Do you live your life from the outside in? Or from the inside out?

With our responsibilities, bills, relationships, media and all the stuff we fill our existence with, much of the time it's as if the world is telling us how to live our lives. It's no wonder we feel we are pulled in many directions at once and have less time in a day to accomplish our goals, let alone think about ourselves.

In the cult of multi-tasking with electronic gadgetry, (which my students insist does not impede upon their studies) research is showing that it does not really help us to focus or accomplish our tasks any more efficiently throughout the day. When the circumstances of the world feel like they dictate our every move, we can become overwhelmed. Sound familiar? Much of this depends on how we perceive ourselves and the reality around us. Perception is an act of creation.

One of the blessings of my creative life is the ability to brainstorm and manifest lots of ideas. Once my mind gets those RPM's up to speed, it’s hard to stop—especially when I want to sleep at night. When I found the secret of meditation it calmed the chattering monkeys inside my head enough for me to rest. However, the real benefit of meditation for me came from the introspection that graced my consciousness over time. I learned the benefits of living from the inside out.

This post is not so much about the virtues of meditation as it’s about taking some time to understand who you really are and what you are really about. When you live your life from the center of your being, events around you begin to look very different.

Greg Montana is a life coach committed to seeing people discover and follow their true purpose. He helped me see mine clearly so I can help others too. Greg has a freetransformational teleseminar that you might want to check out. Another path to finding who you are is to have a good conversation with yourself. This may sound crazy at first, but its just another form of introspection. Check out this Blog post by Chris Guillebeau and take a step inside who you really are. Once you start living from the inside out you will view yourself differently, understand your motivations more clearly, make decisions more calmly, and probably get a better nights sleep!

To your truth!

—Greg

What sustains your creativity?

Could it be new electronic toys, fashionable attire, fascinating information, splendid entertainment, food, money, sex, drugs, rock and roll?

Long term creativity is sustained by your heart. Creativity connected to your true essence will sustain you for the long run. When not in alignment with your core virtue, boredom, unhappiness, and lethargy creep in.

Creativity is like the electrical juice coming from a car battery. If the engine is hooked up properly it recharges the battery allowing it to last a long time. If there is a disconnect somewhere and the battery does not receive that returning jolt of energy, its power is drained and can die much faster than expected.

Loving what you do will help you keep on keeping on when ideas become scarce and economic downturns put the squeeze on.

The Los Angeles Times article on "A writing career becomes harder to scale" by Dani Shapiro talks about the struggles authors expected to confront  as they gained experience in the publishing world. But now it is sell -- or else. Writers like visual artists must confront the realities of a changing publishing paradigm when it comes to promotion and selling product. In the face of these changes focusing on the source of your power  keeps the battery of creativity charged and ready to go.

Knowledge of your product line, marketing tactics, long term strategies  work only if they are built upon the foundation of knowing what you love. Those individuals who are connected to the source of their true being whether selling their art, writing, music, film, etc. can keep a career energized.

Shapiro reflects, “Each time we sit down to create something, we are risking our whole selves. But when the result is the transformation of anger, disappointment, sorrow, self-pity, guilt, perverseness and wounded innocence into something deep and concrete and abiding -- that is a personal and artistic triumph well worth the long and solitary trip.”

Remain committed to empowering truth within yourself, then experience the bliss of your artful journey.

EMPOWER YOUR TRUTH, ENERGIZE YOUR ART INCOME WITH THE OCTOBER ONLINE GROUP WORKSHOP! SIGN UP NOW.

What does Artist As Brand mean?

ARTIST art·ist [ahr-tist]–noun

1. a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.

2. a person who practices one of the fine arts.

3. a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.

4. a person who works in one of the performing arts, actor, musician, singer; dancer, public performer.

5. a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill

BRAND [brand]–noun and verb

1. kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like.

2. a mark made by burning or otherwise, to indicate kind, grade, make, ownership, etc.

3. a kind or variety of something distinguished by some distinctive characteristic.

4. to impress indelibly.

5. a brand name.

What do Michelangelo, Beeple, Geogia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Tom Cruise, Auguste Rodin, Apple, Beyonce, Frida Kahlo, Porsche, Picasso, Damien Hirst, Mark Ryden, Annie Leibovitz, James Jean, Greenpeace, Maxfield Parrish, Ray Bradbury, Joseph Beuys, and Emily Blunt, all have in common? They are all brands. A brand is a purpose transformed into a product or service that connects to people, the planet, and beyond.

The key word here is purpose, and specifically your purpose. This is where the heart of your essence resides, where your most potent art manifests, and the strength of your perseverance matures. The purpose inside you aligned with your personal vision is the foundation of your creative power. When your heart is joined with your art, a vital one of a kind signature is formed. This brand is unique to you and your intimate product.

The word “brand” is derived from the Old Norse brandr, meaning “to burn.” It refers to the practice of burning a mark (or brand) onto a products.

The artist’s mark is unique to its owner even if its a copy of something else. However the ambition of most artists is to make a mark that touches their so audience deeply, it burns this symbol into memory. The lifetime of a creative mind can burn a series of meaningful marks into the mindset of a generation, but if their passion is great its possible to start a fire that contributes a brighter light to the world.

Sign up for the October, Online Group Workshop. Your art, life and prosperity will never be the same!

