Are you a DIY (Do It Yourself) Artist?

For this first post of the DIY Artist -- here's a portrait I commissioned from Curt Evans, a talented Cartoonist from Ashland, Oregon.

First, I want to say that Curt is a true gentleman.  I say this because -- on his own, with no hints or suggestions from me -- he graciously drew the skinnier version of me (the one that exists in my head.) 

Secondly, I want to acknowledge his patience.  A commission is not every artist’s favorite thing to do, especially when the person doing the commissioning may be somewhat exacting – like another artist. When I told him I wanted him to make ONE drawing to represent the whole picture of what an artist does (and presented him with a two page list) -- he didn’t blink an eye.

Thirdly, I want to applaud this final creative resolution to the challenge I presented him.  He managed to not only represent most all that an artist does -- he also captured the naive and hopeful frenzy of it all!

Bravo Curt!

I’ve worked with artists for 4 years now – helping them get the word out about their work, facilitating art marketing workshops, producing some pretty magnificent art events, writing an art marketing blog -- all the while trying to create my own art. 

I have come to the conclusion that successful artists are not only Jacks and Jills-of-all-trades  . . .  but must become MASTERS OF MANY.

I also know that there are many talented artists out there not getting the recognition they deserve. 

It appears that good marketing often trumps talent.

Trying to make a living at being an artist is tough. We are revered for our “gift”, but not adequately rewarded monetarily.

It has also been my observation that the most successful artists are incredibly hard workers who diligently and pragmatically continue to move forward step-by-step toward their artistic and marketing goals. Their lives are not particularly romantic. They work way over 40 hours per week, and there are few (if any) instant over-night successes – no matter what the quality of the work. 

Notably they don’t do a lot of whining.

Another reality of being an emerging artist is that no one is going to do the marketing work for you – no matter what the quality of your artwork.

Most of us are DIY (Do It Yourself) artists.

And we get tired of going it alone.

It is also pretty clear we are not going to give up making art.

With that in mind, I have created the DIY Artist blog. I have some things to share on this blog and will be adding to the "Free and Useful Things" link above. I  invite YOU to share also – a question, a comment, a quote, a link, an inspiring story, a full original post, video or image.

 

What have you learned to do (perhaps the hard way) which you can share so other artists won't have to make the same mistake? What's worked? What hasn't?

(Some small bit of whining is allowed.)

Now . . . if I was a complete DIY Artist, I wouldn’t have hired Curt to do the drawing above.

I would have done the drawing myself, but when it comes to some things, I know my limits.

Knowing your limits is a good skill to have too.

Cartoonist Curt Evans

"For my cartooning business I do everything myself. If I was to have someone else do something, it would be SCANNING and sizing images - this NEVER ends." Curt Evans 

You can see more of Curt Evan's work at his Facebook Page: Curt Evans Cartoons