Sign Up deadline is May 6th.

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! and Artist As Brand are aligning to bring creative empowerment and prosperity to artists in Kansas City, May, 2012.

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! is a natural extension of the eighteen-year success of the award-winning Spectrum: The Best In Contemporary Fantastic Art annual.The Spectrum book has come to symbolize the vibrancy, diversity, and overall excellence of this international art community. Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! is an art fair in which creators will be able to sell originals and prints while promoting their work to patrons, collectors, and potential clients. Whereas the ubiquitous comic con focuses on all facets of popular art culture, Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! focuses on the artist and their sales.

This focus makes it a perfect fit with Artist As Brand! I will be presenting a workshop three days before the event. It is open to all serious artists, students and professionals. Learn the secrets of connecting the power of your essence with your art, to your collectors, and see how these principles can be applied at an event like Spectrum Live.

All participants will receive free access to all three days of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live. The workshop is held at the Historic Aladdin Holiday Inn Hotel, just blocks from the convention center.

Learn more about the workshop on theABOUT page.Read the REGISTER page before signing up.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying on the RESULTS page.

Register Here

Kendall Students

I presented an Artist As Brand workshop at Kendall College of Art and Design this past weekend and wow, these students were on fire! They were already formulating ideas for a multimedia community art event to be held at the school next year. I was impressed with the strong independent art spirits in this group. Go Kendall!The amazing life coach Greg Montana was Skyped into our session pumping up the group. Twenty eight students, alumni and faculty stuck it out for the three ten hour days. You could feel the love! See more pics here.

Artist As Brand was a complete success!!! 3 day illustration boot camp, followed by a lovely dinner with the amazing illustrator that created it!... I have had the best weekend ever!! I mean ever!!.... priceless.-Amanda Schaub

I am going for what I want in life. I'm getting my mind, body, and soul together and failure is a foreign word now.-La'kenya Shauray TerrellI can't thank Greg enough for sharing his wealth of knowledge and more importantly, touching my heart. -Kirbi FaganSweet! I will be back next year.Thank you also to Christine Brown, Nancy Hart, and Jon Mcdonald for introducing me to such an awesome school.PeaceGreg

Interested in worldwide exposure? Here is one way to do it. The Sketchbook Project encourages artists to create singular sketchbooks, which are then exhibited in locations around the world. In the words of the Sketchbook Project team, “It’s like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks.”

Create an event that will spark other people's creativity.  Manifesting a team of like minded individuals can start with as little as two artists. In this instance it involves hundreds. If you can produce a concept that it timeless and timely it can become the spark for something much larger than yourself.

To your empowerment,

Greg

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”

-Les Brown 

October 11th we had a full moon. A full moon symbolically represents the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire. In celebration of these attributes I am offering a special deal. For one month until we reach the new full moon on November 10th all online workshops will be discounted 25%! Contact me to register.

Bronze- $149Silver- $369Gold- $749Click on the ONLINE CLASS button in the menu bar above to learn more about the online workshops.Now is an auspicious time to empower your art spirit and your prosperity as we move through the moon's phases toward 11/11/11. There are symbolic attributes associated with our lunar sibling. Sign up during the phase that most resonates with you!Waning Moon:Symbolic of letting go, surrender, release, quiet time, contemplation, and a time of incubation.New Moon:Symbolic of new beginnings, a fresh start, rebirth.Waxing Moon:Symbolic of growth, manifestation, attainment, gravity (heavy with child – both philosophical and literal).Full Moon:Symbolic of the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire.To your art spirit,Greg

I have been talking about the magic Five Years ever since it took me as much time to really lock in my illustration career. It can happen sooner, but the five year mark generally holds true. Check out this post on Muddy Colors where Chris Moeller talks about the five year mark. He is talking generally about the industry of illustration but the principle of how long it takes is the same with building your independent art empire outside of industry.

My students create a five year marketing blueprint in the AAB workshop. This way you begin to shape your career long term instead of leaving it up to fate.

