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

What sustains your creativity?

Could it be new electronic toys, fashionable attire, fascinating information, splendid entertainment, food, money, sex, drugs, rock and roll?

Long term creativity is sustained by your heart. Creativity connected to your true essence will sustain you for the long run. When not in alignment with your core virtue, boredom, unhappiness, and lethargy creep in.

Creativity is like the electrical juice coming from a car battery. If the engine is hooked up properly it recharges the battery allowing it to last a long time. If there is a disconnect somewhere and the battery does not receive that returning jolt of energy, its power is drained and can die much faster than expected.

Loving what you do will help you keep on keeping on when ideas become scarce and economic downturns put the squeeze on.

The Los Angeles Times article on "A writing career becomes harder to scale" by Dani Shapiro talks about the struggles authors expected to confront  as they gained experience in the publishing world. But now it is sell -- or else. Writers like visual artists must confront the realities of a changing publishing paradigm when it comes to promotion and selling product. In the face of these changes focusing on the source of your power  keeps the battery of creativity charged and ready to go.

Knowledge of your product line, marketing tactics, long term strategies  work only if they are built upon the foundation of knowing what you love. Those individuals who are connected to the source of their true being whether selling their art, writing, music, film, etc. can keep a career energized.

Shapiro reflects, “Each time we sit down to create something, we are risking our whole selves. But when the result is the transformation of anger, disappointment, sorrow, self-pity, guilt, perverseness and wounded innocence into something deep and concrete and abiding -- that is a personal and artistic triumph well worth the long and solitary trip.”

Remain committed to empowering truth within yourself, then experience the bliss of your artful journey.

EMPOWER YOUR TRUTH, ENERGIZE YOUR ART INCOME WITH THE OCTOBER ONLINE GROUP WORKSHOP! SIGN UP NOW.

What does Artist As Brand mean?

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.

What do Michelangelo, Beeple, Geogia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Tom Cruise, Auguste Rodin, Apple, Beyonce, Frida Kahlo, Porsche, Picasso, Damien Hirst, Mark Ryden, Annie Leibovitz, James Jean, Greenpeace, Maxfield Parrish, Ray Bradbury, Joseph Beuys, and Emily Blunt, all have in common? They are all brands. 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. This is where the heart of your essence resides, where your most potent art manifests, and the strength of your perseverance matures. The purpose inside you aligned with your personal vision is the foundation of your creative power. When your heart is joined with your art, a vital one of a kind signature is formed. This brand is unique to you and your intimate product.

The word “brand” is derived from the Old Norse brandr, meaning “to burn.” It refers to the practice of burning a mark (or brand) onto a products.

The artist’s mark is unique to its owner even if its a copy of something else. However the ambition of most artists is to make a mark that touches their so audience deeply, it burns this symbol into memory. The lifetime of a creative mind can burn a series of meaningful marks into the mindset of a generation, but if their passion is great its possible to start a fire that contributes a brighter light to the world.

Sign up for the October, Online Group Workshop. Your art, life and prosperity will never be the same!

A decade ago I connected with award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker and scholar, Douglas Rushkoff after reading his book, Life Inc. The book explains how the history of the corporation manipulated the way we approach commerce, and its influence in all facets of our lives. It was a revelation and the premise of the concept fit perfectly with the Artist As Brand philosophy and curriculum…

WE ARE SOVEREIGN CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS not to be ruled by corporations, banks, governments, who harken back to the ignorance of the Dark Ages.

It’s up to us to create a new economy based on the value of what we can bring, as individuals, to the world.

Understanding the history behind life styles, and economic models we grew up with, can help us create new ones. Watch his nine minute film and you will see your potential in a whole new light.

As creative individuals we do not need to fit into outmoded industrial paradigms, or conversely, todays overly hyped technological future. Be the change you want to see in your world.

Whenever artists decide to go it alone, make their own way,  fear comes along for the ride.

