In this 40 minute interview, the listener will learn about building and maintaining a commercial mindset, the importance of networking and marketing, while creating pieces you love. As a bonus, learn about the CHF Art-Business Accelerator™ Program and the importance of combatting sexism and racism within the art industry.
Funding your passion:
- Use existing networking mechanisms, such as your gallery
- Exploring your artistic interests while creating a sustainable and well-funded product
- Always be willing to sell your works independently of the gallery network through commissions, local events, social media, and email newsletters
- Subject matter does not determine salability – there’s someone for everything
Branding:
- Artists as inventors
- Maintain the integrity of the archival qualities of your work
- Document the processes and don’t be afraid to share with other artists and your audiences
- Remaining authentic in your work: “The uniqueness of my brand is something that I actually don’t worry about”
- “Create what you love but balance that with what will also sell”
Marketing:
- Art fairs as an opportunity to put your works in front of national and international audiences
- Utilizing demonstrations to show techniques and processes
- Residencies vs. awards
Crossing-over from commercial art to a fine art career
- Seeing through the eye of a graphic designer (commercial art)
- “Insanity is a requirement,” only requires small doses
- “Don’t give up your day job until you have some indication that your work will sell, otherwise you might starve.”
- “I do not change my art to cater to what might sell” but it’s okay to have a commercial attitude
Arts Education and its influences on the studio practice:
- “I’ll invent an exercise [for my students] that will lead to a whole series of new artworks for me or vice-versa”
- “Not only does teaching keep my fundamental skills sharp, it also helps me articulate my thoughts”
- “Teaching balances the solitude of the studio by giving me a socially gratifying experience”
- “At this stage in my career, I can make as much money from selling art as from teaching that same amount of time.”
- “Teaching gives me contact with new ideas that are very valuable.”
- Demonstrations vs. Teaching
Business Accelerator Program & Grants:
- Career-focused grant program
- As a pilot program, the artists participating are able to collaborate with the CHF team to form the program
- Lessons learned: importance of social media marketing to grow your business
