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The Art Biz ep. 48: Why Make Art Now

A number of years back I wrote a blog post called: What’s The Point of Making Art When The World Is So Screwed Up?

Lately, we’ve noticed that that post has been getting a lot of attention, which made me think that it’s time to update it and add a special podcast episode on the topic.

Before you can even begin to think about business at a time like this, you might need to come to grips with an existential question: Why make art at all? Why make it now?

If you’ve ever questioned the reason for making art, you’re not alone.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, artists everywhere are questioning their purpose. Many artists are having difficulty getting in the studio.

It’s tough to be motivated when there’s so much chaos around us. Why make art when you have no place to show it? When people aren’t able to interact with your work?

Venues are shut down. Unemployment is skyrocketing. The kids at home require your attention.

With so many other things taking precedence, and with so much negativity in the news, you might begin to see your work as frivolous. Expendable.

Well-meaning thoughts might enter your head.

Shouldn’t I be out there saving people?
Shouldn’t I be doing something more important than making art?

First, you can absolutely volunteer to make masks, pick up dinner for a neighbor, or donate blood. And you should.

But that doesn’t mean you should stop making art.

There are at least 5 reasons why you should continue making art at this moment, and I cover them in episode 48 of the podcast. This post includes the audio and a complete transcript.

The Art Biz ep. 48: Why Make Art Now Read

The Art Biz ep. 39: Our Stuff Matters with Megan Auman

As an artist, you may worry about the pressure to lead a minimalist lifestyle. Things weigh you down. Stuff is clutter. Stop being so materialistic.

These are just a few of the admonishments you’re exposed to.

How does marketing your art jive with such trends? If we’re encouraged to shed the objects in our lives, who will buy your art? Are you contributing to landfills? (The answer to that last question is a resounding No!)

Designer and metalsmith Megan Auman has some insight that will make you feel better about making more art. What you do is critically important—it’s the antidote to mass consumerism.

In this episode of the Art Biz Podcast, you’ll hear Megan and I talk about a manifesto she wrote back in 2012 titled Stuff Does Matter. When I read it, I thought it was brilliant and wished I had written it. Now, finally, I get the chance to revisit it with Megan herself. (I’m a little slow)

Before we get to my interview, here’s the manifesto for a little background.

Stuff Does Matter Manifesto

Stuff has a place in our world and in your life.

Objects matter beyond their utility.

Caring about things is not wrong.

Your stuff helps you make sense of the world.

Stuff connects you to people — to your past, present, and future.

Stuff provides beauty, meaning, and experience.

Stuff helps you remember and share.

There’s a difference between mindless consumption and the way you feel.

Value what you have.

Buy only what you love.

Savor what you own.

Allow your things to enrich your life.

Choose gratitude over guilt.

Know that the things you love do matter.

The Art Biz ep. 39: Our Stuff Matters with Megan Auman Read

The Art Biz ep. 26: Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa

Artist Lynn Basa understands the power of art to be a positive force in communities.

She is interested in the varied ways that artists are intersecting with public life. From more traditional “public art” to creative placemaking to socially engaged practice.

I talked with Lynn, author of The Artist’s Guide to Public Art: How to Find and Win Commissions, for the Art Biz Podcast. In particular, we focused on The Corner Project, an art space and community revitalization effort she founded in the blighted neighborhood of her Chicago studio in 2017.

In describing this project, Lynn said, and I paraphrase:

Every single artist … [brings] with them a certain amount of agency and value to wherever they are. They can do so much more. … It’s a paradigm shift that happens in your head where you start realizing that “I have something of value that I can contribute to society at large,” rather than just making an object and hoping it gets sold for enough money and that you can make a living.

You’ll also hear her speak this truth: Art is a billion dollar business, and someone has to do it.

I think you’ll be inspired to think big and make a difference in your community after you listen to this episode.

The Art Biz ep. 26: Creative Placemaking and Public Art with Lynn Basa Read

The Art Biz ep. 23: Leaving Behind What is Safe with Jan R. Carson

One artist’s journey is never the same as another’s. Not only do you have to be creative in what you make, but also in how you get it out there, connect with the right people, and make a living. They all involve taking risks.

In 2010, Jan decided to begin the journey away from what had been a safe income (production work) to go after the art and life she wants for herself.

She discusses the balance of both worlds and how she is successfully transitioning from one to the other. She’s leaving what is safe and taking a risk by betting on her art.

You’ll hear about the following from Jan.

The many hats she wears in handling the construction of the mobiles, along with marketing, accounting, etc.
Why she found it easier to retain and train people as employees rather than interns.
Her commitment to letting her body make the work, and keeping her mind out of it.
How she got the confidence in herself and her artwork to exhibit it, and what it felt like to put it out into the world.
The important question artists need to ask themselves: What do I need to make? Not: How do I sell my art?
The social component of being an artist, and how Jan navigates the world as a self-proclaimed shy homebody.
The value of listening, connection, and staying open and present as an artist.

