Author: Lauren Forristal

September 29, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How to Write an Impressive Artist Bio

I cannot stress enough how important an artist’s bio is.

Especially because it helps people get to know the artist more and get insight into their artwork. If not written correctly, it can turn off people to looking at their work. An artist bio is seen on websites, articles and even quoted in interviews. This means your bio has to make a great first impression.

So, what exactly should be included in a bio?

Your bio should contain:

1.Where you were born and where you live currently

2.What your education or training is

3.Related experience (this includes achievements)

4.Who or what influenced your artwork

5. A summary of your “artist philosophy”

6. What techniques you use, themes, etc.

7. What you want to accomplish with your art

 

The bio should be short and to the point (approx. 250 words). It also needs to be written in third person! The bio should highlight what is it you are working on now and should be updated whenever you do something new. Show the reader what it is you have accomplished and where you want to go from here.

Make sure to spend a lot of time writing your bio. It is crucial that there are no spelling errors and it is readable. Most people will copy your bio verbatim in articles and this can either make or break your reputation, so be careful! Proofread, edit and continue to update your bio every so often. Now start writing!

September 15, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How to Inventory Your Artwork

Say Goodbye to Post-it Note Chaos

Thanks to the beautiful world of the Internet with sites such as Artwork Archive and Gyst, artists can easily manage their artwork sales with no stress! When having an online art inventory management system, everything you need is right there. There is no need for countless files on your desktop, notes scattered everywhere or even the struggles of using Excel.

Once you have set up your online inventory account, it’s time to punch in those numbers. It is important to have a numbering system so you can track your work chronologically and know basic information about the piece just by looking at the label.  Some ideas would be to start with your initials or even the type of medium used (P= Painting, C=Ceramic, etc). There are lots of ways to number inventory so come up with things that are simple and easy to remember.

You should then record the title, dimensions, inventory number, creation date, price, medium, and sub
ject matter. The more detail each description has, the more easier it will be to find. I would also assign each piece to a location. That way you’ll always know which gallery or venue is showing your work. It is also important to know who bought your painting and keep a list of contacts for buyers, vendors and other networks in order to inform them about what is new in your inventory.

The most important thing is having high quality images of your work. Art collectors, buyers, and galleries want to see the artwork clearly and know that you have a professional business.

Now that you have a clear and detailed list of inventory, you can spend more time doing what you love- art! Rest easy knowing you can access your work from any device, your data is all in one place, and everything is backed up.

 

 

September 1, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

Advice for Pricing Your Artwork

After hours, days or maybe even months spent on a piece of work, you are finally ready to sell. But at what cost?

There’s always the fear of either underpricing or overpricing your work. Either one can potentially hurt your chance of selling your pieces. Here are a few factors to consider when coming up with prices for your artwork.

 

Time, Labor and Cost of Materials

A good starting point is basing the amount of time spent making the piece and what was used to make it. For example, if materials cost $50, you take 20 hours to make the art, and you pay yourself  $20 an hour to make it, then you price the art at $450 ($20 X 20 hours + $50 cost of materials). If the price still seems too high here are some other ways.

 

 

Compare to Other Artists

Another way you can price your stuff is by looking at what other artists charge. Look at artists with a similar style and background to yours. You can also research online, visit galleries, studios or other venues.

Background

You may also consider how well-established you are as an artist, if you are self-taught or studied at a well-known school, etc. If you are a new artist with no former sales, your prices should be lower than a more advanced artist. Once your reputation begins to grow, you can start increasing your prices.

Supply and Demand

Say you are constantly creating artwork. This means there is more to buy, therefore they should cost lower than if you are only creating one new piece per year. However, if your pieces are too cheap and sell too fast this can cause problems and you won’t be making back the money needed to make more work.

Know Your Audience

A New York audience is always willing to spend more on artwork than a small-town local audience. Again, research local artists in your area and compare prices. The venue is also a factor. A customer is going to be more willing to buy a more expensive piece if it’s in an art gallery and they will be less motivated to buy a costly piece if it’s in a flea market.

 

The most important thing to note is to be consistent with your pricing. Also, always have confidence! If a buyer sees you are professional they will believe the price way more instead of an artist that makes up prices on the spot. Always know how much your artwork is worth. Good luck and get pricing!

August 18, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

Why Should You Buy Original Art?

One of a kind art is something everyone needs to have in their home.

Whether it be a small piece you stumbled upon at a flea market or one that takes a little bit more of an investment, original art is a special thing to obtain.

People are immediately drawn to what is on the walls of your home and having a outstanding piece will definitely catch their eye. An original piece of art can be the soul of a house. It can bring a space together entirely and connect everyone through the emotion and feelings of the artwork. 

Buying art not only supports the artist directly but each piece holds a unique story behind them, making a great conversation starter. An artist spends hours and hours of work on just one unique piece. When you buy a piece from a living artist, you are supporting their livelihood and rewarding them for their amazing talent.

“A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind” -Eugene Ionesco

While some people want only what others have, it’s always more interesting to have what others don’t. Purchase pieces for their uniqueness, the stories behind them and for the artists whose bare hands crafted them.

