By Jeanean Songco Martin
In Response to Clint’s article “The Wordless USP” I agree that marketing art is unlike selling other retail goods. it is very unique and takes more than just a gimmick to make it work for you. The reality is in the studio not in a catchy phrase or hyped up resume.
Paint for yourself and no one else. As a young art student in College I painted for my teachers. I sought approval and acceptance from artist that I admired. I still get pleasure from positive remarks and enjoy the same gratification from a good critique of my work. But the difference is now as a professional artist I paint for myself first and hope the work will appeal to others. Hopefully, as my work continues to grow it will attract a “unique audience”
Developing a personal style is a result, a by-product of hard work. Stay on the true course of painting, which is to communicate your feelings. Finding the poetry and essence of painting is a personal journey that only you can take. If your work reflects your own personal vision a “unique personal style” will inevitably develop.
The
creative process varies among artist.
Some people know exactly what they want to paint and how to paint it.
Others flounder around and through a process of discovery, end up with a painting. The decision what to paint can be
pre-determined and planned or “found” during the process. The work process is an essential
element in the everyday life of the artist. Without a sense of purposeful work the continous thread of
creation can be broke. Stopping
and starting work can be counter productive.
The
search to find the right expression is a very personal one. Be very aware of
the choices you make and be prepared to support your choices. Through a careful “selection” of the
formal elements of color, line, composition, texture, a realistic or abstract
interpretation, one can achieve the goal of creating a painting that perfectly
expresses your feelings in a meaningful and convincing statement.
Paintings are a direct expression of who you are. From the moment you pick up a brush or determine what size canvas to use or what color choices, you are “pre-determining” the outcome of the painting.
Jeanean Songco Martin commented on:
The Advantages to E-Newsletters
Having a monthly newsletter was one of the best things that I could have done for myself and I highly recommend it to every artist. In the beginning I was a little reticent and had a hard time composing the letter. I questioned my own "worthiness" and wondered did my art career deserve to be highlighted each month. My reluctance to "brag" about my accomplishments and "show off" my latest paintings was a real hurdle that needed to be addressed.
To my surprise after sending out the very first newsletter I received so many positive responses and encouraging words that I quickly got over the insecurities and doubts and now enjoy "sharing" my latest paintings and accomplishments. Not to mention the benefits of being able to advertise my workshops and also great art shows that have moved me and hopefully will bring others to see and open discussions.
Having a monthly newsletter also encourages and motivates my work to come to some kind of conclusion. There are still many paintings that hang around in limbo gathering dust but ones that I am feeling good about and know that they have merit I am just itching to post on my newsletter.
I hope you will all consider starting your own!
Having a monthly newsletter also encourages and motivates my work to come to some kind of conclusion. There are still many paintings that hang around in limbo gathering dust but ones that I am feeling good about and know that they have merit I am just itching to post on my newsletter.
I hope you will all consider starting your own!
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