Peace

Greg

REGISTRATION CLOSED

I am honored to be presenting a workshop at the historic Westbeth in NYC.Located in West Greenwich Village, Westbeth has provided affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families since 1970. The workshop is open to all artists. I guarantee that any participant that faithfully applies the principles learned in the class will sell more art in the coming year than they did the year before or I will refund their registration fee.

$295

$150 For Westbeth residents!

Westbeth (Community Room) 55 Bethune Street New York City, 10014 212- 691-1500

Read the REGISTER page before signing up.

Learn more about the workshop on the

ABOUT

page. See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying

here.

When you finish this seminar you will be empowered to take any success you have now to another level. See you soon!

Greg Spalenka

I am presenting a three day workshop May 15 (Tues), 16 (Wed.), 17 (Thurs), before the May 18-20 Spectrum Live event in Kansas City, MO. This is a great opportunity for all artists to learn the Artist As Brand principles and then see how it applies at an event like Spectrum Live, where I will have a booth too!Which artists know how to present themselves in a unique and professional manner? Who stands out? What can you do that nobody else is doing? How to present yourself at a shows like Spectrum Live is only a small part of what you will learn in this course. You will be empowered and prepared to manifest your own art empire. Get ready to see your professional art career from a very different perspective.And receive a free 3 day pass to Spectrum Live!Read the REGISTER page before signing up.Learn more about the workshop on theABOUT page.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are sayinghere.

I am honored to be presenting a workshop at the historic Westbeth in NYC.Located in West Greenwich Village, Westbeth has provided affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families since 1970. The workshop is open to all artists. I guarantee that any participant that faithfully applies the principles learned in the class  will sell more art in the coming year than they did the year before or I will refund their registration fee.

$295

$150 For Westbeth residents!

REGISTRATION CLOSED

REGISTER BY LEAVING YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATIONHERE.

Westbeth (Community Room) 55 Bethune Street New York City, 10014 212- 691-1500

Read the REGISTER page before signing up.

Learn more about the workshop on the

ABOUT

page.See what art professors, professionals, and college students are saying

here.

When you finish this seminar you will be empowered to take any success you have now to another level.See you soon!

Greg Spalenka

LESSONS LEARNED

Experiences are going to be good and bad depending on your perspective, but if we focus on the lessons learned we can always view it through a positive lens. Every San Diego Comic Convention since my first in 1974 has taught me something. In the beginning Comic Con was all about fans appreciating comics and the creators behind the art of these stories. Writers, artists, publishers, merchandisers, all gathered for this large show and tell of popular art culture, to be seen as well as trade and sell their products. Comic Con grew on this simple premise.

The film and television industries were always present at the event but more on the fringes. Over the last decade the tables have turned and promotions for the large media conglomerates have taken center stage, literally. This has changed the fan base. Serious collectors that flocked to the event are becoming rare. I was elated to see Mr. Katz, one of my best patrons stop by the booth.  When I asked why he had not been to the Con in nine years he waved his hand toward the FOX and Warner Brothers islands and said, "I could do without all this."

Ric Meyers (writer and presenter of the Kung Fu extravaganza at Comic Con) mentioned "the artists and merchandisers are being pushed towards the walls, and disappearing into them." Many of my favorite artists do not come to Con anymore because it is too expensive.

This year a group of Pixar artists started an event called “Tr!ckster” across the street from Con in response to what they consider an impersonal giant. It's fascinating that a group of artists who make their livings strapped to a corporate entity are putting together alternate events to Comic Con. This highlights the dilemma I see in the corporate world all the time. Artists become addicted to the salaries they receive working for industry, yet yearn for independence. The challenge is you have very little time to do your own work once you are locked into that system.

The shining light in all this is that your fans, your patrons and collectors will stick with you wherever you are. Some of my collectors who I met at Comic Con years ago stopped by to see me and purchased art (one is the Batgirl painting above that I worked on at the booth). I love my supporters, they make the trip to San Diego worth while. Also seeing my artist friends at this event is enjoyable.There are other conventions popping up around the U.S. I was speaking with Arnie and Cathy Fenner about Spectrum Live to be held next May in Kansas City. It is an event that is focused on the artist.  I will be there with a booth and as well as presenting an Artist As Brand workshop! Yes, stay tuned, Spectrum and Artist As Brand are aligning.What did I learn this year? Comic Con is becoming less of a place to sell and more of a venue to promote. The big question is if it's worth it? That being said my Crescoptiscope from The Visions of Vespertina was a hit and brought many curious eyes to the booth. I wish you could have all seen it in action. Had to be there!

