate a studio with regular business hours, choose to have a seasonal business, or operate solely online, it’s up to you. You might want to work from home, or balance your studio and family responsibilities in a unique way to accommodate your needs and give you a reasonable schedule. That is one of the greatest perks of being an entrepreneur.

What are you obligated to do?

  • Be upfront and honest with people. Your business approach and your customer service comes from integrity. It’s the right thing to do (and will keep you out of trouble.)
  • Not discriminate. You can’t refuse to do business with anyone based on race, religion, disability or other factors; discrimination is illegal.
  • Make sure your terms are fair and clear. Communicate these to your customers, and work to resolve any problems as they come up. Having comprehensive written terms on your website and in your materials helps.
  • Honor your contracts. If you have an agreement, keep it. If you have issues or need to renegotiate, get in touch with the other party to discuss.
  • Follow through. Your word is your bond. Make sure you are trustworthy and dependable, ship on time or make a phone call if extenuating circumstances wreak havoc with your schedule. Communication is key to building strong relationships.

Taking the high road by fulfilling your obligations as a business owner with integrity is part of the package, and it enhances your reputation and credibility. Having the autonomy to set your course and do business as you like is a great benefit of being self-employed. Add in motivation to work hard and the persistence to see it through and you will have a successful business model.

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

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Visual Marketing and its Positive Impact on Business Development

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In a fast-paced digital era where our decisions are often influenced by what we see, visual marketing has become an essential tool for businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Ranging from eye-catching graphics to engaging videos, visual marketing techniques play a crucial role in creating a memorable brand image and driving customer engagement. This article will delve deep into the importance of visual marketing and its positive implications on business development.

The Power of Visual Content

The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” has never been more relevant. With the rise of platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat, visual content dominates the online space. Let’s break down the significance of visual marketing:

  • Attention Grabbing: In an age of information overload, the average attention span of consumers is dwindling. Visual content, being more digestible and engaging, ensures that the message is not only seen but also remembered.
  • Enhances Brand Recall: It’s easier to remember a striking image or a compelling video than a block of text. Visuals, when done right, can evoke emotions, which in turn increase brand recall.
  • Facilitates Understanding: Infographics, for example, can simplify complex data and make it accessible to the layman. Visual representations provide clarity and can articulate a brand’s value proposition efficiently.

Let’s consider the example of Legjobbkaszino.hu. As a site with reviews of various online casino brands, bonuses, available games, and payment methods in online casinos, it relies heavily on visual cues. The banners showcasing various casino brands, vibrant icons indicating different games, and flashy graphics representing bonuses — all these contribute to attracting visitors and ensuring they get all the necessary information at a glance.

Visual Marketing in Business Development

The integration of visual marketing strategies can lead to exponential growth in various business sectors. Here’s how:

  • Boosts Engagement: Visual content, be it images, videos, or GIFs, inherently invites more engagement than plain text. More likes, shares, and comments lead to a wider reach and, subsequently, more potential customers.
  • Drives Sales: Visual representation of products or services can significantly influence purchase decisions. A well-taken photo of a product or an engaging video explaining a service can convince potential customers of its value.
  • Enhances Online Presence: Given the algorithms of social media platforms, visual content tends to get more visibility. A business with a strong visual presence online will invariably attract more traffic to its website or platform.
  • Supports SEO Strategies: Visual content, when optimized with relevant keywords, alt-text, and descriptions, can improve a site’s SEO. It means better visibility on search engines and, thus, more organic traffic.

Online casinos have utilized visual marketing with great success. Take the super dice slot machine in an online casino, for example. Its visually appealing graphics, vibrant colors, and engaging animations can instantly grab a player’s attention. These visuals are not just about aesthetics but also about enhancing user experience. As the reels spin, the animations and sound effects create an immersive experience, making players feel like they are in a real casino.

The Changing Landscape of Visual Marketing

As technology evolves, so do the tools and techniques available for visual marketing. The shift has been profound, from static images to dynamic, interactive visuals, from 2D graphics to augmented reality (AR) experiences.

Interactive Content: With advances in web technologies, interactive graphics have gained traction. Such graphics allow users to engage, click, and explore, turning passive viewers into active participants.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Brands are beginning to incorporate VR and AR into their marketing campaigns. These tools offer a 3D, immersive experience, letting customers “try” products virtually or immerse themselves in a simulated environment.

For instance, imagine if Legjobbkaszino.hu integrated AR into their platform. Users could virtually “walk” through different online casinos, exploring game rooms, or even trying out a demo of ‘super dice’ with lifelike graphics. Such experiences would redefine user engagement, making the platform not just informative but also immersive.

Visual Marketing and Storytelling

While visuals capture attention, it’s the stories they tell that capture hearts. Modern brands understand this symbiosis between visual content and storytelling.

Video Content: With platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, video content has become the medium of choice for storytelling. Videos can convey emotion, information, and brand ethos in a concise yet powerful manner.

Brand Aesthetics: Consistent visuals across all marketing channels create a cohesive brand story. From the color scheme to the style of images, consistent aesthetics reinforce brand identity.

Consider the story that ‘super dice’ slot machine could convey. Beyond the fun graphics, there could be a narrative about luck, strategy, or the nostalgia of classic casino games. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience, a journey that players embark on.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the evident advantages, visual marketing is not without challenges.

  • Saturation: The online space is cluttered with visual content. Standing out requires not just high-quality visuals but also a unique, authentic perspective.
  • Keeping Up with Trends: The world of visual marketing is ever-evolving. Brands need to stay updated with the latest tools, platforms, and consumer preferences.
  • Resource Intensive: High-quality visual content, especially videos or AR experiences, requires significant resources in terms of time, money, and expertise.

However, with challenges come opportunities. The increasing integration of AI and machine learning offers a glimpse into the future of personalized visual marketing. Imagine a scenario where Legjobbkaszino.hu offers personalized visual tours based on user preferences or where ‘super dice’ adapts its visuals based on player behavior.

In an increasingly digital world, visual marketing has become the linchpin of effective branding and business development. Brands, be it review platforms like Legjobbkaszino.hu or engaging slot machines like ‘super dice’, need to harness the power of visuals to connect, engage, and inspire their audience. The road ahead is rife with innovation, and those who adapt will not only survive but thrive.

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How Music Shapes Art for Kathy Lajvardi | TAA Podcast Season 5, Episode 24 – How to Sell Art Online

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Welcome to season five, episode 24 of The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of “the starving artist” and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

Today’s guest is Kathy Lajvardi, a contemporary mixed media artist based in Laguna Beach, California. Kathy was born in Iran and later migrated to the US when she was nine-years-old – a cultural shift that has shaped her as an artist, designer, author and curator. Her diverse artistic background ranges from reflective resin to large-scale paintings that tell a story, are conceptual, and raise awareness.

“You just have to constantly promote yourself, and not wait for someone else to promote you.” — Kathy Lajvardi

In this episode, Kathy shares her journey as an artist, from earning her BFA to working with high-profile clients such as Madonna, Beyonce, Lexus, Disney, and Apple. She further talks about how the late night brainstorming sessions with her husband have turned into actual successful projects over the years, and offers her perspective on the Iranian art and culture scene pre and post the 1979 revolution, and how that has influenced her art.

