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F A Q — Frequently Asked Questions
Covering Most Commonly-Asked Questions
For Artists Starting Business Online
Coming Soon — FAQ Search Engine!
Meanwhile, here is an article on this very important question.
Do I really need an Artist's Statement?
by Leanne Boyd
June 12, 2003
An artist's statement is all about words, which are a completely different language than
the methods of expression that each of us uses in our corner of the art world. Paints or
clay or any media reside in the world of our senses; while words are the art-makers within
our mind — delightfully descriptive within our inner self, but once-removed from
sight and touch. Yet, many of us have an almost painful reaction to the writing aspects
of our own business. It is interesting to ponder the reasons for this.
The sensuality of our artistic endeavors — diving into oils or clays or fabrics —
is a very organic experience. But, what is more ''organic'' than language, itself? Our first
connection with the world was through sounds that probably only made sense to our tiny
selves. We took huge delight in the connective power of words ... our utterance led to
communication of ideas and needs. This delight in words, however, seems to end at the thought
of ... the Artist's Statement.
Often, when we sit down to write about our works, every thought we ever had about our
techniques or products... vanishes. We become convinced that there is nothing to say
about these processes that define our lives. Or certainly nothing of value, to be uttered!
Oftentimes, this ends in physically or mentally throwing away our scribbles notes, and
leaving the work area ONE MORE TIME, in utter frustration. Quite often, usually under pressure
of a promotional deadline, we might fake it, and end up with trivial pursuit, hacked out on
paper, or worse ... an overblown description that is a masquerade or mockery of the true
essence of our work.
Here is the trick that I use, to get around all of this. First, look back over the course of
your ''learning'' ... both of your trade, and learning in general, from the earliest grades.
Your reaction to ''having to write something'' is probably very deeply embedded in the experience
of critique and even heavy-duty criticism, as a child. You falter and dread the act of writing
because you've been ''told'' all along that what you wrote was not right, for whatever
reason.
Yet, every day, in thoughts, and in conversation with peers and friends, your words are not
only capable — but full of enthusiasm, knowledge, and yes, delight over discoveries you
have made. The trick is ... find a way of capturing JUST THAT. Consider carrying a notebook,
journal, or even today, a Palm Pilot! And write the essence of your thoughts and discussions
down. A bit of tweaking at the midnight hour will soon lead to an organized and exciting
flow of content and response that is undeniably your own, and unique!
Finally, be aware of your inner critic (the one that sounds like all the teachers you
ever had who said your writing was not up to par). Your ability to write your artist's
statement will improve with practice. Just as your art works grow, change, and
take on new life — so will your artist's statement!
Remember... An artist's statement is not a résumé. It's also not a historical summary of
your work, or a critique, or a list of your awards and accomplishments. It is a celebration
of your inspiration and dedication to something very unique only to YOU. It is emotional,
but with a clarified vision ... a reflection on your work. It is a personal
revelation about your style, your goals, your drive to communicate a vision.
Your statement is a psychological bridge between you and your viewers. Whether that
bridge is San Francisco red steel, or weathered oak across a bubbly brook, depends
entirely upon your unique vision, and what exactly you desire to say to your audience.
This kind of insight is an indisputable and effective marketing tool.
To begin the journey of writing your artist's statement, you will need to uncover
the natural — organic! — language of your own mind. For you, and only you,
can be the StoryTeller of what you do as an Artist — how you do it, and
why.
Tools That Will Help
- 30
Days to Internet Marketing Success!
If there is anything I can say about this book, it wouldn't be enough. Just the
fact that the author is not much older than my youngest child, still has my head
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on ''Joe Kumar'' and let the sites and forums speak. For a brief taste of what
the report is all about, here are some excerpts:
- A spectacular ''how-to'' that will turn anybody who thinks they are a
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- I am dead serious about this. You will not find a better fast-start
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Absolutely nothing comes close to the value of this incredible look
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words: For readers with the courage to turn their dreams into results,
this book will be responsible for millions of dollars in profits!
The price is a bit steep. But, when you MUST make your living from your skills, and you
have this vast Internet as your primary research and contact tool... a book with this
wealth of information will pay for itself hundreds of times over.
- ProposalKit.com at Artist-Proposal-Kit.LeanneRecommends.com
Stand out from the crowd and show your prospective client what you
can do for them, how you plan on doing it, why you are the best
candidate, what you have done for others and that you understand
their business and needs.
With Proposal Kit, your clients receive the detailed price quote
and proposal they need and you get the business you need. Best of
all, prospective clients see clearly that — hands-down — YOU are
the best person to handle their business.
You could spend months searching the web for a haphazard collection
of similar material (and most of what you find "free" is suspect or
unusable), you could spend months of time and five figures hiring
your own attorneys and writers to create just the raw content (as
we have), or you can get hundreds of pages of pre-written material
tailored specifically for web and tech professionals including proposal
templates, contracts & agreements, sample proposals, site system diagram
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- One
excellent tool
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Interface
and E-Learning Design by Artist-Marketer.com