Spoiler alert: I’m both.
I thought that when I traveled down my twisty creative path and finally figured out that I really wanted to be an artist, that my days of “are you this or are you that” were done. Nope. Not done. Just different questions.
In the past two to three years I’ve been researching and experimenting with different ways of putting my art out in the world. Here are some examples of what I’ve done so far.
- I’ve shown my work at local art shows curated by artists.
- I’ve shown (and sold) my paintings in cool local boutiques/design shops. Note: Next show coming up at Portage Bay Goods in Seattle in September!
- I’ve sold original paintings, art prints, apparel, phone cases, and home decor at various online galleries/shops.
- I collaborated with a digital agency to create paintings/patterns that they animated for display in their client’s lobby and licensed a pattern to an event design company for a photo backdrop.
- I’ve created 30ish patterns for a print studio (for fashion/home textiles) and licensed 20ish art prints to various art consultants (for corporate art collections, hospitality, and healthcare industries). Note: I get paid for this work only if it sells.
I’ve also been making new connections, meeting people for advice, and having sketchbook dates with my artist friends to discuss all of the different avenues for being a working artist.
- I’ve been instructed to make about 50% of my surface design work Winter Holiday if I want to get serious about art licensing.
- I’ve been told that to be represented by a traditional art gallery that I would need to focus on painting large scale collections of paintings rather than selling prints or designing products.
- When I had my portfolio split into fine art and surface design, I was approached about designing patterns based on my fine art rather than my surface designs.
- I’ve heard that traditional gallery artists are having trouble selling their work now that internet galleries are on fire.
- I’ve heard “find a niche,” “show your range,” and “make work that YOU want to make.” Obviously, not all at the same time.
I’ve realized that what I love most about being an artist is making art.
I don’t care where it ends up. I mean, I CARE in that I’m not going to license my work to the current White House or anything like that. But I don’t have a preference for my work being displayed on the wall in your living room or on your beach towel at Point Dume.
I love the small paintings that I make and keep in my sketchbook and the large pieces that go on to spread joy in other people’s homes. I love creating the artwork that gets put on phone cases, pouches, and tote bags just as much as I liked painting the special, one-of-a-kind small piece that hangs above the desk that you inherited from your grandmother. My intention and joy in the creation of my artwork is equal, across mediums and end results.
I may not have as great of a chance at showing/selling my artwork in some traditional gallery spaces or getting licensing deals from certain types of manufacturers, but one thing that I have learned so far is that it’s much better for me to do me.
Thank you for supporting my art and sharing my work.
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