This month you may feel a tug on your heart for a change. Or hear a call to make some much needed changes in your life. There are higher energies supporting you in this time!

Astrology is a tool that weaves it’s self in all aspects of your life. When you surrender to the bigger picture and listen to what is written in the stars, you can find a sense of flow in your life. This can effect your personal life, relationships, even your art career! It’s all inner connected isn’t it.

I wanted to share this energy reading for the month of February with you in hopes that it can help you move in the direction of your dreams.

Some of my takeaways I’ll share with you:

The planet Pluto may seem like a heavy energy because it makes you face your fears and makes permanent changed in your life. Ultimately that’s what we must do to really get where we are meant to be. The transits that Pluto is going through are pulsing through us to help detox what is no longer serving us. Now is a great time to ask questions like “What do I want to do next?” “What do I need to say goodbye to in order to make room for more?”

This is a supportive time to end cycles. Are there low energies in your life? Take a real look at your inner world and see where the stagnant, low, or toxic energies are that are holding you back. Release them with love by thanking them for what they have taught you and let go with love. You will be amazed with what can fill that space in your life. It can be the very thing you have been praying and working for but there wasn’t any room before.

Maybe take sometime to journal on these thoughts and see how they effect you!

Much love and light in the direction of your dreams!

What is an NFT ? To really understand NFTs’, making the necessary connection NFTs’ have to cryptocurrency is needed. You need a basic knowledge of cryptocurrency down to the definition. If you are already on that train, you can skip to  the next paragraph. If not, the Merriam-Webster definition stands as:

“any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually has no central issuing or regulating authority but instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and manage the issuance of new units, and that relies on cryptography to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent transactions”

NFT is an acronym for Non-Fungible Token. Non-Fungible means there is no other one like it and can’t be replaced. Just like you! However, these tokens, like cryptocurrency, are digital and can be a multitude of different digital items. Sometimes even going as far as being turned into physical objects but always taking form as a digital rendering first. An image file, a song, a tweet, a video, a digital of your painting or of your dog can all be NFTs’ Sounds silly to most but this can be the most lucrative movement of generational artists and wealth ever. A Renaissance of sorts in Art. 

An example of a very popular and early NTF is the Nyan Cat meme, which sold on February 19 2011 for $590,000. You can still use that meme but someone now OWNS it as a digital asset and has the rights to that NFT as said digital rendering. Most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain (Blockchain being a more complex word for Public Ledger). Ethereum is a cryptocurrency, like bitcoin or dogecoin, but its blockchain also supports these NFTs as “smart contracts”. The owner of an NFT owns the underlying right to that “block” (transaction) in the blockchain and can't ever be replicated or replaced. With a 10% perpetuity FOREVER as a bonus to the original creator and every seller after.

In the world of blue verification marks, bragging rights and status symbols, don’t be surprised at how people will jump on the chance of owning a one of a kind item. This is the natural progression from baseball and pokemon card trading and the underlying value they can carry through their rarity and the passion of their owners .

If you can remember back when the Internet first became a “thing“ a lot of people didn’t believe in it. It bred new forms of communication and connection. When social media first came around a lot of people laughed at it…it bred new forms of communication and connection. If we have learned anything in this fast progressing digital world, it is that digital breeds new forms of communication and connection and NFTs’, as the future of digital assets, will breed a new form of communication and connection. It’s best to understand it and, if you’re lucky enough, be ahead of the curve. 

If this small intro to NFTs has piqued your interest and/or educated you, keep an eye out for this blog as we will be diving deeper, taking note of, learning and sharing all in helping your art career blossom in new places.

I also encourage you to seek out other well researched, and experienced influencers on the topic. Gary Vee is someone who has a head on his shoulders about NFTs’ and takes time to research and be involved in something before he speaks on it. This is a great interview he had on NTFs for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4se4_ZqkcKw&t=225s

If you are more visual, as some artists can be, this video is helpful in understanding just how NFTs work with Crypto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz9zw7-_vhM 

Stay curious, creative and open minded!