For those of you who could not make it to San Diego, I have a few Masters of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art left. See some of the bookhere. I am in it with Brom, Kinuko Craft, Dan Dos Santos, Donato, Charles Vess, Stephan Martiniere, James Gurney, and more. It is an awesome collection, with insightful commentary by the artists. $25.00, shipping included. You can purchase it at Amazon for the same price but mine comes signed.

To your art empire,

Greg

CHAMPION OF THE CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Ilise Benun has been a champion of promotion and sound business practices for creative professionals since 1988. Her website and blog at Marketing Mentor, offers insightful commentary on the freelance world. She has written seven books including,“The Designer’s Guide to Marketing and Pricing", “Stop Pushing Me Around: A Workplace Guide for the Timid, Shy and Less Assertive”, “The Art of Self Promotion” "Self-Promotion Online" and "Designing Web Sites for Every Audience".Her new book, The Creative Professional's Guide to Money is a straight up look at how we think about, talk about, and manage money.Ilise conducts workshops, and lectures around the country. She has been self-employed for all but 3 years of her working life! I have met Ilise on a few occasions and I can tell you she knows her stuff. Today we interview a master of promotion.Greg: How do you define success? Please share one of your favorite success stories as a mentor.Ilise-I think success is defined by freedom and responsibility. The freedom and responsibility to do the work I want to do with the people I want to do it with, when I want to do it. And in a way that has a positive impact on other people.One of my favorite success stories is Jennifer Neal from K9 Design Co. Thanks in great part to very targeted and consistent marketing, her firm’s revenue was up 30% in the middle of a recession after choosing a very narrow target market (magazine publishing in Canada) that was supposedly dying. I feel proud to have been instrumental in the 3-year process that led toward that growth.G: I love hearing success stories. You offer consulting services and have written many books yourself and in collaboration with others. I emphasize to my students the importance of creating alignments with like minded individuals. What have been some of your favorite collaborations?I:I have benefited from long term collaborations over the years, whether it’s been one individual or many at a company. My favorite collaborations have been those with HOW Magazine and F&W Media –and all the people who work for them and with whom I interact, especially in producing the Creative Freelancer Conference. I was lucky enough to find one of these collaborators very early on in my career, Bryn Mooth. This relationship has continued for more than 15 years and has grown into so many satisfying projects. I’d say when looking for collaborative relationships, look for people who are smart, who will challenge you, and who will complement what you have to offer.

G: Now our relationship to money can be a challenging one. One of the thing that struck me most about reading, The Creative Professional's Guide to Money was how money has such an intimidating power over people.I: There is an important shift in mindset that needs to happen so that money isn’t so overwhelming and fear-inducing. Especially for creatives, it’s easy to take money personally since the work we do can be so personal to us. But a successful relationship with money has to do with seeing yourself as a business … and seeing money a part of doing business.Here’s a short excerpt from The Creative Professional’s Guide to Money on that topic:See Yourself as a Business.Many creative professionals hang out their shingles or open their doors for business, then proceed to wait and hope: hoping clients will find them, hoping they’ll get enough work, hoping the client will pay the bill, hoping the checks add up at the end of the month so all the bills get paid. If you think about it, it’s a very passive position, taking what comes along instead of deciding what you want and pursuing it.There is an alternative, and it is within your reach. You can replace the passive mind-set with planning and action. The first step is to re-envision yourself as a business. But what exactly does that mean?At the core, it’s a shift in the way you see yourself, a small shift that can affect every little detail about how you do your work and especially how far you go.Be Objective About Your WorkTaking your business seriously also means being as objective as possible. But as a creative, your work is more than a “job.”You are probably emotionally attached to the work you do. You may even pour your heart and soul into it.This can present a problem. According to Jon Weiman, designer and adjunct professor at Pratt Institute, “Creative professionals have trouble because they tie their ego and self-worth to the work in a way that is not businesslike. It becomes too personal.”