A decade ago I connected with award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker and scholar, Douglas Rushkoff after reading his book, Life Inc. The book explains how the history of the corporation manipulated the way we approach commerce, and its influence in all facets of our lives. It was a revelation and the premise of the concept fit perfectly with the Artist As Brand philosophy and curriculum…

WE ARE SOVEREIGN CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS not to be ruled by corporations, banks, governments, who harken back to the ignorance of the Dark Ages.

It’s up to us to create a new economy based on the value of what we can bring, as individuals, to the world.

Understanding the history behind life styles, and economic models we grew up with, can help us create new ones. Watch his nine minute film and you will see your potential in a whole new light.

As creative individuals we do not need to fit into outmoded industrial paradigms, or conversely, todays overly hyped technological future. Be the change you want to see in your world.

Learning to create a new economic paradigm for yourself can feel daunting. We all want to relax in the lap of corporate and economic models we were brought up with, even though most people hate their job. There is security knowing we are going to be taken care of by larger business entities that have planned for economic downturns and other market changes, right?

There will always be a job out there for us, right?

However, who just wants a JOB (just over broke)? Most people today are looking for a vocation that aligns with a deeper purpose. A job can work out fine if it aligns enough with who we are as a person. Even flipping burgers can be a start for something larger if your calling is about becoming a chef!

Living as a freelance artist for 28 years gave me a certain perspective on the economy as I had my feet in the corporate world but still remained independent of it. Living and working as a sole proprietor gave me a certain resiliency and exercised my creative brain powers into thinking differently. Cranking up my innovative capabilities or aligning with those who were in "the flow" increased my chances for manifesting other income possibilities.

Check out this great article 10 Artists Explain How They Became Art Entrepreneurs. Innovation and re-invention are vital components to creating new paths of success– like taking the best of the Artist As Brand Workshop and turning it into a self guided online version. Create your own economy, in your unique new way!

Heads up! The Artist As Brand June Discount is ending July 1st! Save $100 on the online course which includes an hour consultation!

ARTISTart·ist [ahr-tist]–noun1. a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.

2. a person who practices one of the fine arts.

3. a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.

4. a person who works in one of the performing arts, actor, musician, singer; dancer, public performer.

5. a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill

BRAND[brand]–noun and verb1. kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like.

2. a mark made by burning or otherwise, to indicate kind, grade, make, ownership, etc.

3. a kind or variety of something distinguished by some distinctive characteristic.

4. to impress indelibly.

5. a brand name.

What do Michelangelo, Ralph Lauren, Geogia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Clint Eastwood, Auguste Rodin, Apple, Sting, Frida Kahlo, Porsche, Picasso, Damien Hirst, Mark Ryden, Annie Leibovitz, Henry Moore, Greenpeace, Maxfield Parrish, Ray Bradbury, Joseph Beuys, and Elizabeth Taylor, all have in common? They are all brands.

A brand is a purpose transformed into a product or service that connects to people, the planet, and beyond. The key word here is purpose, and specifically your purpose. This is where the heart of your essence resides, where your most potent art manifests, and the strength of your perseverance matures. The purpose inside you aligned with your personal vision is the foundation of your creative power. When your heart is joined with your art, a vital one of a kind signature is formed. This brand is unique to you and your intimate product.

The word “brand” is derived from the Old Norse brandr, meaning “to burn.” It refers to the practice of producers burning their mark (or brand) onto their products. In the beginning, before multi-national corporations, before boards of directors and proxy fights, before mergers and franchises and takeovers, there were family businesses founded on individual enterprise or invention. Before the corporate image or the company logo, there was the individual name stamped on a product, a service, a laborsaving device, or a form of entertainment, usually because it was the proud handiwork of one individual.

The artist’s mark is unique to its owner even if its a copy of something else. However the ambition of most artists is to make a mark that touches their so audience deeply, it burns this symbol into memory. The lifetime of a creative mind can burn a series of meaningful marks into the mindset of a generation, but if their passion is great its possible to start a fire that contributes a brighter light to the world.

Peace and passion, Greg Spalenka

Ideas flow through me like water. They can be drips, streams or rivers but they are always moving through my mind and spirit. If not for meditation I do not know how I would sleep at night! Of course even a great idea is just an idea until you make it real so the challenge becomes the art of the start.Jerry Gretzinger's idea started with the drawing of a small map. Watch this video on how a simple idea continued to grow into new possibilities. He sells mainly on Ebay and has an interesting approach to expanding his collector base-"A word on my pricing of the prints and originals: when posting a panel for the first time I put it out at 120% of the average price paid to date for that type of panel. If it hasn't sold after 30 days I mark it down 20%. I keep doing that every 30 days until it is sold. I want you all to become collectors, and I want The Map to be affordable for everyone. I will let the market set the price."May your ideas extend outward and create new territories in art and life.PeaceGreg

Photos by Spalenka

*MINI ART EMPIRES IN THE ROUGH*Street Artists make a living selling directly to the public.

When I was in New York last week for my lecture at the Society of Illustrators Educators Symposium I had an opportunity to walk around SoHo. When I lived in Manhattan during the 80's the blue chip art world of Leo Castelli, and Mary Boone ruled this corner of the Big Apple. Since then the art arena has moved around to different parts of the city, yet some galleries still remain on the streets of SoHo, literally. Walk along Prince st. and vendors line the sidewalks selling clothing, jewelry, incense, nick nacks, and art.

