I spoke to a young couple, today, in my studio that asked information about the place where I work and possibilities and manner of jurying and residency programs and other possibilities in the art world. This conversation, I have many times with many visitors, where for the most part are sincere but, sometimes all too often, I hear that phrase,“Oh I can do that!”. It comes with the territorywhen work in front of the public. It is a fact, that with the advancement of technology. There are a lot of of people out there, that think that they can do the same things that many artist do because of DIY videos, and other platforms for digital storyboards and such. That they can do the job that I have chosen to do. It is part of the problem with all the mediocre stuff out there, today. There are many that are tech sauvy but become part of the new majority of a growing group of crafters,weekend artists and Yes, frustrated people that need an outlet to their creativity. Well, those of you out there that pertain to this group, take the following advice:
- Seek out the information from those(artists) in your line of creativity and speak to them about how they got where they are Today.
- Learn that the business of art has changed and always continues to evolves.
- Participate in a series of workshops, residencies and Jury processes to know what what is expected of you and what is thought about your creative expression.
- Put your ego and thin skin on HOLD, and listen to constructive criticism of your work, and learn to work on how to make it better, more up-to-date, or sometimes, change of directions.
- Art is a difficult business to enter into, there’s a lot of sacrifice and work to make ends meet, just to be able to create, sometimes for no financial rewards or goals.
- Most Important, Be honest with your skills and capacity as a creative individual. There will always be someone out there, that is better than you. Concentrate on the aspects that you are lacking to grow into a well-rounded creative spirit.
A more, well-rounded artist/business-minded person has to be aware that the mores of the art world and the art/business worlds are vastly different. You can have an online store. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can sell. Brutal Honesty with yourself and your capacity will be the only way to know if you’ve got what it takes. I try to encourage as many people seeking this sage advice, and frankly I know because I have been down this road. With odd jobs, teaching, and other gigs to do what I want to do. And it has taken me this far that I can write about it and share the advice and experience. There are many that just talk , but few that will choose this difficult path of the artist. It ,depends on your perspective, different points of views, open-ness to criticism and focus most of all. Many want my job, because they think its cool…. Try it and learn that it isn’t as easy as it might seem….. We as artists need to inspire, respect the creative forces out there, to be able to become a creative force of Creators and Community. Think about it and let me know. (above) A cropped version of my best selling postcard and a marketing tool to know what people are attracted to and what they think about my creative expression. Till my next entry…..
thehornypotter.com 
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