Thursday, February 9, 2012

Business of the Arts

Yesterday I was the guest speaker for the Enterprise Center at Salem State University in the Business of the Arts Series and I had the opportunity to share what years of working as an artist have taught me from first hand experiences. My three page outline was available for attendees, (just in case I forgot to cover all the things I felt were important once I started talking), and I realized by putting this outline together I have the basis for one of the big things on my bucket list (I didn't even realize I had a bucket list!) The outline I put together for this workshop will be the core of the book I plan to write, "Making it as an Artist ... and avoid living in your parent's basement!" In this book I will also incorporate artwork that reflects the progression of my personal growth as an artist.


124 people attended the event, and I was told the prior 2 events in this series attracted 50+ people each. There is a definite niche in the art marketplace for the business of being an artist. The first few minutes I felt all those eyes looking at me and I may have stuttered a bit but once I got into the topic I found my comfort zone and was able to go with the flow.


At the end of the workshop attendees were given an evaluation form and I will have access to the results of the questionnaire (my choice). I will also be receiving an edited video which I hope to share either here or on YouTube. Now that all this art business is settled, I am ready to get my paints out...


I took this photograph last week when I was walking my dog and plan to use it for my next encaustic image transfer, hoping to start this weekend.

12 comments:

  1. I'm not surprised to hear about the book; I'll need a signed copy. In the two years I've been following, you have successfully planned and taken giant artistic steps.

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  2. I have always appreciated your consistent support, Hallie. I don't know when exactly this book is going to get started because I am still filling my head with all the things I want to include (plus I want to keep painting) and am not even ready to take the concept to the next level, yet.

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  3. Congratulations on a successful event, Robin! The biggest think I lack is confidence so I could never make my art a business. But I sure admire those who can and do!

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  4. Well Sherry, if you ever decided to enter shows or just wanted more people to see your work, you would want to take more of a business approach. Ever artist deals with confidence issues, just know you are not alone.

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  5. Yay, Robin! Way to keep pushing outside your comfort zone!!! I saw a drawing the other day that had two circles on the page - one large, the other small. The large one said "Comfort Zone". The small one said "Where the Magic Happens". The circles did not intersect. I'm glad you're living in the magic circle.

    Congratulations on your continued successes. I look forward to seeing the video coming from it, the book when it's done, but most importantly, the encaustic when it's finished. Happy Creating!

    -Don

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  6. What a great analogy, Don, thanks for sharing it. I have to admit, I feel like I shouldn't have mentioned the book thing... because now I will feel pressured to share progress and that may not happen right away.

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  7. Robin... I'd recommend that you not mention anything about the book again until you're ready. It sounds to me that it's an idea that you are feeling out right now that will come to fruition in its due time - very much like any creative work. Feel confident that there is no pressure from your blogging friends. We just enjoy following along with your successes.

    -Don

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  8. I was so excited realizing the outline from my speaking engagement meshed with the progression of my paintings that now I can finally see the direction of the book, but you are right, Don. I will save the book details until it's done (and avoid feeling unnecessary pressure). More good advice from my blogging friend.

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  9. It's always a balance, whether to tell people future plans or wait until the work is done. I'm sure that you'll manage the book with ease when you're relaxed about it. I don't think it's any harder to succeed as an artist as in any other self-employed career; playing to the strengths an artist has; imagination, communication skills, flexibility and the desire to work. An artist without those would be as bad at art as a business man without them would be at business.

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  10. I agree with you whole-heartedly, Mark. Maybe tomorrow I will write instead of paint.

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  11. Congratulations on your talk. You are certainly someone who speaks from experience on this subject. Keeping yourself out there not only doing shows, but teaching and giving demonstrations and talks are so key to success. I can relate to talking about the writing of the book. I started mine and ran into so many problems with copyright law and because I wanted to self publish, that I got discouraged. Which probably is an excuse for my failure to finish. Good luck!

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  12. Hmmm... I assumed I would not have any copyright issue if I write and self publish because I am the direct source. I will deal with all that later! I have started writing this morning and just took a break to check email, Eva. Not having any deadlines makes this more like a therapy and it's good for the soul!

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