“I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own.”

–Jackson Pollock

I end many of my conversations with people these days with the words, “Be Brave. Be Audacious.” When others admonish me to, “Be Safe,” it makes me cringe. It goes against my philosophy for living… and making art. My life’s path beckons me to stretch my experience, to push my boundaries of what I can still accomplish as a soul living in a physical body and as an artist.

Being safe, is playing it safe. Take no chances, be conservative, do not offend, drive the speed limit, create art that will sell. What I am writing about here is the concept of risk. Being fearless doesn’t mean doing something crazy. Sometimes being fearless is saying I love you, or picking up the phone and talking to someone you had a falling out with. Being fearless can be facing cancer or moving through a divorce. Driving your vehicle a little over the speed limit is a small risk, however speeding at 100 mph with other cars around you is taking a risk that could end tragically.

Every time I make art, whether it is drawing, painting or digital I confront my fear of failure. I have developed techniques to overcome this feeling of being judged. One of these ways is to let spirit take over the process so the end result is not mine! Another path is to distress the image with paint, sand paper or do something randomly with the digital tools to break the logic. Allowing the art to dictate more of the happy accidents allows me to wander in the serendipity, without getting too precious.

It is easy to play it safe and remain in a limited mindset. Let go of everything not aligned with your purpose and start listening to your intuition, even when it’s uncomfortable. Silence the inner critic, so you can step into the power of finding the truth within your art.

You are the master of your life, and can decide to live it carefully, safely, and uneventfully, or you may live it mindfully with a healthy dose of adventure. As an artist we have this choice in how we approach our creations. Life is short! Whereas, art can be long! What makes art worthy to leave a lasting impression for generations? I believe it is a commitment to the fearless power of ideas combined with a mastery of craft. The art spirit is infinite… and fearlessly tenacious.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Audacious.

What are crypto currencies, FTPs, and creator coins? There is much that can be explored in the world of Bitcoin and the blockchain. How can artists use it to leverage their talent and income? I will be sharing aspects of how this new technology can expand the reach of your art business in upcoming blog posts.

Take a listen to the Copyblogger Podcast hosted by Tim Stoddart. The show focuses on the benefits and potential hazards of crypto creator coins. You will learn a bit about what the blockchain is and how it works. Check it out HERE.

Who is interested in a free one day Artist As Brand Workshop?

 Write a simple book review on Amazon for the 2021 Artist As Brand Workbook and I will gift you a free one day workshop to be held in January, 2022. You can leave a review HERE. If you purchase a Kindle version of the Workbook at the Amazon link your review will have more clout. Thank you for helping raise the ratings on my book!

heart of the rose- spalenka

Sovereign: Supreme Power. Entrepreneur: from the French- “one who undertakes." If you are an artist making a living from your talent you are a Sovereign Entrepreneur. You are the royal authority of your visionary domain.

Knowing who you are in the context of your art creations is the foundation of its authenticity. Your unique voice is the cornerstone of its value. Fans, collectors and clients know the difference you are making in their world, and it is different from any other artist. KNOW THYSELF. It is a sustaining strength that upholds your visionary domain.

In the Artist as Brand® Online Workshop we reveal the profound quality inside the heart that informs our art. The Heart Virtue introspection technique, allows us to see this power hidden inside us. I have taught over a thousand students in this method and what a beautiful moment it is to see and hear the results.

Then we create the blueprint for making income from your art! It’s awesome… and it works.

This is an evergreen online course which allows your to work at your own pace. For a one time payment of $295, you will have lifetime access to the course including any future updates!

To find out more click here.

To your art and sovereign success!

~Greg

“Greg’s class helped me to clarify my vision and build confidence in my goals. Deciphering my Heart Virtue has given me radical entrepreneurial energy!”

