Spectrum Fantastic Art Live debuted in Kansas City last week with an aura of inspiration. Truly one of the most amazing groups of talent in one place I have ever experienced. Much credit goes to Arnie and Cathy Fenner along with their dedicated team. They pulled together a professional show that included educational panels and speakers as well as an awards show that blew the lid off any other art awards show existing today. Academy awards look out! I presented the Institutional, Silver and Gold winners on the stage of the beautiful 1927 Midland theater. More pics on the floor of the show here and here.It was wonderful seeing sooo many friends and their creations all in one place. It reminded me of Comic Con in the very early days. I was selling posters, prints, postcard sets, music, as well as signing lots of books, Magic cards, and meeting new collectors. Roxana was doing even better as her scents had people sniffing the air and making a beeline to her elegant showcase.I moderated a panel titled, Artist As Brand, Rise of the Artist Entrepreneur with Michael Whelan, Donato Giancola, William Stout, Virginie Ropars, and Arnie Fenner. Lovely group with much synergy. A large crowd joined the conversation.Three days before I set up a booth with Roxana for the show, I presented an Artist As Brand® workshop at the Aladdin Hotel to ten individuals who traveled from across America to experience the seminar together. More on this soon. Greg Montana was Skyped in for a live coaching session and Roxana gave an inspired presentation too.The poignant documentary film by Maria Cabardo, Better Things, Life & Choices of Jeffrey Catherine Jones premiered at Spectrum Live too. This is a beautiful biopic. Well done!
Last week Roxana and I were invited to West Liberty University to be a part of their annual MadFest (Media Arts and Design Festival) and to present a one day Artist As Brand workshop. Essentially it was two very full days of presentations, looking at portfolios, judging artwork, web design, animations etc. as well as presenting awards to the winners. High schools from the surrounding area were invited which brought a youthful vitality to the event.The workshop was filled with 21 faculty, students, and alumni who came to some striking realizations about themselves and their artful path. One of the students Seth Miller, a talented photographer is creating a short film based on their interviews. I can't wait to see it!The past two days have not only left me feeling spiritually and emotionally invigorated, but have immensely enhanced my confidence and eagerness to begin working as a freelance artist. Thank you so much again for taking the time to plant seeds of knowledge in West Liberty's creative minds. The wisdom you share and bring out in fellow artists is truly priceless.-Victoria Lavorini, Graduating Student
"I have a clearer vision of where I want to go as you have greatly helped with the HOW. Thank you for your insights..."-Bev Beatty, Alumni"Your generosity and sharing of experiences was greatly appreciated."-Brian Fencl, Chair Journalism, Communication Studies & Visual Arts
"The Artist as a Brand Workshop was very beneficial for me. It helped me define my purpose in relation to my artwork and made me believe in myself and the possibilities I will have as a freelance artist."
- Chloe Woods, Student
"It was very inspiring! I would like to stay in contact with you and keep you updated on my work and progress through the rest of my time at college, and as an artist.
"
-Sean Ritner, Student
2012 will be year of the artist entrepreneur ______________
Arnie and Cathy Fenner, the organizers of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live to be held in Kansas City this May sent me this email "Looks like we are all ahead of the curve on what we're doing." I am presenting an Artist As Brand workshop in conjunction with the event.They connected me to this article by Michael Wolf about artists taking control of their prosperity:While 2011 was a big year for political unrest, another uprising was afoot in the world of content creators and artists. Everywhere you look, artists are taking more control over their own economic well being, in large part because the Internet has enabled them to do so. You see it in all forms of content, from books, to video to music.A few examples from this year:e-books: Probably the most active area in large part because there is huge shifts taking place in digital publishing. From former mid-list writers like Barry Eisler to superstars like JK Rowling, writers are increasingly making waves in digital publishing.Video: The story of the year for artists-as-entrepreneur came at the tail-end, with Louis CK saying no thank you to corporate middlemen and putting his new concert video online for $5 a pop.Radio/Music: All sorts of independent entrepreneurs are putting audio entertainment online, from the rise of podcast kings like Leo Laporte to a huge number of independents like Adam Carolla and Marc Maron. Music artists are being given freedom too, through new platforms to create and share their music like Soundcloud.So what is driving this movement towards the artist-entrepreneur that will give it huge momentum in 2012?More...
