an artist’s blog
An Artist’s Holiday
12/20/2019
10:16 am ET
I’m currently at work, sitting at the desk I normally sit at from 8-5 Monday-Friday. I’m practicing one of the greatest pieces of advice I’ve ever received - take advantage of free time at work. During the slower season at work I’ve been able to create a website (that I’m happy with), complete a 2020 budget, finally decide on a price break down for custom work, keep track of my credit, set up my different online banking options, apply for credit cards…you get the point. Of course I’ve also been able to use my free time to learn new positions and gather more information regarding my current position, but that’s a blog for another day *add’s to never ending blog idea list started back in like 2010*.
Today I’m mulling over the holiday season, and what it means to me as a working artist. I was commissioned for 2 pieces this season, which is a little lacking compared to last year, but I think that’s just how these things go. I’m really excited to finish (I really mean start) those pieces and get them to their new owners. Most of my commissions (okay almost all of my commissions) come from family, friends, and friends of family/friends. It’s been such a blessing, and I like to stop and take a moment to appreciate how much of my success I owe to the people around me. It truly makes up for things I used to think I missed out on. I didn’t take art class throughout school. In my school district we chose between choir and art, and I loved choir and am glad I chose to experience it until I graduated. My senior year I was lucky to have open classes, my friends did take art and our art teacher always invited me to join them for projects. I didn’t truly go to college, I spent one and only one semester at CCAD (Columbus College of Art and Design), it was probably one of the best times of my life, but something that’s now in my past. I don’t have many connections, and I’ve had to support myself for a while, so I don’t have a ton of time for creating. Despite all of these things that I’ve always felt held me back I think I’ve had a successful run. I’m 21 and so so young, but I’m happy with the things I’ve done to date. Almost all of it came from them, the people around me.
Though my commission list is smaller this Christmas, I’m of course busy painting from the time I get home until the time I go to bed. Paintings, in my opinion, are really such a great gift. I’m not sure how the receiving end feels, but there is a fair argument. A hand painted piece is always going to be unique. No matter how talented you are, it’s not easy to create two of the same pieces. It’s always thoughtful, and they always take a decent amount of time. This year I learned a little about the importance of patience. Of course, I’m still incredibly impatient and it almost always shows in my work. I’m working on it. As an improving artist, my advice to new painters is to force yourself to be patient now. I think if I would have recognized the importance of patience when I first starting selling work, I could be 10 steps ahead of my current self. I guess being patient with your work also translates directly into being patient with yourself. You’re going to get better, and you probably won’t even realize it.
Between Christmas 2018 and Christmas 2019 I learned a few invaluable things-
be patient. give your work and yourself time, this will change everything about being an artist
build an inventory. this is my personal important goal for 2020. people won’t want to buy from you if they don’t know you can create what they want. on top of that, every piece makes you better, so practice
offer sales. i’m still trying to figure out the worth of my art, but while i’m doing that i still need sales and i need the practice. offering sales allows openings for customers who may not have considered purchasing from you before.
try different mediums. i’m not saying force yourself to take on sculpture if that’s not for you, but let a new medium find you, and don’t push it away just because your first piece isn’t a ~hundo~.
don’t forget to make things for you. i’ll probably talk about this a lot here, because i think it’s so important.
recognize both the obstacles you WILL face, and more importantly, recognize your potential to overcome those obstacles.
chase that dream, it isn’t going to chase you.
There’s more, but who can remember lessons on command? I love Christmas time, and I’m learning how to love Christmas time as an artist. I hope I continue to grow, and I hope I can help other people grow along with me.
Thanks for coming to my Krissy show, ciao!