Comments on: Artist's Platform < Deep Thought Thursday

By: The Top 5 Web Tools For Actors « Urban Avalon

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:25:04 +0000

[…] – Get a Platform. Figure out the best way to market yourself. It’s probably one of these three: words, voice, […]

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By: Joan Marie

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:09:51 +0000

Will you be offering an online class on this?..or do you have one already that I have missed?
You are THE BEST!

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By: Grace Pennington

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:08:12 +0000

I think one of the most important aspects of a platform is keeping up with your own standards of expectation from others. Results aren’t instant, and any platform will need energy, dedication, and commitment.
If you want people to keep up with your blog, keep up with theirs. If your audience desires certain information, deliver it. If you want people to retweet your tweets, retweet theirs. If someone compliments your artwork, thank them for it. If someone posts on your Facebook wall, carry on the conversation. If you get an email or phone call inquiry about a gallery show, artwork for sale, or commission, be on the ball and email them back.
Don’t be a dead end artist. In this age it’s about finding who you are, build your platform, be real, and don’t back down. Every artists’ platform will definitely be defined by the individual artist; that’s what is lovely about the idea.
We can design our own platform, but maintaining and keeping focus is the true project.

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By: Patricia C Vener

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:11:10 +0000

Oh wow, if I do it’s very holey (not holy). If it was a boat it would be sinking. I am learning more and more how deficient I am with so much in so many aspects of the business end of being an artist.

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By: Michael Newberry

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:14:21 +0000

Excellent question Alyson, plus your modestly double checking the meaning – lol, I do that all the time, aren’t search engines great?!
After years and years of being a full time artist, finally I am happy with my platform, though it doesn’t perfectly solve this dual problem: which is that my work is very ambitious and I would like my art to career to match it. So after a lot of research, to make it on the level that I would like, it would require about four full-time jobs, one of those being the director. The second problem is that my major works take years of working around the clock 24/7 to complete. There is no possibility of multitasking for my career and painting the visions I have and want to continue to paint.
The solution is to share with collectors and students our love of art – of being good creative people; of being dedicated to the truth of what you love; and spending most the time painting or teaching. (I do enjoy posting on facebook and my blog.) The goal is that ultimately, the curators, directors, dealers (the right ones) will come to me.
This realization and taking these actions have made me the happiest I have ever been.
Michael

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By: marianne hornbuckle

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:01:59 +0000

I actually do! Though by what I have read, it may be inadequate in many areas, I sell mainly through a seasonal art show (6 months-21 shows – I do 12) in my downtown.I have a website, up-to-date, and active, but no cart, because I don’t sell prints, or much lower priced work (that’s my excuse…). I have an e-mail list of over 500 (but not related contact info), and send them a NL when I have something to up-date (new paintings or sculpture, my husband’s sumi). I have a blog, and finally blogged twice recently after a 5 month gap(hard to choose between NL & blogging I find) – you can see the problems! I do all the same for my husband (except the shows). Finally, I do most of the social media, but with gaps. We’re older artists(maybe a disadvantage), rural, but near a big art mecca (maybe an advantage) and went the traditional artist/gallery way for years – really prefer this, when I do finally get it really together!

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By: kim

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:43:37 +0000

Hi! thanks for this post. I am currently in your Blast Off class, and I am realizing how desperately I need to pull things such as an “artist’s platform” together. I have been asked to do several talks on female embodiment (what my art centers on) and I realize how tongue-tied and unsure I have been when asked to articulate exactly what my plans are for this material. Thanks for the inspiration!

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By: Barbara

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:50:30 +0000

Working on it…always working on it…

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By: Robert Bean

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:27 +0000

I do have an artist’s platform, but it’s seen better days. It has a couple of busted floor boards and the railing is trying to come apart.

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