Join us in this podcast to learn more about Kathy’s art journey, and why she thinks artists should go all out to promote their art themselves rather than waiting to get “discovered”.

In this episode:

[0:35] Cory welcomes Kathy to the TAA podcast and asks her to introduce herself to the TAA audience.
[1:20] Kathy talks about how she went on from earning her art degree to working on motion graphics projects for celebrity musicians, movies and companies like Apple.
[4:35] She transitioned into digital experience post her marriage and the birth of her children, and started managing the Graphics department in her husband’s advertising agency.
[6:25] How Kathy and her husband started organizing wine events with winemakers.
[6:38] What was the Somxx event and how did it happen?
[9:22] Cory asks Kathy about her connection with Iran.
[10:57] Kathy explains the connection between her art and the music she likes to listen to, and why she always works with her headphones on.
[13:52] Kathy further talks about her background, and how her choice of music was received by her family.
[17:50] Cory asks Kathy to describe her series titled “Unbreakable Queens”.
[18:52] Kathy further talks about the Iranian singer Googoosh and her struggles, and how that has inspired the artist’s “Unbreakable Queens” series.
[22:05] Kathy offers her thoughts on what Iran used to be like before the 1979 revolution.
[23:17] Kathy explains in detail how she and her husband organize the events, from visualizing to planning the details to getting sponsors.
[30:35] Kathy deep dives into how once she knows what she wants, she plans the steps needed to achieve that.
[32:17] Why the “hustle mentality” is important, and how social media can be used as a platform to reach a wider audience.
[32:44] Kathy takes her marketing flyers everywhere she goes.
[33:29] Art dealers can surely accelerate an artist’s career, but Kathy insists that an artist can be their own art dealer too.
[34:21] Cory asks Kathy how her events/parties convert into sales.
[37:15] Cory thanks Kathy for joining the podcast!

Resources mentioned:

Kathy Lajvardi’s website
Sommx event
Drive Through Napa
Drive Through Paso Robles
Unbreakable Queens series by Kathy Lajvardi

About the guest:

Kathy Lajvardi is a contemporary mixed media artist based in Laguna Beach, California. Her artistic background ranges from reflective resin to large-scale paintings that tell a story, are conceptual, and raise awareness. After earning a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Kathy pursued a professional career in advertising film and entertainment. Over the past two decades she has received more than 20 awards for design and art direction. Her art has been featured in Iron Man and Transformers movies. Kathy has also illustrated wine books, designed interiors, and curated events.



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The Art Biz ep. 160: Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley

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Heather Beardsley’s art has been influenced by extensive travel and residencies in diverse cultures. This started with her year in Vienna as a Fulbright Scholar and then continued for several years until the pandemic shut down her residency in Kyiv, Ukraine.

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©Heather Beardsley, Strange Plants, Dollhouse. Air-dry clay and acrylic varnish on artist's childhood dollhouse, 30 x 32.5 x 25 inches.

Like everyone else, Heather had to pivot upon returning to the U.S. She used the downtime to her advantage by getting organized and shaping her career path.

In our conversation in this episode of The Art Biz, you’ll hear how she managed to transform her social anxiety into opportunities—realizing that real growth could only happen when she overcame the urge to play it safe by sticking to open calls for entry.

Heather has learned to navigate the complex art world with intention while connecting with institutions and curators to propel her career.

She shares her experiences of the following:

  • Securing exhibition fees, grants, and residencies while managing expectations.
  • The importance of being organized and ready for opportunities.
  • Using Microsoft OneNote to organize opportunities and deadlines.
  • Building authentic relationships within the art world where so much can seem transactional.

You’ll also hear about Heather’s current solo show at the Chrysler Museum of Art and how it came about.

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Listen

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Coming soon. Please join me for ...

Mentioned

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Quotes

“I think it just forces you to grow as a person being in other cultures constantly. It's very easy when you're in one place to surround yourself with people who are like you, who think like you, and so it takes much more effort to force yourself out of your comfort zone, but when you're traveling that just has to happen.”—Heather Beardsley

On anxiety about reaching out to art world players: “The people that reach out too much, they're not worried that they're reaching out too much. So the fact that we're conscientious enough to have some concerns and think through it means that you're probably okay.”—Heather Beardsley

“You have to just keep applying year after year. And in the meantime you still need to be doing things.”—Heather Beardsley

“There’s a difference between making professional connections and using people.”—Alyson Stanfield

Heather Beardsley working in studio
Heather working on a large sculpture at her La Box residency in Bourges, France in the spring of 2022.

About My Guest

Heather Beardsley creates mixed-media projects at the intersection of art, science, and environmental issues, resulting in her first solo museum exhibition, Heather Beardsley: Strange Plants, at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA in 2023.

Upon receiving her MFA in fiber from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2015, Heather spent a year in Vienna, Austria on a Fulbright Scholarship for Installation Art. She has shown her work both nationally and internationally, including group exhibitions at Science Gallery Dublin, Museo del Traje in Madrid, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museum Rijswijk in the Netherlands.

Follow her on Instagram @heather_beardsley

Heather Beardsley

The post The Art Biz ep. 160: Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley appeared first on Art Biz Success.



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ENVZN23 Takes Over San Diego’s Logan Heights

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Art Business News Editor, Linda Mariano, has been in conversation with Susanna Peredo Swap throughout the planning of Vanguard Culture’s upcoming ENVZN23 event. It’s going to be an exciting one-of-a-kind event that promises to engage the whole family in a broad range of art and cultural activities.

Q: What and when is ENVZN23 and why is Vanguard Culture creating the event?

A: ENVZN23 Urban Art Takeover is a one-of-a-kind visual & performing arts festival that will transform numerous warehouses, industrial spaces, and other urban areas of the Commercial Street corridor in Logan Heights with multi-sensory art interventions by creatives from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. 

Q: What and who is Vanguard Culture?

A: Vanguard Culture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to advancing San Diego’s creative industry workforce. This is our 10th anniversary year of programming award-winning arts journalism, professional development for creatives, and unique-cross industry events that encourage creative collaboration across the visual, performing, and culinary arts.

Q: How do you work?

A: We are a volunteer-powered organization with over 30 passionate arts leaders from film, theatre, dance, visual arts, music, fashion, and culinary arts. This dynamic group of highly connected and innovative creators share the fundamental belief that together we can achieve amazing things. This openness to collaborate and share resources is at the core of everything we do and it is what makes our events so special.

Q: What visual arts will be involved in ENVZN? How were they selected?

A: There are 15 visual artists and arts groups participating from both sides of the US/Mexico border. They include a 56′ long “chalk art walk” by ArtWalk San Diego; a virtual reality experience around the world by San Diego Sister Cities Association; and an 8′ tall face of a Native American woman by XoQue with gigantic tentacle-like braids made from blankets and sheets overtaking a shoe factory.

