Robert Barrett

The art department chairs and faculty at Brigham Young University are a dedicated bunch. For decades they have been taking students on trips around the country to meet working artists, industries that support them, and open their newly trained eyes to the possibilities of new worlds. Bob Barrett, one of the professors at BYU, along with his sturdy crew of faculty have stopped by my studio many times to talk about art career potential. I finally visited BYU early this year to lecture, and am returning June 15-17 to present an Artist As Brand workshop. I am amazed at the creative vitality in this college town and surrounding areas. The arts are very much supported here.

This post gives me a nice opportunity to celebrate Bob. For as long as I remember Bob has been a calm and determined creative force. 28 years teaching at BYU, also The University of Utah, The Kimball Center, The Salt Lake Art Center, and City Colleges of Chicago reflects his commitment to education. He has had a number of solo exhibitions at universities and art centers. Devoted to his family, faith, teaching, and art, Bob embodies a classical quality that is steadfast and timeless.

*Bob answered my questions in capitalized letters, so I decided to keep it that way.

Greg: You are very much respected as an educator and an artist. How would you define success?

Bob: I'M ACTUALLY MORE OF AN ILLUSTRATOR AS I WORK PRIMARILY THROUGH COMMISSIONED WORK; BOOK, EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION, AND PORTRAITS. HOWEVER, I ALSO DO PERSONAL WORK.I THINK SUCCESS MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE;  TO ME IT MEANS FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION AND BEING ABLE TO FIND THE VIRTUES, RATHER THAN THE LIMITATIONS IN EVERY OPPORTUNITY. ATTITUDE HAS LOTS TO DO WITH IT. ON A PRACTICAL SIDE, I BELIEVE IT ALSO MEANS THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO. TAKING CARE OF MY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE GOOD THINGS FOR MY FAMILY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SUCCESS FOR ME.

silent night1

Twilight

G: Are you happy and content with your career, or do you desire something more?B: SO FAR I AM HAPPY WITH MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THOUGH I BELIEVE A "HEALTHY DISSATISFACTION" STOPS ME FROM BECOMING COMPLACENT. I AM A PERSON WHO IS MOTIVATED BY LEARNING NEW THINGS AND HAVING NEW EXPERIENCES, SO I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES. I LIKE TEACHING AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK THINGS THAT WERE GIVEN TO ME BY OUTSTANDING TEACHERS ALONG THE WAY. THERE IS SOMETHING VERY REWARDING IN SEEING STUDENTS DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THEIR ABILITIES AND TALENTS.G: I love the statement:we are all standing on the shoulders of giants. We are learning all the time, and when that knowledge is shared we are encouraging self empowerment. How do you define artistic empowerment?B: I WOULD DEFINE ANY EMPOWERMENT, INCLUDING ARTISTIC, AS A SENSE OF CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITIES AND IN THE OPPORTUNITIES LIFE PRESENTS TO YOU. SOME CALL IT A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE WHILE OTHERS MIGHT CALL IT THE ABILITY TO HAVE FAITH. I WOULD SAY IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH MOTIVATION AND THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED. I HAVE TAUGHT MANY STUDENTS WITH TALENT WHO HAVE NOT DEVELOPED TO THE DEGREE THAT OTHERS WITH A SENSE OF SELF-EMPOWERMENT HAVE. I HAVE TAUGHT MANY STUDENTS HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT BETTER BUT ITS MORE ELUSIVE TO KNOW HOW TO TEACH THEM TO HAVE MOTIVATION.

Ballet Dress

Ballet Dress

G: Self motivation is key to empowered independence. This is why it's so important that your creativity and talent be aligned with what you love. BYU 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?B: SEVERAL OF OUR STUDENTS ARE HAPPY WORKING WITHIN THE TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES THAT ALREADY EXIST IN  THE VARIOUS MARKETS YOU MENTIONED. HOWEVER, OTHERS WANT TO BE ENTREPRENEURS AND APPROACH THEIR CAREERS IN A MORE CREATIVE WAY. MANY OF OUR STUDENTS ARE FEMALE AND ASPIRE TO HAVE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO A CORPORATE MODEL. SEVERAL HAVE FOUND WAYS TO BALANCE AN ARTISTIC CAREER WITH THAT OF RAISING CHILDREN AND TAKING CARE OF A HOME.  THEY HAVE STUDIOS IN THEIR HOME WHERE THEY DO THEIR CREATIVE WORK. SEVERAL ARE GREAT AT SELF-PROMOTION WHILE OTHERS HAVE AGENTS WHO PROMOTE THEIR WORK.G: Home based businesses are growing, especially when you understand how the internet can work for you. Its a whole new world of possibility. How you promote represents a huge part of your success. I have lots of artists ask me about agents. I tell them, no-one is going to sell yourself as well as you can. That being said, they can represent a stream of income if they are good at it. How would you describe artist sustainability?B: I SUPPOSE ARTISTIC SUSTAINABILITY IS LIKE ANY OTHER SUSTAINABILITY.  YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PASSION AND KNOWLEDGE OR SKILL SETS IN PLACE TO CONTINUE TO BE VIABLE. OUR MORE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, THOSE WHO HAVE ONGOING CAREERS SEEM TO BE THE ONES WHO KNOW HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND STAY "LIGHT ON THEIR FEET." THEY ARE FLEXIBLE AND ABLE TO MOVE AND CHANGE AS MARKETS CHANGE. THEY FIND THE OPPORTUNITIES IN A FLUCTUATING INDUSTRY.

