Art Palaver Artist Marketing Resource » Daryle Dickens

Meilena Hauslendale | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:17:48 +0000

Meilena Hauslendale is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

Sharpie Marker & Watercolor.

How would you describe your art?

My art is based on my reflections of the world around me. I observe. I learn. I feel… then I create. I often have themes in my art. Sometimes I use symbolism and sometimes whimsy to portray the mood or thoughts I may have at that particular moment. Whatever the mood, I like bold lines and vibrant colors. For me, my art is like a photograph, capturing a moment in my life that I can always look back on.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

I honestly do not have an artist in particular that inspires me, but yet I am fascinated by all artists. Art is such a personal experience and portrayal that I appreciate all forms and occurrences just like I would someone’s life experience. Art is an observation of one’s life. So regardless of the artist or the art form, all genres are an inspiration to me.

What are your thoughts on selling art?

I first do art for myself. I create because I “have” to in order to satisfy that part of may nature. There are two aspects of art, those that appreciate art and those that create it. My audience and my clients are art appreciators. I take great pride in sharing my work with other people. I try to vary my product line to keep the availability open to those that appreciate my work. On the higher end of the scale, I have my originals and then I also have prints and posters. Surprisingly enough, we also sell a lot of t-shirts, greeting cards, and stickers internationally. So I try not to place limitations on what my art can do and what it can be used for. If there was one message alone that I could convey to my children, is that your creativity does not have to be just a “hobby” it can be a profession. You can make a living off of being creative. You just have to be willing to go along for the ride.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

I think one of the on-going challenges is self-promotion. There is a benefit to having your hands in all aspects on your art career, however you will always have to wear a variety of hats, and not just be on the sidelines creating art. You have to keep on top of marketing, submissions, shows, and of course your sales. I certainly try to utilize print-on-demand relationships as this alleviates some of the burden sales can cause. If I can save time in any way with promotions and sales, then that means more time for me to create.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

Honestly I think just taking that very first step and putting my work out there was the greatest leap for me. My art was such a personal endeavor that I only shared it with myself. Taking the step to allow others to view my art 14 years ago set the stage for my career as an artist, without that I would never be where I am today. I measure my success based on my ability to continue to create not on the number of shows I have done or sales. 90% of my art’s success depends on me just showing up to the canvas and taking time to create.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

This year alone I am expanding to different venues that I didn’t explore before. Working more on licensing my work for different product lines such greeting cards, t-shirts, and even cookies (most recent partnership). My short term goals… keep creating and coming up with new ideas. My long term goal… to do this forever because I truly take pride in my work and love doing it.

Anything else you would like to share?

I use my art on the covers of my own published books that are available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, and Borders books as well as independent book distributors: http://imotivate.org

Meilena’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | imotivate

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Meilena Hauslendale | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Maria Montano | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:23:37 +0000

Maria Montano is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

Photography.

How would you describe your art?

My photography is about two things – the first is trying to share with the world how I observe the world. The second is about social justice – using my skill with the camera to raise awareness about issues that I am passionate about – be it conservation causes or sexual assault.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

Edward Weston – simply wonderful. I can’t think of a single photographer today who isn’t influenced by his body of work. Cole Thompson – a fantastic modern black and white photographer who has really pushed the art of photography forward. Mark James – he still shoots pin hole photos – but the way he is able to produce a print that will take your breath away is amazing! Brendan Dorrler – A fantastic photographer who I credit with teaching me just about everything I know about how to use a camera.

What are your thoughts on selling art?

The selling of my work has been a big challenge to me. I enjoy the process of marketing my work – and finding new ways to bring attention to what it is that I am doing. Something that I have recently started doing is working with local non-profit agencies and committing a portion of my sales to them. They in turn promote me to their supporters – I grow my e-newsletter list and make some sales – while they get a percentage for each sale that they help me make. I have also really enjoyed social networking – it has given me the ability to reach far more people than I would – and I have “fans” of my work all over the country now! I think one of the keys to my success in making sales has been to offer prints in a variety of price ranges – I offer some as low as $19.50 all the way up to $500.00 – find a way to get something that fits everyone’s budget!