Individual artists include Cat Chiu Phillips with a large installation of traditional Barong Tagalog shirts quilted together to tell the story of the local Filipino community; The Alchemist by Debby and Larry Kline’s which is a 9′ tall ancient/futuristic warrior made of aluminum cans. The accompanying 2D artwork reflects on industry and overconsumption and the entire installation is set inside of a screen-printing warehouse that feels like a gigantic spaceship. One of my favorite pieces is a video art installation by Perry Vasquez and Lianne Thompson Mueller called Mexus Nexus Fluxus. This immersive outdoor audio/visual projection is set “inside” of an authentic Mexican Coffee House and explores the history and culture of San Diego’s Mexican American neighborhoods from Barrio Logan to National City and beyond.

Q: What do you expect to achieve? Will there be an ENVZN24?

A:  ENVZN has 4 specific goals.

  1. To showcase a diverse range of visual, performing, and culinary artists from both sides of the US/Mexico border.
  2. To highlight Commercial Street in Logan Heights as an up-and-coming urban arts district and help enable it to flourish economically and culturally.
  3. To secure the San Diego / Tijuana region’s reputation as a cultural destination and increase cultural tourism dollar.
  4. To level the playing field by ensuring programming balance between established arts institutions, smaller up-and-coming arts orgs, and individual artists.

ENVZN is designed as a recurring event and am thrilled to share that it will return during the year-long celebrations of World Design Capital San Diego – Tijuana 2024 for an audience of thousands of design professionals, art patrons, and other culture-seekers from the San Diego/Tijuana region and around the world.

Q: Vanguard Culture has done events many times in the past. What’s different about ENVZN23? And what have been the challenges in organizing an event like this?

A: After 10 years of programming and community-building across dozens of industries, the one thing we’ve gotten very good at is bringing creatives together who would typically never intersect. This cross-industry approach has created a tighter community that is more open to creative collaboration and a sharing of resources. This festival is a manifestation of 10 years of that consistent effort and I’m so proud of how well it is all coming together – all with the goal of creating something truly meaningful and transformative for the region.

Our first urban art takeover was produced in a condominium complex in Downtown San Diego called IDEA1. The event was similar in scope in terms of programming, but it was all contained inside a single building. That event was completely sold out and was even featured on the National Geographic Channel!

The ENVZN Urban Art Takeover has similar components but sprawls across seven warehouses and industrial spaces along a 2-block corridor, so of course there are logistical challenges with that effort. Thankfully we have brought together a powerhouse team of professionals in marketing, logistics, development, and curation to make it all come together and I am hopeful that it will all come together beautifully.

Q: What else should our readers know about ENVZN23?

A: One of the fun components of the festival is that programming will change every 30 minutes so that audiences can create their own visual and performing arts lineup. You just show up, look at the schedule for that time slot and decide whether you want to see a fashion show, a short film festival, and immersive art experience, or a dance or theatre performance. It’s up to you!

Readers of Art Business News can receive 20% off using the promo code ARTSD23 here: www.bit.ly/ENVZNSD

All images courtesy of Vanguard Culture 2023.


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Encouraging Voter Awareness Through Digital Art

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In anticipation of the upcoming election, Goldman Global Arts and When We All Vote have partnered with thirteen diverse artists to create a digital art campaign that will be displayed in stadiums and arenas across the United States. Goldman Global Arts is a creative agency that curated the iconic Wynwood Walls in Miami and the Houston Bowery Wall in New York City. Michelle Obama’s nonpartisan voting organization, When We All Vote, has commissioned Goldman Global Arts to produce original artworks of American artists to create a digital platform to not only spread the message to vote, but also to inspire those to vote.

The group of world-renowned artists includes Aliyah Sidge, Beau Stanton, Buff Monster, David Flores, Greg Mike, Hueman, Kayla Mahaffey, Kai, Mojo, Peter Tunney, Reggie “RAL86” Le Flore, Shepard Fairey, and Queen Andrea. These artists will create digital murals that will be showcased in locations across the US including, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks United Center, Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center, Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center, Los Angeles Football Club Band of California Stadium, Miami Heat American Airlines Arena, Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum, Washington Wizards Capital One Arena, Washington Nationals Park, Cleveland Cavaliers Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, San Francisco Giants Oracle Park, Oakland A’s Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, and Times Square in New York City.

Founder of Goldman Global Arts, Jessica Goldman Srebnick, believes “art has the power to unite. It has the power to amplify messages of hope and encourage dialogue. Art has the power to create change. We are proud to work with When We All Vote to bring together 13 American Artists to amplify the importance of every vote and broadcast that message on billboards across the country while also sharing these original works in a vibrant social media campaign. It is a project I am exceedingly proud of. No matter your party, we must do our part to protect democracy, we must all VOTE.”

The murals launched on Monday, October 5th, 2020 featuring the city’s local artist and a rotating exhibit of each digital piece. The focus is to encourage civic engagement and voting among Americans. Each artist was selected for their talent and contribution to art around the world.

Shepard Fairey

“This vote ballot box is a visual call to action that your vote counts. It’s there at the ballot box so when we all vote, democracy really does work!”

Queen Andrea

Queen-Andrea

“The style of my art piece harkens back to retro American 1970’s sassy script lettering that has character and flare. I combined this classic and bold script with colorful 3D block letters to complete the phrase “Vote Loud Vote Proud!”, which is further amplified by bands of gradation color that outline the words. The bold color palette is exciting, fun, and engaging. Voting is so important during any and every election, so I chose a classic retro style to honor the longevity of sustained democracy through voting.”

David Flores

David-Flores

“This piece serves as a reminder of the many individuals that are impacted by our right to vote and how it should not be taken lightly. For me, I often think about my ancestors and the various Black Americans that fought for our own justice and equality, and how this same energy can be utilized for the rights of others—in my current and surrounding communities and for those that will come after.”

Greg Mike

Greg-Mike

“My WWAV piece is a representation of a vast community of characters all coming together collectively to VOTE. The artwork was inspired by a piece I created in 2014 titled “PEACE OF MIND”, which featured a group of characters coming together to form a Peace Symbol in a similar fashion. I hope it’ll catch some eyes and tell a story of how it’s our duty to hit the polls and VOTE LOUD!”

Mojo

Mojo

“‘Up 2 Us’ is an exhibition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech. As we stand on the shoulders of our American ancestors who declared their humanity with the right to vote, it’s our duty to use our voices and ballots to unite and walk side by side into our Peace Filled Promise Land.”

Buff Monster

Buff-Monster

“Every election year, the stakes seem to get higher and higher. This election comes at such a stressful and trying time for so many, and will dramatically affect how we recover, collectively. Earlier this year, I donated art for some PSA posters that went up around NYC; this project allows me to continue to use my work to inspire and motivate.”

Kai

Kai

“I thought using the iconic Statue of Liberty was important because for immigrants it has always been such a powerful symbol of the American Dream and the chance to have a fair and fresh new start. Many immigrants came from poverty and unfair circumstances and the statue symbolize freedom and hope. Go vote and don’t stop pursuing your American Dream.”

Reggie “RAL86” LeFlore

Reggie-RAL86-Le-Flore

“I see this project as an opportunity to remind everyone on how the incredibly simple act of voting can impact so much more than who we elect for the Oval Office – especially with regards to the many marginalized communities in America that are affected by it.”