August 12, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

Tips for Interns

Get a Head Start on Your Career

One of the best ways to gain experience for your future career is starting an internship. These are beneficial for not only building up your resume but also networking with people in your field and potentially landing you a full-time job after you finish college. As an intern myself, here are a few things that I’ve learned…

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Starting an internship can be intimidating, especially because you have no idea what you are doing. Although you aren’t expected to know things right away, it is important that you learn quickly so you can have an easier transition. Always do what you are told and even if you aren’t 100% sure, always ask. This is your time to learn, so sitting there being confused about something isn’t going to help anyone.

Punctuality= Professionalism

Being on time is a must. You should treat your internship like a real job, because it is one! Show your supervisor that you are serious about the position. This also means dressing appropriately, maintaining eye contact and speaking professionally..

Work Hard

This one is pretty self explanatory. Every task should be taken seriously and done correctly. This isn’t school where mistakes only affect your success. You are working for an organization and it is important that you show your best work.  

Be Easy to Work With

Collaborate well with other co-workers, accept assignments without complaint, ask for more work when your done and listen carefully to instructions. Nobody likes a “Negative Nelly” so come in with a positive attitude!

Share Your Ideas

Sometimes interns are left with nothing to do. Come up with new projects to do but get them cleared by your supervisor first. Show him/her that you are creative and willing to go the extra mile.

 

This is your time to shine and learn as much as you possibly can. After the internship is done you will have gained lots of valuable experience and a reference which is always very handy. And don’t forget to have fun!

August 4, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How to Overcome “Artist’s Block”

The Case of the Artist Blues


Every creative person can agree that when inspiration and ideas runs dry, quite frankly… it sucks. While you may have heard about writer’s block, artist’s experience this as well! Pablo Picasso had a case of artist’s block in 1935 after divorcing his first wife, Olga. He refused to go to his own studio because the drawings and paintings “infuriated him”. Here are a few tips and tricks to solving your own block of creativity.

 

 

 

 

 

Explore with new materials and tools.

 Picasso did this too! Instead of painting, he took a new outlook and began writing poetry, later publishing them in his journal Les Chaiers d’Art. Don’t feel like you have to focus on solely one art form. Try something new! Instead of acrylic paint try oil pastels, etc. Exploring new materials forces you to slow down and think about each process. This is a great way to crawl out of the slump and forces you to think of new ideas.

Find an alternate point of view.

Spending time with the same art crowd can limit you from seeing things differently. Being with an new crowd of people who have other experiences and skills can open up new perceptions and help tear down the blinders that disallow you from having an open mind.

Observe other artists.

Explore the internet, visit a local gallery or museum or even look through art books and magazines. Take the time to appreciate other artist’s work and find inspiration from them!

Have fun!

We seldom forget that while art is our job, it is still important to enjoy ourselves too. Try finger painting or even flinging paint at a canvas. Loosen up and don’t worry about the outcome.

Watching children create is a great way to find the fun again.You may be surprised what they can teach you!

Move around.

Sitting and staring at a blank page of paper is not going to be productive. Try going for a walk or run. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and explore your horizons.

Sleep.

You may just be working too hard and your brain doesn’t function anymore. Who knows, maybe you will have an interesting dream that motivates you!

 

July 21, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

The Power of Doodling

While taking notes in class or in a business meeting, most people (especially creative ones) find themselves doodling in the margins of their notebooks or even on a stray napkin. However, this isn’t just a mindless, pointless activity. In the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, a study has found that doodling can improve a person’s ability to retain information by 29%. The mind is a fascinating thing and you will be surprised how doodling helps your thinking!

Visual learning is a powerful tool for strategic thinking, brainstorming and business planning. Some of the million dollar ideas have originated just from images on a piece of paper or post-it note. Even President Obama admits that he doodles in business meetings. In an interview in 2012 he says,”…sometimes when I’m in a big, important international meeting and you see me writings stuff down, it might be that I’m just drawing some, drawing some folks”. Many other presidents/politicians have also been caught drawing in meetings including JFK, Ronald Reagan and Hillary Clinton. So if well known people have found doodling helpful, it must be true.

Doodling can also be a way for children to burn some physical energy in class. While listening with a pen, the child is actually more engaged in the content and processes what they hear even more. A learner will recall a map they drew much more than long handwritten notes. Pictures allow the person to break down complex ideas into a more basic level of understanding.

Our brains are highly visual. As your pen hits the paper, you are opening your mind to ideas, insight and inspiration. Doodles can unite different neural pathways to the brain, creating higher levels of concentration and bring you closer to finding your “a-ha” moment.

Words alone can’t allow you to discover a new idea. So while brainstorming or learning, pick up a pen or pencil and start to free draw. Whether it be just lines and shapes or even faces of people, this can help you think in more ways than you will ever know.

July 7, 2017 Magazine

How to be a Successful Artist: Marketing Yourself

So you want to be an artist.

Self-employed has become a regular thing nowadays: 15.0 million people, or 10.1 percent of total U.S. employment, are self-employed. It’s not new to find artists working for themselves and selling their own art. But it takes a lot of hard work and time to become successful and make a living off of solely your own pieces.

