Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.
Recently a family friend pointed out that my logo wasn’t visible at my latest exhibition….(it hadn’t even crossed my mind to put it up). He said that my brand was important and talked about income streams and monetising….(the term ‘monetising’ seems to trigger me). It was a long talk about my art and next steps. Oh my days! The snippet that blew my mind was when he asked what happens to my installation art pieces after exhibitions. I seriously couldn’t answer. He said I could auction them! I seriously never ever considered an art auction….
Long story short, after the conversation I am beginning to see myself as a brand…(it is a bit like pulling teeth)…I have never equated art with money in my creative bubble. He said at some point my art practice has to pay for itself so I need to see myself as a brand (another trigger word). He said that my website is a resource that I have to be diligent about. I just want to have fun creating…but I need to do more than that….need to include my logo. Still trying to get my head round it a bit but at least it has made me sit up and update my website which had a static page for 11 years!!!!! I’m really grateful he gave me this talk….even suggested attending talks/lectures on arts management (not ready yet…but will). Because I am a brand???? He said buying art is an emotional response…I’m trying not to go down a rabbit hole here…my take from the talk is I need to take branding seriously.
I recently ran ‘mark making’ workshops not once did I talk about having an online presence, Etsy store…anything. Isn’t selling all about business??? And art all about engagement and fun? Oh-oh rabbit hole again! Do I really need to advertise myself at my exhibitions? Apparently I do! Because…I am a brand? Mind boggling but I will get it…..soon. Because I am beginning to take myself seriously….
DESIGNWITHFLAIR 