Generally I walk briskly past most of these fold out tables piled high with stuff, but this time I came to a realization that stopped me in my tracks! What I was seeing here specifically with the artists were mini art empires in the rough! I decided right then and there to interview a handful of these budding entrepreneurs and find out more about their story and methods. The following sheds some light on the businesses of eight artisans who make their living selling art on the streets of Manhattan.

When it comes to real estate we know the importance of Location, Location, Location!

It is no different in the world of street art. Mathew Courtney's "Steps To Nowhere" Gallery was organized neatly on historical cast iron stairs near J.Crew. How do the shops feel about artists selling their wares next to their location? Mathew smiled, "We get along."

Mathew utilizes markers, colored pencils and watercolors to create art over newspapers, cardboard, and other found objects. He laughed, "I make art on just about anything!"

A daughter of one of his patrons came by to see what new works he was showcasing! I mentioned to him that I have found fans to be very loyal and he replied, "Yes, some people return many times to see what new art I have created."

Kurt McRobert

Some of the artists I spoke with were veterans of seven years or longer, others like SVA graduate Kurt McRobert were out for the first time. "I got tired of waiting around for illustration jobs and decided to set up shop and see what happened." He threw up some fold out trays and rigged up a table of super heroes and girlie pics.

Did they need special clearance from the city to sell art on the sidewalks? "You just need a sellers ID number," he said. That's it!? "That's it." I was surprised that you could set up shop so easily on the streets of NYC.

Comic book characters appeared to be big sellers in this market. This was the weekend the New York Comic Convention was happening and I attempted to inspire some of these artists to go to it. "You can make some great connections and open a new market for your art," I suggested. A few of them said they were too busy holding down the shop, and besides the "weekends are the best selling days, can't afford to miss that opportunity," was the response. They had found their niche!

Most of these artists were focused on selling and had not thought much about social media promotion, or even simple business tools such as business cards. When I asked Pedro (?) if I could see him online or if he had a business card, he patted the pockets of his paint spattered pants and said, "I got to make up some cards. Don't have much online yet, checking out Flikr, but haven't put up a website, blog, whatever."

"Not much time for advertising. Don't really want to. I'm too busy painting." Most of his acrylic pieces were created on stretched canvases. Finished paintings (no frames) were stacked in front of each other, lined up on the ledge of a building.  He stopped working for a moment on a Batman painting which was securely fastened to a fold out easel and took a drag on his cigarette. "Don't have much time for anything else."

Optimo

Others like the graffiti artist Optimo painted on just about everything, with everything. People would bring him license plates, signs (city, private, etc), pieces of wood to make art on. Of course walls of all sort were game too, but he could not bring those to his street shop. If it can be painted on, it can become art. "Graffiti is beautiful, because art is beautiful. Just because other people can't see the fuckin beauty, doesn't make it so," he said passionately.

Optimo was setting up shop with a table on the street side of the sidewalk and art propped up next to the building across from him. "Sometimes the cops ask me where I got the signs (city owned) to paint on and say that what I am doing is not art. It's art, I tell them. Generally they don't bother me but I have to watch out for them."

When I took his picture he did not want his face shown much, so he covered it with his hand. A picture is not going to hide an artist with this much passion, especially when its crowned with a top hat! But I felt his sincerity when he said, "I love making art. It's what I do."

When I asked most of these artists if they actually made a living selling art this way, the consensus was they did pretty good. "Recently sales have been slow because of the economy, but people still buy," Pedro confided.  Optimo added, "It's always up and down, but I have a little girl to take care of so I must be out here."

How much do these guys make in cash amounts on a day to day, week to week basis? You will be surprised at the answers which will be revealed in the second part of this post next week. I can give you a hint... it's as much and more that most animators and concept designers in the film industry make!

Wrap your brain around that one.

To your creative empowerment,

Greg

Artist As Brand is in the news again!More and more articles in the press are reaffirming the premise that an independent approach to marketing your art is the future of artist sustainability, today. Check out these two articles in the Los Angeles Times,Drive-By Spectacles by Holly Myers, and Honing the art of the sales pitch during hard timesby Tina Sussman.The models of art promotion I learned in school 30 years ago and still perpetuated by Academia and much of the fine art world today are breaking down. Generally creative people do not like promoting their work. We prefer to have others do it for us so we can concentrate on the art. Hence we have agents, representatives, curators, promotional source books, etc. to take the burden off us.Plus it is perceived as bad form in fine art circles if we appear to be selling anything. The smallest hint that we may be marketing, cajoling, or manipulating a buyer into a sale is not tolerated and simply bad form in the fine art elite. Even the sniff of a professional demeanor in the form of a well designed logo can be  looked down upon as being too commercial.However, the reality is that promoting yourself professionally is good business, and fans, patrons, collectors appreciate the connection and the attention! Every aspect of how you present yourself is vital to the zeitgeist of your vision. Elevating your presence tactfully in a sophisticated manner, in your style, reflecting your authenticity, is empowerment my friends. Do not be intimidated by the old guard. You can thrive from your talents financially however you want to. Remember your art will stand the test of time based on it's value in peoples eyes. You do not have to starve to achieve that goal.To your artistic empowerment,Greg

Bee Prosperity for Flowers of Fortune Art Card Set & Game

It's that time of year again when the world of popular art culture collides with the city of San Diego. I have been frequenting this event since 1990. I was part of Allen Spiegel's booth ASFA for many years and then decided to trek out on my own and acquired a booth. Preparing for this event takes weeks sometimes months, and when it is over takes a solid week to recover. It costs money to create product, pay for the booth, hotel, meals, etc. hence the investment can be large. Not much sleep is allowed, everyone is running on reserves of nerve energy as meetings and parties go into the wee hours. Then you get up early to man your booth, sell your wares and conjure up new fans and patrons. The cycle starts up again for four days straight.

