Friday, March 29, 2013

Taking the Leap: Building a Career as a Visual Artist


Book Review:  “Taking the Leap:  Building a Career as a Visual Artist” by Cay Lang
 
I’ve been saying, “Leap and the net will appear!” quite a bit lately.  So as soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it cover to cover.  I’m really glad I did. 

For the last couple of years my focus has been purely on what happens inside my art studio or on the corner of my couch.  I’ve painted, drawn, doodled, journaled, etc. all for the pleasure of it and I have given very little thought to doing anything with my work.  Any interest or kind words were dismissed as others just being nice.  But lately I’ve been paying more attention and actually following up on any interest and leads. 

This book showed me that in many areas I am headed in the right direction and yet there are opportunities for improvement.  For example:

·        My website www.feliciaborges.com is on the right track in terms of content and appearance.  But now I need to make sure it’s showing up in internet searches and that the right folks know about it.  It doesn’t matter how good it is if no one no one is looking at it. 

·        I’m careful to always add my website, blog, etc. to the end of emails on email messages, but I could be much more diligent when adding them to comments on other blogs, YouTube video and Flickr information sections, etc.  And do I belong to the right blog groups? Flickr groups? Etc.??? Probably need to spend more time on this.

·        I have artist postcards that I am proud of.  But they aren’t doing a thing for me sitting in a box in my art studio.  Time to get those out into the world!

·        I should take myself on more “artist dates” and visit the various businesses that display art, art exhibits, etc.  And when I do, I need to actually talk to someone and see if I can get myself added to their calendar for upcoming exhibit opportunities. 

This was a perfect read for me as I prepare for my next leaps, including:

·        My first ever outdoor art show on April 21st from 12pm-5pm “Painters Paradise Community Festival” in Oak Park (35th and Broadway) in Sacramento, CA.

·        The launching my first ever Etsy shop (anticipate launching in late April).

·        Serving on two committees (Curatorial and PR) to help build infrastructure for “Studio 1000,” a new gallery that will be opening in Sacramento, CA.  The launch will coincide with Sacramento’s June or July 2013 Second Saturday Art Walk.

I really thought I’d hate the business side of the arts, but I am finding ways to be creative in this part too and so far I am enjoying it.  This book has given me a boost of confidence to keep going as well as some terrific insight to consider as I keep leaping. 

What books have you read (and enjoyed) on the business side of the arts?

 

 

10 comments:

  1. This is very interesting, Felicia. I have always believed that you need to begin walking in the direction of your goal, stepping around any trees that fall in the the way, and you will reach your destination. This is what I did when I started my educational consulting business, and it has never steered me wrong. When someone tells you that you can't, use that as fuel to remind yourself that you can, and will. Some of your acquaintances will be envious of your success. Ignore them, because they will want to sabotage your efforts. Fake it until you make it, always and forever, because even the people who we think are a success in their field still believe they are faking something. That's just the way it is. And keep up the effort - it's essential to have the stamina to just keep going!

    I've never taken a class, but those principles have never failed me.

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    1. Teri, this is wonderful. So much wisdom in what you've shared here. Thank you so much for this and for your constant support. You are a gem!

      ;-> Felicia
      There are no rules!
      http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  2. It is, and has been, so very exciting and rewarding to watch you grow, blossom and unfurl over these past few years. You are starting to see big rewards, and I am so glad!!

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    1. Trece, thank you for your kind words. It has been quite a journey and there are so many lovely folks that have inspired me and cheered me on (you included!). Thank you.

      ;-> Felicia
      There are no rules!
      http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  3. This post resonated with me so much particularly this moment right now in my business and with my artwork. I.ve been holding off, probably knowingly of course, and am more than ready to take my "leap" when it ( they) show up. Thanks for the book review and the insight into your own path.

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    1. Grace, I'm glad this post spoke to you and hope to hear more from you as you leap over and over and over!

      ;-> Felicia
      There are no rules!
      http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  4. HI Felicia! Reading this entry in your blog, made me think back to a FB posting I subscribe to that discussed how to stage your first exhibit. I am linking here for you - it may offer a tip of benefit for you. BEST of wishes for that endeavour! Your work is wonderful and deserves being introduced to the masses!!

    Here's that link:
    http://www.finearttips.com/2011/06/how-to-stage-your-first-art-exhibition/

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    1. Von, thanks for the link and the kind words! I can't wait to devour the information on this site! Such a sweetheart for sharing.

      ;-> Felicia
      There are no rules!
      http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  5. Hi, Felicia...again! I found this post very interesting, too! I faced many of the same challenges when I began my "scrapbooking for hire" business many years ago. My husband, too, was a big help! ;-) Just checked out your website and found it gorgeous, but at the same time, easy to traverse and full of the right information! That is well done. I know that Von left a link for you, but don't overlook your local libraries as exhibit sites! Wishing you all the best!

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  6. Kay, thank you for your kind words and for the great tip! I can think of three local libraries all within a few minutes from my front door. Time for a visit!

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