With social media in the mix, it is important that every artist has their own website and constant presence on all media platforms. The entire world is now your audience. If you regularly post examples of your art online and people like what they see, word of you and your art will pass on and you will gain more recognition. Promote, promote, promote. Step outside of your comfort zone and reach out to anyone you can. Literally… anyone. If more people know about you and the more networks you have, you are bound to be successful as an artist.

Most importantly, post new work regularly so people can see you’re serious about being an artist. Make sure that people remember you. Another tip would be to create a mail list so all of your customers know when you have new art available, if there is an event coming up, you name it. You may also want to send out something free (people love free stuff) whether it be a subscription to a newsletter, or samples of your work. Then people will get more excited to hear from you!

Do your research. Artist, Lawrence W. Lee says, “Part of doing research is not only searching on Google, it’s keeping your eyes open. When you go to the dentist, ask yourself what she has on the wall. Also, keep in mind a local gallery typically won’t have items on the walls that it doesn’t think will sell. You can choose to just create what you want and convince people that they want it too. However, creating art for your market is much easier”. This is great advice for when you are first starting because finding what consumers in your area are buying can make it easier for you to not only create art but also sell them faster.

Other tips: Enter competitions. Winning a competition is often a huge step forward in an artist’s career and can potentially get them noticed by gallery owners. You may even win art materials that can really help your business out! Search art magazines for advertisements.

I also recommend asking for referrals to potential buyers or local businesses that might be interested in letting you show your work. Participate in local organizations that host things like art fairs, festivals, group shows…Any opportunity to show your work in your area. Showing at alternative venues like restaurants or coffee shops are also good for getting your art out in front of the public, and this can also prepare yourself for any future gallery opportunities. In short, get yourself out there.

As an artist, it is essential that you believe in yourself and your artwork. If you are truly passionate and confident in your abilities, nothing can stop you. Even if you are self-taught and don’t necessarily have a formal art education, people will see you are dedicated and that you know what you are doing. Get out there and let the world know you are here to stay!

June 26, 2017 Magazine, Young Artists (10+) Post a Comment

How to Entertain Your Kids This Summer

This summer, get your kids away from the TV and their other electronics and try some new art activities! These are all super simple and easy, making it a great way to spend some time with your kids. All of the supplies can be found at the Bott Shoppe!

 

Paint

      1.Using watercolor and a straw, have your kid blow paint on some paper and watch the magic happen! Learn more here 

  1. You can also put paint in a spray bottle or spray gun. This will create a really cool effect and most importantly,  your child will have lots of fun doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Using tape, make a design on a canvas and paint over it. Once it’s dried, peel off the tape to reveal your masterpiece!

 

  1. Face painting is another fun activity that is perfect for siblings or even for a playdate/birthday party. Just try not to get the paint in their eyes or mouth…

 

Origami

Origami isn’t just for adults with lots of time on their hands. Here are some easy origami designs for your kid to try.  

Sharpie

  1. Using the sun, make cool shadows with objects and outline them with marker.

 

 

 

 

2. Rubbing alcohol mixed with sharpie creates incredible designs. Have your kids draw on tiles or even a plain t-shirt then mix with alcohol. The result will blow your mind!

3. Your child can also draw on a plain mug then allow it to dry for 24 hours before putting it in the oven at 300F for 30 minutes.

 

 

Let us know which craft your kid liked best! Have an artsy summer!!

June 23, 2017 Magazine

The Health Benefits of Creativity

That flash of inspiration, mind racing with thoughts as you let your imagination roam free in ways you never thought were possible. These are the moments that make us the most happiest. I know that when I am stressed or down, doing something creative changes my mood drastically. However, I never knew just how much it helped my physical and mental health. For example, CNN reported that creative activities impact the body in a similar way that meditation does. Basically like yoga for your brain!

Creative activities are beneficial in a lot of ways. While heavy amounts of psychological stress on a daily basis contribute to numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, depression and Alzheimer’s, this means it is extremely important to protect your overall health and wellness. Creating art increases the “feel good” neurotransmitter, dopamine. So whether it means creating art yourself or even just observing creativity (attending a concert, going to a museum, etc), you will see overall mood change and significant decrease in your stress levels. Anything that makes you happy you should focus on.

According to the Public Library of Science, making art improves communication between different parts of the brain, which is vital to preventing cognitive deterioration. By performing creative tasks, this promotes the production of new neurons which are crucial for maintaining a healthy central nervous system. Out-of-the-box thinking also stimulates your brain to grow new neurons.

Art also improves memory substantially. It exercises our medial temporal lobes which produces all of your memories. An example of this comes from physician, Dr. Arnold Bresky, who utilizes art therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. By drawing and painting, his patients increased their connectivity between the right and left hemispheres of their brain, growing new brain cells. Dr. Bresky saw a 70% improvement in his patients health and their memories. So not only can you improve your well being, happiness and health you can also retain more memories, which helps you later in life.

In high moments of stress, I strongly recommend that you pick up a pen and draw/write. Whatever it is you are thinking at that moment, capture it in your art. Your self-identity will improve and further down the line you will be impressed with the results.