By Dan Dion

It has been almost one year since Artist As Brand officially launched. I have learned much along the way and met some amazing artists in my workshops. Some are building their art empires at an incredible pace. I teach that your first year is all about laying the foundation, which includes your purpose, goals, marketing blueprint and setting up shop. Some patience is required as this process may take longer than expected, and I must emphasize this is not a race! However there are some individuals who build their foundations like launching pads and take off like rockets. This post celebrates some of those trail blazers.

Dan Dion was in my November San Francisco workshop. He is an awesome photographer of musicians, comics, stars, cool spaces. A mover and a shaker Dan worked on a book called¡SATIRISTAS! which is a funny and fearless celebration of provocative, unflinching comedy. Check out his Blog highlighting stand up comics as depicted by three photographers. Dan had a good start freelancing in publishing etc. but is taking his vision to a whole new level.

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By Alfred Paredes

Alfred Paredes is a sculptor of classical and popular art culture themes. Alfred who was in my Laguna College class says, “I started a product line of sculptures which is already selling online!” Not only is he selling online he is selling his popular art sculptures at venues like the Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens Show which is known for more classical fair.

By Alfred Paredes

He will  be showing at next years Monsterpalooza. Check out more of his work at these two websites alfredparedes.com and apsculpturestudio.com. I personally think fusing both sites will be just as effective, but lets see what Alfred decides to do. His Blog is very informative.

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By Wilo Ayllón

I met Wilo in Ecuador. He is committed to the creative spirit of art. Wilo was on fire before the workshop but after it, "Everything is new again!" Within a year he had an opening in Ecuador, and Switzerland, designed his own workshops on creativity in Quito (were very successful), worked on finishing his mandala series, continued on his comics, draws and paints like a maniac, and is always finishing up another project. His Blog is in Spanish only but even if you do not speak the language it is still fun to see.

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By Katy Betz

Katy Betz was still getting her graduate degree at Cal State Fullerton while taking Artist As Brand. She is intent on balancing the world of industry with her art empire. I am impressed with her dedication to her Blog and the passion she brings to her art. Check out her work at katybetz.com. She recently finished illustrating a book called Lost Ones: Ghosts of Paris.

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By Sandra Chang

By Diana Levin

Sandra Chang and Diana Levin were in my Woodland Hills workshop together. Sandra already had success in publishing but wanted more. Diana was still breaking into the corporate world and looking at her options. Both have taken off in their own ways... Diana curated a group show with over 20 different artists called Inside Is Delightful. It included a live band and more. See her Blog and art projects here.

Sandra is creating a franchise called the Banzai Chicks. She is a serious Kung Fu practitioner and will bring this knowledge to the comic book stories that she is writing.

It inspires me to see artists like these making art on their own terms, sharing it with the world and starting a dialogue with their new fans and collectors. Congratulations everyone. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing your progress at this time next year.

Peace and prosperity,

Greg

Photo by Spalenka

I met Ric Meyers at the San Diego Comic Con two years ago where he hosts the annual Superhero Kung-Fu Extravaganza. Here you see, learn about the art and history of Kung-Fu through dozens of film excerpts. Ric was the first non-martial artist to be inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.He is a talented, sweet natured intellectual with a large heart. I had an opportunity this last week to spend a few days with him in his Southport, Connecticut home and was able to dive into some philosophical questions about life and the artist path. I feel Ric represents strong Artist As Brand principles in that he is his own artist, and goes his own way.

Ric Meyers started his career assistant-editing four magazines and twenty-one comic books. He continued by writing a dozen non-fiction books about television and movies, as well as several dozen science-fiction, mystery, war, horror, fantasy, and thriller novels (under his own name and several pseudonyms). He eventually started working for television networks and channels, including CBS, ABC, A&E, Bravo, Discovery, Cablevision, and Starz Encore. That led to DVDs, for which he’s supplied more than four hundred international audio commentaries, interviews, liner notes, and/or cover copy.Throughout the decades he’s taught at Brigham Young University, City College of New York, and the University of Bridgeport, while presenting seminars at movie studios and pop culture conventions in both America and Asia. Most recently, he has scripted a new film documentary "Films of Fury" set to premiere in 2011 (along with the book), and is completing two new non-fiction books and a graphic novel … among other things.

Greg: You have traveled the world learning from Masters of Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and other Asian practices of self-empowerment. What did you learn from these Masters about empowerment?Ric: Well, first I learned that it’s not self-empowerment, it’s self-improvement. They taught me that the desire for power, self or otherwise, runs counter to inner health and balance. They taught me to organically unleash the energy (which could, I suppose, be translated as “power”) that we all already possess – which I was previously blocking or polluting in various ways, physically and mentally.

G: I define empowerment not as an egotistical desire but as a confidence in an individual's ability to accomplish goals. Utilizing this energy as you say can allow for infinite possibilities to manifest. How do you define artistic empowerment?R: When you stop getting in your own way. The difference between successful and unsuccessful artists, I’ve found, is that the successful artists think practically and realistically about the work they are doing – not the work they hope for or dream about or plan on doing. They love the art they are working on, not the thought of the riches or fame it may elicit.G: Beauty is in the doing! We are very much in agreement with that. You are very much respected as a writer, having had both professional and critical success. How do you define success?R: Success is two-fold: first, creating a work – be it book, article, graphic novel, audio commentary, performance, class, seminar, TV show, radio show, film, DVD, or whatever – that I enjoy and that communicates the thoughts and feelings I hoped to convey … then, making a living so I can continue to create.