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.
© 2011 Greg Spalenka and Artist As Brand ®
"The Artist As Brand Workbook is an easy read and jam packed with all kinds of resources. It's great to keep looking back to."-Miranda Sharp, Student, Kendall College of Art & Design, Michigan"I received a map and tools—where to go and what to do when I got there. And confidence, that I CAN be an entrepreneur with my own art and not have to rely on other people giving me work."-Gina Terzino, Artist, Los Angeles"You have finally put it all in perspective. I understand how to make my unique voice heard. I see the power and goodness of where my heart is telling me to go. I can finally stop waiting and dive into a new blue sea."-Kari Christensen, Professional Illustrator, New York
***
THE ARTIST AS BRAND WORKSHOP IN A BOOK
You can now own the official PDF (digital) textbook participants use while taking the Artist As Brand Workshop. It is for serious creative individuals, students and professionals who want to manifest prosperity from their art, on their own terms. You will learn about the history behind Artist As Brand as well as it's synergistic principles. It has live links throughout that can be utilized while reading through the material.What's included?
DECLARE YOUR PURPOSE
• 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 this core purpose aligns your heart with your art in a profound manner.• Design a Vision Board. Learn how to target the exclusive niche markets that will make up your one of kind art empire.
PLAN YOUR BRAND
• Design your art and project/product line.
We look at artists who are successful in this area, and new approaches to making income from your art. Define what art and projects/products can manifest from your Vision Board.
• Create an innovative marketing blueprint that integrates high tech and high touch medias. These are two very different but synergistic marketing models. You learn how to best utilize these promotional mediums.• The simple yet powerful art of business and commerce. Are you an art hobbyist or an art professional? If you are selling art you are a business, start acting like one.• Connect with artist entrepreneur leaders. Creating community and hooking up with those who are successful will keep you inspired and in the company of great people.• Your Name, Tagline, and art of the Blurb. The name of your business, and how you represent it is a reflection of your professionalism whether it is online or in person. 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.
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.• Recognize the potential in 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.Read the book, do the work, take the steps even if they are little ones, and you will reap the rewards. Dive into the Artist As Brand Workbook and begin to see your art career in a new and unique light.
$49.95
"Greg, I wanted to thank you for giving us the tools to really go forward with our art businesses.- Diana Levin, Artist, Los AngelesI gained perspective on my future and myself. There is a world of possibilities for artists."-Tannie Duong, Student, San Francisco Academy of Art"I finished the Artist As Brand Workbook and really liked it. It has everything an artist needs to know to get started."-Mariana Benkovic Zeljko, Artist, Croatia
*All sales of the Artist As Brand® Workbook are final and there are no refunds.
Sign Up deadline is May 6th.
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! and Artist As Brand are aligning to bring creative empowerment and prosperity to artists in Kansas City, May, 2012.
Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! is a natural extension of the eighteen-year success of the award-winning Spectrum: The Best In Contemporary Fantastic Art annual.The Spectrum book has come to symbolize the vibrancy, diversity, and overall excellence of this international art community. Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! is an art fair in which creators will be able to sell originals and prints while promoting their work to patrons, collectors, and potential clients. Whereas the ubiquitous comic con focuses on all facets of popular art culture, Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! focuses on the artist and their sales.
This focus makes it a perfect fit with Artist As Brand! I will be presenting a workshop three days before the event. It is open to all serious artists, students and professionals. Learn the secrets of connecting the power of your essence with your art, to your collectors, and see how these principles can be applied at an event like Spectrum Live.
All participants will receive free access to all three days of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. The workshop is held at the Historic Aladdin Holiday Inn Hotel, just blocks from the convention center.
Learn more about the workshop on theABOUT page.Read the REGISTER page before signing up.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying on the RESULTS page.
Register 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
REGISTRATION CLOSED
I am honored to be presenting a workshop at the historic Westbeth in NYC.Located in West Greenwich Village, Westbeth has provided affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families since 1970. The workshop is open to all artists. I guarantee that any participant that faithfully applies the principles learned in the class will sell more art in the coming year than they did the year before or I will refund their registration fee.
$295
$150 For Westbeth residents!
Westbeth (Community Room) 55 Bethune Street New York City, 10014 212- 691-1500
Read the REGISTER page before signing up.