-Katy Betz, Artist, Professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, FL

Welcome to the updated version of the Artist As Brand® Website, Workbook and Workshop!

The concept of Artist As Brand® started as an artist entrepreneur workshop at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, in Ecuador eleven years ago. Since then, the Artist As Brand® Workshop has been presented at colleges, and universities around the U.S.A and in South America. The Artist As Brand® Workbook continues to inspire artists around the world.

Now we have an updated version of the original vision. The core of this program is based on an ancient Greek inscription prescribing its reader to, “Know Thyself.” Living from the inside out, connecting your art to your heart is the vital first step to infusing your talent with your prosperity. Then we connect the clarity of your creations with promotional strategies to connect with your audience. This special method reduces the anxiety most artists have with the business of making income. See for yourself.

Stay tuned for the new 2 Day, Career Clarity & Prosperity Workshop on September 18 & 25 via Zoom with a live class in Santa Fe. See the Calendar for details. Registration is coming soon.

Artist As Brand® has been on hold for a year and a half to revise and update the entire curriculum as well as finish many of my personal projects. Look for a new Website, Workbook, Online Workshops, and Forum. It is a major overhaul of the site so it is taking longer than expected, but will be worth it in the long run. The new Artist As Brand® Workbook will be the foundation for this renovation. To be released as a PDF, Kindle, Nook and other digital versions. The classic material is there along with new strategies for promotion.

You will absolutely love coming here to Santa Fe to take classes. Look for the roll out in July 2021! It will be a renaissance for art career prosperity.

Artist As Brand Workshop at Brigham Young University.

Great group at Brigham Young University! BYU consistently inspires tremendous creativity with an entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you to Robert Barrett who saw the benefit to bring a workshop to the school.

The workshop at CURA in Orange, CA was amazing! Thank you to Carolin Hosac Peters for inviting me. Ron Brown, Dean White, Aixa Oliveras, April Solomon, Katlin Evans, Jeni Geneva are a very talented group of artists and I was honored to be in their presence.

More to come!

Course Dates: Two Tuesdays, July 23 & 30, 2019

Time: 4-10pm

Location: 1407 North Batavia St,Unit 114, Orange CA 92867

Fee: $195 includes complete e-workbook

See you at the most cool, CURA STUDIOS!

• In progress...

The new revamped Website, Workbook, Online Workshops, Forum, are still in the works. Thank you for your patience. Looking at a fall launch.

Artist As Brand® Workshops are coming to Santa Fe! Classes will be presented at the School of Lost Arts (website coming soon), and for high school students at Warehouse 21. You will absolutely love coming here to Santa Fe to take classes.

Lastly, a workshop is in the works to coincide with the San Diego Comic Convention in July. Stay tuned.

Revamp and Renew! Artist As Brand has been on hiatus over the last year and a half as I moved to Santa Fe, NM and set up shop. It is a new life in a new land. I have been working extensively on a music album which is about ready to launch. Learn more about about Memory of a Cosmic Heart HERE.

There are changes coming to Artist As Brand in 2019. A new revamped Website, Workbook, Online Workshops, Forum, and new AAB classes presented at the School of Lost Arts in Santa Fe. You will absolutely love coming here to Santa Fe to take classes. Look for the roll out in May. 2019 will be a renaissance for art career prosperity. Ride the wave with us!

MARCH  9 & 16

Artist Marketing Intensive

Saturdays 10:00-3:00

Hosted along with professional photographer Jesse Friedman.

• The importance of clarity and authenticity

• High Tech marketing strategies and how to meet your people online

• High Touch marketing strategies and how to meet your people in person

• Know your audience

• Individual marketing plan

• One on one review of your plan and execution

1708 Lena St #202 (upstairs)

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Across the street from Iconik.

There will be a one hour lunch break each day.

$195 BUY NOW

Or you may pay with a check.