G: Much of your emphasis is on promotion and managing your business. I recommend my students read the book you wrote with Peleg Top, "The Designer's Guide to Marketing and Pricing." It has some great information on writing a business plan which I also recommend they do.I: Everybody needs a business plan, whether they’re independent or an employed artist. A business plan is simply a clear idea of where you are going and what you’re trying to achieve in your work. Business plans can be intimidating the image is of a thick document, but it could just be 3 sentences or even a mind map of where you’re going. Without it, you won’t get there.G: I love the mind map concept. I have been talking about the electronic book for many years. Now the iPad it really is putting pressure on the ancient technology of paper books. What are you doing to make the paper book less obsolete for your editions?I: I think information should be delivered in the way that people want to receive it. Whether tangible or electronic, my 7 books are my best marketing tools. So while I do earn royalties, it’s not something I do for the money. As for how I promote the books, that’s a whole other interview but here’s the short list: blog posts, articles, speaking engagements, podcasts, webinars, social media and email marketing.

G: The online world is vitally important for an artist's visibility. A website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter are the norm now. The technology is always changing. What do you see as the next big online promotional vehicle?I: I see video becoming even more popular and being further disseminated through and integrated into all of these channels.G: I believe it is going that way too. What is the smartest promotion artists can utilize today?I: Relationships. The smartest promotion happens by focusing on the people, not the work. The focus has to move from the self to the market so that you can give the market what it wants. You get that information through the relationships you develop with the people in the marketplace. G: 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. Have you seen alternatives to these corporate models? I: A few forward looking schools are starting to commit resources to teaching students about the business side of art—and I think it’s about time. (I’ve been giving talks called, “Do You Have What it Takes to Be Self Employed?) at these schools, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of this preparation.) Many artists are jumping right into their own business after graduation or having one or two jobs while freelancing on the side, and I see that growing. There will be fewer jobs available for artists, so they have to know the business side.

Marketing Mentor Blog

G: Art is like fashion, it changes and morphs throughout the years. Any suggestions for an artist's sustainability? I:Evolution. Changing with the market. I do think that the artists who succeed are the ones who stay in touch with the market (the world, the industry, the place where the money comes from) and evolve instead of hiding out in their studios and producing work. Keeping your finger on the pulse of how the world, technology, and the marketplace is changing and adapting accordingly, is the key to sustainability.G: I like that– an evolving balance. You balance business and a family. What is the biggest challenge with that?I:Learning to say no to the things that don’t align with my business plan.G: Lastly, please offer some pearls of wisdom for artists and creative souls everywhere.I:Don’t take things personally. When people don’t separate themselves from the business, it can get in the way of the marketing.Yes! Keep it in perspective my friends!Thank you tremendously for your time and expertise, Ilise. You can learn more by visiting her atMarketing Mentor, sign up for her Quick Tips Newsletter (I have been getting to for years), and lastly garner more confidence in your financial affairs by picking up her new book, "The Creative Professional's Guide to Money."To your empowerment and prosperity,Greg

The 21 Best Resources from the Business Blogosphere

Etsy's Blog is called The Storque. Daniel Lexo is the editor and she puts together some great articles that champion  small independent businesses, especially of the art and crafts world. I thought this post had some great resources in it. Check it out. This article came out end of last year but the resources are still good ones."With so much content out there on the web and so many experts out there telling you how you can and should run your business, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Where to start? Who to listen to?"PeaceGreg

I met Shaun Tan five years ago in NYC at a dinner with Roxana, Donato, Irene Gallo, and John Jude Palencar. Shaun's picture book 'The Arrival" had recently been published and was winning awards. Who would have guessed that five years later he would receive an Academy Award based on another picture book he published that year called "The Lost Thing"! Congratulations Shaun! See more at the website HERE.

Another fine example of creating a product that is uniquely your own and translating it into another format with stellar results! Good stories fused with an artful imagination are timeless. Keep making art!

To your creative empowerment!

