Comments on: Dysfunctional v. Healthy Artist Organizations

By: Akshay verma

Fri, 04 May 2018 10:30:50 +0000

Thank you very well written content. Keep sharing such a wonderful and an informative post!

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By: Dorothy Raymond

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 21:42:32 +0000

Carol, that’s what I love about Studio Art Quilt Associates! They are so much more than exhibits–it’s all about raising the profile of art quilts. And the convention in San Antonio was amazing. I see from your website that you’re a SAQA JAM! So am I!

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By: Anthony Parker

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:13:58 +0000

I must confess that this is an art-related article that really spoke to me on a deep, personal level. When I was in art school as an Illustration major a couple decades ago, I was joining some illustration organizations that I could afford. I did this for a while, even knowing that they weren’t really helping me in any way. I even joined a local cartoonist’s organization in the early 2000s, and it was pretty much the same deal. One day, I purchased a book by a well-known illustrator named Marshall Arisman. There was one thing that Arisman said that caused the scales to fall away from my eyes: “Don’t join illustration organizations thinking they’re going to do anything for you.” After that, I vowed I’d never again waste time, energy, and money pursuing something worthless. I’ve looked into some local “fine arts” organizations, only to find that I truly don’t fit in. I consider myself an illustrator with a fine artists’ outlook–my art is inspired by the comic books, movies, videogames, and production (concept) art that I’ve always loved. I prefer to draw & paint my own characters instead of doing someone else’s intellectual property. As much as I’m a (middle-aged) child of “pop culture”, I feel disconnected if all I’m doing is interpreting characters that I have no personal stake in. There are those artists who specialize in doing what’s known as “fan art.” I’ve tried it and have found it personally and artistically unfulfilling. I love drawing in pencil, pen & ink, painting with acrylics, and have fully embraced digital painting. Sometimes I create “4-Color” art (comic art style) illustrations where I wish to preserve the lineart with added color and I’ll sometimes turn my illustrations into full paintings. I will even find ways to incorporate both approaches in some of my artwork.

It’s always frustrating to make a go of being an artist because I don’t have the resources to fund it. I’m not a salesman nor do I have any knowledge of the “crowdfunding” thing. Plus, Memphis isn’t exactly the mecca for illustration art (although it does have more comicbook-themed conventions). Still, I remain a frustrated hobbyist.

Thanks for reading this long-winded post. I enjoyed your article and I look forward to more of them in the near future.

P.S. I still cringe when I see those illustration membership sites that ask “are you a Professional Illustrator or Student?” Are they really so clueless as to not realize that not all artists fall into either category?

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By: Susan Klinger

Sat, 07 Apr 2018 15:41:57 +0000

Great article! I have recently been juried into a small but professional group of artists. I see so many of the signs of a healthy art organization. Lots of opportunities to show our work and professionalism by all involved. We all work in very different styles and mediums, so there is a great deal of interest as we learn from each other.

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By: Denice Peters

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 22:25:32 +0000

Great article. I recently decided to do that to a group I have been in for decades. It was great as a novice, but now it just isn’t worth it.

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By: Cheral Squyres

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 20:39:59 +0000

So glad to hear. I’ve felt so guilty leaving. I truly wanted to help the group grow. But not sure what it was but they were not willing to let me lead. Any way it has gotten worse and an organization that has been in the area for over 25 yrs dissolved Sad.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:44:50 +0000

In reply to Christine.

Christine: Kinda depends on where you live. But you can always start with your local arts commission/council. Or Google your medium. I’m not crazy about medium-specific groups because they tend to be too focused on material and not on big picture things. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t some good ones out there.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:43:16 +0000

In reply to Cathy Read.

Yay! And you have us in the Art Biz Inner Circle, Cathy. No whiners allowed here. 🙂

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:42:19 +0000

In reply to Mickey Baxter-Spade.

Yes! I would love for you to find this local community, Mickey.

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By: Christine

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:03:09 +0000

I’m not new to art but pretty new to the business side of art. Having recently semi-retired, I now have the time and energy to put into doing some promotion and networking. But my question is, how do find a local organization or group to join. I live in a fairly large city but I really don’t know where to look. Any suggestions?

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