Peter Tunney

Peter-Tunney

“Words do matter! Language remains our most powerful tool and form of communication. I like to sit and with each one of these 4 words. Each word is densely packed with meaning—so I like to use words—it’s what I do!”

Beau Stanton

“If we can make some art to encourage a more representative outcome in this election, I am 100% into that. By voting, we are keeping the torch lit and illuminating our ability to imagine progress. Let’s make it happen.”

Heuman

Hueman

“My design is of many hands holding ballots, their arms draped in green robes that allude to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of our free country. Textiles play a big part in my work, and this image illustrates that voting is the fabric of our democracy.”

Aliyah Sidge

Aliyah-Sidqe

“So many people have fought for our right to vote. My artwork represents past and present. I hope that it gives people a sense of pride and honor when they view it.”

Kayla Mahaffey

Kayla-Mahaffey

“While making this piece, I wanted to highlight the importance of the youth growing up and eventually being able to vote. They will grow up and be the voices of the next generation and we should all make sure they see this opportunity in a positive light of bettering their future.”


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Featured Artist Carol Morrison | Artsy Shark

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Explore the world of printmaker Carol Morrison, whose work is inspired by the complex urban environment. See more of her portfolio on her website.

 

“Happened Overnight” Edition Variable I/IV, Image 20 3/4″ x 28 3/8″, Paper 20 3/4″ x 28 3/8″

 

I’m a city kid. I’ve been infused with the geography of Brooklyn’s streets and structures as well as the rowdy green flourishing in its parks and gardens and sidewalk cracks. I grew up making art here in this place of unpredictable creative collaboration. All of that is expressed in my work as a fine art printmaker.

 

abstract woodcut by printmaker Carol Morrison

“Bright Points, Like Stars” Woodcut, Edition Variable I/IV, Image 18″ x 24″, Paper 22″ x 30″

 

When I start a plate, I never have a plan. I just take one step after another. It’s like how I walk through this city of chaos and boundaries with no need for a map. I draw with a blade, cutting across the surfaces of wood, metal, plexiglass or mat board. I am expressing ever-changing waves of noisy urban buildings, serene trees and plants, and my own inner knowing.

 

colorful woodcut by printmaker Carol Morrison

“All Up” Woodcut, Edition Variable I/IV, Image 17 1/4″ x 23 3/5″, Paper 22″ x 30″

 

Human-made trash—foil, mesh, cardboard and milk cartons—as well as flowers and leaves, find their way into the making. I then collaborate with skilled master printers such as Kathy Caraccio, Marina Ancona and Sheila Goloborotko, to ink the plate using relief or intaglio techniques. There is always the delight of pulling a print off the press, each one a unique surprise.

 

black and white collagraph print by Carol Morrison

“Superimposed” Collagraph, Edition Variable I/II, Image 20 3/5″ x 28 3/8″, Paper 20 3/5″ x 28 3/8″

 

I started out with an art degree from New York University. Then I worked as a layout artist before there were computer graphics. The experience of using a blade, separating colors and composing on an X-Y axis are essential skills for my work now.

 

multicolored woodcut by printmaker Carol Morrison

“The One Delighting” Woodcut, Edition Variable I/II, Image 17 5/16″ x 23 3/4″, Paper 20 5/16″ x 30″

 

I am in constant intimate conversation with this unfathomable city. I do this not only as an artist, but as a social worker who’s been serving New Yorkers in need for decades. In both roles, I’m passionate about giving people the gifts I’ve been graced with and making the world a better place. Being a social worker is both deeply gratifying and challenging. Art-making is an essential oasis for me. It’s a moment of balance and serenity that I then enjoy sharing with others.

 

Abstract woodcut by printmaker Carol Morrison

“The Space Between” Woodcut, Edition Variable I/II, Image 18″ x 24″, Paper 22″ x 30″

 

I’m very grateful to all my collectors and excited about new opportunities to exhibit my work. My prints have been shown at galleries in New York City and received awards in international juried shows.

 

black and white woodcut by printmaker Carol Morrison

“Be Still! Be Still. Look at Me!” (Homage to H. Hesse), Woodcut, Edition Variable I/II, Image 18″ x 24″, Paper: 22″ x 30″

 

My home, this place beyond words and all its people, continues to inspire me to reach for new expression, new exploration, new expansion.

 

Carol Morrison invites you to follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!



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A Step-by-Step Guide for Designing Effective Infographics

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What is an Infographic?

An infographic is a dynamic visual representation of information, data, or knowledge that is designed to be easy to comprehend quickly. It typically combines text and illustrations to effectively communicate a message, but infographics can also be interactive and animated in certain cases.

Infographics are used in a variety of contexts, such as marketing campaigns, to help readers understand complex topics or highlight essential information. They are also often used for educational purposes, to explain difficult concepts in an engaging way.

How Can Infographics Be Used for Visual Marketing?

Infographics can be an effective tool to promote your business, products, or services. By sharing visually appealing content that is easy to grasp, you can engage potential customers and drive them to your website, blog, or social media channels.

Using infographics in your visual marketing strategy can lead to better engagement, higher click-through rates (CTR), more website visits, and improved brand awareness. Additionally, relevant and engaging infographics may be shared by other websites, which can increase traffic back to your site.

Infographics can also be used to convey complex topics in a simple and attractive way. This makes it much easier to explain certain services or products to potential customers, as well as making it easier for them to share this information on their own websites or social media accounts.

Infographics can also be used to enhance essay writing. Instead of relying solely on text to convey your message, you can use infographics to illustrate key points or data. This can make your essay more engaging and easier to understand for your audience.

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the effects of climate change on the planet, you could include an infographic that shows the rise in global temperatures over the past century. By presenting this data in a visually engaging way, you can help your audience to better understand the severity of the issue and the importance of taking action to address it.

If you’re interested in incorporating infographics into your essay writing, you can order custom research and infographics at IBstudenthelp.com. This can help you to create more engaging and informative essays that will capture the attention of your audience and leave a lasting impression.

In addition to infographics, IBstudenthelp.com also offers a range of other academic writing services, including essay writing, research papers, and editing and proofreading. With their help, you can ensure that your academic work is of the highest quality and meets the requirements of your instructors or professors. Finally, infographics can boost your search engine optimization efforts. When you create an infographic, you can include relevant keywords and link back to your website, which can help to improve your search engine rankings.

The Benefits of Using Infographics in a Visual Marketing Campaign

Infographics have become increasingly popular over time as a way to present information in an engaging, visually appealing way. They are used widely across the web, as well as in print, and can be incredibly powerful tools for visual marketing campaigns. Here, we’ll look at why infographics are so beneficial to a visual marketing campaign and what you can do to make sure your own infographics stand out from the crowd.

What Are the Benefits?

The primary benefit of using infographics in a visual marketing campaign is that it makes complex information easier to understand. When done correctly, an infographic can take a lot of data and facts, break it down into easily digestible chunks, and present it in a visually interesting manner. This helps readers to better understand the message that’s being communicated, which increases the chances of them engaging with it. Additionally, this makes it much easier for viewers to remember what they’ve seen, as visuals tend to be easier to recall than text alone.

Infographics are also highly shareable, making them great for online campaigns. Not only does this help to spread brand awareness, but it also increases the reach of your message significantly. People love to share visual content, so creating an eye-catching infographic can be a great way to grow your audience and build relationships with your customers.