Dancer

Dancer

G: Flexibility is important. I encourage building an industry around your own art empire. That way you know where you are at any given point in any economy, because you have built a foundation that is based on loyal supporters. Artists are more limited when tied to a corporate structure. That being said, how do you handle fluctuating economic factors in the professional corporate world?B: WELL, I SUPPOSE ANY ONE WHO IS PRUDENT PUTS THINGS AWAY FOR A RAINY DAY. IN OTHER WORDS, HAVE SOME SAVINGS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CARRY YOU OVER WHEN THERE ARE DOWNTURNS IN THE ECONOMY OR WHEN THINGS CHANGE. I THINK IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO NOT PLACE ALL YOUR ENERGIES IN ONE FIELD OR SPECIALIZATION. TO HAVE AND TO BE ABLE TO BALANCE SEVERAL "IRONS IN THE FIRE" IS OFTEN HELPFUL. IN MY OWN CASE, I DO ILLUSTRATION FOR A NUMBER OF CLIENTS BUT I ALSO TEACH AND DO WORKSHOPS. I AM ABLE TO PAINT PORTRAITS AS WELL AS LANDSCAPES AND ROUTINELY ENTER MY WORK IN EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS. I HAVE WRITTEN A NUMBER OF ARTICLES FOR MAGAZINES AND TRADE PUBLICATIONS AS WELL AS A BOOK ON LIFE DRAWING. I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO ATTEND CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS - TO NETWORK AND EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS.G: Multiple streams of income is a smart strategy. Any thoughts or comments on Artist As Brand coming to BYU?B: I BELIEVE THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND FORMER STUDENTS TO DO EXACTLY THAT- ATTEND A WORKSHOP AND HAVE A NEW EXPERIENCE. THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE EXPOSED TO SOME GREAT PRINCIPLES RELATED TO SELF EMPOWERMENT BUT ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE, MEET, AND NETWORK WITH OTHER ARTISTS.

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G: What do you think a brand is? B: I SUPPOSE THE TERM MEANS FINDING AN IDENTITY, WHAT UNIQUELY LABELS OR DEFINES YOU AND WHAT YOU DO OR ARE INTERESTED IN DOING. SUCCESSFUL BRANDING IS THE ABILITY TO CREATE A PERSONALITY OR COMMODITY THAT IS ASSOCIATED MAINLY WITH YOU AND YOUR WORK.G: I ask this because the word "brand" appears to be a loaded term especially in fine art circles. I believe the word "brand" has been branded! However to be clear... 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.Any last pearls of wisdom?B: WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING YOU COME BACK TO BYU AND SHARE YOUR ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM WITH US AND OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI.Thank you Bob! You are such a gentleman. It's an honor to know you and connect with your grand art spirit.I look forward to seeing you and all the talented individuals associated with BYU, June 15-17 for the workshop, and on the 19th for the Illustration Alumni Show. Lets energize our potential, and power up prosperity together.HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS FOR ALL BYU ALUMNI!1. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE ILLUSTRATORS? WHO IS HAPPY WITH THEIR CAREER AND MAKING ENOUGH INCOME TO PAY THEIR BILLS?2. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE WORKING IN THE FILM OR GAMING INDUSTRIES AND ARE HAPPY WITH YOUR CAREER? HOW MANY ARE ALREADY BURNED OUT?3. WHO IS SHOWING IN GALLERIES AND HAVING CREATIVE/ FINANCIAL SUCCESS?4. WHO FEELS LIKE THEIR CAREER IS JUST STARTING? HOW MANY FEEL YOUR CAREER IS OVER? WHO IS READY TO RE-INVENT THEMSELVES?5. WHO FEELS THEY ARE LIVING AND WORKING FROM THEIR HEART, AND DOING WHAT THEY LOVE? IS ANYONE READY TO TAKE THEIR LIFE, CREATIVITY, AND CAREER TO ANOTHER LEVEL OF FULFILLMENT?THANK YOU EVERYONE! I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ANSWERS.PeaceGreg

