Cory Huff's Blog: The Abundant Artist Goodreads blog, page 11
July 12, 2019
Setting Energetic Boundaries and Finding Your Thing with Maggi McDonald
In this episode:
4:35- Maggi shares about how she created a Skillshare class on how artists can create flat lay images for social media… and what a flat lay is.
11:03- How Maggi’s background and training in retail merchandising led her to realize she wanted to be an artist.
13:42- What a typical day looks like for Maggi, who has been painting full-time for four years.
23:53- Book recommendations on setting energetic and creative boundaries.
25:27- As a chronic overachiever, Maggi shares some strategies for coping with those tendencies without burning out.
33:45- Why Maggi has chosen to put her artwork on as many art marketplace websites as possible.
41:03- Social media partnerships that have been important for Maggi’s business, how she formed them, and what she’s looking for in business partnerships at this stage of her career.
46:10- Before Maggi began creating art full-time, she ran a small cake business from her kitchen. She shares how she stumbled across cakes as an art form, and how that experience has informed the work she’s doing now.
Resources:
Chillpreneur, Denise Duffield Thomas*
*Asterisk denotes affiliate link
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July 10, 2019
Member of the Week: Michelle Gilmore
This week’s featured Association member is Michelle Gilmore.
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Michelle: I use mixed medium a lot in my artwork. This is very important to express the essence of the subject, whether human or not. When I’m drawing a portrait from client photo I draw with a lot of expressive lines. It’s all about the face and shoulders and a little bit of clothing are like accent. I like to draw the lines to end of the sides off the paper leaving it up to the viewer to imagine the shoulder and clothing are there instead of me actually drawing it so precise. The choice of tools and paper, boards contributes to the overall essence of the portrait which makes it even more impressive to the viewer invoking some type of emotional response.
“Deborah”, Michelle GilmoreTAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Michelle: I want to be able to do what I love. So continue with learning about different subjects that will help me reach my goals. I challenge myself in perfecting my artistic skills through experimentation and keep up with new art tools that will help my productivity now.
“Head Shower”, Michelle GilmoreTAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Michelle: I was taught this way in illustration class in school. It works for me and save a lot of time. I create a detail layout drawing of my artwork first on tracing paper. This layout is used to show a client for revisions and approval. I also don’t have to start all the way over if changes are necessary you can easily make changes without ruining expensive paper or boards that given to the client.
“Sunshine Bike”, Michelle GilmoreTAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Michelle: It’s important to have documentation on all transactions your terms on invoices or contracts and receive a nonrefundable deposit upfront. So that there will not be any misunderstanding in what is expected of the both of us.
“I Dare You”, Michelle GilmoreTAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Michelle: I decided to get offline and do something locally in my community. A opportunity came up and I did my first art show. I promoted myself on social media more than ever by creating promo videos even though the event was being promoted by the host. It was great talking and mingling with people and meeting fans of my work and having friends and family support. This open me up to another way of artistically expressing myself by having the opportunity to talk about my favorite subject art and it also was a profitable one.
Michelle Gilmore was educated to create art and illustrations all by hand. Later she was very much interested in the new technology and taught herself to use graphic software. However, it was not same. It did not have the feeling she enjoyed when she could explore with different art supplies and work directly on paper and illustration boards.
While exploring the use of graphic software she enjoyed trying out different compositions, colors and the ease of transferring her art designs. She also discovered that it saves a lot of time and a lot of paper. The slick graphic look of images that are created using graphic software is very appealing, but instead she decided to go in a different direction.
Michelle has a passion for creating custom hand drawn portraits, caricatures and pointillism portraits drawn with pen and ink. She is an expert in using graphite pencil, color pencil which includes full color or black and white. You can see more of Michelle’s work at https://1-michelle-gilmore.pixels.com/
More Featured Artists:
Meena Matai, Meditative & Introspective Art
Mike Brennan, Making Connections Through Art
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July 3, 2019
Member of the Week: Meena Matai, Meditative & Introspective Art
This week’s featured Association member is Meena Matai.
