As artists and people, every now and then, we need a little pick-me-up from others. A little encouragement or kind words goes a long way. One of my favorite things about showcasing my art online is the feedback I receive. Even simple statements like “I love your art!” are encouraging, especially when they add up!
This article features 10 artists who have been interviewed at Artpromotivate, and the advice they have to share with emerging artists.
Christine Striemer
Saskatchewan,Canada
Mediums: Acrylic paint
Themes: Still lifes, portraits, trees, landscapes
Style: Realism and abstract
Advice for Artists:
“Use the internet to your advantage. It is a valuable marketing tool.”
Kevin Harney
Vancouver, Canada
Mediums: Photography, mixed media, ceramic tiles, print making
Themes: Wildlife, animals, rustic, nature, fantasy.
Style: Cultural and spiritual
Advice for Artists:
“Follow your feelings and try not to produce art that will sell but art that you absolutely love to create. Many artists fall into the trap of creating art that sells. And always keep your eyes open, for inspiration is all around us. Love Your Art!”
BJ Tuininga
New York, USA
Mediums: Oils mixed with cold wax
Themes: landscapes, still lifes, nature, abstracts
Style: Realism
Advice for Artists:
“My advice to all inspiring artists is advice that was given to me by a dear friend, "Always remain true to yourself," and ‘Use only the purest of colors.’”
Nancy Lou Canyon
USA
Mediums: Acrylic on canvas
Themes: Nature – trees, rocks, water reflections, etc.
Style: Photo Realism, Abstraction
Advice for Artists:
“As a painter once told me, "You must have an almost unrealistic belief in yourself to be an artist." So do that, believe in yourself even if it is hard.”
Maia Stefana Oprea
Bucharest, Romania
Mediums: Found objects, paper, textiles, metal, wool, clay, oils, acrylic, pencils, pastels, tempera, gouache, charcoal
Themes: Conceptual, spiritual
Style: expressionism, contemporary
Advice for Artists:
“As a fellow young artist, my advice is to forget about aspiring and emerging, otherwise your art will really suffer from it. Have patience.”
Karen Smith
South Yorkshire, UK
Mediums: Digital art
Themes: Music, Whimsical
Style: Poster and Canvas art
Advice for Artists:
“I will openly admit that I am not one of life's most optimistic people and soon get despondent, but I do realise that with art, as with music, you have to keep on keeping on - never give up and as the old cliché goes 'believe' - cheesy, but very very true. If you think you have something to offer and want to give a piece of yourself to the world - go for it!”
Jivan Lee
USA
Mediums: Walnut oil paint
Themes: People in their places, still lifes, light and color over time
Style: Impressionism, expressionism
Advice for Artists:
“Far be it of me, but I guess I'd say: stay in it; stay with the moment; listen to the quiet voice that suggests something unexpected; my best pieces seem to come right after some of my worst; and, good luck!”
Justin Barnard
Norfolk UK
Mediums: Oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, charcoal
Themes: Truth and beauty, landscapes, portraits, abstracts
Style: Realism, Expressive
Advice for Artists:
“Put yourself on the line and fight the system.”
Paul Crimi
Boston, Mass., USA
Mediums: Acrylic paint
Themes: Landscapes, abstracts, spiritual
Style: Contemporary Impressionist
Advice for Artists:
“Go to your studio everyday and create some form of art and you will get better.”
Paulo Themudo
Switzerland
Mediums: Artists paint
Themes: Impulsive, personal.
Style: Abstract expressionism, Figurative expressionism.
Advice for Artists:
“Be humble with the notion of reality, always wanting to learn more and accepting the criticism being negative or positive.”
Do you have any advice of your own for emerging and struggling artists?
Learn How to Sell Your Art
Alyson Stanfield created a very detailed guide for artists to help them in all aspects of marketing art – I’d Rather be in the Studio.
When I bought this book, I was very impressed and surprised with just how much useful information is jammed into its 218 pages. Alyson holds nothing back and includes practical advice artists can begin using right now.
"There aren't enough hours in the day to do it all."
Have you had any of these excuses?
"My art speaks for itself."
"I don't know where to begin."
"I don't want to bother people."
"I don't live in an art town."
"I'm an introvert."
"I'm not rich."
Alyson explains these excuses for not selling art, and refutes every single one – giving detailed action steps on what you can do to become a successful artist.Topics include organization, planning, artist statements, portfolios, blogs, websites, social media, newsletters, communication, contact lists, and much more!
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Hi! I am Graham, a professional artist, blogger and aspiring writer.
4 comments:
Some days it's so easy to get discouraged, you feel as if you are shouting into a void. I think it's important to make your art for yourself as well as your audience.
@RoByn Thompson Thanks Robyn... that's some great advice!
Don't sweat the competition and just follow your heart.
The more you practice and sell (even at low prices to begin with), the more you will learn what people like of what you do, and you will learn to forge your own identity over time, knowing what works, what doesn't, and also what you love to create the most.
Once all that is established, people will get to know your style, will love your art as much as you do, and will respond knowing your art is truely unique and from your heart.
@Mattsart
Thanks Mattsart! ... love your Etsy store.. your paintings are inspiring!
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