Even though Comic Con is a lot of work most exhibitors return year after year, because of the events vitality. Seeing my artist friends come from all over the world to hang out for a week is inspiring. I love the show and tell facet.

Gracing the Dawn for Flowers of Fortune Art Card Set & Game

Setting up a booth is an art unto itself. Read this article on Roxana's Illuminated Perfume Blog about our strategy for this years booth. Every year we strive to make it more interesting than the last. My other goal is to out do what I manifested the year before in art. This time I have created and devised a Limited Edition Art Card Game! Called Flowers of Fortune (website coming soon) there is a scratch off game facet where participants can receive my posters, prints, card sets, and cash. The odds are very good in that there is a prize for every 40 cards. However everyone is winner as fortunes and special quotes are waiting beneath the scratch off designs.

Roxana formulated a beautiful perfume to accompany the Gracing The Dawn card. Come to the booth 5553 and experience this exquisite essence. You will swoon. (Illustrators area) Enter through the double doors of Lobby G, near Starbucks, the booth is on the right front wall. Look for the Shabby Chic booth with the Gracing the Dawn banner.

Don't forget to attend this! I am moderating an Artist As Brand panel discussion Friday 23, 6:00-7:00 RM 8, with Arnie Fenner, Mark Murphy, Ciruelo, Tara McPherson, Donato.

See you all soon!

Art and Empowerment

Greg

Produce Your Own Unique Art Empire!

See what Art Professors, Professionals, and College Students are saying about the Artist As Brand Workshop Here.

FIND ART GALLERYAugust 6, 7, 8 Friday-Sunday 10AM- 8PM1640 Superior Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92627

With Special Guest Lectures by writer and art critic Peter Clothier, licensing expert Maria Brophy, social media master & botanical perfumer Roxana Villa.

Please read the REGISTER page before signing up.

Learn more about Artist As Brand on the ABOUT page.

Greg Spalenka

In this high tech world it can be easy to forget the importance of human connection. An infant and mother understand this crucial bonding, and as we grow this personal connection to touch and intimacy never really leaves us. In life our relationship to others reflects how successful we are at communicating our passions, desires, ideas. Union is key.

In business and commerce this facet of interconnectivity is called networking. In art networking we endear ourselves to our peers, fans and patrons to help build our art empires. Our supporters become the mortar between the bricks. I am always on the lookout for alignments, new connections and venues where I can meet extraordinary individuals. I contacted Peter Clothier whom I learned about through his lecture at LCAD. Though we initially met online which culminated in an interview of him for my Blog we also recently had a lovely lunch together. It is truly wonderful to meet like minded souls in person! We realized our viewpoints were deeper than expected and are now talking about collaborating on some workshops.

Mark Murphy whom I just interviewed is another alignment with who I am collaborating with. Roxana my wife and I are part of his Survey Select exhibition opening this Thursday, and I am presenting an Artist As Brand workshop in San Diego in conjunction with the show.

Two fantastic networking opportunities are coming to California. The  Illustration Conference is this week in Los Angeles!  Artists are coming from all over the US to this event. I will be there networking and meeting awesome new people. Who else is going?

How about the largest event for popular art culture in America?! The San Diego Comic Con is held next week July 21-25. I will be there at my booth 5553 and moderating an Artist As Brand panel discussion Friday 23, 6:00-7:00 RM 8, with Arnie Fenner, Mark Murphy, Ciruelo, Tara McPherson, Donato. My new  Flowers of Fortune limited edition art card set and scratch off game premiers at Comic Con too, (and at FlowerFortune.com on July 21) where you can win one of my giclee prints, other printed items, and up to $1000.00.

Events like Comic Con increase your fans and patrons. 125,000 people move through the doors of this convention in five days. Imagine if only one in every one thousand people stopped by your booth. Being a part of this event for over 20 years has taught me the value of  growing your support group in venues like this.

Some people will argue that it costs too much to be a part of these gatherings. All promotion has a price. This is an investment in yourself.

Events like these are important to the artist for exposure, new ideas, inspiration, sales, support, and new connections. Like the mother and her new baby, union and bonding with your peers and your buyers will bring you closer together. Technology has it's place, but remember the importance of face to face.

To artist empowerment,

Greg

Oil painting by Alex D.

I am slated to present an Artist As Brand workshop at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, next weekend May 21-23. The mindset of students in a colleges, universities and art institutions have always intrigued me. I remember my college years were akin to being tossed into a community pool. I then watched as different talents sank or swam. Teaching higher education for over 22 years has shown me that even though attitudes shift over generations there are principles that do not change. One timeless factor is artists want to be appreciated for their personal vision. LAAFA students Alex D. and Jonny H. answered some questions about what they are learning and what is important to them.

