When I was younger, I always thought about how glamorous it would be if I could create art as my sole source of income. I thought about how easy and fun my life would be; about how much time I would have to create my masterpieces. If I ever got to that point, I knew that I would have enough time to do anything that I wanted. Since I would be working from home (and who could call art "work"?) I would be able to travel the world. I would be able to paint in Italy, France, Germany, Greece. I could follow the footsteps of the most famous artists in the world.
I'm now starting to realize how hard artists truly have to work. An artist has to create art; it's right there in the name. But an artist also has to live, which means an artist needs a job. It is very rare that an artist gets an art-related job. It's usually a 9-5 office worker, factory floor-man, janitor, etc. When you get home, you have to bathe the kids, bathe yourself, cook dinner, eat with the family, put the kids in bed. Then you can choose to create your art or sleep. You rarely have time for both; especially if you have to set up your easel, pull out your folding table, line it with paints and brushes, and so on. Weekends are the only chance you get to spend any real amount of time on art. Especially if there is any drying time required.
Now, if you have created art you're doing pretty good. At this point, you've spent 40 hours a week at your job, and on a good week maybe 15-30 hours on your art. You're not finished yet. Now you have promotion and researching. The visual arts aren't like writing. You can't just Google art agents and find someone that likes your style that can help you place your art. In the visual art world, agents are usually for the rich and successful. Before you are a lucrative artist, you have to do all the footwork yourself. Networking with other artists will help you be more prosperous than anything else. I met a local gallery owner who introduced me to an event that led directly to me becoming an international artist. It was an excellent opportunity to meet art collectors, and specifically, people that were interested in my art.
Every year the Memphis Gibson Guitar Factory donates guitars to local artists. The artists paint on the guitars and give them back. The guitars are then auctioned off at The Memphis Moonshine Ball (The Successor to the Memphis Blues Ball). The artist is given two tickets to attend the event, which normally cost $200 per person for admission. The Moonshine Ball, needless to say, is attended by some very influential people from across the globe. Needless to say, this was the most esteemed event of my artistic career so far.
I met some very interesting people, including the collector that purchased my guitar. He is from England and is the founder and CEO of a champagne company. I personally discussed with him my art and described my thought process and the meaning of the painting. The conversation was directly responsible for the purchase of the work. After the talk, he placed his bid and won.
My artwork can now be found across the United States and in England. Also, due to my intensive work in trying to become successful, a minor celebrity and my favorite musician of all time is now a proud owner of one of my paintings. Kevin Barnes, the lead singer of the band of Montreal acquired my painting, Scorched Desert Night, just a few nights ago. That accomplishment is my personal favorite accomplishment of my professional career.
I have recently had a few achievements that have been crucial in my change from a hobby artist into a professional artist. These achievements didn't just fall into my lap. I had to work very hard for this accomplishment. Anyone can call themselves a professional artist or get a business card, but a true professional has to be willing to work for this title. I am still a very long way from my goal to become a full-time artist, but I now have a definite trail carved in front of me and I feel like I can finally, and without apprehension, call myself a professional artist. It is so surreal to be at a point in life where I can clearly see my dream taking form just ahead of me. I'm not the only person this works for. Look into yourself and find this motivation. If you truly want to be an artist, you can make it happen. So make it happen.
No comments:
Post a Comment