Is fate tied to intention?Have you ever noticed that it seems inevitable at times when specific people pop into your life? It feels as if the universe is pushing both of you together. This happened to me recently with Peter Clothier. By his own words, he is a reformed academic, now fifteen years in recovery, he has returned in recent years to teaching, in mostly non-traditional ways: in workshops, continuing groups, and individual coaching and mentoring for artists and writers. I missed his lecture at LCAD last semester, though some of my students made it and enjoyed him immensely. When Clothier's PERSIST: THE BLOG auspiciously jumped into one my Google searches I realized we had strands of art spirit glue connecting us. I contacted him.This man is committed to exploring the possibilities. Look at all his social media. All of it is fascinating. Check him out. You will definitely learn something!His Website.Blogs:TheBuddhaDiaries.comHuffingtonPostPodcast:The Art of OutrageHis new book Persist: In Praise of the Creative Spirit in a World Gone Mad with Commerce is a collection of musings on the art of the creative process.Needless to say, Peter is channeling the goods. He has a presentation and book signing at the Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living, Sunday May 30. Go!I asked him if he would be kind enough to answer some questions that I have recently been serving up to college students, faculty, Chairs, etc.He graciously agreed! Enjoy.Greg- Where in the individual does art reside?Peter- In the mind, which is everywhere--heart, brain, body, bones, eyes...  The mind is the whole package, working all together.G- How do you define artist empowerment?P- It's self-empowerment.  No one is going to give it to you, nor even teach it to you--though the teacher can help you find it.  It comes only with time, through experience and growing familiarity with the medium and inner knowledge out of which we speak.  This is what we mean by an artist's or a writer's "authority."G- That sounds like living from the inside out. Lovely. How would you describe artist sustainability?P- I wrote a whole book about it--or a series of essays which came out as a book this year.  It's called "Persist."  Persistence is the ability to sustain one's vision and one's sense of purpose, despite all obstacles--and there are many of them in today's culture.  Again, this is a quality of mind.  It can be developed through a regular practice of discipline.  My own practice is meditation--an excellent model for the creative process.G- Meditation is part of my spiritual practice too, and it definitely informs my creative life. Most art colleges focus 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?P- If I were to write an art school curriculum--and I won't be doing that, I quit academia twenty years ago!--I would be sure to include two elements that are most frequently forgotten.  The first would have to do with the value of discipline and practice, and of training the mind to focus on those things I want it to do rather than allowing it to wander off on its own whims and fancies.  The second would have to do with the holistic quality of the human experience.  This sounds a bit romantic, but it's not intended as such.  Our educational systems tend to concentrate on the activity of the brain, and too often to cut us off from other parts of our lives which are equally important: the emotional, the physical (yes! the body!) and the spiritual.  An integrated vision must incorporate all four of these elements.G- Focus and balance is a key to understanding ourselves, and our art. But in the context of living in a corporate world what can an artist do to weather fluctuating economic factors?P- Breathe.  I actually mean that seriously.  In our anxiety and our drive to "succeed," we forget to do this and we choke on our own needs and ambitions.  For the vast majority of artists, the reward is unlikely to be financial.  If you make a painting with the thought of selling it, you're probably in the wrong profession.  The trick is to follow one of the great Buddhist teachings, and learn not to get attached to outcomes.  If you're an artist and you need money (don't we all?), look elsewhere.  If you happen to be one of the fortunate few, congratulations.  And don't forget to keep "persisting," not only in your studio work but also in the pursuit of your goals outside the studio.  Just don't cling to a single notion of success, especially the financial one--because it may not happen and you have to keep doing it anyway.  Because you're an artist, aren't you?G- Keeping your eye on your integrity and your personal vision is vital to peace of mind and creative longevity. However I am also an advocate of making a living from your talent. Personally I think you can have your cake and eat it too! Now how big your cake is depends on you! I have observed over the last two decades the walls breaking down between the so called fine art world and popular art culture. The Low Brow art movement and artists like Takashi Murakami are examples of this. What is your opinion of this evolution? How does it benefit the artist?P- I don't care to make that distinction.  Art is art is art.  If you're out of the mainstream, you're probably on the right track!G- My sentiments exactly! Any final pearls of wisdom?P- How about: "Read my book?"  That's where I keep my pearls.  In a nutshell, see my previous answers.  To paraphrase Lewis Carroll's Father William, "I have answered six questions and that is enough... Don't give yourself airs.  Do you think I can listen all days to such stuff?  Be off, or I'll kick you downstairs."Cheers!Now that was English humor!Thank you so much Peter for your insightful answers. I am grateful fate threw us together. Of course I am sure intention had something to do with it! We shall have more conversations about the world of art and its evolution. Peter and I may align on an Artist As Brand workshop in the future. In the meantime peruse his Website, Blogs, and books. Knowledge and wisdom are timeless.To empowerment and our kindred purpose,Greg