Finally, infographics are great for search engine optimization (SEO). Due to their visual nature, they can often rank higher on Google, which means they can appear near the top of the search engine results page (SERP) when someone searches for a related keyword. This can lead to increased web traffic and more visibility for your company.

Tips for Creating an Effective Infographic

When it comes to creating an effective infographic for your visual marketing campaign, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to make sure that the visuals are high quality and add something to the information being conveyed. This means including visuals that are relevant to the topic and that are easy to understand. Additionally, you should try to keep the design clean and uncluttered, and use shapes, icons, and other elements to break up the text.

You should also be sure to include a clear call to action at the end of the infographic. This could be something like “”Share this infographic”” or “”Visit our website to learn more””. These calls to action help to ensure that viewers will actually take action after engaging with the infographic.

Overall, infographics are a great way to convey a lot of information in a visually engaging way. They can help to increase engagement and brand awareness, as well as provide a great opportunity for SEO. So, if you’re looking to improve your visual marketing campaign, creating an infographic might be the perfect solution.

Design Process for Creating Effective Infographics

Creating effective infographics is not a simple task. It involves several stages to make sure the design communicates your message efficiently and effectively.

Research

The first step to creating any infographic is to conduct proper research. The research should include both general research about the topic and target audience, as well as data gathering specific to the brand. Taking the time to do this upfront will ensure that the graphic is relevant to your prospects and resonates with them. It will also help ensure that the design process runs smoothly.

Planning

Once the research is complete, it’s time to plan out the infographic. Start by making a list of key points that you want to make, then decide how to arrange those points in a visually appealing way. This may require additional research, such as understanding what types of imagery are best suited to communicate the message.

Layout and Design

The next step is to create a rough layout of the infographic. This can be done either on paper or using a design program like Photoshop or Illustrator. Consider the color scheme, typeface, and other design elements that will help the message stand out. It’s also important to make sure the infographic is mobile-friendly, as many people view them on their phones.

Revisions and Feedback

Before the final version is published, it’s important to get feedback from others in order to ensure that the infographic is effective. Take their comments and suggestions into consideration and make revisions as necessary. Once everyone is happy with the design, it’s ready for publication.

Final Touches

The last step is to give the infographic a final polish. This includes adding any extra details, such as credits, logos, company info, etc. If needed, make a few tweaks to the design and check that everything looks perfect. Once all these steps are complete, the infographic is ready to be shared on social media, blogs, and other online platforms.

Effective Use of Imagery

Using imagery effectively in an infographic can make all the difference in your visual marketing strategy. Imagery is a great way to grab people’s attention and communicate your message quickly and clearly. However, it is important to consider the types of visuals you use as well as how you use them.

Types of Visuals for Infographics

There are many different types of visuals that can be used in infographics. These include photographs, icons, illustrations, charts, and graphs. You can also combine multiple types of visuals together in one infographic. When choosing your visuals, think about how they will help to convey your message or story. You want visuals that are engaging and eye-catching but not overly complicated.

Using Imagery for Maximum Effect

In order to make the most out of your imagery, it is important to consider the layout and size of your visuals. Keep in mind the size of the infographic and the size of the images you will be using. You also want to make sure the visuals are laid out in a way that is visually appealing and easy to follow. Additionally, you should ensure that your visuals are properly labeled and that they are relevant to your message.

Conclusion

Using imagery effectively in an infographic is a great way to grab people’s attention and get your message across. It is important to consider the types of visuals you use, how you use them, your layout, and the size of your visuals. With careful consideration, you can create an infographic that is both engaging and effective.

Strategies for Sharing Infographics

If you want to get the most out of your infographics and make sure that they reach as many people as possible, it’s important to have a good strategy for sharing them.

One great way to share them is through social media channels. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are all great options for promoting infographics and reaching new audiences with your content. You should also consider using other social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest that are popular with certain demographics or industries.

In addition to social media, email campaigns can be another effective way to share infographics. For example, if you already have an email list of customers or potential customers, you can use infographics to both educate and engage them in the content you’re sending out.

Finally, you should also consider using paid advertising services to promote your infographics. Services such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads allow you to target specific audiences and increase the reach of your infographic.

By using a combination of these various strategies, you can ensure that your infographics reach the widest possible audience and generate as much engagement and interest as possible.

SEO Strategies for Infographics

Infographics are an effective way to present information and boost engagement with your visual marketing strategy. To make sure that your infographics reach the widest possible audience, it’s important to optimize your infographics for search engines. This will help ensure that your infographics are found and shared by a larger audience.

When it comes to SEO strategies for your infographics, there are several steps you can take. First, you’ll want to make sure that you create good titles and meta descriptions that accurately describe your infographic. The title should be no more than 65 characters, and the meta description should be between 150-160 characters.

You should also create an optimized URL for your infographic that is easy for people to remember. Use keywords in the URL to help search engines understand what your infographic is about.

Include text along with your infographic so that search engines can better understand what the infographic is about. You should also make sure to use keywords throughout the text to help search engines find and index your infographic.

Finally, link to your infographic from other related content on your website so that search engines can easily find it. Adding social media sharing buttons to your infographic can also help spread the word and drive more traffic to your site.

By following these SEO strategies, you can ensure that your infographics reach a wider audience and get the attention they deserve!

Analytics and ROI for Infographics

When creating an infographic, it is important to track analytics and measure its return on investment (ROI). Tracking analytics can help you understand how effective your infographic is and how it can be improved. With the right analytics, you can also determine whether or not your infographic is actually producing the desired results.

There are several steps involved in evaluating the effectiveness of an infographic. The first step is to set up an analytics platform in order to track the performance of your infographic. Google Analytics is a great tool for tracking the performance of an infographic, as it offers detailed reports about user engagement, traffic sources, and more. It is also important to track the number of viewers, shares, and clicks that your infographic receives.

Once you have gathered the data from your analytics platform, you can start to calculate your return on investment (ROI). To do this, you need to determine how much money and time you invested in creating the infographic and how much value it has generated. For example, if you spent $500 on designing and promoting your infographic and it led to 10,000 extra website visits, calculating the ROI would be fairly straightforward.

By understanding the analytics and ROI of an infographic, you can better evaluate how effective it is and determine how to improve it. Tracking analytics is an essential part of creating and evaluating an effective infographic.

Conclusion

Infographics are an effective and powerful tool that can be used to boost your visual marketing strategy. They provide a great way to present complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format, allowing you to engage a wider audience who would otherwise be put off by dense text. And when optimized for search engines, infographics can help increase site traffic and generate more leads.

Designing effective infographics requires careful consideration of design elements such as typography, color, and imagery. Once an infographic has been created, there are various strategies that can be employed to ensure it reaches its intended audience, including sharing on social media and email campaigns.

Collecting data and analyzing analytics are important for measuring the effectiveness of an infographic, and understanding the return on investment. Additionally, effective SEO practices should be implemented to optimize infographics for search engine visibility.

In summary, infographics are an ideal way to add interest and engagement to your visual marketing strategy. By leveraging their potential, you can powerfully communicate complex information to a wider range of viewers and boost your online presence.

