There are times in our lives when we can become stuck or fearful about accomplishing some goal or moving forward with a project, or even getting out of bed in the morning. There are many tools we can use to overcome these roadblocks, from reading or listening to self help books, or spending time with a life coach or therapist. For some people drugs are an outlet. Then we have mentors like Lester Fu who helps people with hypnotism.

I met Lester in Santa Fe and experienced a hypnotism session with him to understand the power behind this mind altering method. I learned a lot and was so impressed, I now offer two recorded video sessions with Lester in the online Artist As Brand online workshop! He took time out of his busy schedule to chat with me about this unique talent.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in Hypnotism?

Growing up, like many people, the only thing I learned about emotions was to hold them back. However, that’s not the way to go because they come out in one way or another. In order to get more in touch with myself, I was attracted to theater, philosophy, and psychology from a very young age. Some of the places that I have had the privilege to go to and learn from are Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, St. John’s College, and UC Berkeley.

I got into hypnosis when I was looking for something to help myself. I did talk therapy, and worked at a psychology lab in UC Berkeley. Both experiences were fun and enriching. However, at one point I felt like I ran out of things to say in talk therapy - it’s like I’m still processing things inside, but I don’t know how to talk about it. And the work at the psychology lab was a little too academic for me.

So I searched for other things to help myself, and that’s when I found hypnosis. Despite the fact that I was very skeptical, I was able to connect with my subconscious mind in hypnosis, and got in touch with what I didn’t know how to talk about in therapy. It was a very cathartic experience involving a decent amount of tears and nose bubbles and some really good emotional release.

Now I work as a professional hypnotist focusing on helping people feel more confident and secure in their relationships by releasing anxiety, fear, insecurity, and self-doubt.

What would you say are the three top benefits of hypnotism?

1. Connect with your subconscious mind to gain more clarity (e.g. help you get in touch with your inner voice and what you truly want)

2. Tapping into your internal wisdom for insights and guidance (e.g. access the answers that you already have inside)

3. Creating powerful positive changes in a relatively short amount of time (e.g. overcome insecurity and feel more confident)

How can this practice benefit those creating their own art businesses?

In general, it can help with unleashing your creativity, getting more aligned with your “why”/ heart virtue, help you remove blockages and feel more confident when it comes to promoting your work.

Are there negative or fear based preconceived ideas to hypnotism?

Yes, and I think we have all heard of the stereotype of “quacking like a duck”/“clucking like a chicken”. Most of the misconceptions about hypnosis come from the fictional idea of “mind control”, whereas in reality hypnosis is more like a guided meditation for your subconscious mind - you are aware of what’s happening and you are actively participating in the process.

I have not experienced any negative results from hypnosis, apart from occasionally (actually fewer than you think) people fall asleep during the session and I need to find creative ways to wake them up and continue the session.

Are there cultural differences in the context of how hypnotism works?

For cultures that are more open to internal reflection and spirituality, hypnosis is a very good method to help people access their inner mind. It may take some more time at the beginning to prepare and explain to people - who are from more analytical cultures - in order to get on the same page, and have a good and informed experience with hypnosis.

What are the biggest lessons you have learned from practicing hypnotism?

There’s a lot but here are 3 of them:

1. A huge part of our experience slips from our conscious awareness. Curiosity is the key to unlock a massive amount of treasure within ourselves.

2. Change can often happen faster than we think - it doesn’t have to take years or even a lifetime. It is essentially a deep learning/ re-learning process for the subconscious mind.

3. There’s so much more within us, and there’s so much more we are capable of, that we may or may not be completely aware

Do you ever hypnotize yourself? If so can you share some of that experience?

I go into hypnosis myself very often. We naturally enter different states of attention and awareness throughout the day. For example, before we are fully awake in the morning, or before we are fully asleep at night - we tend to have a very “hypnotic” experience and it’s fun to pay attention and play with it. Also, when meditating or doing things of that kind, we enter a similar state to hypnosis.