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

The biggest challenge I am facing right now is honing my vision – and being consistent in my style. I just started a new series called “found objects (http://mariamontano.blogspot.com/2010/04/found-objects.html)” it is all still life work from things found either around my neighborhood – or my office – lit only with natural light on a textured piece of art paper. This is a huge departure from my landscape work – but working hard to make it look and feel like it all belongs together.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

The biggest success I have had has been with my work with survivors of sexual assault. Over the past 5 years I have worked with a local rape crisis center taking portraits – and telling the stories of survivors – and each April we put on an exhibition (http://mariamontano.blogspot.com/2010/04/faces-project.html) that is truly powerful and inspiring. The work I do with these wonderful women and men is more valuable to me than any gallery representation or art competition.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

Short term I would like to see myself making more sales. I am confident that all the work I have been putting in over the past couple of years building up my mailing lists and social networking will pay off once the economy rebounds. Long term I would like to see me continue to grow – I’m really excited about my “found objects” series that I am working on.

Anything else you would like to share?

This summer I was asked to be a guest lecturer at the Colorado Arts Institute for a documentary photography class – I’m really looking forward to that!

Art for Conservation | Facebook

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Maria Montano | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Modern Day Artist Podcast 5 | Blogging, Wordpress, And Reality Television

Daryle Dickens — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:29:58 +0000

Work of Art, the reality television show by Bravo, art blogging, and Wordpress all covered in this episode of the Modern Day Artist Podcast.

More about Work of Art:

Bravo’s latest stroke on the reality canvas brings Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Sarah Jessica Parker and her production company, Pretty Matches, together with the Emmy-nominated Magical Elves (Top Chef, Project Runway) and Eli Holzman, to produce Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, an hour long creative competition series among contemporary artists. Work of Art: The Next Great Artist will bring together fourteen aspiring artists to compete for a solo show at the prestigious Brooklyn Museum and a generous cash prize.

Hosting this colorful new series is art enthusiast China Chow. She will serve on the judging panel alongside art luminaries Bill Powers, a New York Gallery owner and literary art contributor, Jerry Saltz, current art critic for New York Magazine, and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, esteemed curator and owner of Salon94 gallery. World-renowned art auctioneer Simon de Pury adds his voice of experience as a mentor to the contestants.

In each episode, contestants are faced with the challenge of creating unique pieces in a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, collage and industrial design. The weekly assignments are exciting, original and will challenge the artists’ to push the limits of their technical skills and creative boundaries. Completed works of art will be appraised by our panel of top art world figures alongside a new celebrated guest judge every week. Through a gallery showing at the end of each challenge, these industry select dictate which artists have successfully mastered the subject matter and creation of their piece, as well as whose concept leaves the greatest impact.

Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, is produced by Pretty Matches and Magical Elves for Bravo. Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alison Benson and Eli Holzman serve as executive producers.

Marketing and selling art is not why you are an artist. You are an artist because you want to create, because you posses an urge to express yourself. But creating art requires resources. Materials, money, and time top the list. Selling your work is a way to get those resources.

Art Palaver’s mission is to be a resource of knowledge and tools for artists looking to better marketing and promote themselves and their work. One means to that end is to build a community of artists around this site so that we can learn from each other and support each other. A few months ago I began hosting free live webinars every week to help with that community building. The live event allows for some dialogue so that I can hear back directly from you and learn what challenges you are facing. The featured artist column is also a way to build community. Through the article we learn a bit about an artist and what life is like for them.

And now I present to you The Modern Day Artist Podcast as yet another community building tool. Each podcast will feature a different artist as well as tips and advice on promoting and selling your work. There will also be interviews with those working in the art industry who have insight on how an artist can be more successful.

If you are not familiar with podcasting it simply means an audio file (usually MP3) broadcast via an RSS feed. You can either listen to them directly in this article, on iTunes, or by downloading the file. You are able to load the show onto any MP3 player and listen when convenient. I have been a fan of podcasting for years and I am excited to bring the format to Art Palaver on a regular basis.

Modern Day Artist Podcast
Right click to download.

Or subscribe via iTunes.

Modern Day Artist Podcast 5 | Blogging, Wordpress, And Reality Television is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

How To Install Wordpress Using One Click Install | Video Tutorial

Daryle Dickens — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:50:04 +0000

Installing Wordpress is often the biggest challenge a new user faces. But using the “One Click Install” method makes installing Wordpress easy. (Even for you.)

This is the first video in a new series of videos I will be producing for Art Palaver. I kept this one very simple because I had to learn the software for creating this type of video. Look for more involved videos down the road. I plan to cover many internet tools that artists can use to better promote themselves and sell more art. Feel free to leave a comment about what tutorials you’d like to see.

