This week, we discuss why so many artists are driven to continually change … is this the natural state of all artists? Or do we vary in this?
This week
Louise has been finishing paintings and promo for open studios using different process this time by putting a strong intention in place first. You can see more here Louise’s new work
Alice has been filming for a guest lesson within a programme. (More coming later on this!)
Are we ever satisfied?
We consider the benefits of settling into a subject matter and a way of working (there are benefits which include easier branding and consistent audience growth) but ultimately we accept that it’s a matter of personality type and that neither of us is able to stay in one place with our work for too long. There are of course, pluses and minuses to this … and we explore some of them in a wide-ranging conversation that covers studio size, ways of working, Ted Hughes, running, and even Eastenders! This one is sure to get you thinking…
Open Studio season is coming up… whether you are an old hand or this is your first year showing in this way we have some ideas for promotion and things to do in advance, during and after so that you make the best of your Open House events this year.
This week
Louise’s promised task from last week has resulted in the satisfaction of a fully completed expense tracking sheet. (I admit why I’ve cheated this in the past) Alice decided a day out of the house was called for and enjoyed the discovery of two new exhibitions, mentioned below, and has been creating a new inspiration board. If this sounds like something you could try, you make like to see this post about creating a mood board for your art.
Making the most of your Open Studio event
Open studios are fast growing as popular and relaxed way to discover work by new artists in your area. Because they are in your home there is perhaps more to think about than showing your your work at a gallery or art fair event. I’ve listed a few of the points we discuss below as quick reference, but this episode is worth a listen if you are showing for the first time – or even if you are more experienced you will also pick up a few tips.
Before the event
Volunteer within your organisation – the success depends on everyone doing their part. They will probably have guidelines for you and be providing certain items, eg advertising posters, flyers, booklets and banners but don’t rely solely on someone else doing the work
Make the most of your own publicity – see last week’s podcast for places to update on social media
Order a card reader (test it!) and receipt book I recommend and use Sum Up because it’s the lowest rate for more irregular usage (this link should give up a discount and me a thank-you!)
Prepare your home – remove valuables, decide which areas are off limits, with a sign if necessary. Let your personality show, but remove other artwork, personal photographs etc
During the event
We discuss different options for clear pricing; wall labels vs lists. And at the end there is a great alternative to the “no photos please” sign – an idea to get people following and sharing what they are discovering!
Consider having things for children to do; an interactive project can be great, but don’t let it take all the attention!
Keep track of visitor numbers – not just as a total, but across each day. This will help next year if you feel it’s a slow or busy day. Memory can be deceptive!
Refreshments – keep you occupied. (Alice makes a cake if there’s a quiet lull and has cordial, but both agree no tea or coffee)
Make people feel welcome. Having the door open or closed is a personal choice, but be clear you are open to all visitors. Ideas include chalk signs on pavements, bunting, balloons, signs …
Collect email addresses from visitors if they wish to hear more – you can do this by having access to an online sign up, but I like to keep a visitor book. Let people know if you are planning future events eg before Christmas.
After the event…
You may feel like collapsing as it’s over for another year, but do follow up with visitors; thank them for coming, send them an image of a painting they were interested in. You can do this as a wider email – or more individually.
Credits “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://i0.wp.com/alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ep-18-Open-Studios.jpg?fit=990%2C800&ssl=1800990Alicehttps://alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Alice-Sheridan-2.pngAlice2019-05-21 08:31:462019-05-21 08:31:51Tips for Artists Open Studios [18]
This week we have a wide-ranging discussion about promotion for recent projects. Promoting yourself can feel daunting so we have a few ideas for places you can update so that people can find out what’s going on in your world. In addition, we share our perspectives on approaching galleries. Should you really be nervous about this, or can you re-frame the issue and think about new galleries as potential business partners?
Rising to new challenges….
Recent new challenges have required us to stretch ourselves – to learn new technologies, to develop new skills and to get comfortable with promotion. We discuss the blocks to developing the required skills – including fear of failure and worrying about negative reactions – and offer our own perspectives along with concrete tips and solutions.
We also explore the difference between working on promotion for someone else, and versus doing it for ourselves, and discuss procrastination – when is it simply our need to slow down and move step by step?