G: Your skills as an educator are appreciated in scholarly (colleges) and professional (publishing, film, entertainment industries) arenas. What do you enjoy most about teaching, and what has teaching taught you?R: As I tell my students in every endeavor – whether I’m teaching martial arts, film, or literature – is that it’s not about winning or losing, right or wrong, it’s about learn or not learn. Since my goal is always to make whatever I work on as good as it can be, I’ve always loved finding someone with enough knowledge, experience, and honesty to teach me more, so I can make my work better. So, as a staunch believer in the golden rule, I try to pass that on. As my first novel editor told me way back when, “The difference between you and me, kid, is that I know the names of the problems.” He was great and kind enough to tell me -- and I was smart enough to listen, not blindly or foolishly defend my “work”!G: We have had some interesting conversations about living from your heart. What does this mean for you?R: Well, mostly that I don’t do it enough! Just as “kung fu” means “hard work” (not “martial arts,” as many seem to think), “tai chi” means “balance,” which I strive for in my life, and therefore in my work. But the heart is a powerful thing, and, given my “difficult” childhood, I have to be cautious not to let my heart overwhelm my mind with emotional hysteria. I’m more partial to “living from your soul” – that is, understanding that money is something we created to distract ourselves from a more fulfilling life’s work, which is the inner journey, learning, improving, creating, helping, sharing, etc.G: I love “living from your soul”! That is beautiful. Self-motivation is key to independence. 
What has been your experience of this?R: At a recent pop culture convention, I had occasion to co-chair a panel about “Breaking the Ice with the Opposite Sex.” In other words, nerds getting the courage to talk to geeks, or vice versa. I suggested a mantra along the lines of “Remember, I’m gonna die someday.” Those who manage to get over that paralyzing thought will hopefully then face their fear of success or failure (about anything from talking to a guy/gal to starting to write/paint or whatever) with a jaunty “Hey, why not?” Since the age of twelve, I’ve trained myself in what I’m calling “mental martial arts,” where the moment I start fighting myself, I become my own referee and trainer.G: Living a freelance existence takes courage and tenacity. What are your thoughts on surviving and thriving as an independent artist?R: As I tell my students, “Do what you have to do to finance your dreams.” But to a writer, everything is research, so if I have to waiter, barista, greet at a Walmart, whatever, to keep food in my mouth, clothes on my body, and a roof over my head, that’s what I’ll do.G: How would you describe artist sustainability?R: I wouldn’t, really. I keep shifting from genre to genre and medium to medium as they change or interest me.G: Shifting genres and mediums is a valid form of artist sustainability, but how do you handle fluctuating economic factors in the professional corporate world?R: Personally, I diversify. Many of my literary friends who concentrated on one genre are no longer writing for a living. I’ve done science-fiction, mystery, horror, thrillers, non-fiction books, magazine editing, article writing, radio, TV, video, internet, consulting, performing, etc…. not because I had to, but because I wanted to. My goal is to communicate, and it doesn’t matter to me what the medium is.

G: I believe you have created a brand around who you are and what you love. What other creative talents have created a profound impact on you or the world?R: My editors and mentors: Jeff Rovin, Warren Murphy, Donald E. Westlake, Jim Frost, Brian Thomsen, William L. DeAndrea, Christopher K. Browne, Steven Hartov, Donald Maass, Al Zuckerman, Stephen Watson, and Kate Liba. Then there’s Adam Carolla, who said “If it doesn’t make you happy or make you money, don’t do it.” Not to mention Kurt Russell, who told Craig Ferguson that “What’s on the other side of your fear is you.” And, of course, my father, Stanley Meyers, who taught me in word and deed that “Hey, why not?”G: Any last pearls of wisdom?Understand that, given the way your eyes are set, the world literally revolves around you, but also keep in mind that you will never see your own face. You can’t read others’ minds, but you can read your own; therefore, spend as much time as possible doing just that.

• Don’t ask yourself questions you can’t answer.• Don’t ask others questions that you don’t want answered.• Don’t ask babies any questions. They can’t answer and it’s frustrating for them.• Don’t force things and don’t fight things. Remember that water doesn’t choose its path down a mountain.• Stay strong, smart, and serene.• See every so-called setback as an opportunity to learn and improve.• Work doesn’t have to be “work.” It can be “fun effort.”• Be honest with yourself -- if you aren’t, who will be? -- but don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Forgive yourself, learn from it, and move on with style.• Balance, balance, balance.• Always go home with someone you love (even if you’re going home alone).• Understand that life’s journey is making yourself the best “you” you can be … and that is neither automatic nor immediate. So, if you haven’t already, get started.• Enjoy everything. That’s living life to the fullest.Thank you Ric for your vital art spirit and wisdom!To everyone's "self improvement!"Greg