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Meena: I’m based in Austin, TX and my creative journey is as much spontaneous and playful, as it is meditative and introspective. My art is vibrant and colorful and fits well in a contemporary comfortable home or office space. My art has a message of positivity and community and the colors I use are uplifting. If you are looking for art that you can form a connection with, that relaxes yet energizes you, that motivates you, brings color and happiness to your home, then you’ve found it.
I work with alcohol inks, watercolors, organic pigments, acrylics, on a variety of different types of papers and canvas.
“Aqua Buddha”, Meena MataiTAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Meena: When I find people appreciating and acquiring my art, I can draw immense joy in being able to connect with them via my artwork. I’m an artist by passion and an engineer by education. I got a bachelors, masters and worked full time as an Electrical Engineer for over a decade. After balancing being a parent, an artist, working a full time job and running educational workshops I decided it was time to pursue art full time and make it my focus. In slow seasons it helps to pause and re-connect with my original intention of being an artist.
“Nature Warli”, Meena MataiTAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Meena: Balance. My current way of working is all about balance. I find myself drained when I’m focussing too much on one thing and ignoring the others. Over time I’ve figured out a balanced approach to creating art and art business. Organizing my day and activities on a calendar really help me maintain that balance.
“Three”, Meena MataiTAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Meena: One mistake I’ve made often and still continue to make is Comparison. I tend to compare myself, my art works and my art business with other artists around me locally and those online. This has caused me much self doubt and at times I’ve felt like giving up. Over the years, I’ve been telling myself to look at other artists for inspiration and keep my head held high while navigating this world of art.
“Oceans Within”, Meena MataiTAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Meena: My greatest success from the past year has been the press I’ve gotten. I have been featured in a number of publications, newspapers and magazines: Voyage Dallas, Voyage Houston, Austin American Statesman, Miller IDS Featured Artist of the month, Almost Real Things – Top 10 artists to watch in Austin, Austin School of Film Artist Highlight. This has brought attention to my art and some good amount of sales.
Meena Matai is based in Austin, TX. Her creative journey is as much spontaneous and playful as it is meditative and introspective. Meena’s goal is to help you find a piece of art that you can connect with. She is an artist by passion and an engineer by education. She received her bachelors, masters, and worked full time as an Electrical Engineer for over a decade. After balancing being a parent, an artist, working a full time job and running educational workshops she decided it was time to pursue art full time and make it her focus. You can learn more and see more of Meena’s work at http://meenamatai.com
More Featured Artists:
Ron Turner, Painting Mysterious Places
Daisy Faith, from Actor to Artist
Catherine Bruce, Seeking Synchronicity
The post Member of the Week: Meena Matai, Meditative & Introspective Art appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
Member of the Week: Meena Matai
This week’s featured Association member is Meena Matai.
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Meena: I’m based in Austin, TX and my creative journey is as much spontaneous and playful, as it is meditative and introspective. My art is vibrant and colorful and fits well in a contemporary comfortable home or office space. My art has a message of positivity and community and the colors I use are uplifting. If you are looking for art that you can form a connection with, that relaxes yet energizes you, that motivates you, brings color and happiness to your home, then you’ve found it.
I work with alcohol inks, watercolors, organic pigments, acrylics, on a variety of different types of papers and canvas.
“Aqua Buddha”, Meena MataiTAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Meena: When I find people appreciating and acquiring my art, I can draw immense joy in being able to connect with them via my artwork. I’m an artist by passion and an engineer by education. I got a bachelors, masters and worked full time as an Electrical Engineer for over a decade. After balancing being a parent, an artist, working a full time job and running educational workshops I decided it was time to pursue art full time and make it my focus. In slow seasons it helps to pause and re-connect with my original intention of being an artist.
“Nature Warli”, Meena MataiTAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Meena: Balance. My current way of working is all about balance. I find myself drained when I’m focussing too much on one thing and ignoring the others. Over time I’ve figured out a balanced approach to creating art and art business. Organizing my day and activities on a calendar really help me maintain that balance.