As freelancer for so many years I understand where this fear comes from. The goal of being secure in your finances, being safe in general  (food, clothing, shelter) are real considerations and pounded into our brains since we were kids. However fear is also an illusion. What would it feel like if the concept of security was an illusion too? Would it freak you out?

We live in an unpredictable world. What I have learned over these many years of going it alone is that security is an illusion. Making friends with that reality brings a sense of freedom and empowerment. I can do what I can in this moment to live in my highest potential and reap the fortunes of what life has to offer. It is a mind set most people are not used to.

The following is short post by Chris Guillebeau that touches on this concept too:

“Micro-entrepreneurship is changing the world. The best opportunities in the new economy are centered on creating your own assets. It doesn’t matter who wins a U.S. election, at least not in terms of how the economy affects you. No matter what happens, the unemployment rolls will continue to be full. Perhaps even worse, many people will remain underemployed by working at jobs that offer few benefits and little opportunities for advancement.

Speaking of opportunities, however, there are now more than ever before. It’s never been easier to take matters into your own hands. All over the world, people are thinking differently about risk and security, and many of them are taking action on their new perspectives. This is a good thing.

What is risky? Whether you work a “real job” or strike out on your own, relying on someone else is risky. What is secure? Creating your own freedom through side projects, independent work, instant consultancies, and creative self-employment of all kinds. What is freedom? The ability to make your own choices. Ultimately, freedom relates to value, which is taking responsibility for yourself by making something valuable for someone else. More...

ARTISTart·ist [ahr-tist]–noun1. 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 verb1. 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.

What do Michelangelo, Ralph Lauren, Geogia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Clint Eastwood, Auguste Rodin, Apple, Sting, Frida Kahlo, Porsche, Picasso, Damien Hirst, Mark Ryden, Annie Leibovitz, Henry Moore, Greenpeace, Maxfield Parrish, Ray Bradbury, Joseph Beuys, and Elizabeth Taylor, all have in common? They are all brands.

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. This is where the heart of your essence resides, where your most potent art manifests, and the strength of your perseverance matures. The purpose inside you aligned with your personal vision is the foundation of your creative power. When your heart is joined with your art, a vital one of a kind signature is formed. This brand is unique to you and your intimate product.

The word “brand” is derived from the Old Norse brandr, meaning “to burn.” It refers to the practice of producers burning their mark (or brand) onto their products. In the beginning, before multi-national corporations, before boards of directors and proxy fights, before mergers and franchises and takeovers, there were family businesses founded on individual enterprise or invention. Before the corporate image or the company logo, there was the individual name stamped on a product, a service, a laborsaving device, or a form of entertainment, usually because it was the proud handiwork of one individual.

The artist’s mark is unique to its owner even if its a copy of something else. However the ambition of most artists is to make a mark that touches their so audience deeply, it burns this symbol into memory. The lifetime of a creative mind can burn a series of meaningful marks into the mindset of a generation, but if their passion is great its possible to start a fire that contributes a brighter light to the world.

Peace and passion, Greg Spalenka

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.

©Greg Spalenka

This post by Daniellexo, Etsy’s Seller Education Coordinator reflects on the evolution of ideas and how a good idea can spark a great one.

One morning I woke up to a Facebook message from one of my favorite college professors. I was excited to hear from her; she taught me so many lessons about creativity, and I often think about her when I’m sketching or working on new designs. Soon after we connected on Facebook, I caught one of her updates,

“Even if they seem like good solutions, avoid ‘clenching’ ideas. Hold them lightly, let them evolve and swim. Good ideas often transform into great ones if you give them enough room to play!”