Greg Spalenka- What do you want to say with your art?Jonny- Ideally, I would love to reveal to people something about themselves. Something they hadn't been conscious of; whether that be a reaction, new train of thought or opinion, or deep-seated feeling.Alex- So far, as I am trying to figure out who I am as an artist and as a human being, my work has been a reflection of that search. I know that my work will go into many different directions, but I think it will always have that layer of 'searching'GS- What are the attributes that make up a great artist?J- Some of the attributes that make up a great artist are the ability to make someone think or feel a certain way that wouldn't otherwise be readily possible in the absence of the art. Someone who has suffered the hardships of self-denial and discipline. I think hard work always shines through in great art. Also, someone who has purpose. There's a lot of really good (not great) artists out there who are extremely talented, and producing really nice stuff. I think the ones who have a purpose that drives them to make their art are the ones who make the push into really "great" art.A- Meaning or content behind their work. Work that is original and not just following the times or trends for the sake of knowing what sells.G.S Do you want to have a career as an artist? J- I'd like to make a career as an artist more than anything else. I want it so bad I can taste it. Unfortunately, finding information that's of use to assimilating an effective marketing strategy is near-impossible. Good, useful information just isn't out there for someone who doesn't have a successful group of friends or intimate contact with a successful artist.A- I would love to have a career in art. I have no idea how I am going to market myself- blogs, websites and teachings, shows?GS- This is where the Artist As Brand workshop can help! What do you feel you have most learned most from the classes at LAAFA?J- The classes at laafa have given me a strong understanding of the fundamentals of drawing, painting, and composition. I'm just under two years into the program though, and I believe the third year will be more geared towards putting these three things together with my personal interests into a compelling body of work. I've also had some wonderful theory classes that have opened my mind to some of the more abstract concepts and ideas that go into making compelling art outside the realm of fundamentals and technique.A- Besides learning the technical skills, LAAFA encouraged me to start thinking about what I wanted to say with my work.GS- Can you name an artist you respect who is making a living from their art alone?J- Jenny Saville, Stephen Douglas, David Choe, James Jean, Phil Hale, Jeremy Geddes, Antonio Lopez Garcia, Anne GaleA- Jenny Saville, Lucien FreudGS- I know David Choe, James Jean, Phil Hale. I have had a booth at Comic Con for two decades and see them there quite a bit. James Jean in particular understands the Artist As Brand principles and integrates them beautifully into his marketing template. You are mentioning some artists who have made a name in popular art culture and in the fine art worlds at the same time. The walls between these two industries are breaking down opening up new opportunities that were not there before.J- I'm unfamiliar with "Artist As a Brand". It sounds like something that would be incredibly useful to me, I'd love to know more.A- I know it informs artists on how to market themselves which I know artist have a hard time doing.Thank you Alex and Jonny for sharing your creative journey. Honing your personal vision and creating great art is important, but if no-one sees it, and you cannot make an income from doing it, the circle is not complete. I am on a quest to educate artists how to complete that circle with that last piece called prosperity.To prosperity,Greg

Greg Spalenka

In the spirit of supporting common visions this post is part of a May Flowers blogging extravaganza at Roxana’s Illuminated Perfume Journal.

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words.  They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning.~Lydia M. ChildThe purpose behind a flower, as seen from a purely scientific perspective, is only for the propagation and survival of the species. Yet humans have placed meaning upon these botanical delights for eons. A flower’s virtue may be overt or covert but never denied. These petaled entities have sparked the imagination throughout history in the realms of desire, love, purity, sensuality, elegance, sacredness, sadness, happiness, power, magic, and ethereal worlds. Some blossoms have become timeless symbols.The Fleur de lis is one such emblem. It is a stylized lily (in French, fleur means flower,  lis means lily) or iris, and is widely thought to be a conventionalize version of the species Iris pseudacorus. A few scholars believe it represents a trident, arrowhead, double axe, dove, pigeon, or bee, but most agree it is of a botanical nature.Decorative ornaments that resemble the fleur-de-lis have appeared in artwork from the earliest human civilizations. The image is found on Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian bas-reliefs, Mycenaean pottery, Sassanid textiles, Gaulish and Mameluk coins, Indonesian clothes, Japanese emblems, and Dogon totems. It has consistently been used as a royal emblem, though different cultures have interpreted its meaning in varying ways.While the fleur-de-lis has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy.This symbol was used to support the claim of anointed Kings of France that their authority came directly from God. It can be traced to an ancient image evoking the rising sun which had the form of a Greek cross with the horizontals curved upwards on either side.Legends enhanced the mystique of royalty with stories of a vial filled with oil brought by a dove from heaven to anoint and sanctify King Clovis (493AD) at his coronation. Another variation says a lily appeared at the Kings baptismal ceremony as a gift of blessing from an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is often associated with the flower.During the reign of King Louis IX (St. Louis) the three petals of the flower were said to represent faith, wisdom and chivalry, and to be a sign of divine favour bestowed on France. During the 14th century, the tradition of Trinity symbolism was established in France and then spread to other parts of the globe.What is mysterious and amazing is that a flower symbol could resonate so deeply with people that it took on a new life. The image became a brand of its own. Mother nature is full of these icons because she is an awesome designer. Imbue those petaled wonders with meaning and Voila! we have a timeless combination.To flower power,GregCredits-WikipediaThe Secret Teachings of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall

I recently picked up a magazine calledFIND in the LCAD library. It was a free publication, small in size 5"x7" but exuded a vital art spirit. Featuring a very cool cover by Rick Rietveld and filled with artist imagery that piqued my interest, I decided to contact the Founder/Publisher Neight Adamson to find out more. I found in Neight a kindred spirit, a champion of the arts. I asked him to tell me a little about himself and his mission.

Greg- Neight, please share a bit of your artistic journey.

