The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell - Episodes Tagged with “Marketing”

Episode 245: Art and Technology

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0500

As artists, many of us honor the age-old tradition of creating our work with nothing more than our hands, a few tools, and materials that have stood the test of time. Yet we also live in a high-tech world, and that impacts all of us. How artists view technology ranges from a necessary evil to a full embrace of its creative possibilities. But we should all understand that technology itself is not a new factor in making art. Today we’ll look at some of the ways technology has been used over time in art and ways to think about it in our current world.

Dealing with technology can feel daunting and unnatural to the way you approach your work or it may be something you embrace enthusiastically. But it impacts all of us in life as well as in art. For artists, technology represents an intersection of scientific knowledge and creative output. It means knowledge that expands the known boundaries of what can be done in the name of creativity.

But thinking of technology as something only relevant to artists today does not consider the long history of technical advances that aid in creative production. A good example is the use of the camera obscura during the Renaissance by artists like Leonardo da Vinci to understand and depict perspective in painting. In addition, there have been countless advances in art materials, tools, and equipment that make our creative lives more expansive today.

Many artists today embrace new forms of technology in their work, including digital media, 3-D printing, and Artificial Intelligence. Yet traditional forms of art in which we see the hand of the artist will always have human appeal, and it's important to not feel pushed into technology to feel your art is relevant. But whatever approach is right for you, being open to the changes in art that result from technology, being curious and appreciative of its place in the flow of art ideas over time is important.

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What's new At Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry are wrapping up their winter quarter of online sessions at Cold Wax Academy, where as always members have access to in-depth and varied content for learning, growth, and support. Their Winter quarter included presentations by guest authors Eric Maisel (may-ZEL) and Shaun McNiff, a painting clinic for works in progress, and live sessions on procrastination, tips on photographing your artwork, and source ideas for your paintings. All of these sessions and many more are available as video recordings in the member library. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and the community there of informed and supportive artists who post paintings, ask questions and initiate discussions.

It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! Stay tuned for a list of topics to be covered in the upcoming Spring Quarter and please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.
Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com

The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

Episode 243: Being Seen

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0600

A basic human desire is to truly be seen. We long to be understood by other people, acknowledged, appreciated, and accepted for who we are. As an artist, you have a literal way of being seen, of communicating who you are in a visual way. The hope that people will be able to connect with you through your work is a basic motivation for making art. Today we’ll talk about the desire to be seen and understood by the people who view your work.

This desire probably goes back to childhood when we bring our drawings to our parents, saying “look what I made.”
At a young age we can either be pleased or discouraged by the response. We either feel seen and appreciated, or we realize the person we're showing our work to doesn't understand. Many children leaearly to follow certain rules for visual communication in hopes of a positive response. They start to rely on recognizable symbols like houses that are square with a triangle roof and flying birds that look like the letter V. But this sets up a disconnect between the child's original idea and how they feel they need to portray that idea.

Those of us who do continue trying to communicate in personal ways through visual art can have a relationship with those who view our work that is energizing and at times profound. Art can transcend so many of the social and geographic barriers that we have such as age, social status, and culture, and it can even communicate across time.

For your work to allow others to see you honestly, it needs to be authentic and motivated from personal meaning. As artists we have an ability to connect with other people, whether friends or strangers, in a purely visual way. On the other hand, doing work to please your audience, rather than opening honest interaction, is rarely satisfying in a deep way. The more meaningful your work is to you as an artist, the more satisfying it will feel in terms of the basic desire to be seen.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry are now midway through their winter quarter of online sessions at Cold Wax Academy, where as always members have access to in-depth and varied content for learning and growth. Upcoming sessions include a presentation by guest author Shaun McNiff, tips on photographing your artwork, a painting clinic for works in progress, and the final critique session for this quarter with a special focus on composition. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and the community there of informed and supportive artists who post paintings, ask questions and initiate discussions.

