A one day Artist As Brand Workshop at BYU was a blast. Thank you to Bob Barret, Bethanne and the rest of the faculty in the visionary art department. Yes, they rock.
Cedar City Airport
I departed the plane at Cedar City airport and walked into what appeared to be a living room or a snuggly lodge in the mountains. Plush chairs, side tables with plants, wood paneling and a fireplace greeted me with a down home quality I had never experienced in an airport before. It was really nice!When Ben Sowards invited me to present a workshop at Southern Utah University I jumped at the opportunity. Ben had taken the workshop at BYU two years earlier and now wanted to share the experience with his students.Cedar City is known for Bryce Canyon Natl. Park. and its Shakespeare Festival. It has many cute Inns and Bed & Breakfasts. I stayed at the Big Yellow Inn an elegant Georgian Revival Bed & Breakfast.
The students, faculty and alumni at SUU were so warm and friendly I felt embraced like family. Ben took me to the Centrum Arena where I lectured to an audience of two hundred.
Some of the SUU Workshop Participants (Ben is on the left)
The workshop was more intimate and filled with a group of enthusiastic students, alumni and faculty. I love seeing the lights go on in people's hearts and minds when they dive into the work and see themselves clearly. For many it is a powerful and cathartic when this happens so there are always tears at my workshops. This group jumped in with open hearts and much transformation was realized.
After that first realization they focus on melding their talent with the entrepreneurial spirit. There is real excitement when they recognize the potential of their unique ideas becoming reality. Building an industry around their creations instills a sense of freedom. It still takes fortitude and hard work but at the end of the day the productions are their own and so is the prosperity.
Student, Vachelle Thomas had this to say: "The Artist As Brand workshop was truly transformational. I feel so hopeful, like I have never felt before, and I want to thank you. I've spoken about the workshop daily, with people who attended and with others, to refine my core virtue statement and to sound out opportunities."
That's the spirit, Vachelle! I am looking forward to seeing the results of this group's passion.
The morning before I flew back to LA, Ben took me to see the sun rise over Zion's Kolob Canyon.
It was spectacular.
Thanks Ben! And thank you to all my new art spirit friends in Cedar City.
All photos by Ben Sowards.
Wilo Ayllon
Around once a month I present a conference call titled Artist As Brand Articulations. Last Saturday (you were all invited) I spoke with BYU Professor, award winning illustrator Richard Hull and Ecuadorean force of art nature, Wilo Ayllon. Wilo called in from Ecuador. It was a fascinating conversation about education, artistic integrity, quality, empowerment, inspiration, the challenges of getting paid online in Ecuador and what both these talented individuals learned from taking my workshop. Wilo was part of the first class I presented in Ecuador over a year ago, Richard took the course early this year.
Richard told me when he was still a boy working on the farm in Quincy, Washington he knew that bugs, beans, and bales of hay were not his destiny. In the 5th Grade he found the margins of test papers fertile soil for the germination of his ideas and soon little drawings began to emerge and grow. He found his creativity a much more profitable use of energy. When he left college (Brigham Young University) Richard worked as a graphic designer (1971 – 1987) and at the same time freelanced illustrating for magazines, children’s picture books, and school books. Richard has been teaching at BYU for 23 years and is a respected and much loved mentor. Retiring next year from BYU inspired him to look at what was next for his career and so he signed up for the Artist As Brand workshop.
Richard was pleasantly surprised to learn during the seminar that his love for fishing since he was very young could also become an amazing market for his stories and products! Hence, he has been sketching hundreds of ideas for a very special project. Hint- Magical fishing lures. He will tell you more just as soon as he gets his social media up and running!
Richard Hull
Both Richard and Wilo spoke about the importance of quality and integrity in art. Richard said, "Quality is vitally important to me when creating my art. It is important for my students to understand this too."
Wilo is a passionate soul who has been involved in so many aspects of art creation it is difficult to place them all here! Sculpture, paint, etching, drawing, graphic design, industrial design, jewelry design, character design, corporative design, packaging design, body painting, tattoo art, animation 3d, traditional animation , comics, creativity, digital retouch, photo production, television production, set design, multimedia web tools develop, communications, silk screen printing, commercial art direction. Crazy!
