I recently read this article and this particular quote really resonates with me:
“...talent isn’t always an assurance to making a living from your work. You can be an amazing painter, but may never find a gallery”
I guess that might explain why a lot so many artists have part-time of full-time jobs and creating their art “on the side”. Something I was doing myself until May. It's also something I am still considering going back to. I’ll explain more.
While I am still in fully transitioning between those two worlds, I get the chance to only work on my brand. This reality has become my motivation to spend a lot of time on creating content. All kinds, I am active on five social platforms in order to add value to my craft. I heard once on a podcast that great art is a combination of context and great technique. Which I think is true. Until you’re super famous, the context around what you doing is taking even a bigger place than the art itself. The story is important.
From my previous research, the main points to really “nail it” are the ability to create content that will make your brand stand up. Good content as storytelling. Creating value that goes with or is married to the art.
From the business point of view, is the classical generate content regarding the problem you are solving. Traditional marketing talks at people. Content marketing talks with them. This has been causing me some trouble because a print is not really solving a problem per say. I mean it could be covering a bad hole on your wall or show your mom or friends that you’re now a grown-u and have good taste.
I guess, for a lot a people, art (all kinds) - could be considered a luxury; let’s be real, you don’t really have a problem when nothing is hanging on your wall.
That being said, it’s cool- it is giving me more occasions to survey my followers (Hello true fans!) how they art purchase and getting to know my audiences and future customer better. These days, people want to learn before they buy, be educated instead of pitched.
And it’s also a great remember that I am playing the long game, there’s no shortcut to making and selling good art. I read once that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel; you just need to share your unique perspective on why the wheel is important.
Things/creations I have consumed since the last post:
- The Dip by Seth Godin: I skimmed it quickly even if its a super small book to read. Not sure if I would recommend it. Didn’t learn much from it.
- This article on the future of the high-end street. Yes to more popular popup shops, arts and farmers markets or whatever the communities need its better than a big chain retails...(my two cents);
- A lot of fishes in a 48h our windows: if you like to try, I’ll be curious to hear about what kind of effects you were getting after;
- This book, Brats where you can learn how to make the perfect dry egging pranks. Which we all need to know...
- This tweet exchange Heba Kadry and Hannah Cohen that really reinforces the idea that you are more likely to lose money when touring, which is sad.
PS: If you are a creator (all kind) or show interest in subjects creator- I highly recommend reading, on a daily or weekly base The Creative Independent. It’s a growing resource of emotional and practical guidance for creative people. It’s my new gem for August, in fact, I am seriously thinking of pleasing myself with a full week off just to read all their content. Hey, we all have different fantasies… but in reality, it’s impressive the amount of cool stuff there is - think interviews, tips, essays, or how-to guides.
If you are more visual, follow them on Instagram, pretty sure you’ll be going to enjoy their content as much as I do.
Have a great one, like always you are more than welcome to comment on what kind of problem buying somethings from an artist (yep, not Ikea art) is solving for you. Or the indulgence of fish in 48hrs...
Geneviève
Here's the song from the title
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