Personally, I don’t necessarily distinguish these experiences from hypnosis. If anything I play with them and notice what my mind may be revealing to me as I do that.

Everyone can learn to go into hypnosis/trance/hypnotic states/theta brainwave state intentionally, just like how everyone can learn to meditate.

Any final pearls of wisdom on how hypnotism can become a daily tool for success?

Knowing our mind can change and is changing all the time opens up more doors and reveals more possibilities than we could think.

Thank you Lester, for your insights and the benefits of hypnotism. I learned even more with this interview! You may work with Lester directly from anywhere in the world, simply contact him at his website. Otherwise sign up for the Artist As Brand online workshop and experience Lester in two video sessions. Enjoy!

We cannot live happily by spiritual sustenance alone nor by material prosperity alone. It is only by having ambition and by crowning that ambition with the idea of service to others, either by helping them individually or by working for some great cause, that you will find a spiritual reason for making money for yourself and others. To help others to help themselves also spiritualizes ambition. An Almighty Power has linked us all together. Whenever you help others you are helping yourself. “

-Paramahansa Yogananda

Mahatma Gandhi once stated, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Understanding this simple concept aligns us to the power within ourselves and to the world at large. Much of the Artist As Brand philosophy revolves around this truth. Know Thyself begins the journey.

Here is a great article on The Power of Service.

Artists with a store front? Yes, artists can embrace the brick and mortar store as well as a digital shop. Check out Three Fish Studios who do it all in one space, with classes too. This is an option for a group of artists who want to make a splash in their local community as well as online.Annie Galvin and Eric Rewitzer, painters and printmakers, husband and wife, create original and affordable art in their home/studio/store near San Francisco. Go here to see how they do it.

If you are using the Artist As Brand® principles to promote your products then you know that High Touch Marketing is key to your success. That means finding the right venues to meet your people.

If you are selling a book then schools that are appropriate to your market are great places to meet your fans. Kevin Gerard is a children's book author who has visited hundreds of schools presenting his stories and selling lots of books too. 

Check out this post on the Publicity Hound and learn how he does it. This is an older interview but still relevant today.

Spirituality and art have long been intertwined, with many artists using their creative expression as a means of exploring deeper questions of purpose, meaning, and the human experience. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, reconnecting with our spiritual side can be a powerful way to find inspiration, clarity, and a renewed sense of creativity in both our personal and professional pursuits.

Whether you're a painter, a writer, a musician, or any other type of creative, tapping into your spiritual side can infuse your work with a sense of depth, authenticity, and higher purpose. Through meditation, reflection, and a willingness to explore the unknown, you can uncover the profound wellspring of creativity that lies within.

By embracing spirituality in your art, you'll not only enhance your own creative process, but you'll also have the opportunity to share meaningful, transformative experiences with your audience. In a world that can often feel disconnected and overwhelming, your art has the power to inspire, uplift, and guide others on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

So don't be afraid to let your spiritual side shine through in your work. Embrace the mystery, the wonder, and the profound wisdom that lies at the heart of the human experience. Your art has the power to change lives, and it all starts with a deep connection to your own inner light.

Staying motivated when you want to quit is one of the greatest challenges any passionate person who has ever tried to step outside the norm will face. Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply pursuing a personal goal, the path to success is never a straight line. Failures, setbacks, and crippling self-doubt can make it tempting to throw in the towel but it is the few who can summon the strength to stay the course, who will succeed in the end.

Giving up before you’ve reached the goal is the surest way to never achieve your dreams. True strength and resolve are found in the ability to dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and get back in the game. If you can learn to do this, then your passion, not your failures will define you.

It takes tenacity to keep going when the going gets tough. You must have unwavering faith in yourself and your abilities, even when others doubt you. Surround yourself with positive influences and remember why you started down this journey in the first place.

The most successful people aren't those who never fail, they're the ones who refuse to be defined by their failures. Research people you admire. Embrace the lessons they provide and use them to fuel your comeback. With the right mindset, you can transform any obstacle into an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined than ever before.