“Three”, Meena MataiTAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Meena: One mistake I’ve made often and still continue to make is Comparison. I tend to compare myself, my art works and my art business with other artists around me locally and those online. This has caused me much self doubt and at times I’ve felt like giving up. Over the years, I’ve been telling myself to look at other artists for inspiration and keep my head held high while navigating this world of art.
“Oceans Within”, Meena MataiTAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Meena: My greatest success from the past year has been the press I’ve gotten. I have been featured in a number of publications, newspapers and magazines: Voyage Dallas, Voyage Houston, Austin American Statesman, Miller IDS Featured Artist of the month, Almost Real Things – Top 10 artists to watch in Austin, Austin School of Film Artist Highlight. This has brought attention to my art and some good amount of sales.
Meena Matai is based in Austin, TX. Her creative journey is as much spontaneous and playful as it is meditative and introspective. Meena’s goal is to help you find a piece of art that you can connect with. She is an artist by passion and an engineer by education. She received her bachelors, masters, and worked full time as an Electrical Engineer for over a decade. After balancing being a parent, an artist, working a full time job and running educational workshops she decided it was time to pursue art full time and make it her focus. You can learn more and see more of Meena’s work at http://meenamatai.com
More Featured Artists:
Ron Turner, Painting Mysterious Places
Daisy Faith, from Actor to Artist
Catherine Bruce, Seeking Synchronicity
The post Member of the Week: Meena Matai appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
June 26, 2019
Member of the Week: Ron Turner, Painting Mysterious Places
This week’s featured Association member is Ron Turner.
“Shades of Silver”, Ron TurnerTAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Ron: I’m an oil on canvas landscape artist. An artist who paints mysterious places, I want you to imagine what it’s like to be surrounded by trees, mountains, water, sunsets, and paths that lead to your imagination. I choose to paint these deep and vibrant colors with oil on a canvas to get the mood across. My hope is that my artwork evokes feelings of solitude, mystery, and calm with its subdued palette of colors. The trees. The leaves. The sky. All of these components on my fine art are a beautiful combination of perfectly matched colors, a unique style, and exquisite details. My art can be displayed in many settings whether it be at home or office. I can create art for you to match your décor if you need a special scheme that I do not have available.
“Path of Light”, Ron TurnerTAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Ron: I’m motivated in the slow season by creating new oil on canvas art because it’s therapeutic and relaxing for me and builds up my inventory for future sales. I also work as a consultant to business industries in other types of non art work so I do not really have any down time.
“A Touch of Blue”, Ron TurnerTAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Ron: I settled on my style of art over the years because I am a nature lover. I love trees, flowers, rivers, lakes, and vibrant sunsets. I visited national parks and the beauty of these parks inspired me to pint what I paint.
“Shades of Purple”, Ron TurnerTAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Ron: I have learned by mistake that I should not create art work that I do not have feelings or emotions for just to please others but to create from my heart. I have also learned over the years in owning various business’s that you must be diligent and up to date in your record keeping in order to know where you stand financially. And to have very detailed contractual agreements or very clear understanding of where your going before you start your project.
Using a precise sense of line and composition as the framework of each work, Mr. Turner’s natural vistas embody the spontaneous and organic qualities of the trees and fields he is painting. Complexly arranging and layering his foliage, Mr. Turner achieves highly textured surfaces that are astoundingly powerful. Mr. Turner’s dynamic style conveys a transcendental view of nature.
Highly acclaimed Ron Turner’s art is treasured in both public and private collections. Mr. Turner’s creativity and artistic prowess know no bounds and seamlessly influence his style in both disciplines.
Ron Turner grew up admiring the outdoor beauty of National Parks such as Yosemite National Park where he visited and camped out, hiked, and enjoyed the outdoors several times. Throughout his life, the extraordinary landscapes, mountain ranges, have provided endless inspiration for his work.