I think I’ve had good ideas, but I know I often don’t give my ideas enough room to play. I wondered why that was, and I set out to write my own plan of attack. Here’s that plan-

©Greg Spalenka

Whenever artists decide to go it alone, make their own way,  fear comes along for the ride. As freelancer for so many years I understand where this fear comes from. The goal of being secure in your finances, being safe in general  (food, clothing, shelter) are real considerations and pounded into our brains since we were kids. However fear is also an illusion. What would it feel like if the concept of security was an illusion too? Would it freak you out? We live in an unpredictable world.What I have learned over thirty years of going it alone is that security is an illusion. Making friends with that reality brings a sense of freedom and empowerment. I can do what I can in this moment to live in my highest potential and reap the fortunes of what life has to offer. It is a mind set most people are not used to. The following is short post by Chris Guillebeau that touches on this concept too:Micro-entrepreneurship is changing the world. The best opportunities in the new economy are centered on creating your own assets.It doesn’t matter who wins the U.S. election, at least not in terms of how the economy affects you. No matter what happens, the unemployment rolls will continue to be full. Perhaps even worse, many people will remain underemployed by working at jobs that offer few benefits and little opportunities for advancement.Speaking of opportunities, however, there are now more than ever before. It’s never been easier to take matters into your own hands. All over the world, people are thinking differently about risk and security, and many of them are taking action on their new perspectives. This is a good thing.What is risky? Whether you work a “real job” or strike out on your own, relying on someone else is risky.What is secure? Creating your own freedom through side projects, independent work, instant consultancies, and creative self-employment of all kinds.What is freedom? The ability to make your own choices.Ultimately, freedom relates to value, which is taking responsibility for yourself by making something valuable for someone else.More...

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.

Pinterest is one of the new stars of the social media world.Set up an account at Pinterest.com. You can then start creating boards where you can "pin" photos and videos around a common theme that you find on the Web. This is another way of sharing your story, your lifestyle, and connect to others who love what you love too. I have not started a board yet but Roxana is obsessed and creates some of the most beautiful ones I have seen. Check them out HERE.Here is an article on Copyblogger explaining "56 Ways to Market Your Business on Pinterest."Who is using Pinterest and how is it helping you?

I am honored to be returning to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to present a two day Artist As Brand workshop.

***

Academy of Art University

July 7-8, 10:00- 8:00, Saturday/Sunday

540 Powell st. San Francisco, CA 94105

Limited to 20 participants

Do you have stories and visions you want to share with the world? Whether you are a student who is ready to start an art career, a teacher who wants to make income from their creations, or a professional artist who is tired of pumping out work for the film, game, publishing, and advertising industries, this workshop is for you. Get ready for the future of art career sustainability.Come prepared for some serious introspection on personal goals as well as mind bending concepts on perceiving your art career differently. You will learn how to connect with your fans, patrons and collectors directly. I guarantee you will not look at your talent the same way again.

Some testimonials from last years AAB workshop at AAU

“I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work. You are amazing. I believe that small business ventures are essential to the health and wealth of our country. You have found a path through the forest of corporate trees and soon it will be a well traveled road.” -Shelley Masters, Artist, Muralist, Teacher“I’m very thankful to have taken your workshop. I’ve learned so much. I’ve even blogged about you on my artblog check it out dianepascual.blogspot.com" -Diane Pascual, Artist, Writer“Greg’s seminar will provide the spark to get your creative fire burning bright!” -Dan Dion, Photographer“Clarity and direction have been issues for me… The workshop helped me take my broad ideas and narrow them down to manageable starting points.” -Summer Love, Environmental Designer“Thank You Greg!! For planting seeds in my mind for what is possible in developing an art business.” -Cameron Chun, Artist

Kinkade at Comic Con 2010

Whilst studying at Art Center College of Design I met a fellow student who rode a motorcycle to school, dressed in dark clothes and always sported a leather jacket. He reminded me of the Fonz in the television sitcom Happy Days. Thomas Kinkade was only at Art Center for about a year but he definitely left an impression. He would tell me stories of hopping trains (like a hobo) with another student James Gurney (Dinotopia fame) to create plein air paintings in the countryside, then hop the train back home. Upon returning he shared these little painted gems of landscapes with me that reflected a passion and intuitive understanding of natural light.