Discovering your unique life purpose is a journey of self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. The Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ serves as an excellent framework for exploring this. Ikigai is basically the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. Brainstorming or free-writing on these ideas can help in uncovering what your true purpose or calling may be.

Whether you aspire to be an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply to make a positive impact on the world, tapping into your passions and aligning them with your unique talents is key. By embracing your life calling, you can find the motivation to overcome obstacles, the resilience to persevere and the joy in making a difference. It can also help you to focus and find ways to show the world who you are and what you do. There are people out there who need the exact services you can provide and want to support you!

The path to discovering your purpose may not be linear, but with self-reflection, exploration and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can uncover the work that sets your soul on fire. It is also helpful to have some guidance from those who have gone before and have found their way to success.

The Artist As Brand online course is an educational service that teaches creative people how to find out what their ‘Heart Virtue’ or purpose is and how to align with that to create exciting new projects and learning solid strategies and business practices for success. Thousands of students have taken this course with outstanding results! Trust the process, listen to your heart and have the courage to follow where it leads. Your life calling awaits.

How many creative people out there are just making art as a hobby and never taking it any further? Maybe you don’t think it’s possible or maybe you just don’t know how to build a business around your creative passion.

The path to your dream job may be closer than you think and the Artist As Brand online course is here to help! By harnessing your passion and unique talents, you can carve out a rewarding professional life that aligns with your deepest values and desires.

Too often, we allow societal pressures or practical concerns to stifle our creative ambitions. But the most successful and satisfied individuals have learned to monetize their passions. Whether your forte lies in writing, design, illustration, animation, or any other creative pursuit, there are proven strategies to transform your passion into a sustainable income stream.

The key is to adopt a mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity. Instead of limiting yourself to ‘traditional’ career paths, embrace the endless possibilities that your gifts can unlock. With the right plan and determination, you can turn your creative passion into your dream job—and get paid to do what you love most.

Don't settle for an unfulfilling career that drains your energy and joy. Take the leap and start building the future you deserve. Sign up for the Artist As Brand course today and get lifetime access to all the guidance on how to find your unique niche and start building the job of your dreams! Your most rewarding professional chapter is waiting to be written.

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? It happens to the best of us! The good news is, there are ways to get unstuck! The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a great workbook to help recover your creative self. The Artist As Brand course has helped hundreds of artists get inspired by building a meaningful business with their art. The main thing is to find ways to connect with your inner artist and fill your creative well.

Whether you're into painting, drawing, writing, or filmmaking, there are plenty of ways to get those creative juices flowing. Start by surrounding yourself with things that inspire you—visit art museums, read books, listen to music that moves you. Dance! Play!

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Take a painting class, join a writing group, or experiment with different mediums. The more you expose yourself to new experiences, the more likely you'll be to stumble upon that next great idea.

And remember, creativity is a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Set aside time each day to work on your craft, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Before you know it, you'll be deep in the flow state making something original and inspiring.

Is it possible to become a successful artist without ‘selling out’? How do you create an inspiring brand and earn a living from your artistic talents? Does it matter?

Greg Spalenka is a well known artist who has worked in publishing and the film industry for over 35 years. After seeing many art school graduates struggling to find their way, Spalenka produced the Artist As Brand course to guide students through the steps of building a livelihood from their art that matters and has lasting impact.

For four decades Greg has been teaching, lecturing and conducting workshops at colleges, universities, art institutions around the country and abroad to share his professional experience and encourage the creation of art businesses.

If you have a creative passion, there are several ways to develop it. The key is to invest in yourself and be dedicated to your art. You will achieve great things if you're willing to put in the work!

The Artist As Brand course is now offered online and may be done at one’s own pace. Pay only once and get lifetime access to the course, the workbook and all updates as they come out!

If you think this course would be a good fit for you or someone you know, please share this!