It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! All live sessions are recorded and there are now nearly 100 previous sessions in the member library. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Episode 212: Imaginary Friends and Critics

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0500

When an artist creates, the people that the artist images viewing the work often are unseen presences in the studio. When we are deeply involved in our work these may fade away, but they tend to reappear when we are uncertain or involved in self-critique. A legitimate and important part of evaluating our work is trying to see the work through someone else’s eyes. But who are these viewers, exactly? Who are we creating art for, besides ourselves? Today we talk about those who view our work, how we imagine them and how much power to give them.

Most artists say they do their work primarily for themselves, that it is a compulsion or inner drive, and that they work the way they do because it feels right to them. Whether or not others like what they do may seem secondary. But a basic aspect of art is communication. We want to give our viewers something to respond to, to get involved with, and to bring out some thought or emotion, and perhaps respond enough to own the work.

From the artist’s perspective, working alone in the studio, this communication can seem very one-sided. We don't have an actual person with us to be another set of eyes, even though we are aware that people will eventually be in that position when we show the work. As a result, we often create viewers in the studio who are imaginary. And as such they tend to be an inconsitent, vague conglomerate with shifting opinions and advice.

The best advice has always been to make your best art for yourself and If it is good work, it will attract viewers who appreciate it. Thinking of it first as your own expression means that your work will be meaningful and authentic to you. But given that it's hard to avoid thinking of imaginary viewers as you work, it's also helpful to form a positive image of who they are. And rather than letting this be only a vague idea, it is helpful to get specific about the characteristics of your ideal, imaginary viewer. This viewer may be quite similar to yourself, but also enough removed to be able to offer constructive advice.

Many of us deal with invisible presences in the studio, and at times they are confusing in what we imagine them saying. And as with many aspects of the creative process, awareness of how you are affected is key. When our imaginary friends and critics are not useful, we need to be careful not to give them too much power. Inviting your imaginary ideal viewer into your studio can provide guidance, inspiration, and truly constructive criticism.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
The Summer Quarter of Cold Wax Academy's membership program is now underway. Rebecca and Jerry's upcoming weekly live, online sessions will explore Personal Voice and Composition and continue the topic of Professional Development with some special guests. Member Critiques and Painting Clinics, Cold Wax Academy's new feature, are ongoing. You can join the membership program anytime and catch up with past recorded sessions at your own pace. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing info@coldwaxacademy.com. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon!

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Episode 204: Jason Matias Interview - The Art of Selling Art

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0600

Today we are excited to welcome Jason Mathias to the Messy Studio. Jason is an experienced professional artist, an author, and an educator, who lives in a loft in the woods outside Seattle, Washington. Following seven years of military service, Jason pursued a bachelor's degree in business and a master's in organizational leadership and began to apply what he learned to his passion for photography. These days, in addition to his creating his own artwork, Jason runs the online teaching platform The Art of Selling Art, a membership site that teaches business skills, strategies, and practical approaches to the business side of art practice. His aim is to demystify the art world so that artists can sell more art. We're going to find out much more about what he has to offer other artists in today's episode.

Listeners who are struggling with pricing their work will find his comments on identifying and pricing to a target audience especially helpful. Jason offers other advice about remaining objective in marketing your work, and not allowing self-esteem issues, or other self-defeating habits and perceptions to interfere with your success.

This interview is available as both audio and video on our Facebook page.
Jason's website; https://www.jasonmatias.com/the-art-of-selling-art/home

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

What's new at Cold Wax Academy? Rebecca and Jerry have an exciting Winter Quarter planned with a focus on working with cold wax medium using both abstract and realistic approaches. Members will enjoy opportunities to participate in portfolio reviews and critiques, and of course, engage with the ongoing weekly live sessions that explore featured topics in depth. Cold Wax Academy is the only online teaching platform devoted exclusively to deepening and developing your painting practice in every aspect. Lessons are centered on the range of uses for cold wax medium, but also include important insights and information about all other aspects of art practice. For information about joining this vibrant, international community of artists, and to learn more about cold wax medium, please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com

As always, members have access to recordings of all previous sessions including everything from the first year, so it's easy to join anytime. Winter Quarter begins January 5th. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for details about membership levels and to sign up for a year of exciting learning experiences.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Special Guest: Jason Matias.