He disappeared from school and it was not until almost a decade later in 1989 that I ran into him at a New York Society of Illustrators event. Now he was married, a born again christian, and dressed in a very conservative suit. Whoa, what happened to the Fonz?! Bringing me up to speed on his rising success advertising his art in magazines like House and Garden, Kinkade proceeded to show me one of his iconic Cottage paintings hanging on the wall of the gallery. Whoa, again! This was not my idea of great art, but it did show his ongoing fascination with capturing unique qualities of light.

Fast forward another decade and the “painter of light,” grew into franchised galleries filled with reproduced artwork and spin-off products in excess. His paintings/prints ranged in cost from hundreds of dollars to more than $10,000. At it's peak Kinkade’s Media Arts Group, once a publicly traded company, took in $32 million per quarter from 4,500 dealers across the country! Talk about a large niche market.

Art critics despised the work, but this was not a concern for Kinkade. Ultimately time will determine what great art is anyway. In the meantime, if you are making art you love and selling it to fans, patrons and collectors who cares? Is the art kitsch? It is a sell out? If your art is aligned with your authentic purpose then these are irrelevant questions. Kinkade was perfectly aligned with his vision.

Did he make mistakes with over marketing and selling his work? Absolutely!

Whether it was ignorance or greed, 4,500 dealers selling your craft is a huge error in judgement. When you have too much of anything being made or manufactured it will create a glut in the market dropping in value. In 2010 Kinkade was dealing with lawsuits and filing for bankruptcy. He was also struggling with other personal challenges which appeared to reflect a life out of balance.

It was during the 2010 Comic Con that Kinkade stopped by my booth to say hello. He gave me a recap of the past twenty years, the good and bad, the successes and mistakes. At one point he became very enthusiastic about a micro-chip that can be placed into an art print or other limited edition object essentially removing the possibility of someone counterfeiting your artwork. Overall he was very positive and  looking to the future. I enjoyed seeing him.

He was 54 years old when he died last Friday. I reminisced on my career and wondered what pulling in $100 million dollars a year making my own art would have looked like. I had a hard time imagining it.

It is obvious he didn't!

As of yesterday one of his galleries just sold a painting for $150,000.

Whatever your opinion is on Kinkade as an artist, as a business person, or as a person will not change the fact that he made an indelible mark on millions of people who own his work. He loved what he was doing and it resonated with a HUGE group of supporters. It took time for him to build up those numbers, but he believed in his vision and never stopped promoting.

Onward and upward,

Greg

When I registered my trademark for Artist As Brand® last year I had no idea I would be challenged on the mark. But there was a fellow who had a company called The Brand Artist who felt my company name infringed on his business even though we did very different things. My lawyer had a conversation with the owner and that pretty much ended the confrontation. Which brings up the issue of why you trademark, and why you will want a lawyer to help you do it.You trademark the name of something that you feel has unique, solid worth and will most likely have some longevity attached to it. It really is that simple. You trademark these facets of your creative properties because you want to protect the investment you have made in this product. Having the law behind you in the case someone decides to lift your name for their own purposes can have some weight when push comes to shove. I always felt the name, Artist As Brand® was special, even if it is controversial in some fine art circles. It is amazing how fast a catchy name or slogan can create "brand" awareness. I have seen this work with the power in those three words.Hiring an ethical, reasonably priced lawyer to help you through this process is very important. The whole process is going to cost $2000-$3000. That is a lot of money you may say. It is and it isn't. If you are serious about protecting your sweet idea for the life of your business then it is very much worth it. Finding a lawyer you can trust is vital. Here is one of the best I know- Mathew Saunders of Saunders & Silverstein LLP. msaunders(at)massiplaw.com  Tell him I sent you.There many factors that come into play when the United States Patent and Trademark Office decides whether your mark is valid or not. I will not go into these details but suffice to say, there is a legal jargon attached to the process which can be confusing unless you have someone like a lawyer who can make sense of it all.One of the most important reasons for doing this right is that trademarks have taken on new importance in the internet era. The internet is ripe for intellectual property abuse, but big corporations like to push their weight around too. Check out this story in the New Yorks Times about the controversy surrounding the name, Pretzel Crisps. It's a crazy world.It is good to have some understanding of how this legal world turns and know your grand ideas can be protected for the long run.PeaceGreg