“The workshop was more introspective than I anticipated but I found that to be very useful. Beginning at the most basic level of who I see myself as has helped to define not only what my niche markets can be but also the type of work I should be creating. I only wish I had taken this class sooner. These tips and techniques are beneficial regardless of career level or how much some of us had already accomplished.”

-Matt Wachnicki, Illustrator, NY

While working for a company and having a steady paycheck has its practical returns, it can be a bit restrictive for a creative person. Freelancing has many benefits and can give blossoming artists a chance to break free of the confines of a nine-to-five job. According to a 2023 study by Upwork Research Institute, freelancers in America contributed a whopping 1.27 trillion to the US economy in annual income!

Whether you want to start freelancing as a side hustle or make it your full time job, here are some benefits to consider:

1. Time Freedom: As a freelancer, you get to work on your time. This is a definite perk and can allow you to design a work schedule that fits your lifestyle! It should also be noted that this requires good self-discipline to stay consistent!

2. Location Freedom: If you’re making your own schedule and don’t have to show up to work at specified location, then you can literally work from anywhere! Many are adopting a nomadic lifestyle and are travelling the world while freelancing.

3. Higher Pay Rates: As a freelancer, you get to set your own rates and these are usually a lot higher than what you would earn working for a company because you are cutting out the middle-man and clients are going to you directly.

4. Creative Freedom: You get to work on projects that excite you and turn down projects that do not! This is such a huge benefit for creatives!

5. Save Money: With no long daily commutes or dress codes to deal with, you can save quite a lot of money on gas, car maintenance and clothing.

6. Freedom to Choose: As a freelancer, you get to make your own rules. You get to choose who to work with and what to work on. If you feel that something isn’t a good fit, you can pass on it!

7. Job Security: Since you are your own boss and not dependent on an employer for your paycheck, you don’t have to worry about layoffs or pay cuts.

I hope this post helped to highlight some of the key benefits of becoming a freelance artist. If you are interested in learning how to brand yourself as an artist and start developing your career, then I encourage you to check out my course Artist As Brand. I created this course specifically to help provide a clear roadmap of how to build a prosperous and unique art business. Here’s to your creative journey!

Creativity can infuse our lives with depth and richness. Tapping into creativity is an important way to find a sense of self and build self confidence. Making something, anything, is a great way to tap into our subconscious potential and start an inner dialogue. Many times, if we simply start, with no clear plan, we will be surprised and delighted with the results. Even if we are not, we have opened a doorway within ourselves—made space for something new to emerge and this can be the start of great new possibilities.

Encouraging creativity in young students will broaden their knowledge and capabilities—ultimately providing them with the confidence necessary to achieve their goals, as well as the desire to share their work with others.

I hear many people say, “I am not an artist, I am not creative.” And yet, even if we are not consciously doing it, our thoughts and actions are creating reality all the time! It is called our life! So why not bring some intentionality to it? Give some time and space to your inner artist and let them play! Get out some paper and scribble! Write! Paint! Color! Sing! Cook! Anything! Just Start! You never know where it might lead!

Too often adults lose their creative spark and fail to challenge themselves to make something new. The Artist As Brand® course helps students imagine a career where creativity, confidence and success coincide. Having an understanding of why it is important to tap into your creative potential can help you be intentional in your planning and development of an original idea.

The spiritual teacher Osho, speaking on what creativity means in relation to love and life, said, “To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

So don’t underestimate the significance of creativity in your life, and encourage others to think about how creativity plays a role in theirs.

heart of the rose- spalenka

Sovereign: Supreme Power. Entrepreneur: from the French- “one who undertakes." If you are an artist making a living from your talent you are a Sovereign Entrepreneur. You are the royal authority of your visionary domain.

Knowing who you are in the context of your art creations is the foundation of its authenticity. Your unique voice is the cornerstone of its value. Fans, collectors and clients know the difference you are making in their world, and it is different from any other artist. KNOW THYSELF. It is a sustaining strength that upholds your visionary domain.