Greg

EXPERIENCE THE ARTIST AS BRAND WORKSHOP RIGHT NOW ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

The Artist As Brand™ Online Workshop is up!  Now you can work with me in the comfort of your home and experience what Sandra Chang-Adair says is "probably the most helpful and important class I have taken in my life.” Whereas the three day workshop is an artist bootcamp, the online version allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The class will motivate and inspire, so expect an infusion of desire to build your art empire.

*Reservations for individual consultations per month is limited, so don't delay.

Go to ONLINE CLASS and reserve your spot today!

To your art spirit and prosperity,Greg

Spalenka

TODAY'S ARTISTS CAN SHARE AS THEY CREATE

In January Ann Powers wrote an intriguing article in the Los Angeles Times about the integration of artist and technology. No matter your creative discipline, talented individuals can share their process more readily now, allowing the final product to be perceived as an evolution. Interaction with an audience can even change the concept. Sharing your vision as an ongoing dialogue with your fans, patrons, collectors brings another dynamic to what an artwork can become. Read more here.

Have you showed the evolution of your work as it was being created? Does following the suggestions of your supporters help or hinder a piece of art?

To your art and prosperity,

Greg

The NYC gang- Ramomar Buckley, Greg Spalenka, Lynne Foster, Kari Christensen, Jerome Miller, Omari Cameron, Thomas Kowal, Matthew Wachnicki, (not shown Mel Odom, Charles Saputo, Nancy Hart).

AFTER

I just presented my AAB Workshop at the NYC Society of Illustrators with ten talented art professionals and college students. I want to thank Anelle Miller and Tom Stravinos at the Society for allowing the workshop to be held there. I am in gratitude to Mark Heflin at AI-AP for donating ten beautiful American Illustration Annuals for the participants. A thank you also to Karen Santry who is a true champion of the art spirit. It is always a pleasure to return to NYC even in freezing temperatures!

In my last post I shared someof these artist’s feelings BEFORE the workshop, now you will hear some AFTER workshop commentary. I will be adding comments to this post over the next week from the participants as they trickle in. Here are the first bunch...

"It was incredible Greg. I have been thinking about the workshop all week ."-Lynne Foster

"Just wanted to thank you again for this past weekend.  It was extremely helpful and your willingness and hard work really meant a lot to me. "-Matt Wachnicki

"The class was intriguing. Thanks for the insights."-Mel Odom

"I'm getting back on my creative track! Right now I'm drawing out sketches & designs. I designed a website I'm finishing up. It was definitely an honor to meet you & the group last week."-Jerome Miller

"It was a privilege to meet you and I truly enjoyed participating in your workshop."-Tom Kowal

"The workshop was great!  It was extremely inspirational... and gave me so many ideas and options to advance artistic opportunities.  The whole experience was much more than I had anticipated.  This workshop is definitely something that I would recommend to anyone who is aspiring to build their own career!  Greg is an excellent instructor with an immense amount of positive energy!  It was absolutely worth the time and energy."-Nancy Hart

"Wow. Thank you.You have finally put it all in perspective. I understand how to make my unique voice heard.  And even more importantly you have dug down and brought out my core. I see the power and goodness of where my heart is telling me to go. I see honesty and courage coming together to make something better than what society is comfortable with. I see that there are going to be people who don't understand, but for others I know they have been waiting for this- just like me. I can finally stop waiting and dive into a new blue sea.You are making the world better for artists and everyone that is seeking a fulfilling and loving life.Thank you for being so generous with your time.It was a sacred experience."-Kari Christensen

AFTER WORKSHOP QUESTIONS

1. Did the workshop prepare you to define your career in a new and empowered fashion?

Kari:Yes it did. I feel completely excited about my work. And I am also excited about helping other creatives with their work. I finally have a clear vision and a plan how to make it happen. I can let go of the creative frustration I had before the workshop and focus.

Matthew:I certainly have a sense of direction I didn't have before taking this class.  It was clear taking this workshop that the techniques we were learning are essential to getting ahead in today's market.

Tom:Yes, definitely. Discovering my core virtue has increased my confidence level, and the workshop in general helped me to think of myself as an entrepreneur.