I am creating an Artist As Brand® Online Class. This comprehensive course will be akin to my college level classes, but entirely online. Posts for this website are on hold until the course is available, which is slated for early 2018.The AAB website will return with a new design and purpose. I will still be available for consultations and one on one workshops during this time. I shall be updating the progress over the next few months.Keep living in your art spirit!

Everybody's talking about Instagram and their thousands of followers. Three of my students ramped up their numbers very quickly into the 100,000 range.One of them, Jacquelin de Leon is up to over 360,000! She can sell every piece of art she puts up on that platform now.Check out this article from Shopify on how to increase your numbers.

Promote yourself with a well-executed book launch.

I designed launch parties for my, The Art of Greg Spalenka book which was published by Titan Books in London. One launch was at the San Diego Comic Con, another at a book store, and one at a library. All of them helped me promote myself and sell books. If you’re self-publishing or releasing a book through a small press, being pampered isn’t usually part of the equation; you’ll have to take the lead on planning your own launch party. Here is a great article from bookbaby that will help you organize an awesome event.

You’re not just selling a product. You’re selling a lifestyle.

Engaging your customer online by telling a visual story, and making them feel like they’re purchasing the lifestyle or experience associated with your brand is called a LookBook showcase. This format has been a centerpiece of fashion magazines, like Elle and Vogue for a long time. Unlike product and catalog pages, which typically display products in an unadorned, utilitarian state, lookbooks provide context, presenting them in a real-life, visually-appealing setting. They give customers an idea of how a product is used, what it goes well with, and how it might fit into their home or lifestyle.Here is a great story that will help you use this concept to great effect with your social media.

Summer by Greg Spalenka.

Creative website marketing comes in all shapes and sizes. Using a crossover collaboration with mutual sponsorship is something we are seeing more and more of these days. I encourage individual artists to do the same.John Malkovich is known and respected for his acting expertise, but what does he do when his intent is to redirect an audience's focus on his talent as a clothes designer? Using his name in this smart promotion gets people's attention, but ultimately he directs the story to another plot point, which propels us to his website.Using Squarespace as a sponsor and visa versa two companies now benefit from each other.Check it out HERE.

You're an author. That means you are also a business.

 There are many advantages to adopting good business practices, especially if you are self-publishing.

• You’ll have more time for writing. You’ll save yourself hours of frustration digging through piles of stuff trying to find information.

• You’ll be ready for success. As your sales increase, you will be prepared to measure and manage that growth.

• You’ll avoid losses. If you have a better handle on cash flow, you’ll know when your expenses are getting too far ahead of your income.

• You’ll know what works. If you have a method of tracking sales, you’ll know which marketing efforts paid off and which were a bust.

• You’ll avoid mistakes, like forgetting to collect and pay sales tax or to deliver 1099s to freelancers.

• You’ll save on taxes. If you operate your writing venture as a business, you are more likely to be able to deduct writing expenses from your non-writing income and reduce your tax bill.

• You’ll feel more legit. If you don’t treat your writing as a legitimate business, then no one else will, particularly the IRS.

• Your heirs will thank you. If you are hit by the proverbial bus, your heirs will appreciate your organization.I highly recommend this comprehensive guide called, Publishing Business in a Box, by Helen Sedwick. Filled with detailed, step-by-step instructions on the best practices for setting up your self-publishing company.Helen will guide you through:

  • The steps needed to enter the business of self-publishing

  • Developing a realistic budget, a full-blown business plan, and your tax options.

  • Working with vendors, editors and hiring freelancers, and other contract-based workers.

  • Purchasing your own ISBNs,

  • Setting up bank, PayPal and other business accounts,

  • Accepting credit cards, and

  • Keeping track of income and expenses.This package is a great deal at its regular price of $147, but Author Tool Kits Publishing is offering a special deal for the next 5 days, dropping the price from $147 to only $97. It is a great opportunity to get yourself setup properly and see your stories make a profit.