I love people whose passion is to inspire and empower others. This is one of the reasons I enjoy bringing special guests to my workshops! There is such a wealth of knowledge to be gained.As a writer, private art-career coach, and entrepreneur who grew up in a family of artists, Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D., has learned that it is possible for an artist’s creative right-brain, and career-strategy left-brain, to become smooth-as-silk dancing partners. Ariane considers herself an artist’s ally, especially when artists understand that presenting artwork with confidence and credibility is as basic as good art supplies. Ariane uses the knowledge from her doctorate in Human Development and Creative Behavior to create a wide range of art-career materials, and events, to help visual fine artists catapult their careers to the next level. Besides authoring, "Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work"– she is also the founder and host for a professional development conference for visual artists— the smARTist Telesummit.Greg: Tell me why you love what you do?Ariane: Here’s what I deeply believe: What artist do for our collective society is essential to our humanity. Many studies show us that wherever the arts are thriving, the entire local economy around those arts is also thriving. This reality has to fight tooth and nail against the multiple myths of the starving artist. The outsider. The rebel. And even though these myths have sprung out of Zeus’s head of truth, it is not the whole story – or even a major portion of the story. Changing this collective perception begins at home, with the artists. My work is about all the ways I can support visual artists to do this by successfully putting their work into the world.

Josephine A. Gieger- Middleton Courthouse Majestic Oak- smARTistTelesummit Alumni

G: I love that! How would you define artist empowerment?A: Empowerment is a state of being activated by every decision and choice we make. As we make our choices, if we pay attention to the small, quiet flame of life energy in our hearts,  we can easily feel, or see, when a choice is increasing that flame of life energy, or decreasing it. That’s where our true power lies.Empowerment is an inside -> out reality.  A big mistake in our current culture is the way making money – an outside -> in phenomenon – has become the benchmark for how we value ourselves and what we create. Money is an essential element that supports us best when it’s in harmony with the rest of our life. However, when money flow runs the show, it steals our ability to be self-empowered and blinds us to the creative power that is the elemental wellspring of all empowerment.G: I agree with you completely. Living from the inside out is the foundation of empowerment. Prosperity flows from that place too. Tell me about your book, Writing The Artist Statement, Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work .A: An artist statement is a first person account of what, how, and why you do what you do, from the artist’s perspective. The secret lies in how an artist statement builds a psychological bridge between the artist and the audience. An effective statement creates a personal connection to the artwork and stimulates our human thirst for story. This in turn triggers longer memory storage about the artist by immersing the viewer in two languages: visual and linguistic.For people who see your work, a well-written statement keeps your name in front of them even longer. Name recognition, or branding, as it’s know in business-speak, is nothing more than remembering -- out of a virtual storm of cultural stimulation -- what has struck a deep chord within us. Another secret is that the artist statement is not just for art patrons and gallery owners. It is also for the artist. Writing an artist statement gives artists another way to reflect on their work. When you dare to climb this small, professional Mr. Everest, a surprising view of your own work awaits you at the top.