Ways to let people know about what you have to offer!
Instagram: bio text, link page, post, post shared to your story, story talking, story as a fixed image
Facebook: as well as within posts in multiple ways, you can create an event, share to a relevant group, update your FB Page header
Website: add a section to your home page and then link with more details to a blog post, or a new page, add that to your Menu so people can find it easily. Give people the information or links they need.
Emails: Send an email to your list (more than once!), add a link within your personal email footer
Audience Question
I would like to know more about how to approach stockists and galleries? I find this really hard to do. How do I sell my art to them? How do I maintain my confidence through this process? Any tips would be great.
Credits “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://i0.wp.com/alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ep-17-Challenges-in-promotion.jpg?fit=990%2C800&ssl=1800990Alicehttps://alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Alice-Sheridan-2.pngAlice2019-05-14 09:58:282019-05-14 09:58:32Rising to new challenges in marketing and promotion [17]
Does your family have a creative background? Is your creative streak viewed with suspicion or disbelief. It can be hard to make art if this is what surrounds us so we review our personal histories and how we’ve made changes to the things which influence our beliefs.
PS. This week is fun and a little silly, but it’s us. Hope you enjoy it. This week Alice has been wondering whether it’s possible to make 50 paintings a month – and if she would even want to. We also talk studio clear-outs and what we have learned about launching a course online (even though it’s not even our course!)
OK, main topic….
Did you know that who you surround yourself with makes a huge difference to your life? The quote “You’re the average of the five people spend the most time with,” is most often attributed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn, but science backs him up.
What this means is that if your friends are obese, you are much more likely to also be obese. If your friends drink too much, chances are you will too. But how does this impact our art-making? Study on social influence
We discuss the importance of having supportive people in our lives and we share some of the ways we have done this for ourselves. We also share our thoughts on minimizing the psychological impact of negative comments as these can derail us if we are not careful. In the end, it comes down to choosing who or what will influence our mindset and making conscious moves to ensure we stay in a good place.
We’d like to give a shout out to our influencing magic circle: Tara Leaver artist, online teacher
Credits “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://i0.wp.com/alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ep-16-Magic-circle.jpg?fit=990%2C800&ssl=1800990Alicehttps://alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Alice-Sheridan-2.pngAlice2019-05-07 08:07:522019-05-07 08:07:57Creating your Magic Circle [16]
You know that feeling when some days you paint and it’s great? Then other times it just doesn’t work so well? Would you like more of the first and less of the second?
We are mid way through an amazing free workshop offered by Nicholas Wilton just once a year. [2021 update: coming in February – you can join for free below} The full series covers Design, Value and Colour.
So far these classes have been amazing. I feel like I have a better perspective and grasp on the intricacies required to take my art to the next level. I know I learned this many years ago but your way of explaining resonates much better. Thank you for you generosity and time.
Theresa Allen
This was a recording of a bonus teaching session Nick did into our pop-up Facebook group in 2019 showing real examples of paintings which had been shared for feedback.
Once you understand that value and design are key tools you can use in your art, whatever your subject or choice of materials you can use this to really develop and improve your paintings.
If you’d like to see the lesson on colour, you can sign up HERE and you will be included as new lessons and workshop sessions are sent out and you can see the previous lessons on Value and Design.
This was a session Nick did for our workshop buddy group, which I’m pleased to be able to share with you. If you are thinking of joining CVP and would like to be included within our buddy bonus group alongside the course, you can see all the details of the full programme through the link below:
Wow, this video is a game changer for me! With no formal training I have been painting abstracts off and on for a few years with some success, but overall I’ve been feeling like I have no idea what I am doing. The differences principle absolutely makes sense and I cannot wait to apply this new knowledge. Thank you, Nicholas, this is so very helpful. I am excited to learn more!
Cindy Corbett
https://i0.wp.com/alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-01-at-09.54.06.png?fit=1296%2C662&ssl=16621296Alicehttps://alicesheridan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Alice-Sheridan-2.pngAlice2019-05-01 09:01:222021-05-16 01:22:57Are you just painting and hoping?
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