Well guys, sorry I haven't been posting or 'blogging' but alot has happened since my last post. The economy is making a come back but you have to 'evolve' your self and your work. If you have been on the art show circuit for along time, your stuff becomes 'tired' looking and people that have seen you for 3 -5 years at the same shows start to see it too. Time to relook your work and think of ways to 'update' it. What? Do I hear that is what my work is and I'm not changing a thing? Well, as artists, we evolve every 5 to 7 years wether you want to or not, it just starts to happen in your work. Take a look at your work that you did 5 years ago and look at the stuff your churning out now...do you see the difference? So does the art festival goers.
So go ahead...go play with that idea that has been churning in your head and work it. See what happens....and let me know!
Comments
I wore my 'self taught' medal proudly on my chest until I realized it was an anchor holding me down. After 7 years of doing shows without having seen in person anyone else do the type of work I do, I signed up for and attended a week long nature printing society workshop. Met someone there who teaches an advanced printing class and signed up for and took that class. Took some time off to practice what I learned, incorporate new techniques and materials. My work still looks like my work, but I'm a better, more efficient printer. I can do more with less time, I can produce more usable work and I think it is better, even though I think you can still see it is 'mine'. I'm glad I was self taught so I developed a style, but I definitely needed something to spark a change. I think customers at repeat shows will think 'hey, seen you before, but something is different. ' I also have a plan for where I'm heading in the future now that I know what is possible - change before what I'm doing now gets stale. So, I agree, gotta evolve.
Nels, I have been in this business for 30 years and was expressing this to other artists! My work is evolving almost everyday and thought this would help some other artists that has gone 'sour' during this economy. :) I also teach.
Deb
Gee Debbie, what a concept--changing your work. Some of us do that on a regular basis and that is why we are successful and make a living in this competitive business.
But, I am glad you woke up and discovered that concept. Good luck and good sales. Nels