In the Artist as Brand® Online Workshop we reveal the profound quality inside the heart that informs our art. The Heart Virtue introspection technique, allows us to see this power hidden inside us. I have taught over a thousand students in this method and what a beautiful moment it is to see and hear the results.

Then we create the blueprint for making income from your art! It’s awesome… and it works.

This is an evergreen online course which allows your to work at your own pace. For a one time payment of $295, you will have lifetime access to the course including any future updates!

To find out more click here.

To your art and sovereign success!

~Greg

“Greg’s class helped me to clarify my vision and build confidence in my goals. Deciphering my Heart Virtue has given me radical entrepreneurial energy!”

-Katy Betz, Artist, Professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, FL

Whenever a new idea is born it is often greeted with awe, disdain or simply, ‘What?’

When the synapses in my brain aligned to create a class on artist empowerment and prosperity, it was crystal clear as to the concept and worth of what I was manifesting. However, the idea of Artist As Brand is so unique to any education taught in any school, college or university out there, so it's understandable that there are some questions about what it is I teach exactly. This post is going to clarify the principles/manifesto of this course (some call it a movement) and exactly what value you will receive from your time and $295 investment.

What is Artist As Brand?

The goal of Artist As Brand is to connect the individual to their purpose, art and prosperity. Connecting your art deeply with your truth creates a mark that is so authentic and profound it embodies a unique power. Align this vision with your individual collectors through targeted marketing techniques and you begin to build a one-of-a-kind art empire that can sustain you financially for the rest of your life.

ARTIST art·ist [ahr-tist]–noun 1. A person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria. 2. A person who practices one of the fine arts. 3. A person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc… A commercial artist. 4. A person who works in one of the performing arts, actor, musician, singer; dancer, public performer. 5. A person whose work exhibits exceptional skill.

BRAND [brand]–noun and verb 1. Kind, grade or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark or the like. 2. A mark made by burning or otherwise, to indicate kind, grade, make, ownership, etc… 3. A kind or variety of something distinguished by some distinctive characteristic. 4. To impress indelibly. 5. A brand name.

The essence of these two words together can be defined thus: A creator who has made their mark!

Some fine artists scoff at the word brand. Whether you like the word or not, all visionary creators throughout time who have made their mark on humanity are brands. They are remembered for their impact on the collective consciousness of the planet and many are household names. I call the Artist As Brand workshop an artist boot camp because it is highly focused with the intention of aligning and defining (in some instances re-aligning and re-defining) the purpose and direction of an individual's career path. We start deep in the heart and move outwards connecting your talent to your marketing, patrons and collectors so there is perfect alignment.

The knowledge for this workshop is derived from 28+ years working as a professional artist inside and outside of the publishing, film and gallery industries as well as teaching higher education.

The following is an outline of the course and what students will learn and come away with. This is an evergreen online course. Students get lifetime access to the course including all future updates and resources.

MODULE ONE: DECLARE YOUR PURPOSE: You will learn your Core Virtue. Knowing your core virtue is the first step to establishing a foundation which your career is built upon. This intimate part of yourself is a driving force in your life. It goes deeper than your art. Declaring your core purpose aligns your heart with your art in a profound manner.

Design a Personal Logo/Heraldic Shield: You will create a simple image that will represent what you just learned about yourself. It will represent your Core Virtue.

Design a Vision Board: This template is defined by everything you love in your life—what turns you on and keeps you motivated as a unique individual. The Vision Board represents the niche markets that will be your domain and will make up your one-of-a-kind art empire.

Practice The Art of The Blurb: You will learn how to introduce and represent yourself to people. Most artists do not have a clue how to speak with others about who they are and what they do. This exercise is designed to increase your confidence and generate interest in who you are and what you have to offer.

Every workshop includes special lectures by esteemed individuals who encompass the Indie Art Spirit. Guests include art writer Peter Clothier, licensing expert Maria Brophy, social media master and botanical perfumer Roxana Villa.

MODULE TWO: PLAN YOUR BRAND: You will learn to design your art and product line. We will look at artists who are successful in this area and discuss new approaches to making income from your art. We will define what art and products can manifest from your Vision Board.