Links to Helpful Resources

Adding links to helpful resources at the end of your post is a great way to help readers find more information and get even more out of the content you provide. It’s a good idea to include links to reputable websites, blogs, and other resources related to the topic. Here are some tips for including helpful links in your guide:

  • Make sure any link you include is relevant to the content and adds value to the post.
  • Do a quick Google search to see if there are any websites or articles that could be useful for your readers.
  • Try to find multiple sources for each topic to give readers more options.
  • Include a brief description of the website or resource to give readers an idea of what they’ll find before clicking the link.

These tips should help you find the best resources to include in your guide. By providing helpful links, you can ensure your readers have access to all the information they need to make the most of their visual marketing strategy using infographics.

Invite Your Audience to Engage with You

If you want to get the most out of using infographics in your visual marketing strategy, it’s important to continuously engage with your audience. A great way to do this is by inviting them to contact you with questions about using infographics or to inquire about how they can use infographics for their own campaigns.

This kind of call to action will show your audience that you are eager to help them further understand and use infographics, as well as willing to explore more possibilities with them. It can also build a sense of trust and connection, demonstrating that you are knowledgeable and invested in their success.

When inviting your audience to engage with you, make sure to note that you have the expertise to discuss their individual needs and provide tailored solutions. For example, you could say, “Let’s discuss your needs and create a custom infographic that will maximize your visual impact”. This type of statement will show that you are willing to provide customized solutions to your audience, leading to more engagement.

On top of that, make sure to include your contact information on your website and in any emails related to your visual marketing campaigns. This will ensure that your audience knows how to get in touch with you when they’re ready to take advantage of your services.

With a strong call to action, you can encourage your audience to contact you with questions or inquiries about using infographics in their visual marketing strategies. This will help you nurture a relationship with your audience and increase conversions in the long run.

FAQs

Many people have questions about using infographics as part of their visual marketing strategy. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • What are some benefits of using infographics?
  • How do I design an effective infographic?
  • How can I make sure my infographic stands out?
  • What strategies should I use for sharing my infographic?
  • How can I optimize my infographic for SEO?
  • How do I measure the success of my infographic?

The answers to all of these questions can be found in this guide. Read through each section to learn more about using infographics in your visual marketing strategy.

Credits & Acknowledgements

It’s important to give credit to any sources used in the blog post and to acknowledge people who have provided valuable feedback. So if you have been researching ideas, include a section at the end of the post where you can cite your sources. This will ensure those who have created the original content are credited for their work.

Acknowledging people who have given feedback is also a fantastic way to show appreciation for the help they’ve given. Even if the feedback wasn’t 100% positive, thanking people for their input shows that you value their opinion and encourages them to provide more feedback down the line.

If you make use of external resources, be sure to include information about where the resources came from. Give proper credit to the original creators of the resources, as well as any other organizations or businesses that helped in creating them.

Finally, don’t forget to thank the people who are actually publishing the post. Whether you’re working with a media outlet or self-publishing, expressing your gratitude for the platform is a nice way to complete the blog post.

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What does an Art Advisor do with Maria Brito | TAA Podcast Season 5, Episode 21 – How to Sell Art Online

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Welcome to season five, episode 21 of The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of “the starving artist” and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

Our podcast usually features professional artists, but this week’s guest has such a vast experience in the art world, we decided to shake up our usual!

Maria Brito is an Art Advisor, Art Consultant, and Curator. She has spent more than a decade working with a multitude of well-known artists as well as emerging talent, getting them in touch with her clients and building long-term relationships. She also works with corporate clients, helping foster creativity wherever she can.

“My mission was to open up the doors of this obscure, snob world of galleries and auction houses, and give people a gateway to that world.” — Maria Brito

Maria comes on the show to discuss her unique perspective on the art business, and how it intersects with the rest of the world. Cory and Maria discuss the revolutionary changes that technology has enabled, decentralizing the art practice and collectors’ markets. They also touch on what artists need to succeed in the free markets as well as in the official art machinery, and how an increasingly polarized world requires open-mindedness and curiosity to move forward.

Join in for a lively discussion on the ever-evolving business of art making.

In this episode:

[:30] Cory welcomes Maria Brito to the podcast and dives right in with a question about failure.

[1:30] Always remember that failure is impersonal. Maria shares her perspective on the importance of self-reflection and the piecing together of clues to build future projects. She shares a personal story of learning and growth through failure.

[6:50] Maria encourages listeners to take time to review past failures and how they were used to better their practice.

[8:11] What does an art advisor do?

[11:19] From very unhappy corporate attorney to art advisor, consultant, and curator, Maria talks about how her path diverged almost 14 years ago.

[19:22] “Emergent artist” is a term that has changed meaning over time, but belongs to the official machinery of art galleries. Maria speaks about the label “outsider artists,” used for people who evolve away from those official structures.

[24:55] Many cities all over the world are brimming with art ecosystems because technology has enabled a wonderful decentralization of opportunities.

[26:20] How galleries contact Maria, and what they share as information for consideration.

[31:00] A substantial percentage of the art market originates from Instagram, close to $7.5 billion!

[33:25] The three things artists should get good at to build their following on Instagram.

[35:03] Teaching the creative process to corporate clients was years in the making, Maria shares how it came to fruition and some of what she teaches.

[40:00] The starving artist myth needs to be broken. From Picasso to O’Keefe, Maria explains why artists need to stop underestimating themselves as entrepreneurs.

[44:23] Maria’s favorite art and entrepreneurship studies.

[49:00] Pursuing a career for the sake of happiness and creativity versus that of safety has nurtured in Maria a need to share her knowledge to inspire other people to follow their passion.

[53:28] The consistent habits of the creative mind as well as the counter-productive nature of anger and self-righteousness.

[1:08:12] Maria’s advice for aspiring artists in a world that is rife with excellent competition: train your eye and choose your platform.

[1:15:40] Cory thanks Maria for joining the podcast and sharing so much of her knowledge!

Resources mentioned:

Maria Brito’s website
@MariaBrito_NY on Instagram
@MariaBrito_NY on Twitter
Maria on Facebook
Hiscox Online Art Trade Report 2021
Harvard Business School:
“Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Art of the Entrepreneur”
“Theaster Gates: Artist as Catalyst for Community Development”
“Building an Aspirational High-End Brand through Cultural Engagement: Absolut Vodka’s Love Affair with Art”
The Warhol Economy: How Fashion, Art, and Music Drive New York City, by Elizabeth Currid-Halkett
Paducah Kentucky art scene

About the guest:

Maria is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, author, and curator. She’s the author of the bestselling book How Creativity Rules The World (HarperCollins). She has written for publications such as Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Elle, and Forbes, just to name a few. For several years, Maria has taught her creativity course in companies and, in 2019, she launched “Jumpstart”, an online program on creativity for entrepreneurs based on years of research and observation in both the areas of business and art. She works with a number of celebrities, including Sean Combs, Gwyneth Paltrow and fitness guru Tracy Anderson.



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Beating the Green-Eyed Bastard! – Skinny Artist

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“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.”
~William Shakespeare

Jealous much?