Ron a self taught artist has followed, studied and learned from many of his contemporaries. He lives in Calimesa California where he enjoys painting in his art studio. See more of Ron’s work at http://rmtartist.com
More Featured Artists:
Janet Thatcher, Wildlife Artist
Lanie Frick, Animal Spirit Artist
Mike Brennan, Making Connections Through Art
The post Member of the Week: Ron Turner, Painting Mysterious Places appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
Member of the Week: Ron Turner
This week’s featured Association member is Ron Turner.
“Shades of Silver”, Ron TurnerTAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Ron: I’m an oil on canvas landscape artist. An artist who paints mysterious places, I want you to imagine what it’s like to be surrounded by trees, mountains, water, sunsets, and paths that lead to your imagination. I choose to paint these deep and vibrant colors with oil on a canvas to get the mood across. My hope is that my artwork evokes feelings of solitude, mystery, and calm with its subdued palette of colors. The trees. The leaves. The sky. All of these components on my fine art are a beautiful combination of perfectly matched colors, a unique style, and exquisite details. My art can be displayed in many settings whether it be at home or office. I can create art for you to match your décor if you need a special scheme that I do not have available.
“Path of Light”, Ron TurnerTAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Ron: I’m motivated in the slow season by creating new oil on canvas art because it’s therapeutic and relaxing for me and builds up my inventory for future sales. I also work as a consultant to business industries in other types of non art work so I do not really have any down time.
“A Touch of Blue”, Ron TurnerTAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Ron: I settled on my style of art over the years because I am a nature lover. I love trees, flowers, rivers, lakes, and vibrant sunsets. I visited national parks and the beauty of these parks inspired me to pint what I paint.
“Shades of Purple”, Ron TurnerTAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Ron: I have learned by mistake that I should not create art work that I do not have feelings or emotions for just to please others but to create from my heart. I have also learned over the years in owning various business’s that you must be diligent and up to date in your record keeping in order to know where you stand financially. And to have very detailed contractual agreements or very clear understanding of where your going before you start your project.
Using a precise sense of line and composition as the framework of each work, Mr. Turner’s natural vistas embody the spontaneous and organic qualities of the trees and fields he is painting. Complexly arranging and layering his foliage, Mr. Turner achieves highly textured surfaces that are astoundingly powerful. Mr. Turner’s dynamic style conveys a transcendental view of nature.
Highly acclaimed Ron Turner’s art is treasured in both public and private collections. Mr. Turner’s creativity and artistic prowess know no bounds and seamlessly influence his style in both disciplines.
Ron Turner grew up admiring the outdoor beauty of National Parks such as Yosemite National Park where he visited and camped out, hiked, and enjoyed the outdoors several times. Throughout his life, the extraordinary landscapes, mountain ranges, have provided endless inspiration for his work.
Ron a self taught artist has followed, studied and learned from many of his contemporaries. He lives in Calimesa California where he enjoys painting in his art studio. See more of Ron’s work at http://rmtartist.com
More Featured Artists:
Janet Thatcher, Wildlife Artist
Lanie Frick, Animal Spirit Artist
Mike Brennan, Making Connections Through Art
The post Member of the Week: Ron Turner appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
June 19, 2019
Member of the Week: Janet Thatcher, Wildlife Artist
This week’s featured Association member is Janet Thatcher.
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Janet: I have two distinct groups. One is the pet enthusiast. They have a lower budget but more regular in their purchases. These guys love sales, lay-by’s and after pay! They are also easy to find through forums and events. Second is the art collector, these guys take a little longer to win over but have a much higher spending rate. They collect art because they love your journey and looking to invest in artwork rather than a particular interest. These collectors are more likely to source an artist through major media or an art gallery.
TAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Janet: To be honest I don’t really have slow seasons anymore but I do get the odd slow week. This time is spent catching up on applications, artwork, my paper work etc. It’s never quiet! Busy, busy.
TAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Janet: I have been a professional wildlife artist for quite a number of years and was mostly selling either through galleries or through Facebook. I would have months that were wonderful but then months where it was slow. Money would dwindle and I would find myself despairing, something I now know is common amount mid-career artists. So after doing all the courses of Cory’s I remember he told me that he thought I really should look into collaborating to find a more consistent income. We talked about working with charities/zoos etc. I was really struggling with finding a group until it occurred to me that I could collaborate with a business and learn new artistic skills at the same time. It took a bit of hard work but eventually I found a business that would suit that also provided me with the added bonus of a good sized studio/reception staff etc. I work as basically a subcontractor which means I don’t pay rent on the space but set my own prices/work times etc. The business then only gets paid when I make a sale. So lots of motivation on both ends. I work in the studio 4 days a week and from home the other 3. I have basically doubled if not tripled my income by branching out into a new area while still basically creating exactly the same consistent art.
TAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Janet: I would have to say my number one mistake is not having step 2 in place. I have managed on a number of occasions to get some great exposure and assumed if I was just doing what I was doing things would eventually take off. For example, I was filmed for a television program on artists and after that had multiple workshops fill up, more offers for media representation overseas, etc. But I kind of just let the experience run its course. I only had four workshops booked, my email was pretty poorly at that stage and other than creating more work I didn’t have any more exhibitions or events pre-booked. It seemed like a small gap of time between making new events but it was enough to allow the heat to die down. Now I know you must strike while the iron is hot. Before I even approach an event/publicity I already have another set up and push it at the same time, put what you make from that straight into the next thing. I would also encourage people to be careful who they put their faith in. Make sure you’ve done your research! Don’t be phased if it doesn’t work out, however opportunity comes and goes so you need to be always looking for the next.
TAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Janet: Not the most exciting, but I would say my greatest success from the last 12 months is seeing the hard work paying off. I think most artist can relate to how that would feel. Finally making a stable income is one of the best feelings.
While able to paint in many styles, Thatcher found realism best-suited what she was trying to convey with her powerful pieces. Her technique was developed, as her mother always advocated, by hours of practice. ‘I just sat down with objects and photos set in front of me, and kept drawing until I improved. ‘When I was young, I refused to look at other works, or to be told how to do something. I wanted my creations to be as pure as possible.’ Now, Thatcher’s biggest influence is watching, reading about and studying animals and their behaviour. ‘It has always been a gut thing, for me. I NEED to draw and be creative, and I NEED to be around animals. That is why I continue to volunteer to work with them.’ Thatcher’s instinct has paid off. The recipient of many awards, and with gallery exhibitions, Thatcher has also appeared on television series like Colour in Your Life and Art and Coin, as well as publications in several magazines. Any workshops held are quickly sold out. See more of Janet’s work at http://ligerwolvedesigns.com
The post Member of the Week: Janet Thatcher, Wildlife Artist appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
June 13, 2019
Member of the Week: Lanie Frick, Animal Spirit Artist
This week’s featured Association member is Lanie Frick.
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Lanie: Someone who loves horses or is a horse owner. My collectors are also people that connect with animals and nature. They want to have the vision of how the subjects in my paintings makes them feel in their home.
TAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Lanie: Something I’ve been wanting to experiment with (technique or medium). Slow season gives me breathing room to create more work in a series.
TAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Lanie: It is a long process of medium and technique experimentation and digging deep into who I am, what I have to say as an artist. I must say the taking your HTSYAO course has been instrumental in sorting out my artistic purpose.
TAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Lanie: Stay on top of your mailing list and follow up with contacts to clients. Never let the fear of someone’s response keep you down.
TAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Lanie: Creating large paintings in a consistent process. I was able to give a public talk about it.