Tricia Simmons- Silver Pod with Australian Boulder Opal- smARTistTelesummit Alumni

G: Speaking your truth this way sounds like a perfect fit with living from the inside out! I am curious about the smARTist Telesummit this January 26/27 with MasterMind Panels and January 30 – Feb 3 with 10 Keynote speakers. Tell me more.A: Seven years ago, when I trolled the Internet, I searched in vain for a professional development conference for visual artists. I couldn’t even find the term “art career” connected to the key words: visual fine artist. Oh sure, I could find it in the “How to Have An Art Career Illustrating Children’s Books” categories, but not in the fine art arena. That took me by surprise in the same way I was taken by surprise years earlier when I discovered that artists thought artist statements were a worse fate than having a root canal. In fact, until the first conference (for that’s really what smARTist is: a virtual conference), you simply could not find anyone talking to visual artists about a “career.” About a business, yes. About how to market, yes.  But a “career?” It just hadn’t evolved to that point in our collective consciousness — yet.My opening remarks at that first conference, January 2007, was all about the need for artists to embrace what they did at the level of a career because that was the key for turning around the starving artist myth. It was the key to shifting our cultural, collective awareness of who artists really are! In 2007, “telesummit” was part of a new, online vocabulary designed to create a clear distinction between events in our non-virtual world and our ever-expanding, transforming online world. Today, the word “telesummit” has morphed way beyond the concept of a brick and mortar conference. But the event of smARTist is still that: the equivalent of an offline, professional development conference for visual fine artists and artisans.I tell all my keynote speakers, “Give all the deserving artists, who come year after year, the best material you have in you! After all, they shower our collective humanity with the magic and power of their creative flow, and deserve nothing less.”

Judith Gleason Glover- Hollyhocks- smARTistTelesummit Alumni

G: Bravo! How do you feel the Telesummit differs from what participants may learn in college, or other art institution?A: First off, college and art institutions have, for the most part, completely neglected any preparation for the reality that an artist is simultaneously an entrepreneur, a business person. Even if an artist manages to find someone to take on that role for them, they are their brand. They are inextricably tied to their art even after they’ve produced it. In many ways, college and art institutions have fostered the myth that an artist shouldn’t “soil their hands” with the dirty business of business. It’s a hierarchy of myths slapping each other on the back: that somehow business is a lower order of human experience/expression than art. The result is that many artists have become handicapped because of a mindset, a perception, which, as far as I’m concerned, is as easily shifted as one shifts a camera’s focus from a mossy stone to that soaring eagle.At the smARTist Telesummit, we aim to expand an artist’s creative experience from the studio to the artwork’s journey into the world. There is no reason for any artist to stop respecting the vision and gift of their creativity because the artwork has been produced. In fact, ushering your artwork into the world is a vulnerable and tender act of continued commitment and care. I liken it to having a baby and not leaving it in a basket on someone else’s porch.Each year, this professional development, online conference has a new focus. This year its about learning how to connect with collectors and communicate with confidence so you get more sales.With a doctorate in Creative Behavior and Human Development, I hold a strong belief that we learn best when it’s combination of practical art-career information (with 10 leading art career authorities speaking to you over 7 days you get a lot of “practical”), and raising our inner awareness (which, this year, centers on how to define and establish your value as an artist).

Barb Beckman- Angular Reflections- smARTistTelesummit Alumni

G: It has been my experience teaching at colleges that the business of art is neglected. Most higher education teach art making skill sets with an eye on preparing artists for the gallery world, or  publishing  and entertainment industries. What would be your suggestions for artists graduating with this mind set and do you feel its sustainable?A: There’s always room for multiple ways to be successful. Publishing, galleries, and the entertainment industries are all viable options. However, there are even more options. However, an artist’s survival depends on multiple ways to create cash flow, which is another reason the conference is so critical because it introduces artists to new ways to create income with their art.G: I read that one of your participants came up with an idea for a TV show focused on 'Plein Air Painting' where he could combine his passion for painting with travel. Within a few months he had negotiated an agreement with a television network. Those kinds of stories are a testament to the inspiration your conference brings to artists. Can you share another promotional strategy that has helped artists?A: I could pull out specific strategies, only after five conferences over five years, 46 speakers, and 62 topics, it would be like offering you one grain of sand instead of the whole, crystal white beach.What seems much more valuable to me is the huge shift that happens in an artist’s mindset. Because the conference offers such a wide expanse of ongoing, information (especially about how artists can best interface with the New World online), and 7 days of lively connection and exchange with fellow artists (the forum is a goldmine of stories, shared resources, priceless feedback, brainstorming – artists all a buzz with each other about what they are learning and how they are going to apply it to their art careers-right now!)--an artist’s entire career can catapult forward.You can see why I’m juiced to get up every morning to do this – spend 10-hr days for months at a time preparing for one event—because I hear back from artists about how it transforms their entire vision of what’s possible for their art careers.