Create An Innovative Marketing Blueprint: You will learn to create a marketing blueprint that integrates high tech and high touch medias. We look at these two very different but synergistic marketing models. You learn how to best utilize these promotional mediums.

Learn The Simple Yet Powerful Art of Business and Commerce: Are you an art hobbyist or an art professional? This is a short lecture on straight up, common sense business practices. If you are selling art, you are a business. Start acting like one.

Connect With Artist Entrepreneur Leaders: Learn to create a community and hook up with those who are successful in order to keep yourself inspired and in the company of great people.

MODULE THREE: EMPOWER YOUR PROSPERITY: Commit to sustainability. You will design a five-year marketing strategy that takes a serious look at your finances, living situation and overall goals personally and professionally. What is possible? Connecting to your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).

Recognize the Potential of Team Building and The Power of a Mastermind: Your peers can be some of your greatest assets from a personal, professional and moral support capacity. You will start this process right in the class!

Conceptualize a Product Ready for Manufacture: We begin to look at the details of what it’s going to cost in labor, time and materials to create a product from start to finish.

Review: In addition participants will have access to other career enhancing promotional opportunities only available to Artist As Brand students! Some of these details can be found on the ABOUT page. Now you are ready to create your own Art Empire!

I hope this information helped to clarify the purpose and design of my class. Come on and join the Indie Art Revolution! Sign up today! Lifetime access is included and you may complete the class online at your own pace.

See what participants are saying.

To Your Artist Empowerment and Prosperity,

—Greg

Do you live your life from the outside in? Or from the inside out?

With our responsibilities, bills, relationships, media and all the stuff we fill our existence with, much of the time it's as if the world is telling us how to live our lives. It's no wonder we feel we are pulled in many directions at once and have less time in a day to accomplish our goals, let alone think about ourselves.

In the cult of multi-tasking with electronic gadgetry, (which my students insist does not impede upon their studies) research is showing that it does not really help us to focus or accomplish our tasks any more efficiently throughout the day. When the circumstances of the world feel like they dictate our every move, we can become overwhelmed. Sound familiar? Much of this depends on how we perceive ourselves and the reality around us. Perception is an act of creation.

One of the blessings of my creative life is the ability to brainstorm and manifest lots of ideas. Once my mind gets those RPM's up to speed, it’s hard to stop—especially when I want to sleep at night. When I found the secret of meditation it calmed the chattering monkeys inside my head enough for me to rest. However, the real benefit of meditation for me came from the introspection that graced my consciousness over time. I learned the benefits of living from the inside out.

This post is not so much about the virtues of meditation as it’s about taking some time to understand who you really are and what you are really about. When you live your life from the center of your being, events around you begin to look very different.

Greg Montana is a life coach committed to seeing people discover and follow their true purpose. He helped me see mine clearly so I can help others too. Greg has a freetransformational teleseminar that you might want to check out. Another path to finding who you are is to have a good conversation with yourself. This may sound crazy at first, but its just another form of introspection. Check out this Blog post by Chris Guillebeau and take a step inside who you really are. Once you start living from the inside out you will view yourself differently, understand your motivations more clearly, make decisions more calmly, and probably get a better nights sleep!

To your truth!

—Greg

A recent article in the Washington Post has put the total student loan debt in the United States at a whopping 1.75 trillion dollars! While most counties around the world provide low cost and even free college education to their citizens, it seems that ideologies in America have changed and that college education is no longer seen as a ‘public good,’ but rather one for the privileged few who can afford the prohibitive cost.

Ronald D. White wrote a great story for the LA Times about the problem of college debt. He focuses on one individual, Andrew Post, age 13. When most boys were fretting about the perils of girls and middle school, Andrew Post was attending Cal State Los Angeles, working on degrees in computer science and applied mathematics. At 18, Post was entering USC Gould School of Law. At 22, Post became a member of the State Bar of California.