Wordpress is a great tool for any artist looking to have their own website. Often thought of as “just a blog” WP has really evolved to a complete content management system. These days when you are surfing the web you probably come across many sites that are built with WP but look nothing like a blog. Don’t get hung up on the fact that it started as a blog platform.

I’ve talked to a lot of artists that agree and want to get started with WP but get stuck on the install. They visit Wordpress.org and download the software but then don’t know what to do with it. Understandable, but there is a better way and that way is called “One Click Install.”

First thing you’ll need for this is a web host that offers one click install. (I recommend Site5 <— affiliate link*) Then all you have to do is watch this tutorial and you’ll have your very own website in no time.

Now that you have your new WP site be sure to stay tuned to Art Palaver for more video tutorials on how to secure, customize, and keep your site updated.

*that means I make a little money if you click the link and then buy from Site5)

How To Install Wordpress Using One Click Install | Video Tutorial is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Connie Norman | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:00:04 +0000

Connie Norman is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

My ceramics are made from earthenware clay, white and terra cotta, with low fire glazes.

How would you describe your art?

My ceramic vessels are very decorative. I use my vessels as a vehicle to explore form, glaze and text. I am fascinated by the rhythmic qualities created by color, texture and patterns. Decoration and the act of decorating are essential, because it celebrates and enhances form and speaks purely of aesthetics.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

I love Grant Wood’s, not so much American Gothic, but his landscapes. I love his patterns and how he divides up the space of the canvas. I love how many dots, circles and stripes he uses.

What are your thoughts on selling art?

At this point in my art career I am not really focused on selling my art. If I sell artwork, I’m thrilled. I am trying to get my artwork out there, in galleries and publications. I’ve been constantly reading blogs that help with selling art, which has made me become a regular reader of Art Palaver. I do have several avenues of getting my artwork out there; I do have a Facebook page, my blog and my website. I use these three sites dialog with other artists and people who are interested in my work. I’ve been fortunate enough to sell artwork this way.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

Right now I have very limited time. I work full time as an art teacher of junior high school students, and I have a three year old son, and after all that I try to be a professional artist. I long for the day I can do my art as my full time job and get a full night of sleep.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

I’ve been lucky enough to have several milestones in my art career; I was on the cover for Ceramics Monthly, December 2004. I won a Wyoming Visual Arts Fellowship. I just recently found out that three of my pieces were juried into 500 Vases by Lark books. It will be in stores the fall of 2010.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

My one of my short term goals is to get more comfortable with taking my own images and learning the technology behind it. Images are so important for an artist. I think I should be in control of my own images. But it has been something I have been reluctant to learn. I’m always afraid I’m going to do it wrong. I don’t want to get reject from shows, but especially I don’t want to be rejected because don’t understand the technology.

My Long term goals are to make sure I always make art.

Anything else you would like to share?

This year I was commissioned by Denver International Airport to make 68 pieces for them. My artwork was part of DIA’s efforts to get a Denver – Tokyo nonstop flight, and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Denver’s relationship with their Japanese sister city Takayama. Some of my pieces were given to Mayor John Hickenlooper of Denver and Mayor Mamoru Tsuchino of Takayama, Japan and to the Denver City Council.

Connie’s Website | Facebook | accessCeramics

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Connie Norman | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Eleatta Diver | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:38:55 +0000

Eleatta Diver is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

Acrylic.

How would you describe your art?

I describe my art as visual parables of hope.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

Klimt, Cassatt.

What are your thoughts on selling art?

The last 5 years have provided a shift in seasons for me. After raising our 5 children, opportunity has opened for me to focus on my art career and I am pushing on all fronts in order to absorb all the available instruction possible. I have sold several pieces and have high aspirations of increased sales.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

I am desirous of marketing to commercial clients and am needing to learn the best way to do so.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

Selling one of my larger pieces to a pharmaceutical company in order to raise money for AIDS orphans in Africa was definitely the highlight of the last few years and has also been the motivation to press onward to seek large scale buyers.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

Short term: Successfully complete Durham Dreams, a one year/12 painting project highlighting movers and shakers in the rebuilding of Durham ,NC. Longer term: Using this project to create leverage for my “late blooming” art career.

Anything else you would like to share?

I have developed a unique portrait venue. “Dream Portraits” are painted renderings of individuals dreams, goals, aspirations and ambitions in life. My Durham Dreams project features the “portraits” of selected individuals which are created after interviews obtaining each subject’s dream, favored color palette and artistic style preference.

