How to Make a Living as an Artist by Chris Bidlack, Bidlack Creative Group, for Ann Arbor Women Artists in Ann Arbor Michigan

How to make an impression as an artist from Chris Bldlack, Head Honcho, Bidlack Creative Group

Chris shared information  about how to make a living as an artist. He said his talk assumes we make great “art”.

• His first recommendation was for us to “show off” and write our own positioning statement. Positioning statement should answer these questions: who? (who are you?) what? (what do you do?) for whom? (who is your target audience?) what’s needed? (what void are you filling?) Differentiation  (what’s different about your work?)
• Have a business card and use both sides; make it interesting.
• About being an artist, 1) Be proud – being creative is important. Know that many people that don’t have creative skills envy those people that do have those skills. Not everyone can do what you do. 2) Own a category; specialize in something. Get really good at something, and let them know you specialize.  3) Brand. You are a brand. Design yourself a brand symbol. 4) Charge a lot of money! (This one got a nice chuckle) Value what you do, or no one else will.
• Learn to use social media such as Facebook,Twitter, etc. They’re here to stay, and a huge number of people subscribe to those tools. Constant Contact is a good social media tool for newsletters.
• Write a Blog; WordPress.org is good
• Consider making a u-tube video, if you’re good at that kind of thing. He said to use the “candy bar description” of telling the viewer what’s under the wrapper.
• For more information, see:  http://www.bidlack.com/

Artist Trading Cards

This is the Compartmentalized Lemon artist trading card I created March 10, 2012. I used a hand scanner to copy the card. It seems a bit more elongated than the original, but it is close.

Call for Michigan Artists

http://www.semarts.info/

This is the link for the call for artists in southeastern Michigan for 2012. Please repost this blog and share with others on facebook and twitter. I'm still trying to get 50 blog followers by the end of March. Help!! Thank you for reading.

Artist Portfolio

I'm getting desperate. For the past several weeks I cannot find my artist portfolio--the original one. Ann Arbor Book and Art Supplies went out of business yesterday. About two weeks ago I went to the store and picked up a bunch of art supplies including a new, larger portfolio because I haven't been able to find mine and because I needed a bigger one in which to store 26"x30" oil pastels that I don't want to frame and put on the wall right now. The larger portfolio was $19 dollars--a very good investment.

I've searched all my usual hiding places for the portfolio. I've checked behind things, in closed guest bedrooms and such, but still have not located that portfolio...there were several paintings I wanted to enter into Red, but since I could not find the portfolio, they were not entered. So much for living alone in a huge old house.

How in the world could my artist portfolio be missing this long??? Uh!!

American Red Cross Red Show in Jackson Michigan

This evening after work I visited the American Red Cross Red Show in Jackson. I've been in the Red Shows for the past three years, but I'd never been. I was impressed. There were quite a few artists work. I don't recall seeing any sculptures. The prices ranged from $50 to $10,000. All of the works priced under $100 sold. Some of the ones prices under $200 sold. None of the works over $200 sold. I priced the one piece I submitted an 11"x14" oil pastel on board titled "A/P" at $50. Mine sold. I was thrilled to see that.

Call for Artists Link to Share

http://www.artshow.com/juriedshows/

This is the "Calling Artists" link I found through a Google search. There are so many different venues listed for artists to present their work. Over the years, I've limited myself to shows in Jackson Michigan and the Ann Arbor Women Artists. I didn't know there were so many places to show work. These are juried shows so make sure you follow the directions exactly on the type of work and sizes. Spread the word by reposting a link to this blog. Thank you

Northville Art House West of Middle 2012 Show

Today, I turned in 3 photographs for the Northville Art House West of Middle 2012 show. I decided to enter the show last night. The deadline for the show is Friday, March 23. I thought it was today. Even so, my entry is in.

So, I didn't make it into the Ann Arbor Women Artists show at Northville Art House which begins next week. The juror for that show is the same as for this show. Whoa! Anyway, I took a look at Northville Art House's facebook page to see the type of work they display. I tried to match my work with their style. I may not make it into this show, but at least I'm trying to get my work out there...again.

Eureka!! I finally figured out how to add photos to my posts!!! 

Yee haw!!

Now if I could figure out how to wrap text around the photo I would be very gleeful.

Red Show Jackson Michigan

Saturday, March 17, I dropped off an oil pastel painting to the Red Show at Art 634 in Jackson Michigan. I'd left the phone number for the director at work in the email she sent me. I'd forgotten to forward it to myself at home. I was supposed to call her before I dropped my work off to let her know when I'd be by. One of the doors to the Red Show gallery stood open. Several other pieces of artwork were on a table near the center of the room. I placed my 11"x14" piece of art on the table too and hoped the director would find it soon. It was a beautiful day Saturday. I sat outside and waited for her to come by. She did not. But at least I dropped off my work. The Red Show to benefit the Jackson branch of the American Red Cross opens this Thursday at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hopefully this piece will sell. I found out later that day that my two pieces did not make it into the art show at Northville Art House in Northville Michigan. It has been two years since I was brave enough to submit anything into an Ann Arbor Women Artists show...just have to buck it up and watch for other shows in which to sumbit my work whether or not they are accepted or anything sells. :) Bittersweetness, but I'm not colasping, not this time.

Check out this blog

Colleen Stewart was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia January 18, 2012. She is 14 years old. She has to endure 2 and a half years of chemotherapy, additional tests and procedures. Please pray for her and her family. You can keep up with her and her family by following her blog at www.leenonGod.blogspot.com

Let's show some love to her and her family. Thank you for reposting this.