Along the way, the U.S. economy took to the slow track. Like many in his generation facing the worst job market in decades, Post opted to stay in school. The Altadena resident is now 24 and has landed a well-paying job as a programmer for a website operator. But he also faces $215,000 in student loans, with a minimum monthly payment of $2,756.

Many college graduates are not as lucky as Andrew to find well paying jobs in their fields of study and instead find themselves working at low paying jobs, strapped with crippling debt. The promises for a better life and income that college educations used to provide, now seem empty and grossly overpriced.

At Artist As Brand, we have sought to help artists who may be feeling lost after graduating. Many come out of pricey art schools with no knowledge of how to make it in the real world. This course is designed to help light the way and provide clear guidance on the path to creative success.

100 Days Without Fear.

Fear can prevent us from living life to the fullest. Often, we get stuck in familiar patterns and never break out of them because staying in familiar territory, no matter how unfulfilling, gives us a sense of safety. The underlying truth, however, is that when we are not living up to our fullest potential, we are allowing fear ( sometimes unconscious fear) to stop us. This can lead to frustrations and resentments and yet, each of us holds the key to our own freedom: The freedom to face our fears and see what’s on the other side!

Michelle Poler, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, is a graduate from the School of Visual Arts. A few months ago, she quit her job as an Art Director to develop what started as a school project and turned into a life-changing experience. Michelle decided to face all of her fears for her project 100 Days Without Fear. She had originally planned to just become a braver person. What she didn’t plan was to inspire millions along the way.

Through her experience facing 100 fears, Michelle Poler learned how we deal with fear, the types of fears we face in life and the process through which we are able to manage the anxieties and accomplish great things.

I hope this video inspires you in your creative journey. The possibilities are endless!

In a recent post I celebrated Sean Fitzgibbon who finished the Artist As Brand Workshop, embraced the principles and then reaped the benefits. When he finished his graphic novel grand opus, “What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel” I was curious about the evolution of the story and comic, but also how he managed to fund such a beautifully printed, high end, hard cover book with a slip cover.

Sean shared that he had crowd funded the project through Kickstarter and pulled in almost $29,000. I asked him if I could interview him about the process and he graciously agreed. His responses were a gold mine of crowd funding knowledge! Below are a few excerpts from the interview.

Sign up for the Artist As Brand Online Workshop and access the entire interview!

-Tell us a bit about the journey of creating the story for your graphic novel, “What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel.” What piqued your interest in this particular story?

When I was a kid my family would visit Eureka Springs, AR. I was always intrigued by its charming, Queen Anne dwellings perched on limestone bluffs, steep elevations, and serpentine roads that don’t intersect.  However, the most compelling and mysterious feature to me has always been the 1886 Crescent Hotel with its bizarre, dark and varied history. Years later I stayed at the hotel and went on the ghost tour.  What lingered with me was the story of the fraudulent medical practitioner that transformed the hotel into an abnormal hospital. Elements of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Stephen King’s The Shining left me morbidly intrigued.  Who was he and how could something like this have happened?  After conducting extensive research, I learned of his assorted and controversial past.   

-As you wrote the story and worked out the panels of the comic, did you decide to roll out the comic as a series, or was the goal to premier the final product as a finished graphic novel? What was your strategy?

This was my first attempt at a full-page graphic nonfiction book, so the process was all new to me. I always envisioned the book as a standalone piece.  If I were putting together the book today I probably would have broken it up into smaller segments and combined them as a way to build up interest in the project as I’m working on it. However, when I was working on this book I was working on many other art projects as well so the release of various segments or chapters of the book would have been irregular. Nowadays, I’m focusing primarily on my “What Follows is True” series of books so when I’m working on larger books, I can release small segments in regular intervals and then combine them into a nice hardcover edition. 

-After you decided to produce a series or a finished graphic novel was the plan to find a publisher or did you decide to go another route and self publish?