Episode 185: Approaching Galleries and More: Interview with Jason Horejs:

Rebecca Crowell — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0500

We interview Jason Horejs of Xanadu Gallery and RedDotBlog.com on the best way to market yourself and your work to galleries. This interview was conducted using Streamyard and went out live on Facebook. Once again we aren't able to produce the highest quality audio right now due to the move, but we still want to put out some great content. This is one of the most valuable interviews we have ever done, so don't skip it! Thanks again to all of the well wishes from listeners pertaining to the move and recent announcment that Ross's wife is pregnant.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

Rebecca and her partner at Cold Wax Academy, Jerry McLaughlin have wrapped up an exciting Spring Quarter and have announced their lineup of topics for Summer quarter which begins July 7. Their weekly live, interactive sessions will focus on Mark-making, Composition, and on Setting and Following Intentions to create strong, cohesive work.

But you don't have to wait for the new quarter to join the Academy--All sessions are recorded and fully accessible in the Member Library, and you can watch and rewatch at your own pace. In addition, joining at any time gives you access to all the perks of membership and the benefits of being part of a growing, knowledgable community of other artists.

And just in --for a limited time, Jerry and Rebecca are offering a new membership level that provides access to their extensive video workshop only-- the cost is $249 for 6 weeks of streaming access, plenty of time to watch and rewatch all the in-depth content provided in this unique video.

Special Guest: Jason Horejs.

Episode 141: How Others See You

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

We create our art and conduct our art careers mostly from within the bubble of our own point of view. But our reputations are important to our success and they are defined by the way other people see us. From within our own perspectives, we can lose sight of how we come across to our colleagues, collectors, students, galleries, and others who define us in the outside world. Today will be talking about shaping your reputation as an artist, and why it is important.

Reputation can be a fraught topic, especially for the introverts among us who prefer not to be in the spotlight. Wondering what people think of us can trigger insecurities that go back to adolescence and young adulthood when personal reputation could seem like everything. Many of us experienced constant judging by peers and parents in those times, leaving lasting negative imprints and confusing us about what we really wanted in life. Even the desire to pursue art as a major part of our lives may have been discouraged because of fears that it could lead to a questionable image among our peers and relatives.

As adult artists, reputation includes not just personal aspects, but also how others see us as colleagues and professionals. At its core, our reputation is a reflection of our authentic self, because most people cannot fake an image even if they try. But even if aspects of your personality are quirky or challenging, it's possible to navigate an art career. In fact, a unique personality can be an asset in creating an impression. On the other hand, people who are easy to deal with may find more opportunities for networking, gallery representation, and other steps up in the art world.

The reputation of the quality of your art itself though is perhaps most important aspect of what people think of us. Qualities of strength, growth, consistency, and authenticity in your work will set you apart and establish the reputation of your work. We all start somewhere, but it can be harmful to promote your work heavily when you are a beginner and creating a weak first impression. Projecting confidence is important, and it takes time to develop your work to the point that you feel this in a genuine way.

Though we often feel that reputation is fragile, we also have the power to change and shape the way people think of us over time.

We would like our listeners to know about a big change coming to Squeegee Press, known for its award-winning book, videos, workshops, and tools - all created for artists working with cold wax medium. Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin have announced that later this month Squeegee Press will become Cold Wax Academy-- and will soon include some exciting new membership features.

As part of this change, their video, Cold Wax Medium: a Video Workshop will become available as streaming content for members only.
This comprehensive video, nearly 7 hours long, covers everything Rebecca and Jerry teach in a 5-day workshop and more. If you prefer to own the video, it's on sale at $250 off from now until the end of September when access will shift to streaming only. To purchase, and for more information, please visit www.squeegeepress.com and don't forget to join the mailing list for updates on all the new offerings from Cold Wax Academy.