Learn more about the workshop on the
page. See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying
When you finish this seminar you will be empowered to take any success you have now to another level. See you soon!
Greg Spalenka
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.
I am honored to be presenting a workshop at the historic Westbeth in NYC.Located in West Greenwich Village, Westbeth has provided affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families since 1970. The workshop is open to all artists. I guarantee that any participant that faithfully applies the principles learned in the class will sell more art in the coming year than they did the year before or I will refund their registration fee.
$295
$150 For Westbeth residents!
REGISTRATION CLOSED
REGISTER BY LEAVING YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATIONHERE.
Westbeth (Community Room) 55 Bethune Street New York City, 10014 212- 691-1500
Read the REGISTER page before signing up.
Learn more about the workshop on the
page.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying
When you finish this seminar you will be empowered to take any success you have now to another level.See you soon!
Greg Spalenka
This Saturday August 6 at 10:00
Free! Artist As Brand LectureSponsored by the Alameda Writer’s GroupGlendale Library222 E. Harvard St.Glendale, CA 91205818.548.2030
LESSONS LEARNED
Experiences are going to be good and bad depending on your perspective, but if we focus on the lessons learned we can always view it through a positive lens. Every San Diego Comic Convention since my first in 1974 has taught me something. In the beginning Comic Con was all about fans appreciating comics and the creators behind the art of these stories. Writers, artists, publishers, merchandisers, all gathered for this large show and tell of popular art culture, to be seen as well as trade and sell their products. Comic Con grew on this simple premise.
The film and television industries were always present at the event but more on the fringes. Over the last decade the tables have turned and promotions for the large media conglomerates have taken center stage, literally. This has changed the fan base. Serious collectors that flocked to the event are becoming rare. I was elated to see Mr. Katz, one of my best patrons stop by the booth. When I asked why he had not been to the Con in nine years he waved his hand toward the FOX and Warner Brothers islands and said, "I could do without all this."
Ric Meyers (writer and presenter of the Kung Fu extravaganza at Comic Con) mentioned "the artists and merchandisers are being pushed towards the walls, and disappearing into them." Many of my favorite artists do not come to Con anymore because it is too expensive.
This year a group of Pixar artists started an event called “Tr!ckster” across the street from Con in response to what they consider an impersonal giant. It's fascinating that a group of artists who make their livings strapped to a corporate entity are putting together alternate events to Comic Con. This highlights the dilemma I see in the corporate world all the time. Artists become addicted to the salaries they receive working for industry, yet yearn for independence. The challenge is you have very little time to do your own work once you are locked into that system.
The shining light in all this is that your fans, your patrons and collectors will stick with you wherever you are. Some of my collectors who I met at Comic Con years ago stopped by to see me and purchased art (one is the Batgirl painting above that I worked on at the booth). I love my supporters, they make the trip to San Diego worth while. Also seeing my artist friends at this event is enjoyable.There are other conventions popping up around the U.S. I was speaking with Arnie and Cathy Fenner about Spectrum Live to be held next May in Kansas City. It is an event that is focused on the artist. I will be there with a booth and as well as presenting an Artist As Brand workshop! Yes, stay tuned, Spectrum and Artist As Brand are aligning.What did I learn this year? Comic Con is becoming less of a place to sell and more of a venue to promote. The big question is if it's worth it? That being said my Crescoptiscope from The Visions of Vespertina was a hit and brought many curious eyes to the booth. I wish you could have all seen it in action. Had to be there!
For those of you who could not make it to San Diego, I have a few Masters of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art left. See some of the bookhere. I am in it with Brom, Kinuko Craft, Dan Dos Santos, Donato, Charles Vess, Stephan Martiniere, James Gurney, and more. It is an awesome collection, with insightful commentary by the artists. $25.00, shipping included. You can purchase it at Amazon for the same price but mine comes signed.
