Becoming a successful artist - 2
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"Its not about the technology - Its about the
people"
Artists as a group are about the least interested in
integrating new technology into what they do. Computers, software, cell phones,
digital cameras are all fine and good, but do they really help you paint better?
Yes there is a whole school of artists that create art about and with
Technology, but they are far from the majority.
The web has surely helped distribute your works all
over the world, but yours along with all those other artists...more exposure
equals more competition as well as less impact. The web also strips your work
down to its basic image and puts all work at the same scale. The web makes it
easy for others to appropriate your concepts and imagery. How is this a
benefit?
Digital cameras & Photoshop can take your work
and let you rework (re-purpose) it for other uses; cards, calendars and the
like. Let you build studies for future pieces out of snippets and
scans.
New technology has helped each of us in our own way
to be more aware, to be able to record and call up things we can use (for art or
otherwise). Some artists use digital photography, others can use data bases, and
still others use texting and weblogs.
But what about the human factor? Sure most Buyers
are drawn to your imagery and style, but they are also drawn to you the artist.
The want (need) to establish some intimacy between you two, I have said before
"Buy a piece of art, buy a piece of the artist"!
A new piece goes home with the Buyer and get hung in
its place of honor. When that Buyer speaks to friends about the new piece, how
important it is to tell that the Artist said "This" or "That" about the
piece. Insulating yourself from the Buyers is never a good idea,
whether its using technology or not.
Your Gallery is run by knowledgable People who
should be constantly monitoring the market. These People work with you to let
you know what is going to appeal to the Buyers. You need to talk to them to
guide you along your path to success.
If you sell your own work, you know how much
business you get from talking with People, wherever you are showing.
Technology may be useful to artists, but it shouldnt
be your primary focus. And it shouldn't keep you from getting out there
and making a personal connection.
Thats the way I see it.
JD | 