Mel:It gave me some significant ideas on ways to broaden my scope.

Jerome: Yes, the techniques taught in the seminar pretty much put the pieces of the puzzle together.

2. Was it what you expected?Matthew:The workshop was more introspective than I anticipated but I found that to be very useful.  Beginning at the most basic level of who I see myself has helped to define not only what my niche markets can be but also the type of work I should be creating. Kari:I was hoping to find a creative focus and develop a business plan. It was that and more. It was an intense self discovery and a reprogramming of some cynicism I picked up from working in the illustration business.Tom:More.Mel:I really went with no expectations. Jerome:I wasn't really expecting anything much since the seminar was new to me, but I did like the results.3. Did you learn new ways to accomplish your creative and economic goals? Kari:There were great new ideas. And discussions about things I have been doing for awhile. The amazing thing is AAB puts everything in a manageable perspective that is based on the individual's personal vision. A five year plan no longer seems overwhelming.Matthew:I really appreciated the blueprint concept.  It's hard enough thinking a week a head, but I found it to be a very useful technique for setting realistic goals for myself and then working backwards to find ways to reach these goals. Tom:Yes. It gave me a blueprint to follow as well as practical advice, i.e. the nuts-and-bolts steps to take.Mel:Yes.Jerome: Yes, I'm more clear & organized on what I'm looking for & need to do.4. How was the teacher?Kari:Greg is an art guru and a great teacher. I don't know if there is anyone out there that can match his energy and heart for helping other artists.Matthew:Greg was fantastic.  He is deeply committed to this process and seemed to fully understand what each of us was looking to get out of this experience.  He really went the extra mile and it meant a lot. Tom:Excellent. I really felt Greg's sincerity in sharing his experience and information, as well as his commitment to every participant so he or she received the most value from the workshop. He gives 110% of himself.Mel:Committed.Jerome: Ridiculously Awesome! 5. Was the workshop worth the time, energy and investment? Kari:Obviously I am very happy with my experience. I could have used the information from the workshop years ago. For me, it tapped into the way I want to do my work and live my life. It was more than worth it.Matthew:This workshop was worth it for many different reasons.  I only wish I had taken this class sooner. These tips and techniques are beneficial regardless of career level or how much some of us had already accomplished.Tom:Yes. I'm making a list of friends to recommend it to.Mel: I think so.Jerome: I plowed through snow & slippery ice on a sloppy hill by foot to catch the metro north train a mile and a half away from my house to be on time for the last two classes in the city. But to give a direct answer, YES! Thank you everyone for your comments. As more responses to the questions arrive I will post them. I am humbled by the gratitude, and yet each of these individuals dove inside themselves to find their clarity and empowerment. They remembered their purpose, what was really important to them, and now can bring it to the world with an entrepreneurial art spirit.To your art prosperity,Greg

Mel Odom

BEFORE

I am presenting an AAB Workshop at the NYC Society of Illustrators this weekend with a group of talented art professionals and college students. I want to share someof the artist's BEFORE feelings about the workshop. The amazing Mel Odom, Matthew Wachnicki a recent graduate of SVA,  illustrator Kari Christensen, and FIT student, Ramomar answer some questions about what they expect from this weekend. Next week we will hear the AFTER workshop feedback.

Matthew Wachnicki

The art world is changing all around us at a rapid rate of speed. How do you see these changes affecting you?Mel: Clearly I have to function within the current art world.  Currently I’m dealing with a gallery in London and working on a toy project that I think would be huge in Japan.  One must now think in an international scope for one thing.  Also new media constantly expands the limits of how art can be used and misused.Matthew: I hear many scary things about the state of the illustration business today.  Our field is shrinking, paint and canvas are being replaced by a stylus and Cintiq tablet, stock illustration is the devil, and the current economy is making it harder for Art Directors to spend money on illustrations.  I've had a very hard time finding work up to this point and I can only assume that all of these factors are contributing to scarce opportunities. Kari:Digital tools have changed the way I create my work. These tools are helpful but they are also sometimes limited compared to traditional tools. Also there many outlets online for showing work. That is great until I find myself working on social media or fixing my website- when I would rather be painting and improving my work.Ramomar:The changes I see in the art World is similar to what I see happening to the music industry, you can't depend on the Record labels anymore, you have to go digital meaning CD sales are down. Most musicians make their money on tours now. It would be same for artists, you can no longer depend on a gallery, you have to put your self on tour to sell yourself. You have to have a online following as well as people you meet that support your work.