To your art empire,
Greg
Harry Houdini was not only a consummate escape artist and entertainer, he was a master promoter. This man knew how to market himself in a big way. There is a show opening at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 28, "Houdini: Art and Magic," that highlights not only the man's craft as a magician/performer but also showcases his understanding of how he used the media to ramp up exposure. An article in the LA Times talks about his mastery of marketing, how he "often performed for free in front of newspaper offices to enormous crowds — and newspaper photographers — on the eve of his paid performances."He would even hire his own cameramen to film his escapes for use in his lectures, says art curator Brooke Kamin Rapaport."In his day, Houdini was so famous not only because he was a master showman on stage but also because he was able to promote his work to a broad public," says Rapaport. "His significance endures because of the visual record — the posters, photographs, film and magic apparatus — that we have today." More here.The tools of promotion have changed but conjuring the magic of marketing is still the goal. How to pull attention to yourself, make yourself interesting to others. It is my belief that standout artists present their talent and heart to the world with authentic passion. Houdini so wanted to be an entertainer he ran away from home at 12 to join the circus!Are you ready to run toward your dreams and goals of being an artist on your own terms?Peace and prosperity,Greg
The 21 Best Resources from the Business Blogosphere
Etsy's Blog is called The Storque. Daniel Lexo is the editor and she puts together some great articles that champion small independent businesses, especially of the art and crafts world. I thought this post had some great resources in it. Check it out. This article came out end of last year but the resources are still good ones."With so much content out there on the web and so many experts out there telling you how you can and should run your business, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Where to start? Who to listen to?"PeaceGreg
EXPERIENCE THE ARTIST AS BRAND WORKSHOP RIGHT NOW ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
The Artist As Brand™ Online Workshop is up! Now you can work with me in the comfort of your home and experience what Sandra Chang-Adair says is "probably the most helpful and important class I have taken in my life.” Whereas the three day workshop is an artist bootcamp, the online version allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The class will motivate and inspire, so expect an infusion of desire to build your art empire.
*Reservations for individual consultations per month is limited, so don't delay.
Go to ONLINE CLASS and reserve your spot today!
To your art spirit and prosperity,Greg
Spalenka
TODAY'S ARTISTS CAN SHARE AS THEY CREATE
In January Ann Powers wrote an intriguing article in the Los Angeles Times about the integration of artist and technology. No matter your creative discipline, talented individuals can share their process more readily now, allowing the final product to be perceived as an evolution. Interaction with an audience can even change the concept. Sharing your vision as an ongoing dialogue with your fans, patrons, collectors brings another dynamic to what an artwork can become. Read more here.
Have you showed the evolution of your work as it was being created? Does following the suggestions of your supporters help or hinder a piece of art?
To your art and prosperity,
Greg
The NYC gang- Ramomar Buckley, Greg Spalenka, Lynne Foster, Kari Christensen, Jerome Miller, Omari Cameron, Thomas Kowal, Matthew Wachnicki, (not shown Mel Odom, Charles Saputo, Nancy Hart).
AFTER
I just presented my AAB Workshop at the NYC Society of Illustrators with ten talented art professionals and college students. I want to thank Anelle Miller and Tom Stravinos at the Society for allowing the workshop to be held there. I am in gratitude to Mark Heflin at AI-AP for donating ten beautiful American Illustration Annuals for the participants. A thank you also to Karen Santry who is a true champion of the art spirit. It is always a pleasure to return to NYC even in freezing temperatures!
In my last post I shared someof these artist’s feelings BEFORE the workshop, now you will hear some AFTER workshop commentary. I will be adding comments to this post over the next week from the participants as they trickle in. Here are the first bunch...
"It was incredible Greg. I have been thinking about the workshop all week ."-Lynne Foster
"Just wanted to thank you again for this past weekend. It was extremely helpful and your willingness and hard work really meant a lot to me. "-Matt Wachnicki
"The class was intriguing. Thanks for the insights."-Mel Odom
"I'm getting back on my creative track! Right now I'm drawing out sketches & designs. I designed a website I'm finishing up. It was definitely an honor to meet you & the group last week."-Jerome Miller
"It was a privilege to meet you and I truly enjoyed participating in your workshop."-Tom Kowal
"The workshop was great! It was extremely inspirational... and gave me so many ideas and options to advance artistic opportunities. The whole experience was much more than I had anticipated. This workshop is definitely something that I would recommend to anyone who is aspiring to build their own career! Greg is an excellent instructor with an immense amount of positive energy! It was absolutely worth the time and energy."-Nancy Hart
"Wow. Thank you.You have finally put it all in perspective. I understand how to make my unique voice heard. And even more importantly you have dug down and brought out my core. I see the power and goodness of where my heart is telling me to go. I see honesty and courage coming together to make something better than what society is comfortable with. I see that there are going to be people who don't understand, but for others I know they have been waiting for this- just like me. I can finally stop waiting and dive into a new blue sea.You are making the world better for artists and everyone that is seeking a fulfilling and loving life.Thank you for being so generous with your time.It was a sacred experience."-Kari Christensen
AFTER WORKSHOP QUESTIONS
1. Did the workshop prepare you to define your career in a new and empowered fashion?
Kari:Yes it did. I feel completely excited about my work. And I am also excited about helping other creatives with their work. I finally have a clear vision and a plan how to make it happen. I can let go of the creative frustration I had before the workshop and focus.