 My original plan was to find a publisher once the book was completed so I submitted to literary agents but was unable to stir up any interest. Just as I decided to search for publishers on my own, I was contacted by a literary agent who is also a working graphic novelist. He represents both graphic novelists and children’s book authors. He submitted my book to major publishers for one year and despite the praise the book received from many publishers, none decided to take a chance on the book. Publishers have become extremely risk adverse to unfamiliar projects and authors whose work they feel doesn’t fit into a specific niche. Nonfiction books are common but graphic nonfiction books are not as well known. 

 After careful consideration I decided a crowd funding platform to fund the printing costs of my book would be the best option. I then had to figure out which platform was right for my project. After researching the various platforms, I chose Kickstarter because it’s a major platform that focuses on creative projects like art, music, film, and it is well curated with quality products and the fees are reasonable.  

-After you decided to crowd fund the project what was your promotion strategy at this point?

Most of my promotion at this point was from my website and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I find online platforms to be a decent way to promote your work but it’s also passive and I prefer to connect with people directly, so I knew I had to come up with a more effective way to reach potential backers. 

-I understand that there is much preparation and organization for the Kickstarter campaign. Can you share some of the highlights and main points for pulling it together?

 Once I decided on using Kickstarter for my campaign I began learning as much as I could about how the platform works and how to run a successful campaign. I read various books about the platform and listened to a very insightful podcast called Comix Launch.I also had to think about budget and printing costs, production, shipping etc. and I’d use this information to set my funding goal.  

 Another important factor to consider when preparing a Kickstarter campaign is the readability and design of your Kickstarter page. I researched similar projects on Kickstarter that were successful to understand how they built their page. I made sure that not only was the site well organized and user friendly but also that the overall aesthetic worked well with my book and overall brand. Videos are also a very effective way to engage potential backers and tell them about the project, so I created a trailer for my book utilizing iMovie with images from my project. 

 Also, Kickstarter is more than a platform, it’s a community, and before launching my campaign I made sure to support other Kickstarter campaigns that were similar to mine. Potential backers see that you’ve supported other projects, and you get to see how the process works from the backer’s standpoint. Most importantly it makes you feel good to invest in the success of another project.

Thank you Sean, for sharing your process!

Sign up for the Artist As Brand Online Workshop and access the entire interview. After reading it you will be informed and inspired to create your own successful crowd funded project.

In the past I recommended Facebook as being one of the social media venues to use when it came to promoting your work. Your Website, Blog, Instagram, Twitter were others.

Of course that list keeps changing, but in general social media when working together can create a powerful synergy. I am beginning to rethink Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Recently it appears there is a reduced return on investment for using Facebook in general.

There are many articles out there on the decreasing reach Facebook posts actually have. I have noticed less and less people see my posts for years now. HERE is a great piece on why this is happening, and why it may be a good time to start checking out other venues. 

I like to celebrate individuals who finished the Artist As Brand Workshop, embraced the principles and then reaped the benefits. Sean Fitzgibbon is one of those people. He attended my live class years ago, and then slowly finished his graphic novel grand opus, “What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel.”

Sean crowd funded the project through Kickstarter and pulled in almost $29,000. He has since then been promoting the book at different venues to great effect. “I learned more about the business and marketing aspects of being an artist from Artist As Brand® than I did in both undergraduate and graduate school.”

Sean recently reviewed the new Online Workshop and remarked, “I find it so inspiring and invigorating! I can't tell you how many times I've recommended your course to various students over the years. In fact I was giving a lecture to students at the University of AR at Monticello on Wednesday and I mentioned Artist As Brand in my lecture as being one of my biggest influences in building my career as an artist.”

“I loved visiting the new additions to the course workbook such as the updated videos, artist examples and interviews. Also, the updated use of social media applications and Google Analytics and other statistics services. I also was unaware of Funnel Software. I found this extremely helpful as well. “

Sean is such an inspiration that I intend to interview him in the near future to share more of his experience. I have hundreds of success stories like this that I will be sharing throughout the months.

Take one step into the Artist As Brand Online Workshop and your art career will never be the same.