Laura Muir- My Garden Next Year- smARTistTelesummit Alumni

G: Sounds like a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas for artists to build from. Thank you Ariane, for your artful wisdom and information concerning the smARTist Telesummit. Artists can save $60 right now on registration until this Friday, Jan 6th. Read testimonials here.

Kendall Students

I presented an Artist As Brand workshop at Kendall College of Art and Design this past weekend and wow, these students were on fire! They were already formulating ideas for a multimedia community art event to be held at the school next year. I was impressed with the strong independent art spirits in this group. Go Kendall!The amazing life coach Greg Montana was Skyped into our session pumping up the group. Twenty eight students, alumni and faculty stuck it out for the three ten hour days. You could feel the love! See more pics here.

Artist As Brand was a complete success!!! 3 day illustration boot camp, followed by a lovely dinner with the amazing illustrator that created it!... I have had the best weekend ever!! I mean ever!!.... priceless.-Amanda Schaub

I am going for what I want in life. I'm getting my mind, body, and soul together and failure is a foreign word now.-La'kenya Shauray TerrellI can't thank Greg enough for sharing his wealth of knowledge and more importantly, touching my heart. -Kirbi FaganSweet! I will be back next year.Thank you also to Christine Brown, Nancy Hart, and Jon Mcdonald for introducing me to such an awesome school.PeaceGreg

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”

-Les Brown 

October 11th we had a full moon. A full moon symbolically represents the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire. In celebration of these attributes I am offering a special deal. For one month until we reach the new full moon on November 10th all online workshops will be discounted 25%! Contact me to register.

Bronze- $149Silver- $369Gold- $749Click on the ONLINE CLASS button in the menu bar above to learn more about the online workshops.Now is an auspicious time to empower your art spirit and your prosperity as we move through the moon's phases toward 11/11/11. There are symbolic attributes associated with our lunar sibling. Sign up during the phase that most resonates with you!Waning Moon:Symbolic of letting go, surrender, release, quiet time, contemplation, and a time of incubation.New Moon:Symbolic of new beginnings, a fresh start, rebirth.Waxing Moon:Symbolic of growth, manifestation, attainment, gravity (heavy with child – both philosophical and literal).Full Moon:Symbolic of the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire.To your art spirit,Greg

I have been talking about the magic Five Years ever since it took me as much time to really lock in my illustration career. It can happen sooner, but the five year mark generally holds true. Check out this post on Muddy Colors where Chris Moeller talks about the five year mark. He is talking generally about the industry of illustration but the principle of how long it takes is the same with building your independent art empire outside of industry.

My students create a five year marketing blueprint in the AAB workshop. This way you begin to shape your career long term instead of leaving it up to fate.

Peace

Greg

I am presenting a three day workshop May 15 (Tues), 16 (Wed.), 17 (Thurs), before the May 18-20 Spectrum Live event in Kansas City, MO. This is a great opportunity for all artists to learn the Artist As Brand principles and then see how it applies at an event like Spectrum Live, where I will have a booth too!Which artists know how to present themselves in a unique and professional manner? Who stands out? What can you do that nobody else is doing? How to present yourself at a shows like Spectrum Live is only a small part of what you will learn in this course. You will be empowered and prepared to manifest your own art empire. Get ready to see your professional art career from a very different perspective.And receive a free 3 day pass to Spectrum Live!Read the REGISTER page before signing up.Learn more about the workshop on theABOUT page.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are sayinghere.