Matthew:I certainly have a sense of direction I didn't have before taking this class. It was clear taking this workshop that the techniques we were learning are essential to getting ahead in today's market.
Tom:Yes, definitely. Discovering my core virtue has increased my confidence level, and the workshop in general helped me to think of myself as an entrepreneur.
Mel:It gave me some significant ideas on ways to broaden my scope.
Jerome: Yes, the techniques taught in the seminar pretty much put the pieces of the puzzle together.
2. Was it what you expected?Matthew: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 has helped to define not only what my niche markets can be but also the type of work I should be creating. Kari:I was hoping to find a creative focus and develop a business plan. It was that and more. It was an intense self discovery and a reprogramming of some cynicism I picked up from working in the illustration business.Tom:More.Mel:I really went with no expectations. Jerome:I wasn't really expecting anything much since the seminar was new to me, but I did like the results.3. Did you learn new ways to accomplish your creative and economic goals? Kari:There were great new ideas. And discussions about things I have been doing for awhile. The amazing thing is AAB puts everything in a manageable perspective that is based on the individual's personal vision. A five year plan no longer seems overwhelming.Matthew:I really appreciated the blueprint concept. It's hard enough thinking a week a head, but I found it to be a very useful technique for setting realistic goals for myself and then working backwards to find ways to reach these goals. Tom:Yes. It gave me a blueprint to follow as well as practical advice, i.e. the nuts-and-bolts steps to take.Mel:Yes.Jerome: Yes, I'm more clear & organized on what I'm looking for & need to do.4. How was the teacher?Kari:Greg is an art guru and a great teacher. I don't know if there is anyone out there that can match his energy and heart for helping other artists.Matthew:Greg was fantastic. He is deeply committed to this process and seemed to fully understand what each of us was looking to get out of this experience. He really went the extra mile and it meant a lot. Tom:Excellent. I really felt Greg's sincerity in sharing his experience and information, as well as his commitment to every participant so he or she received the most value from the workshop. He gives 110% of himself.Mel:Committed.Jerome: Ridiculously Awesome! 5. Was the workshop worth the time, energy and investment? Kari:Obviously I am very happy with my experience. I could have used the information from the workshop years ago. For me, it tapped into the way I want to do my work and live my life. It was more than worth it.Matthew:This workshop was worth it for many different reasons. 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.Tom:Yes. I'm making a list of friends to recommend it to.Mel: I think so.Jerome: I plowed through snow & slippery ice on a sloppy hill by foot to catch the metro north train a mile and a half away from my house to be on time for the last two classes in the city. But to give a direct answer, YES! Thank you everyone for your comments. As more responses to the questions arrive I will post them. I am humbled by the gratitude, and yet each of these individuals dove inside themselves to find their clarity and empowerment. They remembered their purpose, what was really important to them, and now can bring it to the world with an entrepreneurial art spirit.To your art prosperity,Greg
Mel Odom
BEFORE
I am presenting an AAB Workshop at the NYC Society of Illustrators this weekend with a group of talented art professionals and college students. I want to share someof the artist's BEFORE feelings about the workshop. The amazing Mel Odom, Matthew Wachnicki a recent graduate of SVA, illustrator Kari Christensen, and FIT student, Ramomar answer some questions about what they expect from this weekend. Next week we will hear the AFTER workshop feedback.