Neight- I have always been extremely passionate about art. I started by scribbling, doodling and drawing on everything I could get my hands on. When I was enrolled at Brooks College in Long Beach, I met a teacher named Mike Hanson (now at the Art Institute of Orange County) who inspired my way of thinking and helped me take my art and design to a whole new level. After college I couldn't find a design job for the life of me but found a job at the Wyland Gallery in Laguna Beach, learning everything an artist needs to know about marketing oneself. On the side, I freelanced with companies like Nike, Hurley, Alpinestars and Chronic Tacos, specializing in advertising and illustration. I began learning the art of business and how to maintain a creative mind set in a cut-throat society. Branching out on my own, I began piecing together my own design studio with Chronic Tacos as my biggest client and unlocking the door to the glamorous world of marketing. As well as using many different artistic mediums to market my ideas, I planned on bringing artists, spectators and buyers together to share in their ideas and give everyone an opportunity to network and grow as an artistic collective.

G- Sounds like you are into artist empowerment too! Tell me about your FIND Art Magazine.

N- FIND Art Magazine is working to build a local art community by bringing local artists, galleries, companies and spectators together into one "Found" space. It is a tool for artists to show their Art to thousands of people. FIND Art Magazine is released every 2 months and is dedicated to promoting and showcasing all different mediums of artwork within each issue. It is sized conveniently to 5x7 inches leaving each page open to the possibility of being framed. There are millions of artists out there that have not had an opportunity to show their art to very many people at all. It is completely free for artists that are chosen to participate in the art show and is also free to the public. The philosophy behind FIND is two fold: One to create an art community where artists can inspire each other, and two, offer a platform for undiscovered talent to have their name and artwork exposed.... The initial response has been phenomenal and we're getting a ton of new submissions every week.

Advertising in the magazine is great for art driven companies. We even offer special discounted rates for individual artists and galleries.

G- You own a gallery that works in concert with the magazine, correct. Tell me more.

N- The whole idea of the magazine is to advertise the artists that are going to be a part of the FIND Gallery exhibition (Costa Mesa, CA.). The same artwork that's in the magazine is in our gallery too. A 5X7 print in FIND might be a five foot oil on canvas... The plan is to grow the magazine, expose more artists and showcase their work in a gallery setting while actually establishing a point of interest within the community.

G- How would you describe artist sustainability?N- When the the signature at the bottom of the canvas is worth as much as the artwork itself.G- That is a nice way to put it! Tell me about your upcoming shows and where can people find your magazine?N- Our closing show for the current issue is actually this Saturday, May 8 giving people a last chance to see the artwork before we take everything down for the next issue. The next Issue will be released by the 21st of May with the opening reception for the exhibition on Saturday, June 12. The magazine can be found at all the art driven locations that we can find: art schools, art supply, tattoo, fashion retailers, edgy restaurants, advertisers, etc.G- Thank you Neight! You are a true patron of the Art Spirit.After realizing our visions for artist empowerment were similar it only seemed natural to connect the FIND mission with the Artist As Brand workshops! Neight and I are formulating a powerful alignment that will bring some awesome value to anyone taking the workshop. I am talking amazing promotional opportunities.We have decided to set up an Artist As Brand Workshop at the FIND Gallery August 6, 7, 8 (Fri-Sun, 10AM- 8PM). Stay tuned for more details.Neight is looking for artists to be included in the FIND Art Magazine and gallery. ContactFINDfor submission instructions and advertising possibilities.PeaceGreg

In the spirit of forging opportunity I offer FREE workshops through my Giveaway offerings and Scholarship programs. These opportunities are for the LAAFA workshop May 21, 22, 23, and for the LCAD workshop May 28, 29, 30. One giveaway will be presented for each venue. The scholarship is only open for the LAAFA workshop at this time.Here are the details:This giveaway and scholarship ends at 12PM PST on Saturday May 15.Winners will be announced using the Randomizer via Random.org Monday May 17.To qualify for the scholarship go to the website for directions- http://www.artistasbrand.com/scholarship/To qualify for the giveaway read directions below: You receive entries by completing specific tasks. In each instance make sure you credit which workshop you are interested in.1 entry: Join the Newsletter at Artist As Brand

1 entry per week of the contest: Twitter this message for LAAFA:#GregSpalenka #ArtistAsBrand Workshop at LAAFA May 21, 22, 23. Win a free $400 class through this #giveaway. Art Power.http://bit.ly/9um5OS

1 entry per week of the contest: Twitter this message for LCAD:#GregSpalenka #ArtistAsBrand Workshop at LCAD May 28, 29, 30. Win a free $400 class through this #giveaway. Art Power.http://bit.ly/9um5OS

2 entries (total): Blog about this giveaway and the workshop, link to my Blog and leave a message for this post. (1 blog per entrant, please)

1 entry: Place a message on your Facebook page about this giveaway and the workshop, link to my Blog.1 entry: Become a follower of ArtistAsBrand on Twitter1 entry: Become a follower of ArtistAsBrand on FacebookGood Luck everyone!! To artist empowerment and prosperity.Greg