Kari Christensen

You are about to embark on the Artist As Brand Workshop this coming weekend. What do you feel the workshop is about and what do you expect from it?Mel: I’m hoping it’ll give me a better sense of how to function within this new, expanding (exploding) art world.  I’m very good at the creative, right brain part of it all, just not so good at the other side.Matthew:I learned about this workshop on the Society of Illustrators website and I'm very eager to experience it first hand.  I'm hoping to be able to set specific realistic goals for myself as far as which markets I should be targeting and the ways in which I should be approaching art directors.  Also any advice regarding my painting and the development of an individual look would be extremely helpful. Kari:I feel like the workshop is about focusing my vision and business plan and I hope to learn how to do that.Ramomar:I feel the workshop is a great way to listen to someone who had a long run in their art career with the ups and downs they experienced, and how they got out of it so you can prepare yourself for your own ups and downs too.

Ramomar

Do you have any specific goals you feel the workshop will help accomplish?Mel: Perhaps look at my body of work from a different, broader perspective.  Sometimes seeing one’s self and one’s strengths is difficult.Kari:Hopefully it will really help the struggle of focusing my vision. The workshop would be worth gold to me if I can discover a path that can bring these different artistic visions together or at least prioritize them in some way.  From there I want to map out a business plan for that vision.Matthew: I graduated from the School of Visual Arts last May.  Since then the majority of clients I've worked with have wanted me to emulate very specific styles and I've found myself trying to replicate specific looks (Edward Gorey, Frank Frazetta, etc.)  which don't necessarily look anything like my 'normal' work.  Like most young illustrators I'm very 'style conscious' and while I don't feel that my work has a definitive look or style to it yet I'm confident that I'll find my true voice eventually.  What I'm really hoping to get out of this workshop is a better idea of how to define myself to potential clients in the mean time.Were you familiar with Greg Spalenka before the workshop? Why do you believe he is qualified to teach anything?!Mel:I know of your name and work and I’m just taking a chance in an effort to expand myself.Matthew:I was first exposed to Greg's work my freshman year of college while flipping through one of the Spectrum books.  What immediately stood out to me was the vibrancy of the colors.  I also very much enjoy the subtle layering in the work which in some cases reminds me of collage.  I have absolutely no reason to think he wouldn't be qualified to teach, and the stellar reviews on the artist as brand website seem to back up that assumption.Kari: I have always enjoyed Spalenka's illustration work and I have heard from others that he is an inspiring teacher. He has made a career out of a unique mystical and personal vision and that by itself is inspiring to me.Ramomar:I really didn't know about Greg Spalenka until my mentor Karen Santry mentioned him and I check out his works and liked them, so it's good to listen to someone who has long experience selling their artwork.Did you face resistance from anyone about taking the workshop? Was it a tough decision? Did you confront any of your own fears before committing to it?Mel:No tough decision, snap decision.Matthew:There was absolutely no resistance in deciding to take this workshop.  After researching it a bit and reading the reviews on the website it seemed like it would be a great opportunity and I didn't hesitate.Kari: The workshop was recommended to me so I felt I would be missing out if I didn't take it. Now that I have read Greg's bio online, I realize he knows what I'm thinking about and I could have used this years ago. I am really excited.Ramomar:I was advised to take this workshop. This would be the first time I took one.Thank you Mel, Matthew, Kari and Ramomar for your responses! We will see you soon! I will return next week with the AFTER feedback.To peace, art, prosperity,Greg

By Dan Dion

It has been almost one year since Artist As Brand officially launched. I have learned much along the way and met some amazing artists in my workshops. Some are building their art empires at an incredible pace. I teach that your first year is all about laying the foundation, which includes your purpose, goals, marketing blueprint and setting up shop. Some patience is required as this process may take longer than expected, and I must emphasize this is not a race! However there are some individuals who build their foundations like launching pads and take off like rockets. This post celebrates some of those trail blazers.