Audrey Miller

Trace Mendoza

I am slated to present an Artist As Brand workshop at the Laguna College of Art and Design, next weekend May 28-30. Like the LAAFA students I interviewed in my recent post, artists have strong opinions whether they are students or not! LCAD students Trace Mendoza and Audrey Miller answered some questions about what they are learning and what is important to them. Audrey was in my Artist As Brand class and you can hear it!

Greg- What do you want to say with your art and why?Trace- With my art I want to convey to the viewer a distinct image that displays a strong narrative towards any topic, whether it be personal or commission.Audrey- I want people to know that it's alright to like a bunch of different things. If you have a style that you're comfortable with, that's great but don't be afraid to branch out and try something new. It's important to branch out and let others inspire you. If you don't, your work can get old and lose it's spunky fire.G- What are the attributes that make up a great artist?T- I think there are really two main attributes that make up a great artist. First understanding the fundamentals of producing work and the history of art in all mediums from Oil Painting to Digital imaging. Second would have to be the ethics of the artist. I am ultimately attracted to working with artists that have a "Do it yourself" work ethic.A couple months ago, my friend Eddie and I recorded a time lapse video of myself using house and spray paint to construct a large image onto a wall. With this video we were able to both promote ourselves with my creative process and also Eddie's Video editing capabilities. This was done on a extremely low budget and is now promoting both of us all over the internet.A- A great artist should be someone who respects others and their work as much as, if not more than, he / she respects themselves and their own work. Be proud of your work but don't get cocky. Stay humble. A great artist always wants to learn more and improve their skills but is also willing to help and teach others. Being an artist Is not all about the individual, it's about the collective art spirit of the world thriving together.G- You both have a very pro-active approach to art creation and a holistic view of honoring the collaborative art spirit. What do you think about having a career as an artist?T- My marketing strategy lately has been to network with Artist, Bands, and various companies to build my portfolio. My ultimate goal besides being a freelance artist is to teach. Eventually as a teacher I feel students will have a lot to gain from my perspective, and with these new artists, will come new inspirations that will keep my artistic fuel going.A- In short, I plan on selling my art online and at various art shows. From there plan on using profits to open a store / sell my art at other stores. By the end of 5 years I plan on having a full functioning store with staff, a fantastic webpage and I would like to donate a portion of my sales to organizations like the ASPCA and the humane society to help injurred and abused animals find a home.G- Big plans for large visions! What do you feel you have most learned most from the classes at LCAD? T- Because my Major is Illustration with an emphasis in drawing and painting and a minor in sculpting, I feel that I have grown as a well rounded artist that is knowledgeable in multiple styles and mediums. Classes lately that have been the most influential are my Illustration classes constructing narratives and understanding the ability to experiment, and my fine art classes which focus on encompassing the figure.A- The most important thing I've learned is that it's ok to make mistakes. I used to be one of those artists who refused to ever let anyone see my sketchbooks because I was afraid and ashamed of my "bad drawings". Now, I couldn't care less because those drawings are just for practice. They're not supposed to be masterpieces and if you happen to create something good on the first try, be proud but don't settle for it. Keep working on it to make it something great. They say there will always be someone better than you at whatever you do in the world. I use that phrase as motivation for me to keep growing as an artist and as a person.I'm disappointed that some teachers at LCAD don't emphasize that it's normal to not get something perfect the first time. They'll tell you to thumbnail your brains out but won't say it's ok to be wrong. Some students need to know that. That's the whole point of school, to make mistakes and learn from them.G- Can you name an artist you respect who is making a living from their art alone?A- Michael Phillips is a friend of mine and is a local artist in Laguna Beach. I've learned quite a lot from him about what it can be like to be an independent artist and how hard it can be especially when the nation is in an economic rut. He works his butt off to keep doing what he loves. It's definitely not the best way to become a celebrity over night, but if you're smart, determined and do what you love to do, you'll end up where you want to go.T- Dave Choe is the first artist that comes to mind. He's got a show going on at Lazarides gallery in Beverly Hills, designs for RVCA and has his own line of vinyl toys. He's proof that if you work hard enough success will follow.G- What are your thoughts about Artist As Brand principles? T- Audrey...A- Artist As Brand is all about doing what you love to do and making a living from it. Essentially, it's how to obtain your dream job. Growing up and definitely now as I am soon to join the working world, people always tell me, " when I was younger I wanted to do this... I WISH I had stuck with it.." I can't stand hearing that. If you want it so bad, get off your butt and go do it. Take the leap of faith and if you fall, get up an try again. People need to learn how to listen to themselves and learn how to take themselves seriously because those are key to finding out what makes them happy.Awesome! Trace and Audrey are going to do well especially if they can keep the attitudes and perspectives they hold dear to them now. Thank you both for your time and thoughtful answers. Onward and upward.To 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