Let’s face it, now that almost every artist and their creative brother are online showing off their handiwork,  it’s easier than ever to become jealous of …

  • their artwork/writing/music
  • their sales
  • their really cool website
  • the hundreds of comments on their blog
  • hearing about all of their recent exhibitions and gushing publicity
  • not to mention their legions of fawning friends and followers on Twitter and Facebook

I mean, sometimes it’s enough to make you want to crawl back into your creative little hole and hibernate until the coming zombie apocalypse.

Let’s not kid ourselves here. Ten years ago, we all knew that these over-achieving creative folks were out there, but at the same time, we didn’t have to sit there and stare at their virtual trophy shelf every single day.

Not that I’m blaming any of these artists for their success.  After all, kudos to them for working their tails off and achieving some level of success in their creative field.  I certainly don’t begrudge them that, but that doesn’t necessarily change the fact that sometimes I’m jealous as hell of them.

I can’t even read books anymore…

It’s been said that one of the requirements of being an artist or writer is to fully immerse yourself in your art.  Not just diving into your own work, but also the works of others.  For writers, this means reading the great works of literature, for musicians listening to the classics in your chosen genre, and for visual artists, this means studying the masterworks of those who came before you.

That’s fine.  I have no problem with that.  After all, everyone needs someone to look up to and model themselves after.  I don’t have a problem with studying the old masters.  What I seem to have a problem with, is studying the work of my contemporaries.

You see when it comes to the old dead masters of our craft,  I can usually rationalize their success.  After all, maybe they received a better education, perhaps they had more time to practice their craft, or maybe they had some wise old mentor who shared some ancient secrets with them.  Whatever may have been going on there, they all ended up doing very well for themselves and that’s great.  And if nothing else, at least I can take comfort in the fact that since they’re dead, they are not very likely to steal my really great idea for that book that I’ve been meaning to write.

It’s not the old masters who make me jealous… it’s you!

I’m talking about the regular old artist/writer/musician that you just met on Twitter who seemingly has it all together.  You know the one I’m talking about here.  That artist who just booked that big show, that writer who just published their first book or that photographer who just published a coffee table book the size of Texas [Editor: for our international readers, that’s pretty darn big]

Damn, I wish I would have thought of that!  ~Me

Please don’t get the wrong idea here. It’s not that I dislike these creative contemporaries for their success.  In fact, some of them are the nicest people you will ever meet, but I still can’t help but feel a little jealous of their success.

Now is this just some kind of flaw in my character — probably.  Look, logically I know that we’re not out here competing with one another and I realize that another artist’s success in no way diminishes my own chances of achieving my goals.

I get that.

Now having said that,  I still find myself getting jealous every time I read a really good book.  I still feel a bit envious whenever I see a younger writer being featured in some magazine article.  And I still get upset when someone else comes up with a really good idea that may have been sitting right there in front of me the entire time.

It all comes back to the evil twins of Fear & Doubt

In the end, of course, it’s not about any of them — it’s about me.  It’s about me not living up to my own expectations.  It’s about me having a vision that seems to be constantly just beyond my reach and ability.  It’s about me not always feeling worthy of the path I have chosen for myself.  And it’s about me feeling as if I have wasted so much of my time by not starting sooner and getting distracted by endless shiny objects along the way.

The author Julia Cameron put it this way in her extraordinary book “The Artist’s Way“:

“Jealousy is always a mask for fear: fear that we aren’t able to get what we want; frustration that somebody else seems to be getting what is rightfully ours even if we are too frightened to reach for it.  At its root, jealousy is a stingy emotion.  It doesn’t allow for the abundance and multiplicity of the universe.  Jealousy tells us there is room for only one — one poet, on painter, one whatever you dream of being. . . The biggest lie that jealousy tells us is that we have no choice but to be jealous.  Perversely, jealousy strips us of our will to act when action is the key to our freedom.”

This constant sense of fear, inadequacy, and jealousy is certainly not something I’m proud of, and the only reason I’m sharing any of this with you is because I suspect that I’m not entirely alone.

So I guess my question to you is….

  • How do you not get discouraged by all of this?
  • How do you get past that nagging feeling that somehow it has all been done before?
  • How do you celebrate in the success of others without getting down on yourself?
  • How do you not beat yourself up for losing focus and wasting so much time along the way?

Please tell me that I’m not the only one who feels these things!



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How Do Artists Make Money? Art Biz Podcast

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“Any plan for increasing your art income begins with identifying revenue categories in a way that makes the most sense for you, the work you do, and the way you want your life to be.”

“There is nothing wrong with having a day job. It will ease some of the pressure to make money from your art.”

“You must look out for yourself, which includes attending to your financial well-being.”

“When you do this work and take the time to really dive into the numbers—on your own or with me in The Money Plan—a story will emerge. You will discover things you didn’t know before.”

“The numbers tell a story.”

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Project Management in the Creative Process: From Concept to Completion

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Creativity is an incredibly powerful characteristic of humans. It drives progress and propels the wave of change. The process by which creatives generate novel ideas remains a mystery, but their contributions enable us to immerse ourselves in wonderful books, captivating movies, and awe-inspiring architectural marvels.

Creativity knows no bounds – it drifts lightly like a feather in the wind, requiring time to emerge and flourish. In contrast, project management embodies a different approach. It entails meticulous planning, the establishment of deadlines, and the coordination of teams of skilled professionals.

WHAT IS CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT?

Image courtesy of Anna Shvets for Pexels

Creative project management is more than just traditional task-based management. It’s about managing and coordinating creative projects to achieve high-quality work efficiently and quickly. This could involve creating videos, designing logos or websites, crafting campaigns, or other visual projects.

Creative project management helps project managers and creative teams stay on track with tasks, progress, and priorities in real-time. With the right tools, every stage of the creative process. This is done for the sake of enabling seamless collaboration, efficient content creation, and timely project delivery.

Tracking project milestones becomes crucial, especially in uncertain creative work. Without a creative project management system, team members and stakeholders may lack access to real-time progress updates, leading to confusion.

GUIDE TO CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Project management in the creative project lifecycle includes the initiation, planning, execution, and delivery of creative projects.

  1. Initiation involves setting the scope, purpose, and timeline. The goal is to establish a clear path for execution and define why we’re working on the project and what it’ll bring to our organization’s goals.
  2. During the planning phase, creative agencies in project management define workflows, allocate resources, identify constraints, and set milestones and dependencies, among other things.
  3. In the execution phase, we put our workflow plan into action, monitor progress, communicate with team members, and adjust as needed to stay on track.
  4. Lastly, in the delivery phase of creative project management, our focus is on sharing the deliverables with the client. We also analyze whether the project meets stakeholders’ expectations and conduct a post-project evaluation to find areas for improvement.

In order not to slow down the creative process and achieve effective creative collaboration, you need to prepare ways of communication between all interested parties. It can be a fax – for the secure transfer of documents or secure messengers. If you’re linking a fax machine to a fax machine, you’re missing out on a lot. You just need to install the application on iOS to enjoy the benefits of faxing. This is useful both at the resource allocation stage and during project completion.

Image courtesy of Antoni Shkraba for Pexels

Image courtesy of Antoni Shkraba for Pexels

WHAT MAKES A GREAT CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER?