After the workshop something shifted in him big time and he started making connections in Europe. He recently showed in Switzerland. Wilo also started teaching a class which became wildly successful on creating art from your emotional life. Then he threw himself into making his Mandalas. Wilo had "an awakening" in his life that opened the door to new explorations of his art. "All ancestral cultures of the world have used the spiritual power of the Mandala, as symbols of protection, well-being, health, balance and as a conduit between humans and the cosmos. The color corresponds to vibrations of light. The speed, length and rhythm of different waves create a physical, psychic and emotional influence over the human.The color spectrum and the sacred geometry of the Mandala can create a harmonious state of peace and equilibrium. Simply contemplate one of these Mandalas for a couple minutes and feel it's effect."
Wilo spoke of the challenges living in a country that is near Columbia (with its drug cartels) and how the government is very controlling of internet commerce. "It is a problem living in a country pretty close to Colombia, we are always under suspect if we sell by internet." He spoke with his banks to no avail, so is forced to open a bank in another country to do his online business.
Needless to say Wilo is on fire and will not be deterred. All of us then spoke about the importance of perseverance, persistence, and taking action.
Thank you Richard and Wilo for your gracious time on Saturday. It was fun speaking with you both. I look forward to seeing your new creations and hearing of your new found success!
Join us for the next Artist As Brand Articulations in October.
To your empowerment and prosperity,
Greg
Samantha Walker
Owl Prints on TinClient: VIP International
When I submitted the BYU Artist Survey a few weeks ago I received an email from an artist who felt she had created her own Art Empire. I was curious. I checked out Samantha Walker's story, and social media. I was impressed, and decided to share her journey of creative perseverance and prosperous love affair with licensing.
"After graduating in 1994 I was frustrated, yet determined to make an active living in illustration. I did not build my art empire overnight...but rather it has been a surprising journey including many "mini careers" that paralleled my art along the way. I quickly quit my first job out of college at a graphic design service bureau just two months after I started. I realized that I was just part of an assembly line printing and proofing other people's art finding no time for my own."
She ran off to Montana, Colorado, then Japan with her husband making folk art wood crafts and selling them at craft shows.
Samantha Walker
Pear Prints on TinClient: VIP International
"After the birth of my first child...I stumbled into the scrapbook product market...creating more with graphic design skills rather than my illustration. Okay...I didn't exactly stumble into scrapbook product licensing...I built a product line proposal, researched various scrapbook companies, then found the one that I wanted to target. I flew across the country from Washington state to Atlanta to attend a trade show where it took me 10 tries to get a moment with the president of the company to view my proposal. Did I mention I have severe anxiety? I did this anyway despite my nerves because I am such a determined person. We signed a 3 year renewable licensing contract.
Eventually, I sold my home decor business to dedicate more time to my suddenly booming scrapbook product line. The scrapbook market bottomed out and I scrambled to think of new ways to market myself, as my income from scrapbook products was dwindling (I still design it, it just doesn't pay like it did. The exposure alone has brought so many opportunities that I will continue to do it, and it helps me build my brand.) I truly believe that downturns can produce upturns if you work your angles right. My angle was debt and hunger...didn't like being there."
Samantha Walker
Digital Die Butterfly BasketClient: Silhouette America
"I networked like crazy, and then one of my other illustrator friends told me of a fabric company looking to license local artists. I introduced myself to this company, and I got a licensing contract designing textiles for quilt fabric. Meanwhile, I had a whole portfolio of die designs that I had done for another company that pretty much used and abused me, and so I revoked my designs, and called their competitor. Which turned into another solid licensing contract for an electronic die company. With all these successes, enjoying what I was doing, and money being much better, I still felt like there was even more that I could offer...something a little closer to my heart.
Then it dawned on me...I found that I could combine my textile designs with my simple die designs and invent an illustration style unique to myself--something very marketable as well. My new style caught the eye of a home decor company and they became interested in working with me and offered me a licensing contract doing my own line of home decor items. Not so surprisingly, creating home decor products fits so well with my other past experiences. Recently, I added a rubber stamp licensing contract to the mix as well."
Samantha Walker
Enchanted Garden Fabric LineClient: Riley Blake Designs
Licensing can work if you hold onto your copyright and you construct a contract that will procure you a healthy percentage of the company's sales, otherwise you are better off doing it yourself.