Laguna College of Art and Design feels like family. I have been teaching concept and art courses there on and off for two decades now. I watched the school grow and evolve from year to year to become an intimate powerhouse of knowledge and new media. Laguna Beach in general is a thriving outlet of creativity, home to the Pageant of the Masters, Festival of the Arts, and the Sawdust Art Festival.When I approached Michael Savas, Dean of Communication Arts about bringing Artist As Brand™ to the college he welcomed me with open arms. Its that family thing again.Michael is a real forward thinker about the future of art commerce. We have a similar mind set when it comes to the issue of artist empowerment and sustainability. By lecturing extensively over the years around the US and abroad I have been able to keep my fingers on the pulse of how Academia is providing not only art training but also life/business skills for their students so they can understand how to make a living from their talent.I am asking teachers, academics, artists about creative empowerment and art success and what it means to them. My recent Blog with Douglas Rushkoff energized some insightful commentary. Michael gives a stab at these issues too.Greg Spalenka: How do you define artist empowerment?Michael Savas: In a philosophical sense, by staying true to ones creative integrity. In terms of the business of art, by having the same professional rights as do other creative professions. For year’s artist, illustrators in particular, have been hurt by unfair business practices. Actors and musicians have long had organizations to ensure proper pay and fair contracts. Musicians have The American Society of Composers, Authors and publishers (ASCAP) that protect intellectual property rights and to collect royalties, actors have the Actors Guild. While some progress for artists and illustrators have been made with organizations like the Illustrators Partnership of America (IPA) the profession and business of art still has a long way to go.GS: Yes, it seems that artists are still catching up in terms creating community. It is getting better.LCAD focuses on teaching conceptual and technical image making skill sets with an eye on preparing artists for the publishing, gallery, and entertainment industries. What could be some alternatives to these corporate models?MS: We do a great job at preparing our students to function as good visual communicators and we take great pride in not favoring any particular business model for those are always in flux. Our graduates acquire work in every creative area imaginable including their own start-up companies, online venues, corporations etc.GS: How would you describe artist sustainability?MS: Having an ability to adapt to the needs of an ever-changing creative environment while maintaining integrity in all that you do.GS: But does LCAD prepare the student to handle fluctuating economic factors in the professional world?MS: Our approach is to instill sound technical and creative core skills and the ability to visually problem solve. Those who do these things well will always be in demand and succeed in any economic situation.GS: A strong personal vision is always a good foundation. As a freelancer you are relying on yourself and motivation to keep your business going. When you make your own way your fingers are always on the pulse of possibility.MS: I believe some of our strongest attributes are our various academic program curriculums that we monitor regularly as well as our professional faculty for they are paramount in educating future artists and designers. I feel Artist As Brand is a very good supplement to our professional studies curriculum. It helps students find their artistic strengths, creative passions and to explore the many options in marketing and promoting their talents.Well said Michael! Thank you for those insights on LCAD.Michael left me with this word of advice for all students,  "Stay true to your artistic integrity no matter what creative path you take!"Professionals too!I am presenting an Artist As Brand workshop at LCAD May 28, 29, 30, Friday-Sunday 10AM- 8PMSign Up with Kerri Redeker- 949-376-6000 ext. 240See you there!PeaceGreg

I am honored to have Douglas Rushkoff answer a few questions about artist empowerment, sustainability, and living inside or outside the corporate model. Rushkoff is one of today’s most engaging and perceptive commentators on the impact of technology and media on organizations and society. A globally recognized thought leader on marketing and Internet culture, he explores how communications affect our lives. Rushkoff is a professor of virtual culture at New York University.Roxana came across Rushkoff on an Etsy speaker series and suggested I might like to hear him. I immediately felt a kindred spirit. Here was an individual who understood how the box of corporate culture really stifled much of the entrepreneurial spirit in people. Artist's became locked into this system too. It is time to wake up and throw off those shackles.Rushkoff is a social media master. His ten best-selling books on new media and popular culture have been translated to over thirty languages. They include Cyberia, Media Virus, Playing the Future, Nothing Sacred: The Truth about Judaism, Get Back in the Box: Innovation from the Inside Out and Coercion, winner of the Marshall Mcluhan Award for best media book. Rushkoff also wrote the acclaimed novels Ecstasy Club and Exit Strategy and graphic novel, Club Zero-G. He wrote a series of graphic novels for Vertigo called Testament, and is currently working on another book for Vertigo as well as a new series of graphic novels for Smoking Gun Interactive.His latest book,Life Inc.: How the World Became a Corporation and How to Take It Back, is an astute examination of the moment in history that currency was centralized and society moved away from local trade and bartering. He demonstrates how corporate culture has literally changed human values and profoundly altered the way we now relate to one another.This Friday and Saturday, April 16-17  at the Newport Public Library he will be presenting one of his dynamic lectures. I will be there Saturday. Come join me!Rushkoff was gracious enough to answer a few questions about some issues I believe are important to all artists. This is an opportunity to comment and possibly start a dialogue with him about how the world of commerce is changing as well as your opportunities in it. So jump in there.GREG SPALENKA: In your national best seller Life Inc. you talk about the how the corporate world reduced an individuals self worth. Artists like to think that they are not part of an industry, but the gallery system and the blue chip elite in particular has its own rules and regulations. How would you define artist empowerment?DOUGLAS RUSHKOFF: Honestly, empowerment for an artist is probably the ability to which s/he can work independently of the marketplace. An artisan can always look at what is useful in the short-term, and just sell a pretty teapot or t-shirt. But an artist usually needs to think in longer cycles, and this might mean creating work that isn't deemed valuable by the marketplace for a decade or more - especially if the work is critical of the status quo. Most people don't want to spend money undermining their world view.So empowerment either comes when the artist can generate enough income regardless of market considerations - or when the artist can learn to live without constant income and recognition. It's not necessarily an easy life, but many poor artists are more empowered than wealthy sellouts.GREG SPALENKA: Most colleges and universities teach art making skill sets with an eye on preparing artists for the publishing, gallery, and entertainment industries. What would be your suggestions for artists graduating with this mind set and do you feel its sustainable?DOUGLAS RUSHKOFF: You mean for artists who decide to become commercial designers instead? Nothing wrong with that, but it's not one's real work. It's no different from an artist working as a bookkeeper or bed salesman. Whatever pays the bills. In some ways, it's harder when you use your craft for some corporate purpose, because you can fool yourself into thinking you're a working artist, when you're really just an artist, working.On the other hand, if you keep the extra work related to your artistic field, use it as zen training. I know great painters who worked their days or nights as scenic artists on soap operas. So they still work their technique, their brush strokes, their perspective tricks, all day long. And then they do their real work when they've got the time. But at least the commercial work isn't so much about conceiving ad campaigns or packaging, and much more about flow.GREG SPALENKA: I stress in my Artist As Brand™ workshops the importance of creating a solid fan and patron base over time, hence creating multiple streams of income. Are artists better off handling fluctuating economic factors inside or outside the corporate system?DOUGLAS RUSHKOFF: Diversify.Thank you Douglas, for your insightful answers! I have some questions around a few of your answers which I will place in the comments. I look forward to your presentation in Newport Beach. I hope to see some of my creative colleagues there too.In Life,Greg