Dan Dion was in my November San Francisco workshop. He is an awesome photographer of musicians, comics, stars, cool spaces. A mover and a shaker Dan worked on a book called¡SATIRISTAS! which is a funny and fearless celebration of provocative, unflinching comedy. Check out his Blog highlighting stand up comics as depicted by three photographers. Dan had a good start freelancing in publishing etc. but is taking his vision to a whole new level.

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By Alfred Paredes

Alfred Paredes is a sculptor of classical and popular art culture themes. Alfred who was in my Laguna College class says, “I started a product line of sculptures which is already selling online!” Not only is he selling online he is selling his popular art sculptures at venues like the Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens Show which is known for more classical fair.

By Alfred Paredes

He will  be showing at next years Monsterpalooza. Check out more of his work at these two websites alfredparedes.com and apsculpturestudio.com. I personally think fusing both sites will be just as effective, but lets see what Alfred decides to do. His Blog is very informative.

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By Wilo Ayllón

I met Wilo in Ecuador. He is committed to the creative spirit of art. Wilo was on fire before the workshop but after it, "Everything is new again!" Within a year he had an opening in Ecuador, and Switzerland, designed his own workshops on creativity in Quito (were very successful), worked on finishing his mandala series, continued on his comics, draws and paints like a maniac, and is always finishing up another project. His Blog is in Spanish only but even if you do not speak the language it is still fun to see.

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By Katy Betz

Katy Betz was still getting her graduate degree at Cal State Fullerton while taking Artist As Brand. She is intent on balancing the world of industry with her art empire. I am impressed with her dedication to her Blog and the passion she brings to her art. Check out her work at katybetz.com. She recently finished illustrating a book called Lost Ones: Ghosts of Paris.

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By Sandra Chang

By Diana Levin

Sandra Chang and Diana Levin were in my Woodland Hills workshop together. Sandra already had success in publishing but wanted more. Diana was still breaking into the corporate world and looking at her options. Both have taken off in their own ways... Diana curated a group show with over 20 different artists called Inside Is Delightful. It included a live band and more. See her Blog and art projects here.

Sandra is creating a franchise called the Banzai Chicks. She is a serious Kung Fu practitioner and will bring this knowledge to the comic book stories that she is writing.

It inspires me to see artists like these making art on their own terms, sharing it with the world and starting a dialogue with their new fans and collectors. Congratulations everyone. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing your progress at this time next year.

Peace and prosperity,

Greg

Pre-Register by December 19th by placing your name in the comments box below.No payments until January 3rd.

$295

15 PARTICIPANTS ONLY!

January 21, 22, 23rdFri- 2:00-8:00Sat- Sun 10:00-8:00Society of Illustrators New York

See what art professors, professionals, college students are saying.

Make sure you read the REGISTER page before signing up.

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You will accomplish the following in the Artist As Brand workshop:

• Connect your art deeply with your truth, creating a mark so authentic and profound it embodies a timeless power.

• Unlock the secret to your personal niche markets and the fans/patrons/collectors who are hidden there.

• Introduce your vision to individual art collectors around the world through targeted marketing techniques.

• Begin building an independent Art Empire that can create income for the rest of your life.

• Align with other like minded individuals to establish a MasterMind expanding your Art Empire.

• “See” your career five years into the future.

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This is an artist boot camp. When you leave this seminar you will be aligned and defined, prepared and empowered to take any success you have now to another level. I am committed to empowering truth and inspiration within you. The truth within you combined with your art and business can manifest prosperity beyond your dreams.

Learn more on the ABOUT page.

To your creative empowerment,

Greg Spalenka

Spalenka

NUCLEUS GALLERY INTERVIEW

My interview with Ben Zhu owner of Nucleus Gallery about the state of the publishing, and entertainment worlds that artists are hoping to make a living in. What is the future for an artist's financial independence?

Peace and prosperity

Greg

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