Lanie is a juried member of Women Artists of the West (WAOW) and Best of Missouri Hands (BOMH). She has been the Featured Artist for large events such as the Nebraska Horse Expo and PRCA Rodeo in Missouri. Her paintings are regularly juried into regional and national exhibitions including the 2014, 2015 and 2016 National WAOW shows, “Gallopalooza” of Louisville, KY as well as published internationally in books and magazines. Corporate collectors such as Brewer Science of Rolla, MO and many private collectors throughout the United States and abroad have purchased her paintings. Lanie’s art career began around age three when she told her mother “I would like coloring books without pictures in them”. The basement became a testament to her artistic side as she left paint splashes on everything. Though receiving a college art scholarship, Lanie’s independent spirit chose to take the artistic road less traveled. She started a graphics business in 1984 while also painting horse and pet portrait commissions. Along the way she studied under professional artists, Sam Savitt, Fay Moore, Carrie Ballantyne, Phil Starke, Elin Pendleton and Robert Burridge to name a few. See her work at http://laniefrick.com
The post Member of the Week: Lanie Frick, Animal Spirit Artist appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
June 12, 2019
Interview with Nancy & Jarrod, Founders of Art Lovers Australia
In this podcast episode, we cover:
00:48- What Nancy & Jarrod took away from the Business of Art Conference recently held on the Gold Coast
4:10- Where Nancy & Jarrod will take the conference next
5:30- How Art Lovers Australia was started
8:55- Nancy & Jarrod have a very hands-on approach with their artists, which is unusual for a gallery. They share why they operate this way and what it looks like.
15:10- The industry and Internet changed rapidly, and Art Lovers Australia works hard to keep up and change their recommendations accordingly. A great example of this is SEO best practices.
16:30- Jarrod and Nancy pull back the curtain on what gallery owners spend their time doing (what are galleries doing to earn their percentage of the sales?)
21:21- Jarrod and Nancy both come from very different art backgrounds. They share their individual journeys that brought them to Art Lovers Australia.
28:40- Why Jarrod & Nancy decided to launch the Business of Art Conference
34:38- Why artists need to aim high if they hope to make it as professionals
37:42- Cory’s biggest takeaway from the Business of Art conference
Resources:
The post Interview with Nancy & Jarrod, Founders of Art Lovers Australia appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
June 5, 2019
Member of the Week: Mike Brennan, Making Connections Through Art
TAA: How would you describe your art to your ideal collector?
Mike: I describe my art as sharing experiences. My art isn’t complete until it makes a connection with someone. Sometimes those connections are around specific themes (like pets or yoga) and other times it’s around a shared experience or nostalgia (like pop culture).
TAA: What motivates you during slow seasons?
Mike: It’s important to always have a passion project to pour yourself into. We all need projects where we can play, explore and uncover without the fear of judgement or the imposition of client / customer input.
It’s also helpful to remember there are seasons – some to hustle and work hard, other times to assess and plan, and still others to rest and refresh. Learn you and your businesses rhythms, and work with them.
TAA: How did you settle on your current way of working?
Mike: I developed my voice, style and process by embarking on a 365 day creative journey that has now lasted over 7 years. There are no short cuts. You have to show up and do the work!
TAA: What is one mistake you’ve learned an important lesson from in your business?
Mike: Not all projects or work are equal. Some work might be just for you. It might not resonate with others, and therefore, might not draw an audience. It’s important to diversify in your work and offerings. Experiment not only in your art, but in your business. Pivot and launch often where necessary.
TAA: What was your greatest success from the past year?
Mike: Having my work featured on the SYFY channel’s website was a great opportunity to connect with people in my market. It also helps build credibility. Social proof is an important thing. It helps you cut through the noise and gives you an opportunity to invite your tribe to celebrate with you.
Mike Brennan’s childhood goal was to become a cartoon. (Zoinks!) When he realized that wasn’t possible he became the next best thing, an Artist! He loves sharing experiences and making connections through his art, as well as helping fellow frustrated artists create art of their own through his course “Your Artist Journey”. See more of Mike’s work here: http://www.mikebrennan.me/The post Member of the Week: Mike Brennan, Making Connections Through Art appeared first on Online Marketing for Artists.
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