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com

Support The Messy Studio when you buy art supplies from Blick.com by using our affiliate link:
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

The Messy Studio Podcast is a CORE Publication MGMT production.

Episode 139: Those Awkward Moments

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0500

In a recent podcast, we talked about the remark often made about abstract artists --” my kid could paint that.” But there are lots of other things people say to and about artists that show a lack of understanding or even hostility toward art. When these happen in conversation, they can create some awkward moments. Most of us tend to feel defensive when this happens, and we can miss an opportunity to elevate the conversation. Today we’ll talk about some of these common remarks, consider why people make them, and ways to handle them gracefully.

As artists we’ve all had these moments. Sometimes, what we hear is an innocent question with a complicated answer, for example, “how long did it take you to paint that?" --when clock time is not the issue. Sometimes a question or remark comes across as aggressive, as when people ask about the price in order to look askance when you answer. Or an observation like “it must be so fun to just paint all day” can come across as “how nice to do whatever you please-- most of us can’t do that.”

Most remarks are well-meant though. People who know little about art are usually just trying to find a way into the conversation, as we all do when trying to understand another person's profession that is unfamiliar to us. But many times, a remark that indicates basic ignorance of our work can seem offensive and awkward. If we make an attempt to move the conversation forward, though, it can be an opportunity to help the other person understand.

It's easy though to feel misunderstood or hurt. Sometimes artists consider remarks critical or insulting but from an objective point of view are simply misinformed or out of context. Many times these remarks are much more about the person making them than about the artist. They are attempts to relate the artist's lifesto their own experience and as such, they should not be taken personally. Take opportunities to educate people when you feel there is an opening for a more elevated conversation and use compassion and humor to do so if you can.

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com

Support The Messy Studio when you buy art supplies from Blick.com by using our affiliate link:
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

The Messy Studio Podcast is a CORE Publication MGMT production.

Episode 122: Sell More Art Online, Interview With Dave Geada

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 02:00:00 -0500

For the last several weeks we have faced an unknown and invisible enemy. COVID-19 has disrupted large portions of the international economy and thrown millions into unemployment. As artists we face these same challenges. Our galleries have closed, our workshops have been cancelled, and we have no idea when (or if) things will return to “normal”.

However, we still have at our disposal the most powerful marketing and sales tool ever created. The internet is a way of selling art that many of us have ignored until recently and have no idea how to use properly. In the midst of economic chaos, it is crucial to learn to use the internet in ways that will help us sell more artwork, now and in the future.

To explore some of the fundamentals of online marketing, we invited marketing professional Dave Geada to join us on the Messy Studio Podcast. What he taught us is deceptively simple: tell your story. We all have one, though we may not realize it. Dave emphasized that when people buy art, they are buying not only the work itself, but you and your story. That personal connection can make all the difference in a decision to purchase.

Stories are like any other form of art. They contain essential elements that, when properly composed, are satisfying for the audience. In much the same way that a painter uses line, color, shape, form, value, texture, and space to create a painting, a storyteller uses characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. A basic, archetypal storyline involves a hero/heroine who faces a villain (a person or other obstacle) and then triumphs with the help of a guide.

This basic storyline can be applied to any person’s life and struggles. In the story of today's episode, our hero is the artist who faces the villain of COVID-19 and, with the help of a guide, learns to use the internet to sell their art. Our guide on today’s show is Dave Geada. He’s the CMO at[ Boldbrush (www.boldbrush.com) and has over 20 years of experience in technology and marketing. The interview provides some basic tools to start generating more art sales online, but if you want to learn more check out the special offer he has provided to Messy Studio listeners.

To take advantage of Dave Geada's special offer for Messy Studio Listeners:
https://l.faso.com/72

For more from the Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopocast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com

The Messy Studio is a CORE Publication MGMT production.

Special Guest: Dave Geada.