"I own my copyright on everything! I just sell limited usage rights. At this point in my life, being a busy Mom of 3 little kids ages 8, 4, and almost 3...I am grateful that I have other companies selling my designs for me. I do get competitive royalty rates and I'm happy with what my designs bring in. This continues to be a remarkable journey, which I hope will someday lead to even more opportunities. I think when I am able to work faster and more efficiently (I'm always looking for ways to streamline my design process in Photoshop and Illustrator) I want to look into doing a children's book, look into stationary and greeting cards, and possibly create a conceptual editorial portfolio as well"
Kokeshi Paper and Sticker Collection
Creative Imaginations
"I am also grateful for the struggles and hard times. Without those challenges, I may not have been as motivated to think of new ways to market my work. Even though I feel I've built an Art Empire, (which I am defining as a good solid income, constant work, and recognition within the industries which I work) I feel that my illustration and my new empire is still in its infancy with so much potential as there are so many areas that I have yet to tap into."
Samantha is an eloquent writer and has much to share! I encourage all of you to continue a dialogue with her. You may find your calling in the world of licensing! Go to her
Thank you Samantha for your tireless commitment to creativity and the art spirit!
To artist empowerment!
Greg
I just finished teaching an Artist As Brand workshop in Provo, Utah. It brings me tremendous pleasure to see recent graduates, professors, and professionals working together to transcend their creative and professional lives. The gratitude I feel is the sincere appreciation of seeing individuals confront their fears and take hold of their destinies in new ways! There is a natural high that imbues the spirit when potential meets accomplishment.I feel a physical, mental and spiritual shift inside these students when the last day arrives. You can see it in their bodies, in their eyes, and hear it in their voices. They recognize it too, and are very vocal about it! This feeling can be experienced in any endeavor where the outcome reflects a strong sense of new awareness, and confidence. I share with you a few thoughts, a few moments with this intimate group of devout souls. I thank them all for the insight they have brought to me as a teacher too."It's inspiring and motivating for me to be around so much creative talent. I really needed and enjoyed the workshop. It was just what I was looking for to rejuvenate and focus my own artistic energy. Now I just need to organize and balance that energy with the demands of my daily life. I want to thank you, Greg, for coming out."- Thomas Royal Tolman, Artist, Sculptor
Photos by Richard Hull, Julie Bean, Ashley Glover, Thomas "Royal" Tolman- This pic Richard Hull, Ashley Glover, Rebecca Wessman
"Intense! Greg referred to the workshop as a “boot camp”... the information, guidance, and self-awareness I obtained was truly empowering. I’m much more confident in my potential."- Richard Hull, BYU Professor, Artist
Richard Hull, Tom Tolman, Julie Bean, Ashley Grove, Rebecca Wessman,Amber Erdmann, Me, Ben Sowards, Jay Fontano
"The workshop was far beyond what I thought it would be...I was very impressed with the amount of revealing information I learned about myself and that of marketing strategies. I would strongly recommend this workshop to anyone that is in a slump or would like to learn new and interesting marketing strategies."- Julie Bean, Artist
Amber Erdmann, Tom Tolman
"It was a great experience. Looking forward to hearing about everyone's progress. It was fun hanging out with all of you and getting better acquainted with the process."- Amber Erdmann, Artist
"I just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed the workshop. My mind has been going non-stop since and I am determined to put it to work now."- Jay Fontano, Artist
To Empowerment and Prosperity,
Greg
I am off to Provo, Utah to present a Workshop. BYU canceled my workshop for low enrollment, but a group of inspired and courageous artists would not take "No" for an answer! So I am flying out today to bring Artist As Brand to the SpringHill Suites, Thursday-Saturday.
I have much respect for individuals who are willing to confront the fear of change in their careers and in themselves. Transcending old ways that do not serve us are like breaking bad habits. So many individuals remain stuck for so long they forget the art of reinvention! I know how difficult this is as I am in the process of reinventing myself at this moment too! Our spirit wants to branch out and rise up. May we remain aligned with this purpose and grow with it's magnificence.
This group of creative souls appears ready for the transformational bootcamp coming their way. Lets see how they do!
I will post updates!
Robert Barrett
The art department chairs and faculty at Brigham Young University are a dedicated bunch. For decades they have been taking students on trips around the country to meet working artists, industries that support them, and open their newly trained eyes to the possibilities of new worlds. Bob Barrett, one of the professors at BYU, along with his sturdy crew of faculty have stopped by my studio many times to talk about art career potential. I finally visited BYU early this year to lecture, and am returning June 15-17 to present an Artist As Brand workshop. I am amazed at the creative vitality in this college town and surrounding areas. The arts are very much supported here.
This post gives me a nice opportunity to celebrate Bob. For as long as I remember Bob has been a calm and determined creative force. 28 years teaching at BYU, also The University of Utah, The Kimball Center, The Salt Lake Art Center, and City Colleges of Chicago reflects his commitment to education. He has had a number of solo exhibitions at universities and art centers. Devoted to his family, faith, teaching, and art, Bob embodies a classical quality that is steadfast and timeless.
