"It has been very important for me to update my skills on an ongoing basis for a number of different reasons. I have had to seek out new skills to be able to produce just about everything I have ever made. The idea I have for a piece drives the materials, processes and techniques I use. Often the work, although conceptually similar with other work I've made, will bear little physical resemblance. The process of gaining the knowledge and skills to make the piece becomes part of the work itself."
~ Mindy Rose Schwartz
If you like to learn in the company of other artists, residencies are a great way to learn. You also get more than one result for your time and money:
- You add practical skills and useful knowledge to what you already know.
- While you network with other artists you may find out about places to exhibit your work.
- You can use the expenses as a tax deduction.
"One of the greatest luxuries an artist can have is a day in which nothing has to be done. No one to see, nowhere to go, just the gorgeousness of all those unsubscribed minutes and hours, occurring to be used as one most passionately wants. In real life such days are rare, but here we are given that extraordinary gift every day."
~Peter Cameron
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Artists' residencies (also called artists' communities, colonies, retreats, workspaces, and studio collectives) provide dedicated time and space for creative work. Beyond this core value, these creative communities are a diverse group, and provide artists of all disciplines with many different styles and models of support.
Watch a short video about Djerassi Resident Artists Program, one example of a retreat-style residency, located in Woodside, California. Read more about artist residencies here:
www.artistcommunities.org/about-residencies
Successful artists never stop learning. There are learning opportunities out there for every type of learning style, every budget and every topic. You don't have to live in a major city. Check out posters at your local art store or go on-line if you live in a rural area.
Sponsored Spotlight: Art Licensing
So you have decided to earn an income by licensing your art to manfacturers who will put your art on products. Now what? How do you find companies that license art? Do all companies license art?
One place to educate yourself is the
SURTEX Art Licensing Trade Show May 16-18, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY.
Tara Reed Designs is set to show "
Fun and Sassy Art."
If you are curious about how to market your designs make sure to join Tara * for "How to Find and Interact with Manufacturers Who License Art"
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How do companies find art to put on products?
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How do you find companies that license art?
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What do you do if you are afraid of picking up the phone?
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What are the key attitudes to succeed in licensing and in particular, with talking to manufacturers?
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What are the main tips when you have a client?
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How do you stay connected and build the relationship?
- Why is follow-up so important?
If licensing is new to you, here are three highly recommended resources to help you decide whether or not you should
license your art:
How are you making your art business blossom? Share your stories about your business cards here. (
Click Here and leave a comment on the blog.)
P.S. *FTC disclosure: When we find artists who have deep, proven experience in a topic that will help you make a better living making art, we put them front and center. When these fine folks offer services and products that are first class, sometimes we agree to help each other get the word out to you with an "affiliate" arrangement, which means that we will earn a small commission for referring you to their resources. Those are marked with an * asterisk on our web site, in ArtMatters! and our tips.
Aletta de Wal
in ArtMatters! Tip, learning opportunities, licensing, residencies
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