***FOLLOW UP***

Photo by Eve Villa Nuehart

Just returned from a packed house at the Newport Public Library where Douglas gave a stellar presentation focused mainly on the concepts of his book, Life Inc.: How the World Became a Corporation and How to Take It Back Close to two hundred people listened intently as Douglas explained the history behind the rise of the corporate empire. Its a story of power, greed, and suppression of independently owned business and commerce. In the 1200's a model of corporatism emerged which in essence is still with us today.The upside is we are finally beginning to see changes in this system as people embrace their own possibility and manifest new models of personal business. You see it in our farmers markets, online shops like Etsy, and in creative markets where the hand made object is making a comeback.Douglas made the comment that, "Solutions are small." I loved it. Keep it focused, intimate and doable. One step at a time will get you there. These are principles I teach in my Artist As Brand™ classes. In the visual arts we see the concept of simplicity throughout the design world.People asked him what we could do to change a system that has been around for so long and is very powerful. Douglas responded that change is possible through "community value creation." When we empower the community one individual at a time by inspiring and supporting local projects a holistic model of power emerges. Over time this new paradigm of economic potential will give corporatism some serious competition.  It may knock them out or force them to change their paradigm too. Wow! I recommend picking up Life Inc. it will open your eyes.I had an opportunity to meet with Douglas for the first time. He signed my Life Inc. book, and we talked briefly about possibly aligning our forces. Ahhh, what does this mean exactly you may ask? Stay tuned my friends!PeaceGreg

In November of 2009 Parade magazine printed an article called Can Art Save a Mall? by Susan Fine. When too many stores came up empty at a large mall in the St. Louis area the owners decided that instead of demolishing it they would offer the spaces to artists for $100 per month, plus utilities. Art galleries, a dance studio, museum, etc. were created. Not only did it give arts groups a home it also increased traffic in the mall for the other stores and restaurants. I bring this article to your attention because its exactly this alternative approach to artist promotion every talented entrepreneurial soul can embrace.

In this instance the owners of the Mall took the initiative, but creatives can do the same by starting their own venues. Consider this group of frustrated artists disappointed with the size of the San Diego Comic Con (its gigantic). They are producing their own more intimate convention called Creator-Con. Here is an interesting take on this new venue on the Blog Cartoon Brew. The power of an idea whose time has come can manifest quickly if  desire, focus, and energy is placed behind it.

Start your own alternate showcase, gallery, convention, art faire, artist workshop, etc. What are some cool ideas you have thought of or heard of recently? How about some artist marketing brainstorming?

To artist empowerment!

Greg

How do you choose to see your life, your family, your neighbors, your city, state, country, world?I just had an interesting political discussion with my parents. They listen to Rush Limbaugh, Fox news and what I consider right leaning news media. It makes them angry that our President (who is not an American citizen according to their news sources) and his cabinet are trying to turn our country into a socialist empire! Wow! What?!Now everyone is entitled to their opinions and I respect and love my parents dearly, even though I disagree with their political views. What struck me most about our conversation is how upset these newscasts were making them. Yet they watched them and listened to them day after day.Buddhist's and sages throughout history have offered that all events are essentially neutral and it's only the judgment we place upon them that infers good or bad, right or wrong. Its an interesting concept considering we are conditioned to look at much of the world through a black and white lens. But the bigger question for me is how does it make you feel? Outward appearances can evoke a specific response, but if you see, listen, feel through your intuition another sense of awareness can tell us something different.I suggested my parents take a media fast to see how it feels not to ingest all that angst and negativity."Why would I want to do that?" my Dad responded. "What is the point? How does that benefit me?""Well, you might find you feel more relaxed, happy, peaceful by taking a break from that bombardment of information," I suggested."No, no, that is not going to do me any good."You can tell this is a big issue for me. I know I cannot change anyone. If I can nudge someone into thinking a little differently, that is a miracle enough for me. That is why I like this video.Peace,Greg