*Bob answered my questions in capitalized letters, so I decided to keep it that way.
Greg: You are very much respected as an educator and an artist. How would you define success?
Bob: I'M ACTUALLY MORE OF AN ILLUSTRATOR AS I WORK PRIMARILY THROUGH COMMISSIONED WORK; BOOK, EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION, AND PORTRAITS. HOWEVER, I ALSO DO PERSONAL WORK.I THINK SUCCESS MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE; TO ME IT MEANS FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION AND BEING ABLE TO FIND THE VIRTUES, RATHER THAN THE LIMITATIONS IN EVERY OPPORTUNITY. ATTITUDE HAS LOTS TO DO WITH IT. ON A PRACTICAL SIDE, I BELIEVE IT ALSO MEANS THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO. TAKING CARE OF MY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE GOOD THINGS FOR MY FAMILY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SUCCESS FOR ME.
silent night1
Twilight
G: Are you happy and content with your career, or do you desire something more?B: SO FAR I AM HAPPY WITH MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THOUGH I BELIEVE A "HEALTHY DISSATISFACTION" STOPS ME FROM BECOMING COMPLACENT. I AM A PERSON WHO IS MOTIVATED BY LEARNING NEW THINGS AND HAVING NEW EXPERIENCES, SO I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES. I LIKE TEACHING AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK THINGS THAT WERE GIVEN TO ME BY OUTSTANDING TEACHERS ALONG THE WAY. THERE IS SOMETHING VERY REWARDING IN SEEING STUDENTS DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THEIR ABILITIES AND TALENTS.G: I love the statement:we are all standing on the shoulders of giants. We are learning all the time, and when that knowledge is shared we are encouraging self empowerment. How do you define artistic empowerment?B: I WOULD DEFINE ANY EMPOWERMENT, INCLUDING ARTISTIC, AS A SENSE OF CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITIES AND IN THE OPPORTUNITIES LIFE PRESENTS TO YOU. SOME CALL IT A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE WHILE OTHERS MIGHT CALL IT THE ABILITY TO HAVE FAITH. I WOULD SAY IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH MOTIVATION AND THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED. I HAVE TAUGHT MANY STUDENTS WITH TALENT WHO HAVE NOT DEVELOPED TO THE DEGREE THAT OTHERS WITH A SENSE OF SELF-EMPOWERMENT HAVE. I HAVE TAUGHT MANY STUDENTS HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT BETTER BUT ITS MORE ELUSIVE TO KNOW HOW TO TEACH THEM TO HAVE MOTIVATION.
Ballet Dress
Ballet Dress
G: Self motivation is key to empowered independence. This is why it's so important that your creativity and talent be aligned with what you love. BYU focuses on teaching conceptual and technical image making skill sets with an eye on preparing artists for the publishing, gallery, and entertainment industries. What could be some alternatives to these corporate models?B: SEVERAL OF OUR STUDENTS ARE HAPPY WORKING WITHIN THE TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES THAT ALREADY EXIST IN THE VARIOUS MARKETS YOU MENTIONED. HOWEVER, OTHERS WANT TO BE ENTREPRENEURS AND APPROACH THEIR CAREERS IN A MORE CREATIVE WAY. MANY OF OUR STUDENTS ARE FEMALE AND ASPIRE TO HAVE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO A CORPORATE MODEL. SEVERAL HAVE FOUND WAYS TO BALANCE AN ARTISTIC CAREER WITH THAT OF RAISING CHILDREN AND TAKING CARE OF A HOME. THEY HAVE STUDIOS IN THEIR HOME WHERE THEY DO THEIR CREATIVE WORK. SEVERAL ARE GREAT AT SELF-PROMOTION WHILE OTHERS HAVE AGENTS WHO PROMOTE THEIR WORK.G: Home based businesses are growing, especially when you understand how the internet can work for you. Its a whole new world of possibility. How you promote represents a huge part of your success. I have lots of artists ask me about agents. I tell them, no-one is going to sell yourself as well as you can. That being said, they can represent a stream of income if they are good at it. How would you describe artist sustainability?B: I SUPPOSE ARTISTIC SUSTAINABILITY IS LIKE ANY OTHER SUSTAINABILITY. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PASSION AND KNOWLEDGE OR SKILL SETS IN PLACE TO CONTINUE TO BE VIABLE. OUR MORE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, THOSE WHO HAVE ONGOING CAREERS SEEM TO BE THE ONES WHO KNOW HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND STAY "LIGHT ON THEIR FEET." THEY ARE FLEXIBLE AND ABLE TO MOVE AND CHANGE AS MARKETS CHANGE. THEY FIND THE OPPORTUNITIES IN A FLUCTUATING INDUSTRY.
