Episode 6: Applying to Calls for Artists

Calls for artists offer a variety of opportunities to show your work. Getting into the events can add to your resume and "test your might." Responding to them can help you get used to preparing your work for submission, writing about your work, dealing with critique or rejection, and familiarizing yourself with the different types of shows that are hosted in the contemporary art world. It can feel like a lottery of sorts, but in most cases it doesn't hurt to try your hand occasionally.

In this episode I give a rundown of the positive and negatives regarding this process, as well as share my own experiences. Listen below, and let me know about your experience with artist calls in the comments. 

Art and/or Money

Scrolling around on Twitter, one of my favorite follows, Alex Norris, posted the comic above. Such a harsh truth about being an artist! It reminded me of the podcast episode with Whiskey Girl, where we aired our grievances about trying to make a profit from our art. 

Episode 5: Beginning to Share Your Work

If you're an artist that has been thinking about putting your work out into the world but are unsure where to start, then this episode is for you. A large chunk of it gives a rundown of the different online methods to share your work, as there's no way around utilizing it in the era we're currently in. All of your peers and competitors are using it in some form, so you have to get on board whether you love it or hate it! I know, I know...I hate to be another person to sing that song, but even I can't deny it. I'm not a huge fan of most social media platforms either, but they seem to be here to stay. Social media and the internet at this time, is the easiest and most immediate avenue to get your work in front of the right eyes. The sooner you can gain proficiency with it, the better. I also make sure to highlight a few offline options as well.

Big shout out to Mark Sexton for the brand new intro music! I hope y'all enjoy it, because I'm in LOVE with it. You can get your fill of some of his other music with The Sextones and Whatitdo. He also shares videos of jam sessions in his home studio on his delightful instagram page. You should definitely check him out and hit him up for any of your music needs. He hooked me up!

Also, shout out to all of you who voted in the Art Life Confidential poll on instagram! You helped decided this week's show topic. I hope it helps! Consider this one an introductory episode to this subject, there are a lot of directions to take it from here so I'll be sure to do a more in-depth episode in the future.

Give it a listen below and hit me up in the comments with your thoughts!

Next up: Sharing your work

Episode 5 of Art Life Confidential will focus on encouraging a productive perspective on sharing your creations. It can be hard to work yourself up to pull the trigger, especially if you're an artist who is a bit on the shier side. Fortunately there are many ways for you to ease yourself into the habit when you are finally ready to take that step. The fifth episode is aimed to help you prepare for it. You don't want to miss this one, so make sure that you are subscribed to the podcast or come on back here to the blog after the episode drops. You can find Art Life Confidential on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. 

I'm really excited to share my thoughts and tips on this topic, because I want Creatives to feel and know that they are not as limited as they may think. Usually the only thing that's holding us back from forward momentum is ourselves! I hope to help those who struggle with this part of the process because putting yourself out there is the only way that people are going to know who you are and what you do. It's where it all starts. 

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Artist Spotlight: Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald's Presidential Portraits Unveiled

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Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald

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President Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley

Today the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. revealed the portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I'm taken aback by the execution, as well as the significance that these portraits have in the canon of art history and black history. I can only DREAM of obtaining a commission like that! I had the pleasure of seeing both artists' work in-person, and I honestly can't think of two better artists for this moment. If you ever find yourself in DC, please do not miss the opportunity to see these pieces. That will be my top priority the next time I visit home! Even from the photos, I just know that viewing these paintings would be a breathtaking experience.

I hope that you join me in feeling the pride and awe of these works. For more, check out this article by The New York Times.