#1 People-oriented

Managing people requires being people-oriented. This crucial skill is essential for leading creatives because you should understand their quirks and give space for their ideas to shine. By demonstrating yourself as a team player, you can expect your team to achieve success.

#2 Communicative

Communication plays a vital role in various professions, but it truly shines in the realm of creative project management. The creative manager serves as a crucial liaison between the project team and clients, carefully selecting the perfect words when interacting with team members. To stimulate their creative potential and address their shortcomings, creative managers must exhibit great tactfulness.

#3 Technical Skills

Technical skills are categorized as hard skills in project management and are acquired through education and training. In creative project management, these skills encompass a working knowledge of software programs, visual art platforms, graphic design, and more. Creative project managers are aware of the advantages of using software for organizing and planning, as it simplifies their work.

#4 Industry Knowledge

Having industry knowledge means possessing specialized knowledge of the client’s industry. Creative managers within marketing teams should understand how to effectively target the appropriate audience, cater to the right demographic, and choose the most suitable platforms. Conducting thorough research is crucial during the creative project process, as it enhances professionalism and impresses the client. Let’s face it – leading successful creative teams requires immense dedication. However, we can offer some tips to alleviate pressure and help you excel in your role.

Image courtesy of Fauxels for Pexels

Image courtesy of Fauxels for Pexels

TIPS FOR CREATING A CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER

#1 Create a Transparent Process

If you’re aiming to foster trust between your team and the client, it’s crucial to establish a transparent process. Your team should possess a solid understanding of the creative workflow, comprehending the steps and their purpose to accomplish project objectives. Furthermore, by providing stakeholders with clear insights into the project’s progress, you demonstrate respect and a willingness to collaborate.

#2 Be Flexible

Making changes is never easy. That’s why it’s so important to be able to adapt your work and quickly reallocate resources in creative project management. Your client may ask for more features, a key team member could take sick leave, or it might rain on the day you’re supposed to do a beach photoshoot. All these things are possibilities, and it’s crucial to learn to be flexible and avoid panicking.

#3 Team Recognition

Surprises are common and you need to be prepared for them. All of them can be overcome if you have the recognition of the team and everyone works fruitfully to achieve the goal. Showing appreciation for their efforts will be greatly appreciated by your team.

#4 Avoid Micromanagement

Frequently monitoring your team members can harm their performance. Creatives flourish in a relaxed working environment, and if you attempt to micromanage every aspect, you’ll hinder their true potential. Instead, consider adapting your approach and allowing some freedom. Set clear goals and schedule check-ins to track progress, address obstacles, and provide motivation to keep them motivated.

#5 Have Empathy

A fantastic creative project manager always recognizes and values the personal needs of their team members. The wellspring of their creativity lies in finding inner peace, and if anything hinders their ability to perform at their best, providing assistance and understanding is crucial. After all, you are managing real people, not machines. Moreover, extending your understanding to clients is paramount. Take the time to elucidate anything they wish to understand, exhibit patience in addressing their inquiries, and demonstrate your reliability.

Conclusion

Creative project management tools are crucial for high-performing marketing teams. With the right ones, they can stay focused on their goals and maintain their competitive edge. These tools offer real-time project progress tracking and enhance team collaboration, streamlining the creative process for exceptional outputs.

Investing in creative project management tools such as DAM and PM solutions can streamline workflows, minimize administrative tasks, and boost efficiency, resulting in improved outcomes and successful projects.

_____________________________

About author:

Angela Green is a content writer for websites and social media. She is interested in technology and cybersecurity and offers advice and recommendations in these industries.


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Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art Hosts New Online Biennial

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This past year has taken a toll on in-person art events, to say the least. From galleries to museums to art fairs, experiencing live art seems to be a thing of the past and has unfortunately led to more struggling artists now more than ever.

But in a time full of darkness, there is a beacon of light for both art lovers and artists as The Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art (mowna) announces their new online Biennial, a museum born out of the pandemic and specifically designed for the digital age. Launching Friday, April 30, 2021, the show will run until September 22, 2021, and features an international pool of artists selected from 44 countries throughout the world.

Planes of resistance Blanket Consent by Linda Rebeiz

Co-founders Cari Ann and Joey Zaza created this new online Biennial with the goal of supporting artists by not only showcasing their work, but also helping them make a living. In fact, 70% of the profits earned by the museum through membership sales, store sales, and ticket sales go directly to the artists!

The Museum spent the greater half of January and February selecting artists to participate in their new online Biennial and they are proud to announce they will be supporting over 100 artists on their digital platform with over 20 hours of content to be viewed from images, paintings, drawings, videos, fashion, sculptures, photography, and much more.

Co-founder Joey Zaza says “there’s nowhere else that you can see this collection of art, in this way. There are hours of artwork to explore, play with, and listen to, twenty-four hours a day.”

Above Sea Level by Zhongyao Wang

Above Sea Level by Zhongyao Wang

Featured works include “The Lockdown”, a VR sonic memory installation by Mana Saei, “Planes of resistance” an empathy experiment to explore the world from the vantage point of a black woman using autobiographical acrylic compositions and sound by Linda Rebeiz, a Lebanese-Senegalese artist living in Accra, Ghana, “ERRANDS”, a portrait series documenting our shared shelter-in-place experiences by Zachary Handler of Baltimore, Maryland who will perform 3 slots of portraits per week for the month of May to museum guests, first come, first serve. “Susan” is an interactive augmented/virtual reality and video sculpture web experience by Sue Roh, a Brooklyn-based Korean-American multimedia artist navigating the IRL and URL. “Black Man in America” is a film by Vance Brown and Justina Kamiel Grayman from New York, NY. An interactive new-media installation, “AuxeticBreath”, visualizes the rhythmic respiratory rate, as well as tidal volume of collective human breaths using soft robotics covered with auxetic structures by Hyejun Younof Salzburg, Austria. “PETSCII leaks” by ailadi, an Italian artist whose works have been viewed hundreds of millions of times, are a series of ASCII inspired gif comics. A series of experimental music videos from the opera “The Magic Hummingbird” by Joseph Martin Waters from San Diego, CA will also be shown.

To kick off the Biennial, mowna will host a special screening of the feature doc The Faithful: The King, The Pope, The Princess, by Annie Berman on April 30th at 9 pm Eastern Time. The opening event will also be followed by a Q&A and a first look at the entrance to the Biennial!

Tickets and museum memberships can be purchased on their website, https://www.mowna.org/.

Doses of Feelings Blue mood blue heart by Gianlluca Carneiro

Doses of Feelings Blue mood blue heart by Gianlluca Carneiro

About mowna

mowna seeks to create an ever changing, fun, thoughtful, beautifully designed space to encourage awareness and mindfulness through the exhibition and experience of art and serves the public’s need for art for the highest good of all. By addressing the current needs of not only the artist but also the audience, mowna is breaking barriers within the global art community.

mowna offers the preservation of artworks through an online collection that is an educational resource and archive for its members and its artists, and aims to find, display, and support wild and newfangled art through the incorporation of innovative new technologies and mediums. mowna provides artists with financial compensation for their art and expands awareness of their talents via a sustainable platform where they can flourish.


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