Dancer
Dancer
G: Flexibility is important. I encourage building an industry around your own art empire. That way you know where you are at any given point in any economy, because you have built a foundation that is based on loyal supporters. Artists are more limited when tied to a corporate structure. That being said, how do you handle fluctuating economic factors in the professional corporate world?B: WELL, I SUPPOSE ANY ONE WHO IS PRUDENT PUTS THINGS AWAY FOR A RAINY DAY. IN OTHER WORDS, HAVE SOME SAVINGS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CARRY YOU OVER WHEN THERE ARE DOWNTURNS IN THE ECONOMY OR WHEN THINGS CHANGE. I THINK IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO NOT PLACE ALL YOUR ENERGIES IN ONE FIELD OR SPECIALIZATION. TO HAVE AND TO BE ABLE TO BALANCE SEVERAL "IRONS IN THE FIRE" IS OFTEN HELPFUL. IN MY OWN CASE, I DO ILLUSTRATION FOR A NUMBER OF CLIENTS BUT I ALSO TEACH AND DO WORKSHOPS. I AM ABLE TO PAINT PORTRAITS AS WELL AS LANDSCAPES AND ROUTINELY ENTER MY WORK IN EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS. I HAVE WRITTEN A NUMBER OF ARTICLES FOR MAGAZINES AND TRADE PUBLICATIONS AS WELL AS A BOOK ON LIFE DRAWING. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO ATTEND CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS - TO NETWORK AND EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS.G: Multiple streams of income is a smart strategy. Any thoughts or comments on Artist As Brand coming to BYU?B: I BELIEVE THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND FORMER STUDENTS TO DO EXACTLY THAT- ATTEND A WORKSHOP AND HAVE A NEW EXPERIENCE. THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE EXPOSED TO SOME GREAT PRINCIPLES RELATED TO SELF EMPOWERMENT BUT ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE, MEET, AND NETWORK WITH OTHER ARTISTS.
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G: What do you think a brand is? B: I SUPPOSE THE TERM MEANS FINDING AN IDENTITY, WHAT UNIQUELY LABELS OR DEFINES YOU AND WHAT YOU DO OR ARE INTERESTED IN DOING. SUCCESSFUL BRANDING IS THE ABILITY TO CREATE A PERSONALITY OR COMMODITY THAT IS ASSOCIATED MAINLY WITH YOU AND YOUR WORK.G: I ask this because the word "brand" appears to be a loaded term especially in fine art circles. I believe the word "brand" has been branded! However to be clear... A brand is a purpose transformed into a product or service that connects to people, the planet, and beyond. The key word here is purpose, and specifically your purpose.Any last pearls of wisdom?B: WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING YOU COME BACK TO BYU AND SHARE YOUR ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM WITH US AND OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI.Thank you Bob! You are such a gentleman. It's an honor to know you and connect with your grand art spirit.I look forward to seeing you and all the talented individuals associated with BYU, June 15-17 for the workshop, and on the 19th for the Illustration Alumni Show. Lets energize our potential, and power up prosperity together.HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS FOR ALL BYU ALUMNI!1. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE ILLUSTRATORS? WHO IS HAPPY WITH THEIR CAREER AND MAKING ENOUGH INCOME TO PAY THEIR BILLS?2. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE WORKING IN THE FILM OR GAMING INDUSTRIES AND ARE HAPPY WITH YOUR CAREER? HOW MANY ARE ALREADY BURNED OUT?3. WHO IS SHOWING IN GALLERIES AND HAVING CREATIVE/ FINANCIAL SUCCESS?4. WHO FEELS LIKE THEIR CAREER IS JUST STARTING? HOW MANY FEEL YOUR CAREER IS OVER? WHO IS READY TO RE-INVENT THEMSELVES?5. WHO FEELS THEY ARE LIVING AND WORKING FROM THEIR HEART, AND DOING WHAT THEY LOVE? IS ANYONE READY TO TAKE THEIR LIFE, CREATIVITY, AND CAREER TO ANOTHER LEVEL OF FULFILLMENT?THANK YOU EVERYONE! I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ANSWERS.PeaceGreg