Matthew Wachnicki
The art world is changing all around us at a rapid rate of speed. How do you see these changes affecting you?Mel: Clearly I have to function within the current art world. Currently I’m dealing with a gallery in London and working on a toy project that I think would be huge in Japan. One must now think in an international scope for one thing. Also new media constantly expands the limits of how art can be used and misused.Matthew: I hear many scary things about the state of the illustration business today. Our field is shrinking, paint and canvas are being replaced by a stylus and Cintiq tablet, stock illustration is the devil, and the current economy is making it harder for Art Directors to spend money on illustrations. I've had a very hard time finding work up to this point and I can only assume that all of these factors are contributing to scarce opportunities. Kari:Digital tools have changed the way I create my work. These tools are helpful but they are also sometimes limited compared to traditional tools. Also there many outlets online for showing work. That is great until I find myself working on social media or fixing my website- when I would rather be painting and improving my work.Ramomar:The changes I see in the art World is similar to what I see happening to the music industry, you can't depend on the Record labels anymore, you have to go digital meaning CD sales are down. Most musicians make their money on tours now. It would be same for artists, you can no longer depend on a gallery, you have to put your self on tour to sell yourself. You have to have a online following as well as people you meet that support your work.
Kari Christensen
You are about to embark on the Artist As Brand Workshop this coming weekend. What do you feel the workshop is about and what do you expect from it?Mel: I’m hoping it’ll give me a better sense of how to function within this new, expanding (exploding) art world. I’m very good at the creative, right brain part of it all, just not so good at the other side.Matthew:I learned about this workshop on the Society of Illustrators website and I'm very eager to experience it first hand. I'm hoping to be able to set specific realistic goals for myself as far as which markets I should be targeting and the ways in which I should be approaching art directors. Also any advice regarding my painting and the development of an individual look would be extremely helpful. Kari:I feel like the workshop is about focusing my vision and business plan and I hope to learn how to do that.Ramomar:I feel the workshop is a great way to listen to someone who had a long run in their art career with the ups and downs they experienced, and how they got out of it so you can prepare yourself for your own ups and downs too.
Ramomar
Do you have any specific goals you feel the workshop will help accomplish?Mel: Perhaps look at my body of work from a different, broader perspective. Sometimes seeing one’s self and one’s strengths is difficult.Kari:Hopefully it will really help the struggle of focusing my vision. The workshop would be worth gold to me if I can discover a path that can bring these different artistic visions together or at least prioritize them in some way. From there I want to map out a business plan for that vision.Matthew: I graduated from the School of Visual Arts last May. Since then the majority of clients I've worked with have wanted me to emulate very specific styles and I've found myself trying to replicate specific looks (Edward Gorey, Frank Frazetta, etc.) which don't necessarily look anything like my 'normal' work. Like most young illustrators I'm very 'style conscious' and while I don't feel that my work has a definitive look or style to it yet I'm confident that I'll find my true voice eventually. What I'm really hoping to get out of this workshop is a better idea of how to define myself to potential clients in the mean time.Were you familiar with Greg Spalenka before the workshop? Why do you believe he is qualified to teach anything?!Mel:I know of your name and work and I’m just taking a chance in an effort to expand myself.Matthew:I was first exposed to Greg's work my freshman year of college while flipping through one of the Spectrum books. What immediately stood out to me was the vibrancy of the colors. I also very much enjoy the subtle layering in the work which in some cases reminds me of collage. I have absolutely no reason to think he wouldn't be qualified to teach, and the stellar reviews on the artist as brand website seem to back up that assumption.Kari: I have always enjoyed Spalenka's illustration work and I have heard from others that he is an inspiring teacher. He has made a career out of a unique mystical and personal vision and that by itself is inspiring to me.Ramomar:I really didn't know about Greg Spalenka until my mentor Karen Santry mentioned him and I check out his works and liked them, so it's good to listen to someone who has long experience selling their artwork.Did you face resistance from anyone about taking the workshop? Was it a tough decision? Did you confront any of your own fears before committing to it?Mel:No tough decision, snap decision.Matthew:There was absolutely no resistance in deciding to take this workshop. After researching it a bit and reading the reviews on the website it seemed like it would be a great opportunity and I didn't hesitate.Kari: The workshop was recommended to me so I felt I would be missing out if I didn't take it. Now that I have read Greg's bio online, I realize he knows what I'm thinking about and I could have used this years ago. I am really excited.Ramomar:I was advised to take this workshop. This would be the first time I took one.Thank you Mel, Matthew, Kari and Ramomar for your responses! We will see you soon! I will return next week with the AFTER feedback.To peace, art, prosperity,Greg
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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