Making Art Archives

How Do You Know If You’re a Real Artist? (Curious Monday)

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You’re at a <party/meeting/wherever> and Smarty Pants asks you what you do.

I’m an artist, you say with confidence (of course).

Not missing a beat, Smarty Pants says, “Oh! My aunt is an artist. She does these …”

You restrain yourself – resisting the urge to stomp your feet and throw a tantrum while shouting, You don’t understand! I’m a REAL artist!

Okay, so what does that mean?

What is a real artist anyway? How do you know if you are one?

Please leave a comment with this post and share your experiences.

How Do You Know If You’re a Real Artist? (Curious Monday) Read

The Art Biz ep. 6: Getting Back Into The Groove

Any change in your routine — holidays, illness, vacations, family deaths or weddings — can bring a slump in your creative work.

Even when you’re completely into your art, there’s often an inertia that keeps you from rebooting and being productive.

Cynthia Morris and I recognize this in our clients and thought it would be juicy content for a podcast.

But first … full disclosure … we went to a yoga class. It was an experiment. What would it be like to record one podcast, go to yoga, and then try another after taking a break? Would we be able to get back into the groove?

It was a tall order and it didn’t quite work. I think you’ll see that we empathize with the topic when you listen to this podcast.

The Art Biz ep. 6: Getting Back Into The Groove Read

Where and How Do You Retreat? (Curious Monday)

It’s well proven that we need rest and relaxation for peak performance.

Artists need to get away or get out of their heads in order to be refreshed and newly inspired.

Enter the artist’s retreat.

You might have official getaways planned in the form of retreats. I often refer to Art Biz Breakthrough as a retreat because it allows you to get away from the daily grind and focus on business-building.

How do you get away from it all?

Do you have regular retreats planned? Where do you go? What do you see and do?

Do you plan weekly or monthly retreats?

What do those look like?

Please share in a comment below.

Where and How Do You Retreat? (Curious Monday) Read

The Best Idea for Unloading Unsold Art

We received loads of good ideas for what to do with earlier artwork that is taking up emotional energy and inventory space.

Many of you wanted to donated it to charity, sell it at a steep discount, repurpose it, or destroy it. On top of this, a number of you said that if it’s not up to your standards, you should rework or destroy it rather than give it away. I agree.

As promised, I have selected a winner. Be sure to keep reading for the honorable mentions.

The Best Idea for Unloading Unsold Art Read

The Role of Failure in Your Art Practice

Failure. It’s a loaded word. Lisa Call attended a panel discussion at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design that I couldn’t attend and thought this question had a lot of value. Deep Thought: Is failure in your art practice something to be embraced, managed, or forgotten?

The Role of Failure in Your Art Practice Read

What Did You Learn From Your Art Teachers?

I knew I was an artist when we made cut-out bunnies in grade school because mine was the only bunny with a hula skirt on. I was fascinated with Hawaii at the time. Two other art teachers have also left a big impression on me.

What Did You Learn From Your Art Teachers? Read

To Create Is To Destroy

I was taken by the subject line from photographer Beth Thompson in my inbox. The quote “To create is to destroy” is apparently taken from Keri Smith’s book, Wreck This Journal. Deep Thought Thursday: True?

To Create Is To Destroy Read

Wasted?

Deep Thought Thursday: Is there such a thing as wasted time in the studio?

Wasted? Read

Good Theft vs. Bad Theft

When do you stop imitating your art heroes? How do you know when to stop imitating and start emulating? How can we teach students the difference between imitating and emulating?

Good Theft vs. Bad Theft Read

The Moment of Flailing Panic

Deep Thought Thursday : In the creation of any work of art, there is some point, no matter how much training and experience is brought to bear on the work at hand, when the artist is taken with a feeling of both exhilaration and terror, the Oh shit. What the hell have I gotten myself into! moment

The Moment of Flailing Panic Read

Making Art

Your Artist Mailing List: Rethinking + Assessing