Eleatta’s Website | Twitter | Facebook

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Eleatta Diver | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Modern Day Artist Podcast | Episode Four

Daryle Dickens — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:00:57 +0000

Modern Day Artist Podcast
Right click to download.

Or subscribe via iTunes.

Modern Day Artist Podcast | Episode Four is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Kevin Caron | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:17:28 +0000

Kevin Caron is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

Welded steel.

How would you describe your art?

Rusty (most of my pieces have a rust patina). Seriously, a combination of contemporary and practical art that is easy on the eye and gentle on the heart. My work is intended to evoke emotional responses from viewers.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

One of my recent pieces, After Escher, was inspired by the work of M.C. Escher. To create my interpretation of his mind-bending work in three dimensions opened a new avenue for me. I also have a quote from Paul Gauguin in my studio: “Art is either plagiarism or revolution.”

What are your thoughts on selling art?

I’m a full-time artist, so I’m all for it. I have to put my creations up for adoption so a) I can make room for new pieces, and b) I can afford materials for new ones. I imagine this is what it’s like giving up one of your own children for adoption every time one finds a home.

I strive to maintain my artistic integrity, but I also often like the collaborative process when doing a public piece or a commission. Fortunately, I also have help on the business front – my wife handles the marketing, proposals, etc., which allows me to better focus on the work.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

Being true to my own vision can get tricky sometimes, especially when doing commissions, which are a good part of my work, and when seeing other work I admire. This makes me careful about visiting galleries and museums, and I miss that.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

I finally overcome the gag reflex when I call myself a sculptor. It took me a long time to feel comfortable with that. Early in my career, I really didn’t believe it. Now I do.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

My short-term goals are to continue having fun doing what I’m doing (that’s sort of long-term, too, really). My long-term goals are for me to be successful enough to make and focus on only a few pieces a year and still be able to make a living at it.

Anything else you would like to share?

I encourage people to enjoy my site at kevincaron.com, where you can see images and videos of the way I approach my work as well as hear my sound sculptures (sound is an important part of many of my pieces). You can also sign up for my newsletter, which is short, sweet and comes seldom.

Kevin’s Website | Art Metal | Facebook

You can also find Kevin on the Art Palaver Modern Day Artist Podcast.

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Kevin Caron | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Modern Day Artist Podcast | Episode Three

Daryle Dickens — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 07:00:17 +0000

Modern Day Artist Podcast
Right click to download.

Or subscribe via iTunes.

Modern Day Artist Podcast | Episode Three is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

Karen Whitworth | Featured Artist

Daryle Dickens — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:41:34 +0000

Karen Whitworth is this week’s featured artist.

Medium(s) you work in:

Acrylic, Oil.

How would you describe your art?

It is my way of telling a story about the subject. I want the painting to convey how I felt, what I heard and smelled in addition to what I saw. I want the viewer to feel as though they were there standing beside me.

What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?

Maxfield Parrish, his colors are inspiring. The paintings he created using advanced methods for his time, invoke an emotional response.

What are your thoughts on selling art?

It is a joy to sell my work to my collectors. I appreciate the role the gallery plays in the delicate art market but I really enjoy meeting and interacting with the public personally. It is here that I get a feel for what drives, inspires, and encourages them. By having the added connection I feel that selling my work is more fulfilling… More work, yes. But more satisfying.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?

Time. Wish I could clone myself to get more done. There just isn’t enough time in a day. It is not uncommon for me to spend 12 hours a day in my studio, either painting, promoting via the web, or preparing work for shows or orders.

What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?

Being able to pursue my art full time has made the biggest difference in my art. May of 2009 I took the step of faith, quitting my job working for a local artist. Knowing that I was meant to paint, I could see no alternative. Not painting was not an option. Even working part time as I was, seemed to hinder my artistic productivity. Since quitting it seems like an insatiable hunger to create is constantly flowing. I hadn’t realized how much creativity was being suppressed by my job.

What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?

This year I am building up my inventory of Hawaiian paintings to be featured in October at a gallery in Kona on the Big Island. If I can keep them from selling. Not sure how to keep that from happening.

Anything else you would like to share?

I have a blog with helpful information for artists. Step-by-step painting tutorials and more.

Karen’s Website | Twitter | Facebook

Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.

Karen Whitworth | Featured Artist is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.