From May 2012, "Sweet Spot I," 8" square, a little portrait of my studio muse Mona Lisa which is still awaiting a home of it's own - she can be yours for $399. Inquiries may always come to me.
The glamorous part of my job is painting (it's even amazing to paint in my jammies, that's how marvelous painting is!). Painting is also the most fun bit of my work day. I am so very lucky to be able to support my family with my passion.
However, don't buy the misconception that artists sit in their studios and paint paint paint, our work sells itself, and we kick back to eat BonBons and watch the paint dry.
Here's a handful of just a few studio tasks I complete, in addition to painting:
Inventory management - of paintings and materials
Marketing strategies - development and implementation
Web design
Materials design
Client communication
Budgeting and paying bills/taxes/etc
Continuing education - ensuring my own personal growth
Teaching - mentoring, leading, and encouraging others in creative endeavors
Volunteering - with various groups, sharing my talent and helping others discover theirs
IT Dept - keeping my equipment in working order, updating software, researching and implementing new technology
Shipping - packing and sending purchases out into the world
Exhibitions and demos - planning and preparing for opportunities to share completed works and my painting process
Research - explore a variety of business practices, exhibition opportunities and educational options
Archivist - photograph and catalog all work
For those contemplating quitting day jobs to become artists, be prepared to spend 80-90% of your time doing the above tasks, and the remainder creating.
Otherwise hold onto that paycheck. You might get more painting time carved out of off hours!
Fondly,
Kim, who spent the majority of today on the majority of above tasks
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The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color...
I just spent the better part of my day packing and shipping a big painting off to an exhibit. But I did have the opportunity to also paint! Yes, that's definitely the fun part.
ReplyDeleteI love your boneless, totally relaxed, stripey kitty cat.
Shirley - congrats on getting your piece off!! Kim
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