The Art Biz ep. 23: Leaving Behind What is Safe with Jan R. Carson Read

The Art Biz ep. 16: Overcoming a Major Setback: Annie Salness

Artist Annie Salness suffered a stroke almost 8 years ago. While many artists would have given up when faced with the trials Annie had, she met the challenge and kept moving forward.

It wasn’t the single challenge of learning to make art again with her non-dominant hand. Annie also had to relearn how to walk, speak, write, and drive. She’s one of the bravest and most determined people I know.

This is the story of a true artist – an artist who has something to say and is committed to making sure her voice is heard; her art seen.

In this interview, you will hear Annie talk about:

Her rehab and the determination to paint again – even without the use of her dominant hand.
The major obstacles she faces on a daily basis and how she overcomes them.
How she continually challenges herself (and why laughter is the best remedy to the frustration).
Her teaching and “watch me paint” sessions.
Why she wouldn’t want to return to her old self before the stroke.

It wasn’t easy for Annie to share her journey – many people in the same situation would have thought this process of being a guest on a podcast would be too taxing. But Annie celebrated it as yet another hurdle that would contribute to her recovery.

I hope you’re as inspired by Annie’s story as I have been over all these years. She is, without a doubt, one of my heroines.

Please enjoy listening to this conversation with Annie Salness.

The Art Biz ep. 16: Overcoming a Major Setback: Annie Salness Read

You’re Probably Going to Fail

My definition of failure is not taking a chance. Not risking it. Playing it safe.

Everything else that other people might call failures, I prefer to think of as lessons.

Failure would be giving up without absorbing the lessons that might contribute to my personal and professional growth.

You’re probably familiar with this well-known quote:

What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?
– Robert Schuller

It’s a good one, huh? What would you try if you were assured a successful outcome?

There’s zero risk, so why not?

I’ll tell you why not. Because it doesn’t sound like fun. It’s a gimme. There’s no adrenaline rush or sense of accomplishment if you already know the outcome.

I like this updated version:

If something is important enough you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure.
– Elon Musk

In other words, what do you believe in so passionately that you are ready to take a chance on it even if your success isn’t guaranteed?

You’re Probably Going to Fail Read

7 Ways to Expedite Your Breakthrough

I hope you’ll agree that breakthroughs come in handy. Yes?

It’s pretty awesome when the perfect answer appears or that nagging problem is solved. Suddenly, the barrier is removed and you can make progress.

You can’t identify the moment that a breakthrough will happen, but you can prepare yourself for it to come.

Breakthroughs happen as a result of doing the work and being present. Here are 7 ways to accelerate the process.

1. Solve a problem.

Any problem! Art is about solving problems.

How can I balance the composition?

How can I make this with less expensive materials?

How can I convey this or that emotion?

Faith Ringgold was researching shipping options for her paintings when she realized that if she just painted on fabric, without the support, she could roll it up and easily ship it in a tube.

2. Challenge yourself.

There’s very little motivation in the daily grind: update Facebook, schedule a few tweets, send a newsletter, write a blog post, work in the studio. If you’re not careful, you can get stuck checking off menial tasks without doing something extraordinary for your art and for yourself.

Pick a color or

7 Ways to Expedite Your Breakthrough Read

Enough With The Shoulds

I’m looking at a word scratched in lime green on our office white board:

DISRUPT

I had written it earlier in the day after feeling closed in by conventions and “shoulds.”

You should get your book back in print.
You should have a 3-day event.
You should create a new class.
You should offer workshops again.

You know how it happens.

It starts with a voice that comes from a position of authority – a coach, mentor, author, or blogger.

Suddenly, you think you have to drop everything and tackle the latest should-bomb hurled at you. (scene: violent internal struggle)

The biggest should on my list every week is to write this newsletter. I am proud that I’ve written and sent it every week, without fail, since March 30, 2002.

But there’s no heart in it if I’m just doing it because I don’t want to break a streak. I’m more interested in sharing juicy material when I have it than in maintaining a record.

Someday soon you won’t get this email in your inbox on a Thursday. You may not get it at all one week. I’ll still be here, but I will be trying on a new story to see if it fits.

What’s Your Should Story?

What are you doing only because you’ve felt that you should do it?

Enough With The Shoulds Read

Processing Loss Through Your Art

A gentle warning before you read this. This was supposed to be a celebration article, but things happened that led me in a different direction. You might find it sad.

Stick with me because there is a message here that you might need. Maybe not now, but someday. And I promise that there is a happy ending.

Thank you in advance for allowing me to share this story with you.

Let’s start with the celebration. This week I celebrate 15 years of writing a weekly email to artists, which I mark as the anniversary of Art Biz Success. The newsletter is now posted here on the blog where you’re reading it.

It was on March 25, 2002 that I sent my first private email as a sample to artists I found on the Internet.

I can’t promise this newsletter and corresponding blog post will go on forever. I can’t even promise they will happen next week. But I’m pretty proud that I have never missed a weekly issue. That’s 780 newsletters if you’re counting.

This week’s newsletter – the very one you’re reading now on the blog – was a close call. Here’s what happened.

Processing Loss Through Your Art Read