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

Matt Mahurin

It was 1979 and the assignment given by the teacher in my Art Center College of Design illustration class was to create a black and white drawing of a mysterious meeting using two point perspective. All the students accomplished the assignment with varying degrees of success using images such as lovers meeting in a spooky park, people lurking behind doors, or shadowy figures jumping out from around a corner. Every solution used two point perspective correctly, except one. This image showed one point perspective of two blind men walking straight toward each other. The punch line for this piece was the focus on their walking canes tapping mid-stride. The teacher criticized the piece harshly because, "Where was the perspective!?" I knew this art was the best in the class by far, with two point perspective or not. The power in this image was its conceptual perspective which made a unique, intriguing story, and invited the viewer to think!

MYSTERIOUS MEETING-MAHURIN

This was the first moment I met Matt Mahurin. I recognized a rebel, a genius, a heartfelt and kindred soul who embodied the art spirit completely. We became fast friends and I am truly blessed to say that even though we live on opposite coasts (he lives in New York) we are still the best of buddies. I learned much from Matt over the years, and still do! He is an accomplished award winning illustrator, photographer, music video director, and film maker. His most recent film, FEEL can be seen on the Sundance Channel. Check out his awesome work here- http://www.mattmahurin.com/I just returned from an evening in Santa Monica with Matt reminiscing over our careers and the new artful visions that harken to us now. It reminded me how friendships and alliances sustain us in our personal and professional lives. When the going gets rough, friends can ease that journey. They can also challenge us and give a wake up call when we are slacking off as well as offer honest criticism. Mostly, friends and team players remain steadfast allies to our dream potential pumping up the support and inspiration.Whether working in film or music with other highly respected artists I found it always engendered greater creativity. Matt and I have not had an opportunity to work on a project together yet, but I surmise when it happens something really special will come of it. In the meantime Matt and I have been on a similar wavelength concerning artist empowerment. We have taken stock of our careers and all that has gone into making them and are giving back to the world some hard won knowledge. I encourage all of you to check out Matt's grand opus to the art spirit: The Imagemaker's HandbookIt will answer many questions you may have about pursuing your dreams as an artist.Peace and Empowerment,Greg

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 skillBRAND[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. 1.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. 2.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 Spalenka1. Wikipedia.org2. The Branding of America, By Ronald Hambleton

Understanding the history behind life styles, and economic models we grew up with, can help us create new ones. Award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker and scholar Douglas Rushkoff explains how the history of the corporation has colored the way we approach commerce, and how its up to us to create a new economy based on the value of what we can bring as individuals to the world. Watch his nine minute film and you will see your potential in a whole new light.To Peace and potential!Greg

Chris Guillebeau is a social media master. Check out this awesome interview he created with Seth Godin.

The Quito Gang, 2009

When Eduardo Villacis, professor/illustrator asked me to present a workshop last year at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador little did I know that Artist As Brand™ which was brewing inside my head for many years would manifest as flame in my heart too. I am committed to empowering truth in us all through art, education and introspection.  When Artist As Brand™ struck such a deep chord with the students in Ecuador it became clear to me this concept of artist entrepreneurialism was meant to be shared. I am amazed at how quickly wings have grown around this idea as it journeys  to other locals . Laguna Beach, Salt Lake & Bountiful UT, Los Angeles venues are lining up.Its exciting to see the enthusiasm in peoples eyes when I mention the ability to connect their heart with their art and their income on their own terms. I'm inspired to shift our perceptions of the ubiquitous corporate model into a new view of possibility. Yes, to paradigms that are good for the heart, mind, spirit, and business too!Stay tuned for the first Artist As Brand™ giveaway! Win a free workshop.PeaceGreg Spalenka